Astragalus and reishi: immune support for autumn

This time of year during the seasonal transition is a good time to think about our health in general, and this year especially to think about immune health. Our bodies become challenged during the change from one season to the next: where once it was easy to stay warm, for many it now requires an adjustment. Where once we were swimming in the warm humidity of summertime air, our bodies now grow accustomed to a cold, drying wind. We make all sorts of changes - our clothing, our outdoor habits. How can else can we ready our bodies for this time of year?

Please make sure to check out Sue's blog about "late summer" for some general tips regarding food and herbs. It's important that herbs not become a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle - they simply can't make up for a lack of those things.

In this article I'll be focusing in more detail on two of our most esteemed immune supportive herbs for when you're already doing all you can to stay healthy but are looking for a little extra support.  These herbs can be especially helpful for those with compromised immune systems (though care needs to be taken).

Astragalus
Scientific name: Astragalus membranaceus (Fabaceae)

This pea family plant is one of our most important "immune tonic" herbs. The root of this plant is used, either as a powder, tincture or decoction. It's native to China, where the root is cooked in soups for immune health. It's "food-like" nature makes it a generally well-tolerated and safe herb, one that must be taken in sufficiently large quantities to have the desired effect. (It's still important to do your research and talk to your doctor before taking herbs - this particular herb has an effect on immune cells, a possible issue for people with some medications or conditions.)

The way this plant works is to gently stimulate the immune system, elevating white blood cells and other immune cells. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said to be supportive for people with deficient "Wei Qi" or the "protective Qi" that we associate with immunity in the West. In our clinical practice we often recommend this plant to people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer. For anyone, it's gentle support helps keep the immune system strong. It's best to avoid if you are actively sick.

How to take:

• The following doses are for general support for people with no underlying issues.
• In soup stock: Add a handful of the root to a pot of soup stock, simmer at least 1 hour, strain out. Cook 1 or 2 pots/month.

• Decoction (tea): simmer approximately 1-2 teaspoons of the root for a minimum of 30 minutes in a little more than 1 cup water (i.e. 12 oz., - the water will reduce). Drink at least 1 cup/day, most days/week.

• Tincture or glycerite: approximately 1 teaspoon/day, most days/week.
• Powder: approximately 1 teaspoon/day, most days/week.

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Jessica with a beautiful reishi mushroom!

Reishi mushroom
Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum (from China), Ganoderma tsugae (local species)
Seek medical advice before use of this mushroom - people with mold allergies may have adverse reactions, it may dry out the mucous membranes in sensitive individuals, it may impact the liver, and may interact with certain medications or medical conditions.

Reishi mushroom is another one of our most important "immune tonic" herbs (we call it an herb though it is indeed a mushroom!). The fruiting body of this mushroom is tough and woody, so slices of it are used to make soups and teas, or it is extracted, dried and powdered. Sometimes known as the "mushroom of immortality" it is another one with extensive use in China, and the local tsugae species that grows here in Vermont is used in the same way.

Similar to astragalus, for immune supportive purposes reishi mushroom is taken daily to gently modulate and stimulate immune function. The polysaccharides in the mushroom pass through our GI lining appearing potentially like something our immune system needs to deal with, keeping the immune system on a higher level of alert. Because of it's modulating effect, it may also help with an over-active immune system, making it an herb that many people take throughout the allergy season.

It has a number of other ways it may support the body, including supporting the heart, lungs and liver. For now we'll just leave it as another one can help keep us healthy during this time of year, especially those who may have deficient immune function. Avoid if actively sick.

How to take:

• Dosing is important for reishi mushroom - you don't want to overdo it. The doses listed here are on the lower end, appropriate for most people without underlying issues. The appropriate dosing will vary by individual.

• In soup stock: use about 2-5g of dried reishi slices per daily serving of soup for general support. Cook as long as possible, i.e. all-day, and strain out before serving. Cook enough to get several servings in a week, a few times per month.
  

• Decoction (tea): traditionally simmered for 24 hours to make a "strong decoction" - this can be done in a crock-pot. Alternatively, simmer on low at least about an hour. Daily dose is about 2-5g/day (most days/week) of the mushroom slices, concentrated or diluted in your desired quantity of water (2-5g works out pretty well in 1 cup of finished tea - so start with 1.5 to 2 cups for every 2-5g and some water will evaporate off).

• Tincture (2-phase extract): Approximately 1-2 ml per day, most days/week.

• Powder: Approximately 1/2 teaspoon per day, most days/week.
  

Conclusion
We're very grateful to have this wonderful plant and mushroom in our lives, to support us and our community when a little extra immune boost is needed, and we humbly give our gratitude to the wonders of natural medicine. We again encourage readers to consider all the ways to keep your body, mind and spirit strong and healthy through appropriate diet and lifestyle practices (see Sue's article for some tips), and to not over-rely on these special and wonderful herbs. They are there when we need them, and we hope to maintain this special relationship with the healing powers of the natural world for generations to come.

By Nick Cavanaugh.  Nick is a clinical herbalist at the Burlington Herb Clinic.  You can book an appointment with Nick for an herbal consultation here.

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