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Home , Berberis vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea

Herbs for Everyday Living

Lecture 5

Copyright CNM 2015-16: for Everyday Living 1 Last updated: J.D. Immunity and Lymph

Function: To protect the body from infectious organisms and other invaders

2 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Herbs / foods for general immunity • Probiotics • root • Olive • Echinacea

• Kitchen herbs Olive leaf • Siberian root & Adaptogens • Propolis • Vitamin C and Zinc 3 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Longer term immune considerations P.N.E.I. • Psycho (emotional status) • Neuro (nervous system) • Endocrine (hormonal factors) • Immunology

4 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/ Echinacea purpurea)

Medicinal uses • Echinacea angustifolia • Encourage OR and Echinacea discourage immune purpurea work well response - together immunemodulator • Recovery - wide range of illnesses / syndromes

5 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Echinacea: applications

• Parts used: roots (key use) and , • Tincture • Decoction • Powder capsules • Ointment

6 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. antibiotics: Berberine rich herbs

Oregon grape • Mahonia / Oregon grape root ( aquifolium) • Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris) • Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis)

Barberry 7 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Herbal antibiotics: other useful • Juniper • • • • • • • • Lemon • Thyme

8 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Herbal antibiotics: and more! • Olive leaf • Burdock root • Marigold flowers

• Elderberries Elderberry • Echinacea root

• Plantain leaf Marigold

9 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. (Melissa officinalis) Medicinal uses Parts used • Supports nervous system • Young, fresh green • Calming leaves • Aids digestive system • Anti-viral • Flu - calms fever • Avoid in underactive thyroid (hypothyroid)

10 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Lemon balm: applications

• Tincture • Essential oil • Fresh juice • Powdered herb (capsules)

11 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Onion and horseradish elixir

• Expectorant • Anti-viral and anti- bacterial • Can be used with children

12 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Hay fever: food and herbs for the home • Expose to bee pollen / honey • Use nettle tea • Have spirulina, chlorella, grass • Avoid animal milks and refined foods • Chew Milk thistle • …and more! 13 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Hay fever: herbs and foods for relief

• Eyebright leaves/flowers Nettle • Plantain leaves • Nettle leaves, dandelion leaves/roots and juniper berries • Burdock root and milk thistle Juniper • Marigold flowers • Bromelain and Quercetin 14 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Vitamin C and Immunity • Supports immune • Improves bone and function teeth health • Aids growth and repair • Supports tissue • Anti-oxidant healing • Supports tendons, blood vessels and skin health

15 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Vitamin C: sources • Elderberry & Rosehip berries • Camu Camu berries • Acerola cherries • Parsley and kale leaves • Lemons and oranges • Rosemary leaves

• Pine needles Oranges Rosemary 16 Copyright CNM 2015-16: Herbs for Everyday Living: Last updated: J.D. Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course IMMUNITY

The Immune System

The Immune System

The immune system is make of up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that protect the body from infectious organisms and other invaders. The immune response is a series of steps that identifies attacks and destroys these foreign bodies that can cause illness or disease.

Immune cells

The cells responsible for our immune response are the white blood cells, or leukocytes. There are two main types of leukocytes, and these contain several sub- types, all with different roles. The leukocytes circulate through the body between the organs and nodes (see below) via lymphatic vessels and blood vessels, monitoring the body for pathogens and other substances that may cause problems.

The two basic types of leukocytes (white blood cells) are:

1. Phagocytes. These are cells that engulf and destroy bacteria and other pathogens, as well as dead and damaged cells and other debris (their name basically means ‘eating cells’). A number of different types of phagocytes exist, Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 1 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course with the most common being the neutrophil. Neutrophils travel around the body in the bloodstream and can quickly leave the blood to go to the site of an immune attack anywhere in the body, when given the signal to do so. Another type of phagocyte is the macrophage (‘big eater’) which, contrary to neutrophils, tends to stay in one place and wait for attackers: an example of a macrophage is the Kupffer cells that are found in the liver.

2. Lymphocytes. Whereas the phagocytes are part of the ‘innate’ immune response and directly attack pathogens, the lymphocytes are part of the learned or ‘specific’ immune response. They are manufactured in the bone marrow, but then are differentiated into two further types.

 B-lymphocytes or B-cells stay in the bone marrow to mature. Their main role is to produce antibodies, which bind to ‘antigens’ – particles that are part of a foreign body such as a bacteria – so the invader is easily recognized by other immune cells such as macrophages. B lymphocytes each carry antibodies to only one type of antigen, and therefore when they have encountered an infection, they produce ‘memory B-cells’ which multiply and stay in the body to rapidly respond the next time the same pathogen is encountered.  T-lymphocytes or T-cells go to the thymus gland (the T stands for ‘thymus’) to mature into various different types. These include cytotoxic T-cells, which directly attach themselves to the target cell or foreign body and destroy it by releasing toxins. Another type is the helper T-cells, which produce chemicals called ‘cytokines’ that regulate the immune response and stimulate B- lymphocytes to produce antibodies. Like the B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes each recognize only one type of antigen and so ‘memory T-cells’ are also produced to respond quickly the next time they come across the same attacker. CD4+ cells, a type of helper T-cell, are measured in HIV patients to indicate how strong the immune system is and how well it is holding up against the virus.

Immune organs and tissues

The organs and tissues involved with the immune system include:  The thymus and bone marrow, where lymphocytes are produced and matured to become B- or T-lymphocytes.  The lymph nodes, small organs that are situated throughout the body and filter the lymph (see below). Lymph nodes contain lots of immune cells including lymphocytes (white blood cells) and phagocytes. The lymph nodes trap bacteria and other foreign particles, as well as damaged cells and

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 2 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

toxins. The lymph nodes can become swollen and hard if there is a lot of bacteria or other invaders to deal with  Other immune tissues that harbour lots of lymphocytes and other immune cells include the spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids in the sinuses; and the ‘Peyer’s patches’ that are found in the lining of the small intestine to catch microorganisms in the food or other substances we ingest.

Lymph and the lymphatic system

Lymph is fluid that is formed from the ‘interstitial fluid’ that lies in the gaps between the cells in our body tissues. It serves to drain excess fluid from the tissues, and also carries white blood cells, bacteria and other wastes, and proteins. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carry the lymph from the tissues, through the lymph nodes where it is filtered, and then drain it back into the blood, either through the thoracic duct into the left subclavian vein, or the right lymphatic duct into the right subclavian vein. The lymph vessels have valves (like veins do) to stop lymph passing back into the tissue. They have no pump to help move the lymph along – and so activity, massage and skin brushing can help to encourage lymph circulation.

The Lymphatic System

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 3 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

About the Immune System

Herbs/Foods that Support the Immune System

All kitchen herbs and : Especially , thyme, rosemary, garlic, sage, onions and lemon. These are covered in detail later in the course. They are all anti bacterial, anti fungal and some contain antioxidants to protect the immune system from free radicals.

Signs of poor immunity

 Frequent colds or viruses – or ‘always coming down with something’(note that the odd cold or flu once or twice a year does not mean you have poor immunity and is actually a sign that the immune system is acting normally to defend you from the virus).  Feeling run-down and fatigued a lot of the time. This is more commonly due to long-term stress or over-work, but can also be related to low immunity. Being run-down or experiencing excess stress can also cause low immunity, because the hormones produced by the adrenal glands (that help us deal with stress and give us energy) also interact with the immune system.  Allergies, eczema or asthma. These signify that the immune system is over- reacting to things that are relatively harmless. As well as defending against invaders, a healthy immune system works to ensure correct ‘immune tolerance’ – that our body tolerates foreign particles that pose it no threat.  Intolerance reactions, which are more delayed and less severe reactions, for example to certain foods. These also signify that the immune system is over- reacting to the wrong things.  Candida or other fungal overgrowth. We all carry candida, a type of yeast that generally lives in the digestive tract. But when the immune system is low and not capable of controlling it, candida and other fungi can invade the rest of the body and cause unpleasant symptoms – and potentially serious illness if not controlled. This can often happen when the gut flora (the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which also interact with the immune tissue found here) are disrupted or imbalanced, for example due to long- term antibiotic therapy.  Autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, happen when the immune system reacts against the body’s own tissue instead of focusing on pathogens and outside threats.

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 4 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

The role of liver and immune health

The liver has more than one important role in immunity. Firstly, blood from the stomach and intestines goes first to the liver before continuing around the rest of the body. This blood carries everything that has been absorbed from food and other substances we ingest which, as well as nutrients, can include a lot of bacteria, toxins and food antigens (substances that can trigger an allergic or inflammatory response if allowed to circulate around the body). So the liver has the vital job of filtering out anything dangerous or toxic before it can affect the body or cause a major immune or inflammatory response. To do this job, as well as the hepatocytes (the main group of liver cells) that filter out toxins, the liver contains a variety of immune cells, including the Kupffer cells, a type of macrophage (‘big eater’) that can engulf and destroy bacteria and other invaders.

But as well as this role, the liver also produces substances that participate in body- wide immunity. These include a type of proteins called ‘complement,’ which do a variety of jobs in assisting antibodies and immune cells to get rid of pathogens. The liver also produces another type of protein called ‘pattern recognition receptors’ that help the immune system to recognize pathogens.

For the Lungs

 Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus): helps lower mucus production / support the lungs).  Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules): helps to break up /clear mucus, anti bacterial, helps to ease breathing / open up lungs.  Onion & Horseradish elixir: Expectorant (breaks up mucus), disinfects the throat, warms the throat and lungs, anti bacterial / anti viral.

For general immunity

 Probtiotics (good bacteria)  Echinacea  Beta Glucans Echinacea  Holy  Olive Leaf (Olea Europa): anti-viral and anti-bacterial.  Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis): anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti septic).  Kitchen Herbs – e.g. oregano, garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, ginger.  Siberian Ginseng (see info sheet) and other adrenal support – Ashwaganda, Astragalus, Rhodiola.  Propolis (anti-viral and anti-bacterial) Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 5 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

 Vitamin C, zinc, antioxidants.  Avoid: tea, coffee, milk/cheese, wheat, sugar, fizzy drinks, bananas (they encourage mucus).

Long Term Considerations to strengthen the immune system

 Gut Health and Diet  Parasites / Candida  Adrenal Health  Toxicity  Hormone Health  Emotional Health  External factors – smoking, addiction (drugs, smoking), stress, death in family, divorce and so on

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course 6 Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

FACTSHEET Onion & Horseradish Elixir

A natural expectorant / Helpful to clear mucus Helpful for getting over a cough faster (or preventing a cough ‘settling in’) Anti bacterial / helpful for infections ‘Warming’ for the lungs and to ease breathing No contraindications Can be used on toddlers / children

You will need

(these are approx amounts)

Onions x 3 Horseradish Garlic – 1 bulb or more Ginger – 1 large root part Black pepper – 1 tsp of ground Chilli (scotch bonnet or hotter) (approx 6) 1 litre of apple cider vinegar

Blend together. Leave to sit in juices with pulp for a couple of days and strain as needed – but keep bulk in pulp mixture for months (it will become stronger and stronger). It will preserve itself.

Take 5ml x 3-6 times a day with a little honey or juice to taste. Best taken as a ‘shot’ and then washed down with more juice.

1 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013

Dr. Ingrid Pincott’s Volume 13, No. 2 • Apr-Jun 2007 NATUROPATHIC WISDOM NOTES Suite 300, 1170 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC. V9W 2C8 ~ Tel: 250-286-3655 or 800-898-6699 Fax: 250-850-2078 ~ email: [email protected] ~ Web: www.DrPincott.com ~ Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 6 PM

The Truth About Echinacea Echinacea is also helpful in any acute infections including the urinary tract and intestinal tract. It is used in acute and What is Echinacea? chronic hepatitis C infections and is also effective against Echinacea (also referred to as Echinacea purpurea or bacteria, viruses, parasites and protozoa. Echinacea angustifolia) is an herb that is native to . The Lakota Native American Indians used it for Can Echinacea Be Used in Chronic Infections? hundreds of years as a remedy for venomous bites and Our immune system is under siege in the modern world. stings, enlarged glands, sore throats, septic conditions, There are many factors confusing the immune system rabies, toothaches and supporting the immune system in including bacteria, viruses and parasites. These are often general. The roots of the E. angustifolia were used called stealth pathogens. They stimulate auto-immune primarily. responses in the body forming the basis of many diseases: Crohn’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, What is the active ingredient of Echinacea? Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Ankylosing Spondylitis, The active ingredient are the alkylamides found in great Myasthenia Gravis etc. In auto-immune diseases the quantities in the roots of the angustifolia species. Not all innate immunity is compromised stimulating an overactive Echinacea is equal and when research is done, the type acquired immunity called auto-immune disease. used is typically the purpurea as it is easier to cultivate Echinacea supports the innate immunity of the body and the parts used are the aerial parts: the leaves and the therefore preventing autoimmunity. Stimulating the innate tops. These parts of the Echinacea plant contain 10-20 immunity will also prevent cancers, slow the aging process times fewer alkylamides than the roots. The E. angustifolia and prevent respiratory infections in the elderly. It can take species has the highest amount of alkylamides in their up to two weeks for the deeper anti-inflammatory aspects roots but harder to cultivate and more expensive so the of Echinacea to work. Dr. Sandra Miller in her research purpurea species root is often used in combination. The has found that Echinacea will stimulate not only the bone alkylamides can be detected immediately upon chewing marrow to increase Natural Killer (NK)cell function but also the root. The more of a tingle created in the mouth the their number. better the quality. The Eclectic Medical Movement in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s (before the use of antibiotics) How Well is Echinacea Absorbed? used primarily the angustifolia for this reason. The Echinacea alkylamides found in E. angustifolia are well alkyamides are the only active ingredient detected in the absorbed across the gut mucosa and are metabolized human blood stream, not the polysaccharides as was within 6 hours therefore the reason for taking the remedy 3 previously thought. times per day. E. purpurea is degraded by the liver much The Eclectic physicians found Echinacea to also be very more slowly than the E. angustifolia species. Due to the helpful in treating cholera, bacterial meningitis, dysentery expense of the E. angustifolia species, the E. purpurea is and gangrene. When reading Echinacea research it must added and this has the added advantage of enhancing the be determined which species was used and what part of bioavailability of the alkylamides. the plant. Myths and Fallacies About the Use of Echinacea: Does Taking Echinacea Make Your Mouth Tingle? 1. Echinacea should not be used long term because it Mediherb Echinacea Premium contains both species and will deplete the immune system. The study that the root only is used. One drop of this remedy placed into showed this was flawed. Firstly it used the purpurea the mouth sets the mouth tingling for many minutes species intravenously and not orally. The study in fact whereas other brands don’t tingle at all or only slightly. If found that the white blood cell activity improved, not Echinacea has not worked for a patient it is no doubt as a decreased, over time during oral use. The study result of the poor quality. Before saying that Echinacea length was only 11 days. In other research doesn’t work try Mediherb Echinacea Premium first. alkylamides have a strong anti-inflammatory effect when taken over time showing that the immune Is Echinacea Effective For Acute Infections? response is extended, not worn out. Kerry Bone Echinacea supports the “innate” immunity of the body. himself has taken daily dosage of two tablets per day This aspect of the immune system is the first responder in of Echinacea Premium for 10 years and has found it any infectious process. Clinical trials at the National to be anti-aging and anti-inflammatory. College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon, 2. Echinacea should not be used for auto-immune determined that 70% reduction in the winter incidences of diseases. There are no clinical studies showing an infections took place when Echinacea was taken routinely adverse effect resulting from Echinacea in throughout the winter. The white blood cell count autoimmune disorders. Echinacea is not an immune increased and it stimulated the innate immune response. stimulator but an immune modulator, creating a The unique extraction that is used by Mediherb is cold healthy immune response. The immune system is percolation not heat extraction. Cold percolation means only stimulated by an infective organism or stealth extractions in a warm environment not cold water nor a organism. cold environment. Using heat is a quicker and cheaper 3. Echinacea should not be used to treat asthmatic process but many herbal extracts are damaged by heat. patients. The alkylamides do not stimulate Mediherb also uses high quality dried herbs rather than inflammatory cytokines as do the polysaccharides of fresh herbs as fresh herbs have a high water content, other Echinacea products on the market. Not only are making for a weaker extract. Water and ethanol is used to the alkylamides safe but also beneficial in reducing extract the active ingredients of each herb and to act as a the incidence of infections which precipitate asthma preservative. The ethanol involved is readily broken down attacks. However Echinacea tops used in teas or by the liver, with each 1 tsp of herbal extract containing the tinctures should be avoided in asthmatics due to the equivalent ethanol to 1/6 of a glass of beer or wine. risk of allergic reaction. Echinacea premium only contains the root and not the tops of Echinacea. Mediherb does not substitute species of one herb for another and their quality assurance program tests all When Should Echinacea Be Used? herbs to make sure this does not happen. They check for adulteration of herbs where a cheaper herb or 9 Long term for the treatment of chronic immune pharmaceutical is mixed with a more expensive herb. They deficiency check for the quality of each herb making sure the active 9 For the treatment of acute infections ingredients are present. A battery of tests are performed 9 For the prevention of infections long term in some on every herb looking for pesticides, heavy metals, individuals microbe levels and radiation levels. If an herb is rejected then the manufacturing process is hindered and the 9 For the treatment of allergies due to the immune product may be temporarily unavailable for this reason. modulating effect

9 For the treatment of autoimmune diseases because of In our office ask for the Echinacea taste challenge. One its immune modulating and anti-inflammatory effects drop will numb not only your tongue but your entire mouth. 9 For the treatment of skin conditions due to effects on Try it! immunity and blood purifying activity 9 Treatment of lymphatic congestion References The Truth About Echinacea by Kerry Bone 9 Treatment of spider and other venomous bites Echinacea: Modern Research Confirms Traditional Use by 9 For immune support in individuals receiving Kerry Bone, Berris Burgoyne conventional cancer treatments. Recipe: Curried Lentil & Wild Salad What Dosages of Echinacea Premium are Suggested? 1 cup wild rice 9 For acute infections 3-4 teaspoons (15-20 ml) or 6-8 1 cup green or brown lentils tablets per day 1/2 cup currants 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 9 For chronic infections: two teaspoons (10 ml) per day 1/3 cup roasted slivered almonds or 4 tablets per day 9 For prevention of infections, anti-aging and anti- Dressing inflammatory effects: 2 tablets or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) 1/4 cup white wine vinegar per day 1 tsp ground 1 tsp Dijon 1/2 tsp each honey, & ground Why Choose Mediherb Herbs? 1/4 tsp each tumeric, , & ground Mediherb was born out of the passion of Master Herbalist Kerry Bone. A practicing herbalist with over 20 years of 1/8 tsp each cinnamom, ground & cayenne experience, Kerry is also the author of world recognized 1/3 cup olive oil herbal textbooks including “The Essential Guide to Herbal Cook lentils in 3 cups of boiling water for about 25 minutes or Safety” and “Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and until tender. Drain and rinse well with cold water. Cook rice Chinese Herbs”. He was a research scientist for 8 years until tender in 2 cups of boiling water. before he studied herbology in the UK in the early 80’s. Returning to practice in Australia he became frustrated by Transfer rice & lentils to large bowl. Add currants and onion; the poor quality of herbal products available at the time set aside. and the resulting effects for his patients. He developed a unique method for extracting herbs ensuring a high quality In a small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients, whisking in oil at product every time. Word of mouth spread and Mediherb the end. Pour over rice/lentil mixture and toss gently. was born. Mediherb is the largest purchaser and processing plant of raw herbs in Australia and operates in Let salad cool for several hours, covered in refrigerator. accordance to strict pharmaceutical standards. Sprinkle with roasted almonds before serving.

Naturopathic Wisdom Notes is compiled by Dr. Ingrid Pincott, ND for the sole purpose of providing education and reference. It is not intended as a substitute for consultation and treatment by a qualified naturopathic or medical doctor. If you would like to receive this free newsletter by email contact Hayley. Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

Hay Fever

As food allergies become more common, so do pollen and chemical allergies. This may be an adaptive reaction to a world intensely saturated with chemicals in the air, water supply, foods and buildings. Allergies indicate that a person's immune system is overreacting to stimuli. Pollen allergy or hay fever is the most common allergy. It has a long season from the release of early pollens in spring up to ragweed allergy in late autumn. It can make life a misery for sufferers sensitive to multiple pollens.

Hay fever is marked by changes to the upper air passages and familiar symptoms include coughing and sneezing, sniffling, a runny nose, irritated watery eyes and tiredness from lack of sleep. Unlike with colds and flu that frequently occur in autumn, there is never a fever, malaise, joint pain or chest discomfort with hay fever. This hypersensitive allergic reaction is caused by a release of histamine by the immune system in reaction to the stimulus. There is no conventional treatment for hay fever but symptoms are often managed with topical nasal steroids and antihistamines. To avoid the use of these or avoid prolonged use of these drugs, it is always desirable to seek additional ways to manage this condition especially in children. In natural healing there is an focus on improving digestion as well as acting early in the year to gently build up resistance to local pollen.

Foods & herbs for the home

 Start early in the season to build up resistance to pollens that you will be exposed to. Trace a local honey farm and purchase local honey and local bee pollen, and consume both of these daily (1-2g a day of the bee pollen).  Organic Nettle is a well-established tonic for tackling allergic reactions; drink 3 cups daily. Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 1 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

 Introduce spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and other sea vegetables and land grasses into your daily diet.  Fresh and dried herbs added to foods can give support to the immune system.  In order to avoid stimulation of the allergic pathway, and to help support digestive system health, it may be wise to avoid foods that commonly produce an allergic or intolerance reaction. If you have existing food intolerance it’s even more key to avoid that food if you also suffer from hay fever.  Avoid mucus forming foods such as animal milk products.  Avoid refined foods such as white bread or pasta.  Cut out or cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol.  Strengthening the digestive system with fresh juice made from seasonal and vegetables can be highly beneficial.  Sour and bitter tasting foods in small quantities can also be helpful: apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, plums, rocket and wild berries are examples.  A surge of histamine can prompt the body to increase stomach acid production. Counter this by taking 1-2 teaspoons of arrowroot or slippery elm powder in a little water several times a day before food.  Milk thistle has been shown to help seasonal allergies and this popular herb is easy to purchase as a herbal tincture or capsules. Try Milk Thistle Seeds as a daily added to your food as well.  Generally a year to 6 months before onset of hay fever season, look into general cleansing (bowel, liver etc).

Herbs and food supplements to support hay fever symptoms

Eyebright leaf

It contains iridoid glycosides to include aucubin which reduces inflammation, reddened eyes and mucous discharge. It also works on reducing excess histamine. It especially helps allergic conditions affecting the eyes, sinuses and nasal passages, so it must not be used (or used gently) when the Hay Fever produces a ‘bunged up’ feeling or is dry and stuffy.

Plantain

Also contains iridoids like eyebright, so works on inflammation and histamine. It soothes the whole system and helps to reduce excess mucus.

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 2 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

Nettle leaf, dandelion leaf and juniper

All work as diuretics, supporting the kidneys whereby the idea is to flush excess histamine out of the body more effectively via urine. Nettle is also a good cleanser helping to further remove histamine circulating the body.

Burdock & milk thistle

Helps improve liver function by clearing excess toxins. Burdock may also help to clear the blood of histamine so symptoms such as swelling or streaming eyes may be reduced. It may also be considered important for assisting with the immune system by working as a lymphatic cleanser. Do not use burdock alone, use three times the amount of dandelion leaf to burdock.

Marigold

Helps to reduce swelling and irritation.

Bromelain

This is an enzyme extract from pineapple that works as an anti-inflammatory. Take away from food (ideally before bed) because if you take with food, it will work on protein digestion and not on inflammation. 3 to 8 capsules of 500g can be used for hay fever but while it will do no harm, for some, it may cause lose stools for the first week or so.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bio flavonoid that helps to support the immune system and works generally as an anti-inflammatory.

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 3 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Herbal Antibiotics

Long before antibiotics were invented by Sir Alexander Fleming there have been herbs used all over the world to treat serious disease outbreak and to help prevent them. Many of our recent forebears led their entire lives with no resource to antibiotics.

We are in an “apocalyptic era” concerning antibiotics as “we wait for an emergence of a nightmare bacteria”, according to Sally Davies Chief Medical Officer for England. How we tune ourselves into alternatives both during an immune crisis and in preventative ways of life is down to us. Overuse of antibiotics both in the meat rearing chain with vets and doctors has had its toll and many diseases have become antibiotic immune and serious disease now risks attending everyday procedures in hospital. Thankfully EU law has now regulated against the use of antibiotics in animal feed and bedding, helping out the profligate over-use in this area.

Let’s look at some useful herbs and how they work:-

Berberine Rich Herbs These are plants which contain the compound Berberine. Berberine interferes with bacteria’s ability to adhere to any mucous membrane. It does this by stimulating the release of lipoteichoic acid from bacteria. These Berberine rich plants are active against:-

Candida Helicobacter Pylori Chlamydia Hepatitis B Dengue fever vins Herpes Simplex 1 & 2 Escherichia Coli Klebsiella Penumoniae Giardia Lamblia

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Staphylococcus Aureus Salmonella Paratyphi & others Streptococcus SP Shigella SP Trichamonas Vaginalis

Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 1 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course

Herbs rich in Berberine are:- Mahonia / Oregon Grape Root ( Berberis aquifolium), Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadens) The Berberine compound is yellow and found in lower stems and roots of all these three plants. (Folklore has it that Goldenseal disrupts normal working of gut after a while, this is not true. In fact Goldenseal used with Candida over a period of time, dries out the gut and prevents the moist wet conditions that love.)

Berberine Rich Plants They are able to be:-  Anti-inflammatory  Anti-septic  Anti-tumour  Anti-amoebic  Astringent  Anti-diarrheal  Anti-fungal

All Berberine rich plants work particularly well in the gut or on mucous membrane areas like nose, mouth and ears. They also work well topically, eg for skin disorders. They are not systemic in action e.g. they don’t work outside the gut, they are unable to move around the body. Goldenseal is very expensive and often collected once a year if of wild origin, this is done under a strict certification system. Otherwise it is grown organically. Much cheaper and more accessible is Mahonia and Barberry. (We will see both at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on our summer visit together.)

Other Useful Plants

Juniper is a common wild European plant and it’s the purple juniper berries that are used. The berries are effective against 57 strains of 24 bacterial species! They are also effective against various cancer cell lines, SARS and Herpes Simplex! Use 20 berries x 2 daily for severe bacterial overload and drink plenty of water as it is also a ‘urinary specific’, so will exit endotoxins through this elimination channel. The berries incur no side effects on the kidneys (old myth) but low doses are advised for Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course Copyright CNM 2013, Authors Lorna Driver-Davies, Jill R. Davies 2013 2 Herbs for Everyday Living Short Course medicated diabetics and for short term use only as they may alter insulin requirement as they help release insulin from the pancreas (helpful for hypoglycaemia). [Juniper foliage is Vitamin C rich, so a tea can be useful].

Other kitchen foods which are potent Anti-bacterials  Ginger (freshly grated and eaten raw)  Black pepper (ground and eaten raw)  Rosemary  Oregano  Thyme  Lemon  Horseradish

Propolis

Honey bees collect propolis from tree resins. Essential oil rich plants and more. They use the propolis to make important repairs and keep structures clean and strong in the hive. Propolis is just as potent for us, an invaluable immune support of very high calibre; though not a plant!

Ginkgo, olive leaf, Burdock root, garlic, cayenne pepper, Marigold and Elderberry These are all antibacterial antiviral and antifungal. Lemon balm is anti-viral.

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LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)

Introduction It is a sweet smelling herb with a lemon-like aroma that bees love to collect nectar from. Its Latin name comes from Melissa, the Greek for bee. Its green leaves are the medicinal part and these are best collected before the flowers appear so as to ensure that the concentration of essential oil is at its highest.

Traditionally lemon balm was used as a tonic to ‘strengthen the brain and drive away depression and help the heart.’ Today we generally consider it a good support herb for cold sores and as a general anti-viral but also as an aid to the central nervous system.

Where can you find it? It is an essential oil rich herb and like many of these plants, it is native to Southern and even warmer climates like North . It now grows throughout the world and will easily grow in Britain but it does best medicinally in long hot summers where the essential oil content can become strong. Some may confuse with mint, but it’s easy to identify correctly by rubbing the leaves between your fingers to release the oil. Your fingers should have a lovely lemon smell!

Medicinal Uses  The essential oils within the leaves (in particular citral and citronella) calm and allow repair to the nervous system, helping anxiety, mild depression, restlessness and irritability. In particular the herb and essential oil reduces feelings of panic, nervousness and even a racing heart (palpitations).

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 Lemon Balm calms the digestive system allowing nervy indigestion to calm down and with it any nausea, stomach spasms and pain. Its essential oils help break down and process any food better like all culinary herbs and their essential oils.

 As an anti-viral it has in particular an ability to attack cold sores but also chickenpox and shingles. It is the polyphenols that are anti-viral and those present in lemon balm are particularly effective for herpes zoster. Trials show that cold sore outbreaks can be halved and time between outbreaks doubled.

 As a flu herb, Lemon Balm is good at breaking and calming fevers and will help the attendant muscle aches and pains.

 It has also found to be useful as an anti-thyroid herb and given to those with over-active thyroids. Conversely Lemon Balm is not advised for internal use for those with low thyroid conditions. If using for cold sores use Marigold which is also an anti-viral specific for cold sores. The essential oil however can be used externally for those with cold sores or indeed shingles/chickenpox.

Parts used Young, fresh green leaves before flowering has occurred.

Applications  Tincture 2-3 mls ( ½ tsp) x 3 daily; teas internally (teas x 3 daily)  Essential oil (diluted) topically. Dilute 5 drops in 1 tsp of olive oil or almond oil  Fresh juice squeezed onto cuts, bites and stings  Powdered herb put into capsules

Contraindication Not to be used for those with low thyroid levels, otherwise safe.

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