AIDS is a new disease in the modern world. Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., in Planetary Herbology (1988) Twin Lakes: Winsconsin, makes the claim that AIDS has occurred in our time due to the excess use of antibiotic drugs that cause a rapid mutation in disease-causing viruses and bacteria. This situation emphasizes the importance of natural antibiotics. These are in part herbs that can be used to combat acute conditions where antibiotics fail. In Western Herbalism, these are the herbs that cleanse and blood and liver.
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine this class of herbs is called "strongly anti-pitta" (fire). High pitta causes heat in the blood, which is considered the internal cause of infectious disease. Heat-clearing herbs also decrease kapha (mucus) and these also cleanse the lymph system. They also increase vata (air) and need to be used with caution by nervous, hypermetabolic type persons.
"Anti-fire" herbs in Chinese medicine are considered best for high fever when associated with severe thirst, sweating, and strong flooding pulse.
The Chinese use gypsum, a mineral, as the chief herb for lowering dangerously high fever. This herb is bitter and used for high fever accompanied by burning up of body fluids, as it has a moistening property. To avoid damaging the spleen, it should not be used in excess.
Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes different categories of tonic herbs which are sweet in nature. Some of these are for deficient Chi patterns, of which AIDS is a severe form. Ginseng, codonopsis, astralgalus, dioscorea, atractylodes, zizyphus, and licorice are some of these herbs.
These have been shown by modern research to tonify the immune system. A recent American study administered astragalus, codonopsis, ginseng, and atractylodes to AIDS patients to relieve symptoms, increase energy, and strengthen immune systems. These herbs have been studied elsewhere also for their immue-activating effects.
Some of the herbs are soaked in honey and stir-fried to make them even sweeter.
To assist in the dual function of eliminating excess fluid and increasing absorption into deep bodily tissue, traditional Chinese medicine uses certain polypore mushrooms, including poria (fu ling), and grifola (zhu ing). They have a bland, sweet taste and neutral energy.
A related species Ganoderma lucidum (ling zhi) used to regulate blood circulation and relieve nervousness, insomnia, and dizziness, have been shown to be useful as adjuct treatment for AIDS.
Planetary Herbal Products, a retail mail order company, offers Panetary Formulas and other herb products from outstanding herbalists. They also offer a good selection of quality Western and Chinese herbs. A catalog can be ordered (free) from PO Box 7145, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 or call 408-479-7074 for information.
In particular, Formula 17, to tonify wei (immune system), whi, and yin, and clear heat can be considered in the treatment of AIDS, and immune deficiency diseases in general. Two tablets are taken 1-2 times daily for prevention, and 2-3 times daily with warm water or mild licorice tea for treatment.
Comments