The seasonal change from
summer to fall brings out the beauty of nature with yellow, orange and golden
leaves. However it often seem to bring
colds and sniffles as well. In addition,
every fall when I return to my classroom at the university I visit classrooms
full of new faces that bring new bacteria and viruses with them. Catching a cold in the fall seemed to have
become an occupational hazard, that is until I started to use food for medicine
and included a variety of immune enhancing herbs in my diet. Here is a short list of my favorites.
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| Uña de Gato or Cat's Claw |
Astragalus – An herb
from China that stimulates the immune system and aids in digestion and adrenal
gland functions and also is a diuretic. The effectiveness of this herb is due
to polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. I use this herb to fight the
common cold and flu and usually start taking it daily about a month before
classes start in the fall. Its digestive health benefits demonstrate the
lowering of stomach acidity, resulting to an increase in the body's metabolic
rates and the promotion of waste elimination.
Bell peppers- Unlike other
hotter peppers this variety does not contain capsaicin. Instead it contains carotenoid lycopene which
lowers the risk of cancer; beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A; and
Zeaxanthin, which is known to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Of course it also adds a crunch touch to your
salads and is wonderful in sautéed dishes, and is good for you at the same time
Echinacea - Echinacea
is probably the most well known of the immune system enhancing herbs. I combine Echinacea with Goldenseal in herbal tea to prevent and and treat upper
respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold. Leave Goldenseal out of your tea if you have high blood pressure.
Reishi Mushrooms
(Ganoderma) -
This is a bitter mushroom has long been a popular herb in Chinese medicine and
is claimed to enhance longevity and health. Studies have shown that that it
strengthens immunity and combats cancer. In addition, it has antioxidant
properties and provides relief from urinary tract infections. (Juniper Berries are my favorite herb for UTI).
Garlic - Who doesn’t love garlic? Think sauteed dishes, pasta and garlic bread,
and it does more than keep the vampires away.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Ellen Tattelman, an assistant professor
at the Albert Einstein
College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, reconfirmed that garlic has
cardiovascular, anti-microbial and antineoplastic properties.
Ginseng - The most
commonly studied variety of Ginseng is Korean ginseng or Panax ginseng. The main
active component, ginsenosides, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer
properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it may improve immune and
psychological functions as well as conditions related to diabetes.
Turmeric – I love the
color of Turmeric and add frequently add it to sautéed vegetables, especially
yellow squash or zucchini. This spice
contains curcumin, which has notable antioxidant properties and it is a simple
and highly effective way to thwart cancer and protect your liver against disease. Turmeric stimulates the flow of bile and thus helps with digestive problems. It also has antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to increase the level of the hormone the lessens inflammation.
Uña de Gato or Cat's Claw - This herb
from Peru is my number one go to herb for immune system support. Although it has traditionally been used in
Peru to treat stomach problems it has recently developed a reputation as an
exceptional immune response stimulator that helps the body to fight off
infections and degenerative diseases. It contains oxindole alkaloids that
enhance the immune system's capacity to engulf and destroy pathogens.
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Hippocrates |
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