2 good herbs that fight colds, infections, more

Echinacea and astragalus -- partners for immune defense

Echinacea and astragalus are not only, perhaps, the two most popular herbs used to boost immunity, but they are also supported by the most significant documentation. They both exert broad-spectrum effects on the body's natural defense mechanisms via slightly different means. In many ways, these two herbs serve as paradigms by which we evaluate the hundreds of plants with known immune-enhancing properties.

Echinacea: nature's infection fighter

Perhaps the most widely used Western herb for enhancement of the immune system is echinacea. The two most widely used species are Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. To support this wide-spread use are over 300 scientific investigations on the immune-enhancing effects of echinacea.

Uncommon protection against the common cold

In 1994, German physicians and pharmacists prescribed echinacea for the common cold more than 2.5 million times (and this number is, no doubt, much higher today). In one study, researchers noted that echinacea not only reduced the duration and severity of the common cold, but also provided prevention against return "visits" and development of new colds. One of the really great things about echinacea is that it is suitable for children.

A healthy dose of echinacea

Echinacea strengthens the immune system, even in healthy people. For example, oral administration of an E. purpurea root extract (a dose of 30 drops three times daily) in healthy men for five days resulted in a remarkable 120-percent increase in the ability of white blood cells to engulf and destroy foreign particles. In another study of healthy volunteers, aged 25 to 40 years, the fresh-pressed juice of E. purpurea extract was found to increase the ability of white blood cells by 30 to 40 percent to kill the yeast Candida albicans, and to increase the migration of white cells to the scene of battle by 30 to 40 percent.

In addition to immune support, echinacea also exerts direct antiviral activity and helps prevent the spread of bacteria by blocking a bacterial enzyme called hyaluronidase. This enzyme is secreted by bacteria in order to break through the body's first line of defense, the protective membranes, such as the skin or mucous membranes, so that the organism can enter the body.

Astragalus: an immune booster with Chinese `roots'

Used for viral infections in Traditional Chinese Medicine, clinical studies in China have shown astragalus root to be especially effective when used as a preventive measure against the common cold.

It has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, as well as raise white blood cell counts in those with chronic leukopenia (low white-blood cell count).

Research involving animals has shown that astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system including: enhancing the ability of white blood cells to engulf and destroy viruses and bacteria; increasing interferon production and natural killer cell activity; enhancing the activity of lymphocytes; and potentiating other antiviral mechanisms. Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation (e.g., in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation).

When to use astragalus and echinacea

Either, or both, herbs can be used to treat the common cold or any other acute infection, but I would probably rate echinacea above astragalus.

For building or strengthening the immune system and preventing infections, either or both can also be used, but, in my practice, astragalus is probably better suited for this use.

If echinacea is being recommended for long-term use, the general recommendation is to use it in eight-week cycles, separated by one-week breaks.

Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash. In addition to maintaining a private medical practice, Dr. Murray is a noted writer, educator, and lecturer. He is currently the editor of the Natural Medicine Journal. Visit Dr. Murray's website at: www.doctormurray.com.

COPYRIGHT 1998 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group