Sep-24-2010
Despite the advance of modern medicines as well as several other prevailing alternate streams of medicines, people in several countries across the globe still use herbs as the basic healthcare too. In effect, plenty of the remedial features of modern or contemporary medicine have been adopted from the researches undertaken on herbal remedies in the ancient times. Nevertheless, it is really regrettable that modern medicine has basically maneuvered the properties of the herb and changed them artificially - producing the same features synthetically. Toxicity and lethal side effects of the modern medication have increased as a result of such manipulation and alteration of the plant-based therapeutic properties. It is important to note that when we use the natural herbs appropriately, they have the aptitude to work together with our natural systems and augment their functioning, harmonization and the general equilibrium inside the body.
Contrary to the common conception that the herbs are medications that help to cure several health conditions, the fact is that they are never intended to cure or treat any disease. According to the vital philosophical understanding, the defense of our body is competent and sufficiently potent to heal or overcome any type of illness. In effect, one usually falls sick when his/ her body is not in balance with its environment and, hence, it does not have the capacity to successfully become accustomed to the changes in their environment. In such situations, herbs have a major role to play. They are meant for clearing up any type of imbalance encountered by the body and, thereby, enable it to carry out its normal functions to the optimum.
Precisely speaking, our immune system or its response comprises of two main parts. These two prominent sections of our immune system include the TH-1 conduit that generates an instantaneous response, and the TH-2 pathway that results in a belated response. While the TH-1 response is distinguished by the T cells, the TH-2 pathway is created on the formation of antibody and recognition or identification.
It is important to note that balance as well as coordination or synchronization are the two vital aspects of having a potent immune system. The TH-1 system is identified or categorized by killer T cells, T suppressor cells and T helper cells. Having a surplus of T suppressor cells makes the immune system extremely weak and, hence, we easily catch cold or get fevers or flu. On the other hand, when there is an excessive presence of killer T cells in the body and the T suppressor cells are fewer in number, our immune system turns out to be poorly coordinated or synchronized resulting in the damage of the body tissues. The above mentioned conditions are commonly known as autoimmune disorders (for example lupus, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis).
Then again, when the TH-2 system is overriding, the body is prone to depend on it whenever it faces any type of threat. A very simple instance of this is allergies. Whenever an individual is exposed to the allergen, the TH-2 becomes overactive and this results in an immense inflammatory or provocative response. All this happens owing to a lack of or very feeble coordination between the TG-1 and TH-2 systems and subsequently an inadequately harmonized TH-2 reaction that generates a methodical provocative response to a very trivial threat.
A number of specific herbs have been identified for their ability to invigorate the TH-1 reaction, while there are other herbs that motivate the TH-2 system. In addition, there is a third category of herbs that help to maintain a balance between the TH-1 and TH-2 pathways as well as work to facilitate harmonization between the two pathways. In effect, this particular aspect explains as to why one individual may feel terrible after taking Echinacea, while some other individuals experience an instant augmentation in the functioning of their immune system after taking the herb. Similarly, this also makes clear as to why some people have great health even after taking adequate amounts of coffee and green tea, while there are other people who experience terrible results when they take such stimulants that boost the TH-2 response.
Echinacea, lemon balm, licorice roots, pomegranate, astragalus and a few others are among the few chosen groups of herbs that help to augment the TH-1 response. On the other hand, the herbs that perk up TH-2 reaction include green tea, pine bark, grape seed and resveratrol. The herbs, which can be said to belong to the third group, that facilitate maintaining balance between the two pathways as well as help in coordinating between them are ginger, turmeric and, boswellia. In effect, the last three herbs facilitate in augmenting the immune harmonization all through the body.
In order to try out the information provided here and ascertain its veracity you may find out about your feelings and what you observe following any challenge by an immune pathway. The best way of doing this is to take a large dosage of any herb that augments TH-1 reaction. In case you have a wonderful feeling and find your immune system has been perked up after taking the dosage, it is possible that there may already be TH-2 dominance in your system. On the other hand, if you start having a terrible feeling and experience an extreme inflammation, there is a likelihood that your body is TH-1 dominant and by taking the herb you have simply invigorated this pathway in excess. In such cases, you need to balance the two pathways by taking herbs that enhance TH-2 response and also use herbs that work as immune modulators.
It is also advisable that you keep a journal to watch the imbalances you may be having. In effect, this will help you to obtain a higher knowledge level regarding your personal propensities and, at the same time, enable you to remain fit and healthy all through your life. In addition, it would also help to maintain a balance between the two pathways and help to harmonize them.
