Herbs for the Immune System and Nervous System

Question 1

Immunomodulator

Answer 1

Balances and strengthens immunity i.e. Astragalus.

Question 2

Immune-enhancing

Answer 2

Increases immune responses i.e. Echinacea.

Question 3

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 3

Reduces inflammation i.e. Turmeric

Question 4

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Answer 4

Immune modulating / enhancing (↑ lymphocyte and phagocyte activity, as well as IgA levels)
Tonic, adaptogen
Cardiotonic (hypotensive, antioxidant)
Anti-cancer (anti-proliferative);

Chronic/recurrent infections, infection preventative, leukopenia, post-viral syndrome, fatigue, mild heart failure.

Question 5

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia)

Answer 5

Immune enhancing / modulating (alkylamides bind to cannibinoid (CB) receptors, esp. CB2—a possible mechanism of their immunomodulatory properties; activate phagocytes and NK cells; stimulates IL-10 but inhibits TNF-α),
Anti-inflammatory (LOX and COX inhibitors);

Acute infections –bacterial, viral (e.g., influenza, tonsilitis, UTIs); infection prevention, arthritis.

Question 6

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Answer 6

Anti-inflammatory (regulates inflammatory cytokines and NFkB; inhibits COX-2)
Antioxidant (↑ Nrf2 gene expression)
Anticancer (inhibits VEGFs, induces apoptosis, ↓ inflammation),
Antiplatelet

Hypolipidaemic, choleretic, inflammatory conditions (e.g. OA, RA, SLE, ulcerative colitis); liver support protocols. Neuroprotective (incl. anti-amyloid). Eczema, psoriasis.

Question 7

Nootropic

Answer 7

Enhances brain function e.g., rosemary.

Question 8

Nervine

Answer 8

Relaxes the nervous system e.g., lavender

Question 9

Thymoleptic

Answer 9

Lifts the mood e.g., St John’s wort.

Question 10

Sedative

Answer 10

Relaxes the nerves and promotes sleep e.g., valerian.

Question 11

Anxiolytic

Answer 11

Alleviates anxiety e.g., passionflower

Question 12

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Answer 12

Antioxidant
Neuroprotective
Nootropic
Circulatory stimulant (↑ microcirculation)

Tissue perfusion enhancing (antagonises ‘Platelet Activating Factor’ by blocking receptors —causing vasodilation, protecting against ischaemia);↑ memory and concentration; Alzheimer’s (anti-amyloid), vascular dementia; Raynaud’s, erectile dysfunction, asthma, tinnitus.

Question 13

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Answer 13

Nervine
Anti-depressant
Anxiolytic (the essential oil interacts with the limbic system —it is thought to inhibit NMDA and SERT, ↑ serotonin and calming excitatory neuron activity)
Antispasmodic

Carminative, antimicrobial (e.g. candida); depression, anxiety, insomnia, PMS, GI bloating, stress headaches.

Question 14

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Answer 14

Anxiolytic (mediated via the GABAergic system; inhibits MAO-A)
Antispasmodic
Mild sedative,
Hypnotic

Insomnia, anxiety with ‘circular thinking’, agitation, tension headache, nervous tachycardia, neuralgia, drug and alcohol withdrawal (by alleviating anxiety/insomnia), muscle pain / spasms.

Question 15

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Answer 15

Circulatory stimulant
Cardiotonic
Nootropic
Carminative

Antispasmodic, antioxidant (reduces lipid peroxidation), antimicrobial (with anti-biofilm properties on various microbes incl. C.albicansand E.faecalis), hepatoprotective (↑ Nrf2 expression); to improve memory, concentration or mental performance (cerebral circulation), tension headache

Question 16

St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Answer 16

Antidepressant (MAO and COMT inhibitor; GABA antagonist)
Nervine tonic
Antiviral, vulnerary
Antimicrobial (topically); mild to moderate depression, anxiety, irritability, anti-viral (e.g. herpes simplex, shingles, HIV), neuralgia, sciatica, insomnia.