Problems of
the Immune System
Disorders of the immune system fall into four main
categories:
Immunodeficiency
disorders
These occur when a part of the immune system is not
present or is not working properly. Sometimes a person is born with an immunodeficiency
although symptoms of the disorder might not appear until later in life. Immunodeficiency can also be acquired through
infection or produced by drugs.
Autoimmune
disorders
In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly
attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign
invaders. Autoimmune diseases include:
- Lupus, a
chronic disease marked by muscle and joint pain and inflammation
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis,
a disease in which the body's immune system acts as though certain body
parts
- Scleroderma, a
chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage of the
skin, joints, and internal organs
- Ankylosing spondylitis,
a disease that involves inflammation of the spine and joints, causing
stiffness and pain
- Juvenile dermatomyositis, a disorder marked by inflammation and damage of the skin and muscles
Allergic
Disorders
Allergic disorders occur when the immune system
overreacts to exposure to antigens in the environment. The substances that
provoke such attacks are called allergens. The immune response can cause
symptoms such as swelling, watery eyes, and sneezing, and even a
life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Medications called antihistamines
can relieve most symptoms. Allergic
disorders include:
- Asthma, a
respiratory disorder that can cause breathing problems, frequently
involves an allergic response by the lungs. If the lungs are oversensitive
to certain allergens (like pollen, molds, animal dander, or dust mites),
it can trigger breathing tubes in the lungs to become narrowed, leading to
reduced airflow and making it hard for a person to breathe.
- Eczema is an
itchy rash also known as atopic dermatitis. Although atopic dermatitis is
not necessarily caused by an allergic reaction, it more often occurs in
kids and teens who have allergies, hay fever, or asthma or who have a
family history of these conditions.
- Allergies of
several types can occur in kids and teens. Environmental allergies (to
dust mites, for example), seasonal allergies (such as hay fever), drug
allergies (reactions to specific medications or drugs), food allergies
(such as to nuts), and allergies to toxins (bee stings, for example) are
the common conditions people usually refer to as allergies.
Cancers of the
Immune System
Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control. This
also can happen with the cells of the immune system. Lymphoma
involves the lymphoid tissues. Leukemia involves abnormal overgrowth
of leukocytes.
Although immune system disorders usually can't be
prevented, you can help your immune system stay stronger and fight illnesses
with natural herbs as well.
I have written articles on Cat’s Claw and Echinacea
as great immune boosters, but another herb that has powerful properties in
strengthening immunity is Lapacho.
LAPACHO
(tabebuia
impetiginosa pau d’arco)
Available as
Capsules
Dried Bark
Dosage
2 to 3 Capsules of 500mg finely ground bark powder
taken three times daily
2 to 5 Grams of powdered bark daily
Precautions
Using whole
bark has no serous side-effects, nor are there reported interactions with other
medicines. However, this herb is not
suitable during pregnancy or lactation. Care should be taken if using
concentrated extracts, as overdosing can cause vomiting, nausea and bleeding.
What it is?
Of all the
herbs used by the ancient Incas, lapacho was one of the mainstays. In the four centuries since the Spanish
Conquest, one herb has cropped up from time to time in Europe. Czar Nicholas II and Ghandi are both known to
have done what millions of Brazilians do – start their day with a cup of
lapacho tea.
Also called pau d’arco, ipe roxo or taheebo,
lapacho is a rain forest medicine made from the inner bark of the large native
South American tree known as tabebuia.
Throughout South America, indigenous tribes have drunk tea made from the
shredded inner bark to boost the effectiveness of the body’s own immune defence
mechanisms. They have also used this
traditional remedy for centuries in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis,
infection and also some forms of cancer.
As far back
as 1882, one of the lapacho’s constituents was isolated and identified as
lapachol, an anti-microbial and potentially tumour-fighting chemical. Today, scientific evidence shows that crude
extracts of lapachol – more potent than refined versions – offer effective
protection against a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms, including Candida albicans, which causes thrush.
What it does
Rain forest
Indians have always valued lapacho as a powerful
medicine for strengthening immunity
and to protect them against gut
parasites. Research at Sao Paulo,
Harvard, the University of Munich, the University of Rio de Janeiro and the
American National Cancer Institute has increased awareness of this amazing natural
medicine. In many parts of the world,
physicians are recognising it as an aid to patients with Immune-deficiency illnesses.
If you are
tired all the time or suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lapacho can be a
great aid to recovery due to its
positive effects on the immune system.
Remember to stay healthy with
exercise, plenty of water and a good night’s sleep.
Until next time, always remember to
laugh often, love freely, and live your life out loud!
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