9/16/09 Health & Immunity Forum

Immunity Forum Synopsis

Allison M. Lauze

MCPHS 2011 PharmD Candidate

The Herbal Path’s Fall 2009 Extern


The immunity forum held on Wednesday, September 16th featured The Herbal Path’s own staff pharmacist/herbalist, Greg McCrone, as well as special guest speaker Pamela Gerry, a registered nurse with specialized knowledge concerning vaccinations in general, as well as knowledge of what is in the works for the H1N1 influenza virus. This is a synopsis of what was discussed, and we hope this will provide those that attended with information as well as inform those that didn’t attend with the basics what were discussed.


As we always try to promote at the Herbal Path, Greg approaches building up a healthy and robust immune system through a whole body approach. Greg began the forum by educating the group about what viruses are, how they work, and how you can build up your immune system for the impending flu season. He first addressed the body’s reaction to stress, and how high or constant levels of stress can weaken the immune system. He made some suggestions about how to deal with stress and reduce it using various herbs that work to not only reverse the effects of stress on the body, but have long lasting and cumulative effects, such as eleuthero, ashwagandha, and astralagus, in addition to the reishi mushroom.


He followed with a discussion about healthy digestion and nutrition, recommending daily probiotics, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and antioxidants. Greg also recommended a number of herbs that aid the digestive  system in maintaining optimum health, many of which are included in Greg’s own tea blend “Gut Wrench Tea” consisting of herbs such as marshmallow, slippery elm, licorice root, calendula, burdock, ginger, and peppermint.


Finally Greg addressed some products that directly aid in building up the immune system, one of which is another of Greg’s own tea mixtures called “Immuna-tea” which is available in the store for purchase. The tea includes multiple root herbs, including marshmallow, eleuthero, astralagus, licorice, Oregon grape, holy basil, schisandra berries, peppermint, and orange peel. One of Greg’s most valuable recommendations for flu prevention was the use of Elderberry products, which are available in syrup, capsule, lozenge, and tincture formulas.  He explained how studies have shown that some of the constituents included in elderberry extract are able to block viruses’ ability to bind to cells, infiltrate, and begin the process of replication which results in cold and flu symptoms. He also recommended the use of andrographis, elderberry & red root throat spray, a product called Viral Resolve, and Echinacea & goldenseal compounds for prevention.


Next, guest speaker Pamela Gerry took over with a discussion about the history of vaccinations, what ingredients are contained in current vaccinations, what in particular the H1N1 vaccination contains, and what we can do on a personal level to ensure our right to deny vaccinations, and what we can do to educate others about the potential threats of vaccinations. She began with a handout containing several graphs showing the decline of several serious illnesses in history, such as Scarlett Fever, diphtheria, polio, and more, and where vaccinations played a part. As can be seen on the graphs, despite the development of vaccinations, serious illnesses declined due to development of the human immune system.


She then discussed that vaccinations contain a number of chemicals, such as formaldehyde and mercury, which are known to be damaging to humans on multiple levels. The H1N1 virus in development additionally contains the chemical squalene – a chemical used in the anthrax vaccine given to Gulf War Veterans; this vaccination has been linked to numerous autoimmune diseases and other problems with these veterans today. She provided use with information on how to get involved, addressing the rumors that the H1N1 vaccination may be mandatory. She explained that according to the law, the Sheriff of each county has the decision as to whether or not a vaccination is mandatory or not; she encouraged those concerned email or write to your own Sheriff questioning their thoughts about the H1N1 vaccine. Pamela provided a number of website links that are useful in finding more information on what she discussed during her talk.


There is an overwhelming amount of information about influenza, the seasonal influenza vaccination, and the H1N1 vaccination available via CDC.gov; it’s highly encouraged to peruse this site and look for the hard facts versus following the media’s information on seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus. Also be aware that the information provided by the CDC should be taken with a grain of salt – this is a government based website, and despite hard evidence it is the government’s consensus that the best way for flu prevention is to be vaccinated, thus this may be reflected in many articles addressing the public.


We will be holding a second immunity forum on Wednesday, October 14th from 6:30-8:00PM at The Herbal Path’s Dover location featuring the same speakers. We hope to allow adequate time for a question and answer session to address concerns of those attending. Overall our aim is to provide information to the public so that you can make your own decisions concerning whether or not vaccination is appropriate for you and your loved ones.

[Added by Marci Kuegel: The information presented at the forum is not meant to be taken as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.  Our goal is to offer information; the opinions offered by the speakers are just that -- their opinions.  If you have questions about the information, please feel free to call the Herbal Path at 603-740-8400.]


2 Responses

  1. herbal - May 14, 2010

    Thanks for the great info here. Are you familiar with anything regarding black mold? We have some in our bathroom and I am wondering if it could be making us sick. We’ve removed it many times using many cleaners but nothing seems to help. I read online somewhere else that black mold can cause you to have allergic reactions to other stuff that you were never allergic to before black mold exposure. Any ideas as to treatment and/or how to get rid of it for good? Thanks.

    Hi,
    I waited to reply to your comment because I was wary of your username and address — it looks a lot like the spam comments that we get by the bucketload each day. I apologize for the wait and hope that this is a “real” comment, because it’s a great question. Mold is certainly a tough situation. You can try using essential oils in a basic cleaning product (we have some great ones from Grab Green, or the classic Dr. Bronner soap would work well). Essential oils such as tea tree and oregano can be very effective. Grapefruit seed extract is another commonly used mold killer (and also available at The Herbal Path!). Internally, I have heard that Andrographis is an excellent herb to take if you have been exposed to mold.
    Marci

  2. Wersortuast - May 11, 2010

    Thanks for the great info here. Are you familiar with anything regarding black mold? We have some in our bathroom and I am wondering if it could be making us sick. We’ve removed it many times using many cleaners but nothing seems to help. I read online somewhere else that black mold can cause you to have allergic reactions to other stuff that you were never allergic to before black mold exposure. Any ideas as to treatment and/or how to get rid of it for good? Thanks.

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