For two thousand years or longer, herbalists in China have prescribed herbs to build up the immune system of patients and attack pathogens. These treatments were so successful that they have been exported all over the world. Since 1949, the Chinese have applied a combination of traditional and Western medicine to treat immune disorders. The term, Fu Zheng, was coined to describe this type of therapeutic regimen: the use of herbs to enhance the natural host defense mechanism.
In 1975, doctors in China organized an extensive Fu Zheng study to test the efficacy of traditional formulas, in pill form, on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Almost one thousand patients were enrolled. The initial results found that patients who underwent the combined Fu Zheng and Western therapies tolerated treatment better and survived longer than those who underwent Western treatment alone. Ten-year follow-up studies have confirmed these findings. The common herb used in most of the Fu Zheng formulas in astragalus (huang qi).
In the U.S., Chinese herbology has been practiced since the 1800’s, both in Chinatowns and in mining communities along the west coast. For over ten years clinics across the country have been using Chinese herbs to treat such conditions as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFIDS), Herpes, HIV, Influenza, and to help the immune systems of cancer patients adversely affected by chemo and radiotherapy.
Several research projects have been conducted and others are on the way. It is important to stress that Chinese herbology is aimed at correcting an individual’s imbalance. People with chronic viral conditions usually have imbalances of both the root and branch. For example, a person with herpes simplex is treated by attacking the virus (branch) and supplementing the immune system (root). Therefore, a variety of herbs are used to accomplish these goals.
To the uninitiated, the list of ingredients in Chinese formulas may seem unusually long,. However, nutritionists always recommend nutrients with cofactors. Unlike Western nutrition, that has been developed using various laboratory models, Chinese herbology is an empirical science, that is trial and error, to arrive at the methods of applying and combining herbs. For example, regarding two Chinese herbs widely known to Westerners; ginseng (or its substitute, codonopsis) is in many cases combined with tang kuei (dang gui), as ginseng is said to build Qi, or vital energy, and tang kuei is said to build blood, poor blood usually corresponds to anemia. It is said that, “Blood is the mother of Qi, Qi governs blood.”
Typical herbal formulas contain five to fifteen ingredients. Herbs are consumed in teas, tablets, or capsules. In our clinic, in Oakland, California, we usually offer clients a choice. Many clients who elect to use tea eventually switch to tablets/capsules, as pills do no involve the hour to two hours necessary to prepare Chinese herbal teas, nor do they have an unpleasant taste. Astragalus Eight Formula is an example of a modern formula containing many tonic herbs. It was researched by the Immune Enhancement Project in Berkeley, California, and found to improve symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss. In addition, many of the participants were able to resume normal activities after taking the herbs for three months.
A study sponsored by the University of California, San Francisco, and herbal manufacturer, Health Concerns, of Oakland, was undertaken to prove the efficacy of Chinese herbal therapy. A Chinese herbal formula, Enhance, was researched at UCSF in a 12-week, thirty patient pilot study. It was found to improve gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as pain and fatigue, as compared to those taking a placebo composed of inert plant fiber.
Here are some commonly used Chinese tonic herbs.
Astragalus can be cooked in soup or taken in tea, as well as taken in pill form. Astragalus is used in formulas for fatigue, shortness of breath, edema, lingering diarrhea, and burns. It is classified as a superior herb in, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic, a two thousand year old herbal text. At Anderson M.D. Hospital, water extracts of astragalus restored the T-cell function in ninety percent of the cancer patients using it. It has been shown to increase IgA, IgG, and Interferon production. Although Western researchers believe polysaccharide components are responsible for the effectiveness of astragalus, traditional herbalists say that the whole herb has dozens of active components that can not be isolated.
Ginseng is used by traditional Chinese doctors along with other herbs to treat a wide variety of illnesses. The two main types of ginseng are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. Asian ginseng is used alone or in formulas for fatigue, anemia, shortness of breath, forgetfulness, and impotence. American ginseng is used by traditional herbalists for lung conditions associated with heat, fevers, weakness, and irritability. Since American ginseng is said to have a cooling function, it is more appropriate for those who are stressed and live in hot climates. Asian ginseng has warming properties and is better for people who live in cold climates, and have cold limbs or trouble keeping warm. Over the past fifty years there have been over three thousand scientific studies published on ginseng.
According to research conducted in Asia, ginseng has been found to have radio-protective, anti-tumor, anti-viral, and endocrinological effects. It seems to stimulate the adrenal cortex, which may account for its ability to help humans and animals adapt to stress. Ginseng is available in tea, tablet, tincture, capsule, and even as a beverage. Although ginseng can be taken by itself, some individuals have taken too much. If you have taken ginseng for a long period of time, it might be best to alternate with other tonic herbs, or have an herbalist evaluate whether or not ginseng is best for you. Good quality ginseng is expensive.
Eleuthero ginseng (Siberian ginseng) is used in Russia by deep sea divers, rescue workers, astronauts, soldiers, factory workers, and athletes to help them perform better under pressure. It is only a distant relative of ginseng. Since the 1960’s, thousands of healthy, stressed, or diseased patients have been involved in research. It seems helpful with performance involving mental alertness, work quality, and exercise.
Codonopsis is a general tonic traditionally used for loose stools, lack of appetite, fatigue, tired limbs, shortness of breath, and anemia. It is said to help stimulate the production of blood, as well as tonify the digestive system. Laboratory experiments have shown that codonopsis may improve the immune system by enhancing phagocytosis, which is the process of destroying bacteria and other undesirable substances. As with many herbs, chemical studies have failed to reveal any single compound responsible for the plant’s effects.
Ganoderma (rei shi) — Once called the “mushroom of immortality,” Ganoderma was not used by traditional Chinese doctors much because it was very rare and expensive. Although the best quality ganoderma is still gathered in the wild, it is now one of the few Chinese herbs that is commercially grown in the United States and Canada. Ganoderma has been used as a folk cancer treatment in Japan.
According to research conducted in Asia, ganoderma inhibits bacteria; and in animal experiments has regressed tumors, although this effect has not been proven in human research. Chinese and Japanese doctors use ganoderma extracts along with Western medicine to treat cancer, hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, and altitude sickness. Other medicinal mushroom tonics include shiitake, poria, and polyporus.
Shiitake can be found in gourmet markets and is prized for its immune-enhancing effects. Poria is traditionally recommended to treat nervous and digestive complaints, and polyporus is a diuretic that may have some cancer fighting properties.
Ligustrum are small fruits traditionally used in formulas for backaches, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and hepatitis. Ligustrum is also traditionally used for fertility. It belongs to the class of herbs that are referred to as yin tonics. Yin tonics help to treat dryness. Ligustrum was also researched by Anderson M.D. Hospital and found to be beneficial for chemo and radiotherapy patients.
Schisandra is used to help protect the liver. Schisandra is traditionally used to treat coughs, asthma, excessive thirst, spontaneous perspiration, night sweating, fatigue, diarrhea, and hepatitis. Modern laboratory experiments suggest that schisandra benefits the central nervous system, and helps increase stamina in laboratory animals. In a study of 102 cases of non-jaundiced hepatitis, seventy-six percent of the patients reported significant improvement when using schisandra for thirty days. In Chinese hospitals it is used with other herbs in the treatment of hepatitis, asthma, and coughing. In addition, it is found in formulas for treatment of exhaustion and emaciation.
He Shou Wu (foti) has been used in traditional Chinese formulas to prevent hair from graying, and for fatigue, angina, impotence, and lower back pain. It is frequently used in Chinese formulas for treating the side effects of chemo- and radio-therapies.
Licorice is referred to by Chinese herbalists as the great harmonizer. It can be thought of as the “glue” that holds the formula together. It should be used by itself only under the direction of an experienced herbalist, as large dosages of over five grams per day can cause side effects in some people who take this herb. It is very safe however taken as a harmonizer, along with other herbs, in capsule or tablet form.
ANCIENT AND MODERN FORMULAS FOR IMMUNE DISORDERS
The above mentioned herbs are indicated for people with pale complexions, reduced appetite, and fatigue. They are not suited for people who have headaches, fevers, acute colds or the flu, insomnia or rashes.
In treating patients with chronic viruses, we often select some of the above herbs along with herbs such as isatis tinctoria. Other herbs that have been shown to have anti-viral effects in Chinese hospital research, have also been used. For example a formula that I helped develop, Astra Isatis, has been used by thousands of individuals with herpes, chronic fatigue and HIV. It is more suitable for a complex pattern of immune deficiency with heat signs.
Six Gentlemen Formula: This formula is a modification of the traditional four gentlemen decoction. The modifications make it more suitable for American patients, as the American diet is rich in sweets and greasy foods that may trigger digestive symptoms. Therefore this formula may be used for fatigue with loose stools, abdominal bloating, and poor appetite. In additional to the tonic herbs ginseng and codonopsis, this formula contains many digestants, including cardamon, which is particularly useful for gastrointestinal bloating.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: contains the tonic herbs astragulus, ginseng, atractylodes, and licorice, as well as harmonizing herbs such as citrus peel, and bupleurum to detoxify the liver. This formulas has been used for over one thousand years in the treatment of fatigue, spontaneous sweating, debility after a severe illness, and listlessness. As it is a warming tonic, it is not appropriate in the first stages of a cold and flu, nor should it be taken for those suffering from fevers, facial flushing, headaches, etc. Source Qi is a traditional modification of this formula that is used to treat prolonged diarrhea, wasting syndrome and poor appetite. It has been successfully used along with Western pharmaceuticals to treat cryptosporidium as well as chronic shingella infections, and other digestive conditions with protracted diarrhea.
Gui Pi Tang: has been used since the Song Dynasty, for palpitations with anxiety and forgetfulness. In the Western clinic, it is also used for poor appetite and pale complexion. In women there may be early periods of long duration and little flow. This formula is also related to the Four Gentlemen Decoction, and contains the immune supportive ingredients ginseng, astragulus, and licorice, as well as tang kuei. It is used to enrich the blood, as well as aid digestion, with special herbs for anxiety and insomnia, such as zizyphis. Modern versions of this formula include Heath Concerns’ Shen-Gem and K’an Herbs Gather Vitality. (Kapchuk)
Astra Isatis: is a formula developed by the author that has been used for over a decade by individuals with chronic viral infections (dispensed by health professionals for patients with herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome, mononucleosis etc.). Astra Isatis contains tonic herbs such astragulus, atractylodes, licorice, and codonopsis. In addition, there are kidney tonic herbs. There is also laminaria seaweed, for lymphatic congestion and bupleurum, an herb that helps detoxify the liver. Astra Isatis is most appropriate for individuals with heat signs, i.e. fever, facial flushing, agitation. (Golan book)
Astra 8: is recommended in Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, Health and Healing. It contains the tonic herb astragulus, ligustrum, eleuthero ginseng, codonopsis, ganoderma, schisandra and licorice, and digestants. As this formula contains a number of tonic herbs, it is warming to the body and therefore used for people who have fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, weight loss, and feel cold. They may have low body temperature.
Marrow Plus: will be studied as a treatment for low red and white blood cells that have proven unresponsive to Iron therapy. It will be a forty-patient double blind placebo controlled study, sponsored by the NIH Office of Alternative Medicine. Marrow Plus is particularly useful in patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapy. It contains many of the tonic herbs mentioned in the article along with several herbs useful at tonifying the blood and improving the blood circulation. Enhance: is a formula developed out of the clinical experience of Quan Yin Clinic, in San Francisco, which has treated thousands of HIV-positive patients. Enhance was the subject of a thirty-patient double blind placebo-controlled study at San Francisco General Hospital, which was published in the Journal of Aids (12:386-393). In the study, statistically significant improvement was seen in life satisfaction and in a reduction of symptoms.