Manage Respiratory Tract Infections by Boosting Immune System with Herbs
Whole Health News – November 1999
by Aleks Strande, N.D., Ph.D.

Because respiratory tract infections play a role in both the etiology and exacerbation of asthma, an important part of any treatment protocol is to prevent these infections from taking hold. If an infection is contracted it needs to be treated quickly and efficiently to prevent asthma from developing.

When boosting immune functions there are two approaches to consider:

1. Prophylactic immune stimulation in the weeks leading up to winter with herbs such as Echinacea combined with other immune enhancing herbs which also have tonic and adaptogenic activity. These include Astragalus and Eleutherococcus. These two tonics should be discontinued if any acute infection is contracted.
2. Acute infection is well treated with therapeutic doses of Echinacea in combination with Andrographis and Picrorhiza.

The use of diaphoretic herbs (sweat inducing) in acute infections is especially indicated in association with chills and fevers. Mentha, Achillea, Sambucus and Zingier (ginger) combine well in a diaphoretic tea. These herbs can also be administered in extract form in a dose of five to fifteen mls of the formula in hot water.

When the acute infection has subsided, the previous “prophylactic” formula should be resumed in order to aid recovery and maintain optimal immune function. Withania, a highly regarded and well researched Ayervedic tonic herb will also help to restore health during convalescence.

Alex Strande, N.D., Ph.D., is a naturopath and a microbiologist. His office is in Irvine, California. He can be contacted for questions and appointments at 949-553-1882.