The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Definition

An infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and characterized pathologically by inflammatory infiltrations, formation of tubercles, caseation, necrosis, abscesses, fibrosis, and calcification. It most commonly affects the respiratory system but other parts of the body such as gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, bones, joints, nervous system, lymph nodes, and skin may become infected. Fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals (esp. cattle) are subject to the disease. Three types of tubercle bacillus exist, namely, human, bovine, and avian. Man may become infected by any of the three types but in the U.S.A., the human type predominates. Infection usually is acquired from contact with an infected person or an infected cow or trough drinking contaminated milk.

Tuberculosis may occur in an acute generalized form (miliary tuberculosis) or in a chronic localized form. In man, the primary infection usually consists of a localized lesion and regional adenitis, these constituting the primary complex. From this state, lesions may heal by fibrosis and calcification and the disease exist in an arrested or inactive stage. Reactivation or exacerbation of the disease or reinfection gives rise to the chronic progressive form.

Many varieties of Mycobacteria that previously were thought to be nonpathogenic for man have been found to cause chronic progressive pulmonary disease closely resembling pulmonary tuberculosis. These organisms have been termed anonymous or atypical Mycobacteria. They have been classified into four groups: photochromogens, scotochromogens, nonphotochromagens, and rapid growers.
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Causes

The basic cause is the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The risk of contracting TB increases with unsanitary conditions, close contact with someone infected, impaired immune system function from chronic illnesses such as AIDS, an unbalanced diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.
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Symptoms

Early symptoms are slow in developing and initially resemble influenza. Tuberculosis often begins with a cough, may be accompanied by bloody sputum. As it worsens, there is fever, severe night sweats, chronic fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, and infected urine. Sometimes the lymph nodes in one or both sides of the neck are enlarged (scrofula). These may get very large and rupture if not treated properly. Advanced cases show TB of the larynx, making the patient unable to speak above a whisper.
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Nutrients

Coenzyme Q10, 75 mg. per day, helps carry oxygen to tissues for healing.

Garlic tablets, 2 tablets with meals, helps keep infection in check and stimulates immune function.

L-Cysteine and L-Methionine (amino acids), 500 mg. 2 times per day, protects the lungs and liver by detoxifying harmful toxins.

Protein (free form amino acids), taken as directed on the label, are needed for tissue repair.

Selenium, 200 mcg. per day, protects against free radicals and promotes a healthy immune system.

Vitamin A emulsion, 20,000 IU per day, or vitamin A capsules, 25,000 in capsule form, is vital for healing of lung tissue.

Vitamin B complex, or injectable vitamin B (check with the doctor).

Vitamin D capsules, 400 IU per day, is essential for utilization of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E capsules, 400 IU per day, increase slowly to 1,500 IU per day, helps protect the lung tissues and provides oxygen to the cells.

Germanium, 200 mg. per day, absorbs excess hydrogen ions and removes them from the body, making oxygen more available to the tissues.

Multimineral supplement, taken with meals (do NOT take sustained release formula), for strength and healing.

Calcium, 1,000 mg. per day.

Magnesium 750 mg. per day.

Kelp, 10 tablets per day, for a natural supply of minerals, rich in iodine.

Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals, is needed to keep the inflammation check, digest essential nutrients, and improve absorption.

Multidigestive enzymes, taken with meals.

Zinc, 50-80 mg. per day, promotes immune function and healing.
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Herbs

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Recommendations

See the doctor if you suspect you have TB.

The diet should consist of mainly raw vegetables and fruits. Eat yogurt, buttermilk, all soured forms of milk, fish, fowl, raw cheeses, raw seeds and nuts, whole grains, garlic, and eggs.

Drink pineapple juice and fresh carrot juice every day. Kefir milk and fresh sugar-free yogurt taken daily into the diet. Soybean milk can be taken freely. Soybean milk with whole wheat flakes is very nourishing.

Good foods for the diet: very ripe bananas, oatmeal with malt honey, whole wheat or soybean bread, zwieback, potassium broth, tender fresh peas, steamed figs, dates, graham crackers, all kinds of vegetables (seasoned with soybean milk or soybean butter), natural brown rice, and baked Irish potatoes.

Get plenty of fresh air. Exercise outdoors every day. Walking a little further each day, uphill will cause deep breathing.
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Suggestions

A chest x-ray or a tuberculosis skin test can detect this disease. See a doctor.

Avoid stress! Get plenty of rest, sunshine, and fresh air. A dry climate is recommended.

Anti-tuberculosis medications are available, but beware of side effects. Steep 1 tsp. of powdered goldenseal, 1 tsp. cubeb berries, and 1/4 tsp. lobelia in a pint of boiling water for 1/2 hr. Take a swallow every hour.

Mix 2 tbsp. of powdered bugleweed with a pinch of cayenne and use a level tsp. of this mixture to a cup of boiling water. Take a swallow every 2 hours. A cupful of this tea is also useful to check bleeding from the lungs. Powdered bayberry bark or shepherd’s purse is also very good to check hemorrhage from the lungs. Use 1/2 tsp. to a cup of boiling water; let steep, strain, and drink it cold.

Drink at least 1 quart of slippery elm tea each day, drinking 1 cup per hour before each meal and 1 at bedtime. This will strengthen, heal, and nourish. If the digestion is not good take 1/4 tsp. powdered goldenseal in a glass of water an hour before each meal.

Teas to relieve congestion and inflammation:

Number 1
Lance-leaf Plantain (1 part)
Mullein flowers (1 part)
Lungwort (1 part)
Speedwell (2 parts)
Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, sweetened with raw sugar or honey, in mouthful doses.

Number 2
Milfoil (1 part)
Coltsfoot leaves and flowers (1 part)
Lungwort (2 parts)
Nettle leaves (2 parts)
Lance-leaf Plantain leaves (4 parts)
Steep 2 level tsp. mixture in 1/2 cup boiling water.
Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, sweetened with 2 tsp. honey per cup, in mouthful doses.

Number 3
Knotgrass
Shave grass
Hemp nettle
Primrose flower
Boil equal parts of knotgrass and shave grass lightly, then steep equal parts of hemp nettle and primrose flowers in the decoction for 5 minutes. Add 1 tsp. honey per cup. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, in mouthful doses.

Number 4
Shave grass
Witch grass
Hemp nettle
Mix in equal parts. Add 1 heaping tsp. to 1/2 cup cold water. Bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute, then steep for 1 minute and strain. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, in mouthful doses, sweetened with 2 tsp. honey per cup if desired.

Number 5
Shave grass (1 part)
Nettle leaves (1 part)
Lance-leaf plantain leaves (2 parts)
Lungwort (2 parts)
Steep 3 heaping tsp. in 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Strain and add 3 tsp. honey. Take 1 1/2 cups per day, in mouthful doses.

CHINESE FORMULAS:

Formula 1
(Minor Bupleurum Combination or Hsiao Chai Hu Tang)
Harmonizes half chronic and half acute symptoms, half deficient and half excess
Bupleurum (chief herb)
Jujube date (supporting)
Ginger (conducting)
Ginseng (assisting)
Licorice (supporting)
Pinellia (assisting)
Skullcap root (assisting)
This is a formula for treating prolonged symptoms of cold, flu, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, headaches, nasal congestion, shoulder stiffness, tuberculosis, and pleurisy. It is also good for hypoglycemia and hepatitis, and for diseases that are both acute and chronic, weak and strong, internal and external, yin and yang. It is one of the most commonly indicated formulas and may be taken over a long period for promoting general health.
Simmer 4 cups of tea until it has reduced to 2 cups in volume. Drink 2 cups per day.

Formula 2
(Bu Zhong Yin Chi Wan)
Ginseng (chief herb)
Astragalus (chief and assisting)
Atractylodes (chief and assisting)
Dong quai (assisting)
Black Cohosh (assisting)
Bupleurum (assisting)
Citrus peel (assisting)
Licorice (supporting)
This is the formula for maximum tonification. Take it for chronic weakness, tuberculosis, gastroptosis, anorexia, abdominal distention, loss of weight during the summer, neurasthenia, impotence, uterine prolapse, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, monoplegia, ephidrosis (abnormally heavy sweating), hernia, chronic gonorrhea, diarrhea, malaria, suppuration and hemorrhage. The individual needing this formula will have a weak pulse, general fatigue, mild fever, night sweats, headache, weak digestion and palpitations at the naval.
Dosage: 1/2 to 1 tsp. 2-3 times per day. As a milder tonic, take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. twice per day.
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Bibliography

Buy It! Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994

Buy It! The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.

Buy It! Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Buy It! Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Buy It! Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Buy It! The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Buy It! The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

Buy It! Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

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