Afraid of Anthrax? Strengthen Your Immune System!
by Susun S. Weed
Anthrax. Smallpox. Plague. Diseases that can kill. Diseases that are
now in the hands of terrorists. What if these diseases were released
in your hometown, or the place where you work? What could you do if
vaccines and treatments were in short supply or unavailable? Is there
anything you can do now to prepare yourself and improve your chances
of survival?
Herbalist Susun Weed recognizes the possibility of biological warfare
and she is ready to cope with it. With her help, you too can be prepared
with herbs and home remedies that you can use now to help avoid infection
and to build a strong immune system. You can feel safer in these troubling
times by learning about herbs that are effective against antibiotic-resistant
bacteria, and that can be used in conjunction with, or in place of (should
there be a lack), modern antibiotics.
Anthrax bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) enter the body through breaks in the skin or through the nose and lungs. Early symptoms (which may take up to a week to occur) include reddish-black sores on the skin or in the lymph nodes around the lungs. Hemorrhagic fever and death follows. Treated early, anthrax succumbs to antibiotics and most people (75-80 percent) recover completely. Even without treatment, according to some sources, more than half of those infected survive. (Genetically-engineered varieties may kill up to 90 percent of untreated victims.) The inhaled variety is more lethal because the early symptoms of infection are easily ignored, delaying treatment past the point of most effect, and because pneumonia infections frequently complicate the recovery. Anthrax is not contagious; that is, it is not passed from person to person.
The antibiotic Cipro is one of the treatments approved by our government
for those definitely exposed to anthrax, but neither it nor any other
antibiotic can prevent infection. It is dangerous to take antibiotics
"just in case" for then they may not work when actually needed.
Instead, try these home remedies.
Salt is lethal to bacteria. The simplest home remedy for those worried
about exposure to anthrax is to rinse your nose with salt (any kind
will do) mixed into water. Taste your mixture to be certain it is very
salty. Getting this up your nose can be accomplished by putting your
nose into the salt solution and snorting it in, or you may wish to buy
a "neti pot," a device from India used to rinse the nasal
passages. Afterwards, blow your nose and spit out any residue that runs
into the mouth.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been scientifically shown to kill
all gram positive and gram negative bacteria. A small spray bottle of
the tincture of the flowering tops can be used to spray the inside of
the nose, killing any bacteria lurking there. Spraying tincture in your
nose does sting a little and makes the eyes water, but don't dilute
it, the alcohol is antibacterial too.
Garlic has been used to prevent infection for thousands of years; and
it still works! No need to upset your stomach (and loved ones) by eating
it raw; cooked garlic retains its antibacterial powers, so long as you
eat enough of it. During plague times, healers in some areas wore a
"bird's beak:" a stiff cone was made of paper or bark, stuffed
with garlic and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), and tied on over
the nose to help prevent contagion. That's a little cumbersome for modern
times, but inhaling the aroma of a cup of spicy tea (there are many
blends available, or make your own) could help forestall anthrax.
Medicinal mushrooms are not only immune system tonics, they possess
antibacterial properties which make them ideal for preventing anthrax
infection, according to expert Paul Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion
of any shelf fungus with pores can be used, he says. If you prefer to
buy your mushrooms, rather than hunt for them, look for reishii (Ganoderma
lucidum) or shiitake (Lentinus edodes). Both are adaptogenic, revitalizing,
regenerative, and able to directly suppress infection. Side effects,
even from large doses, are rare.
Essential oils are antibacterial, and some sources suggest rubbing them
inside the nose or spraying the air with these extremely concentrated
oils to counter anthrax infections. I don't. Essential oils are likely
to cause a variety of side effects (such as damage to the mucus surfaces
of the nose and lungs, and stress to the lymphatic system) that could,
paradoxically, make infection more likely and more virulent.
Cayenne and golden seal are antibacterial, but too strong to be used
as preventatives. Snuffing hot pepper up your nose would kill anthrax,
but at the risk of irritating your nose and respiratory passages, damaging
their protective mucus surfaces, and stressing your immune system. I
rarely use golden seal, not only because it can cause severe side effects,
but also because it is approaching extinction in the wild.
I prefer safer antibacterial herbs such as echinacea, usnea, or poke
root, which not only kill infection, but also help us keep our immune
systems strong. That, of course, is the desired result from immunization:
to strengthen the immune system and alert it to the possibility of anthrax
infection. Anthrax vaccines currently available for animals are not
suitable for humans, and one prepared for people is in short supply
(and only 93 percent effective). To achieve full immunity, one must
have immunization shots every two weeks for six weeks, then again at
6, 12, and 18 months. Given that, herbs seem a superb alternative: They
have an extensive history of countering resistant bacteria and strengthening
the body's natural defenses.
Echinacea root is the all-American immune system strengthener. It triggers
production of white blood cells, interferon, leukocytes, T-cells, and
B-lymphocytes, as well as directly inhibiting the growth of most bacteria
and viruses. Peter Holmes, author of Energetics of Western Herbs, cites
it as being effective against anthrax. Echinacea tincture is my first
choice for countering infection. (Capsules and pills of echinacea, if
used for lengthy periods, may be counterproductive.) A dose of the tincture
is one drop for every pound of body weight. I take this several times
a week as a preventative, several times daily when there is active infection.
If I were exposed to anthrax, I would take a dose every hour for at
least ten days.
Usnea, a common lichen, is especially rich in a powerful antibacterial
bitter called usnic acid (also usinic acid). I use the tincture of Usnea
barbata (a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls), but other lichens show similar
immune-enhancing and tonifying properties. There are no side effects
reported from use of even large amounts of usnea tincture.
Poke root tincture (Phytolacca americana) kicks the immune system into
gear incredibly fast. I've seen chronic infection of many years' standing
resolve after only one dose, and acute infection subside in a matter
of hours. Poke's effect seems to be focused on the lymphatic and glandular
tissues of the throat and chest, making it the perfect counter to inhaled
anthrax, which attacks the lymph nodes around the lungs. Poke is a specific
against pneumonia and a protector of the lungs. It contains an antibacterial
alkaloid and a special antiviral protein. It is magnifies the effects
of echinacea and they work wonderfully well together.
Poke root is powerful medicine, in fact, a potential poison, and the
dose is very small. One drop of poke tincture may be taken daily for
no more than three months as a counter to possible infection. Those
with a positive diagnosis could use a single drop as frequently as six
times a day. Alkaloids in poke root tincture can accumulate in the kidneys,
making extended use risky, though some people have taken doses of 15
drops a day for a year or more without apparent harm. Caution: You can
feel spacy and out of your body when taking poke, especially at higher
doses. The first few times, take it after dinner and stay home so you
can judge your reaction.
To be assured of a supply of poke tincture, you may need to make it
yourself, as it is rarely found for sale. Poke is a common garden and
roadside weed of northeastern North America, tall (5-7 feet) with conspicuous
dark purple berries and magenta-hued stalks.
Dig roots after hard frost, when tops are dead and yellowed, and tincture,
fresh, for six weeks in 100 proof vodka
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) is widely considered the single most
effective immune tonic and adaptogen in the herbal realm. Safe and inexpensive,
it helps the immune system respond quickly to infection and mitigates
the effects of stress. Astragalus root is also an excellent ally for
building powerful immunity. Both, or either, may be taken daily for
extended periods with no ill effects. I throw several pieces of these
roots in every pot of soup I cook. Tincture is less effective as a tonic;
and I avoid capsules completely.
Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius or Panax ginseng) is another exceptional
ally for the immune system, especially when there is physical or emotional
stress. In any form (tincture, tea, extract) it nourishes production
of interferon, phagocytes, antibodies, and killer T-cells. So long as
you need ginseng, there's no overdose; if you take it when you don't
need it however, it may produce an unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.
But herbs alone are not enough. What we think, and what we consume,
are also important parts of building strong immunity. Candace Pert,
visiting professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University, has proven
that every cell of the body participates in the immune system through
an integrated network of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals.
The immune system is a network, she says, which resonates with the vibrations
that surround it. It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted
by thoughts as by drugs.
Long-standing low-level depression, smoldering anger that is never expressed,
bitterness and vengeance projected into the future are all known to
depress immune functioning. Prayer, affirmations, positive thinking
-- no matter what you call it, talking lovingly to yourself builds powerful
immunity. One of the fiercest old women I know, healer Margo Geiger,
taught me to not only think good thoughts but also to unthink immune
system stressing phrases like: "This is killing me," or "I'm
dying to . . ." ("Let's live for it!" she'd say.)
Specialized cells which eliminate bacterial and viral infections are
made as needed by the immune system. Richly supply your immune system
with nutrients, and it easily counters infection, building healthy white
blood cells to kill anthrax and other germs. Starve your immune system
and it will falter, leaving your lymph nodes and other tissues open
to infection and destruction.
My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include beets, carrots,
garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, and dark leafy greens (including
nettle infusion). For rapid results, try miso soup with seaweed and
wild mushrooms. Try Immune A Go Go Soup from Susun Weed's book Breast
Cancer? Breast Health!
Carotenes strengthen and activate all parts of the immune system, especially
the thymus (the "master gland of immunity"). A half-cup of
dandelion greens, two cups of nettle infusion, a small baked sweet potato,
or two large cooked carrots or beets is a "dose;" but ten
times that much can be consumed safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative
effect starting about a week after you begin.
Selenium is a trace mineral with special abilities for building a healthy
immune system. Best sources are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms,
and astragalus.
Zinc helps build energetic white blood cells (which eliminate bacterial
infections). Best sources are echinacea, nettles, and seaweed.
The B-vitamin complex, especially B6 (pyridoxine), is critical to immune
system health. Best sources are potato skins, broccoli, prunes, and
lentils.
Virtually all drugs depress the immune system. This includes caffeine
and nicotine, alcohol, prescribed drugs, "recreational" drugs,
and vitamin/mineral supplements. For a healthy immune system, eat nourishing
food and forgo the pills.
Both light and dark are necessary for a strong immune system. For optimum
immune system strength, sleep in a totally dark room at night, and spend
at least 15 minutes a day outside without glasses or contacts. Full
spectrum sunlight is needed to trigger the production of important immune
system components.
Exercise is an excellent way to tonify the immune system. A number of
clinical trials have shown regular exercise to be strongly linked to
heightened immunity. The emphasis is on regular. It is better to walk
one mile four times a week for a month than to jog 16 miles once a month.
In Summary, strengthen you immune system with a good diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, emotional well-being, and a few of the recommended herbal allies of your choice. Always remember to use herbs and herbal preparations simply and safely. Avoid immune compromising substances such as coffee, tobacco and medications. With a strengthened immune system you will not only enjoy better health, but you will be less likely to be susceptible to infection and possible death from bacterial and/or viral invasions. Faith in your body's ability to protect itself will continue to bolster and reinforce the immune system as your mental well-being improves. Enjoy the upward spiral of health as you follow the path of the Wise Woman Way.
For permission to reprint this article, contact us at: susunweed@hvc.rr.com
Susun Weed - PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498 (fax) 1-845-246-8081
Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com and www.ashtreepublishing.com