Immunodeficiency Disorders
Immunodeficiency disorders — a class of conditions that includes primary (inherited) and secondary (acquired) disorders — can create a seemingly endless stream of infections that often lead to serious complications. For example, people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are prone to opportunistic infections, which are potentially life-threatening conditions that might not cause any problem in a healthy person. AIDS also makes infections harder to treat and creates more serious complications from run-of-the-mill infections like a cold or the flu.
Conventional medicine typically treats immunodeficiency disorders with drugs designed to prevent specific infections: antivirals like amanta-dine (Symmetrel) or acyclovir (Zovirax) or vaccines that protect against infections like the flu.
Immunodeficiency disorders can come from a prolonged illness (like cancer or diabetes) or infection (AIDS is caused by the HIV virus). Malnutrition can also trigger them — a shortfall of nutrients that puts you at less than 80 percent of your recommended weight can cause severe immune system impairment — as can immunity-suppressing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Several herbs can also help support immune function to treat or prevent secondary infections (although experts warn people with immunity deficiencies to avoid immunostimulating herbs). Herbs can also treat the various symptoms of infection and relieve the side effects of conventional drug therapies. They include:
• Amla (Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica) |
Also known as amalaki, this Ayurvedic herb is an adaptogen, antioxidant, and antiviral; it's also a key ingredient in the Ayurvedic remedy known as triphala. Studies show it can speed the healing of infected wounds, inhibit the activity of HIV, and kill several types of infectious bacteria in HIV-infected patients. |
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
A staple in the pharmacies and pantries of China, Europe, and the Middle East, licorice has proven immunomodulating effects, which can help avert secondary infections. |
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) |
Lemon balm is a traditional remedy for viral infections, and extracts have shown specific activity against HIV. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and sage (Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia) have similar anti-HIV action. |
• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) |
This herb is a potent antimicrobial, and research shows it can kill the Candida fungi that cause infections in immune-compromised people. |
