Deep Immune Building Herbal Remedies
Fu Zueng Therapy

Immuno-depression is a common problem in clients suffering from chronic disease or debility states.  Whether this is due to the disease/debility state itself, drug treatments used to treat symptoms and/or their cause or a general decline in health, it is of great benefit to support the immune system with herbal remedies.

When rebuilding general health and immunity, we tend to use a combination of Chinese Tonic herbs which have been used for centuries to help balance and tone the body and protect it from external diseases.  Although these herbs can be used singularly they are of most benefit when in balanced combinations addressing the needs of the different systems of the body.  When seeing individuals we tailor our herbal suggestions to their particular symptoms but also add Fu Zheng Therapy in their treatment plan.  For dosage recommendations, see your practitioner.

Fu Zheng Therapy is a form of traditional Chinese herbalism that literally means “to restore normalcy and balance to the body.”  It does not specifically treat any infection or disease state but helps rebuild the body’s resistance and innate strength so that it may more effectively contend with the manifestations of the disease.  The following formula is based on herbs traditionally used in Fu Zheng Therapy.

 ASTRAGALUS    The polysaccharides in this plant are thought to be responsible for it’s deep immune building effects which include increasing the number of macrophages, enhancing T-cell transformation and increasing phagocytosis.  Chinese medicine classifies it as a warm, sweet tonic which enhances the functions of the spleen and lung.

SCHIZANDRA   Studies have shown the ripe fruit of this plant to be a stimulant herb affecting the central nervous system thus enhancing energy levels and mental acuity; adaptogen for stress, fatigue; enhances performance.  It also protects liver cells from fatty degeneration and enhances lymphocyte transformation.  The Chinese regard it as a warm, astringent tonic affecting the kidneys and lungs, reduce edema, sweating, chronic diarrhea. 

LIGUSTRUM  Derived from fruit of Ligustrum lucidium, China & Far East; kidney tonic; used where there is rapid deterioration of body.  Diuretic, cardiac stimulant.  Antibacterial.  Raise white-blood-cell count.

GANODERMA  This fungus, also known as the Reishi mushroom, has been long used as a immuno-supportive herb.  Studies show its mechanism of action to involve an increase in T-cell and macrophage activity.  In viral hepatitis has improved symptoms of anorexia, insomnia, malaise, and liver swelling.  Enhances relaxation of muscles and increases sleeping time.  Reduces lipids and cholesterol.  Treats stomach ulcers and high blood pressure.  Sweet & slightly bitter.

ATRACTYLODES  This root-herb has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver as well as enhancing phagocytic function of the white blood cells, and increasing their numbers.  The Chinese see it as a bitter warming tonic acting on the stomach and spleen; rids body of excess moisture, improves digestion, increases appetite, and reduces fatigue.  Used for dizziness, diarrhea, and night sweats.

CODONOPSIS   The roots of this plant have been used as a substitute for the more expensive Ginseng but the two may be interchanged as their effects are very similar.  They are both used to treat dampness and heat.  Clinically they enhance the growth of red blood cells, T-cell formation and increase the level of IgG antibodies in the bloodstream.

GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS   Licorice is a known anti-viral as well as an anti-bacterial agent.  It is classified as a sweet chi (energy) tonic by the Chinese; 50x sweeter than white sugar. Treats acute and chronic viral hepatitis, fevers, infections.  Activates body’s interferon mechanism; increases IgG, IgA, and IgM antibody levels.  Nourishes adrenal glands.