HERBS: Susun Weed's article on ways to avoid being anthraxed!

[Guest guest]

Worried About Anthrax?

Herbs Can Help

Susun S. Weed, susunweed

(links at www.susunweed.com)

 

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 the treatment of choice 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. " Immune A Go Go Soup " [page 309 breast book]

 

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.

 

This article will appear online at: www.susunweed.com with links to more

info!

--------

Susun Weed is a contributor to the Routledge International Encyclopedia

of Women's Studies and the author of four highly acclaimed herbal

medicine handbooks. She has been at the forefront of the herbal

renaissance for 35 years.

[Guest guest]

I would and do drink Colloidal Silver, it has been found to kill many things

including Anthrax,according to a scientific report done by BYU, Lorie

-

" femme650 " <femme650

Thursday, November 01, 2001 9:36 PM

HERBS: Susun Weed's article on ways to avoid being

anthraxed!

 

 

>

> Worried About Anthrax?

> Herbs Can Help

> Susun S. Weed, susunweed

> (links at www.susunweed.com)

>

> 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 the treatment of choice 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. " Immune A Go Go Soup " [page 309 breast book]

>

> 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.

>

> This article will appear online at: www.susunweed.com with links to more

> info!

> --------

> Susun Weed is a contributor to the Routledge International Encyclopedia

> of Women's Studies and the author of four highly acclaimed herbal

> medicine handbooks. She has been at the forefront of the herbal

> renaissance for 35 years.

>

>

>

> Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health

> and well being.

>

> To learn more about the Gettingwell group,

> Subscription and list archives are at:

> Gettingwell

>

>