Module #7 - The Immune System
Immunity and the Lymphatic system
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and PhysiologyPrint PDF file below write out these Immune System and Herbal Vocabulary words locate and write out the definitions for each. as for the herbs please locate it's uses, contraindications, drug interactions, and its botanical description, you will either need to scan or take a picture of your work and email it to your instructor to receive credit.
Antibody
Antigen
Acquired (Adaptive) immunity Basophil
Bone marrow
Cell-mediated response Complement
Eosinophil
First-line defense Immunoglobulin (Ig) Interferon
Leukocyte
Liver
Lymph
Lymph node
Lymphatic vessels Lymphocytes:
T Cells
Cytotoxic (killer) T cells Helper T cells
Memory T cells
Natural Killer (NK) T cells Suppressor T cells
Disorders
Adenitis
Allergies (Hypersensitivity)
Anaphylaxis
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)Autoimmune diseases
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Common cold
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Hodgkin’s disease (HD)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Immune stress related disorders Lethargy
Leukemia
Lymphocytes (continued): B Cells
Memory B cells
Plasma cells Lysozyme
Mast cell
Monocyte
Neutrophil Non-specific resistance Phagocytes:
Granulocytes
Macrophages Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) Skin
Spleen
Thrombocyte (platelet)
Thymus gland
Tonsils
White blood cell (WBC)
Lowered resistance Lymphocytopenia Lymphoma Malnutrition Mononucleosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) Pneumocystic carinii Pneumonia
Recurring infections Retrovirus
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Sore throat
Splenomegaly
Swollen lymph nodes
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Herbal Properties
Adaptogen Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotic Antiseptic
Single Herbs
American ginseng – Panax quinquefoliusBarberry – Berberis spp.
Bayberry – Myrica spp.
Bee balm – Monarda spp.
Bittersweet nightshade – Solanum dulcamaraBladderwrack – Fucus spp.
Bogbean – Menyanthes trifoliata Boneset – Eupatorium perfoliatum Burdock – Arctium spp.
Calamus – Acorus calamus Calendula – Calendula officinalis Cayenne – Capsicum spp.
Cedar – Thuja spp.
Chaparral – Larrea spp.
Chinese ginseng – Panax ginseng Cleavers – Galium aparine
Cola nut – Cola spp.
Dandelion – Taraxacum officinalis Dang shen – Codonopsis pilosula Devil’s club – Oplopanax horridum Echinacea – Echinacea spp.
Garlic – Allium sativum
Ginger – Zingiber officinale Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis Horseradish – Armoracia rusticana Huang chi – Astragalus spp.
Hyssop – Hyssopus officinalis
Iris – Iris versicolor, I. Missouriensis Leafcup – Polymnia uvedalia, P. canadensisLicorice – Glycyrrhiza spp.
Lobelia – Lobelia inflata
Preparations
Acute tincture– Echinacea, Goldenseal, Osha, Baptisia, Horseradish, Poke
Alterative syrup – Stillingia, Echinacea, Yellow dock, Oregon grape, Yerba mansa, Milk thistle, HoneyInfluenza tincture – Osha, Echinacea, Baptisia
Astringent Immune stimulant Bitter Immunosuppressant Cholagogue Lymphagogue Hepatic Tonic Immunomodulation
Lomatium – Lomatium dissectum
Marshmallow – Althaea officinalis
Milk thistle – Silybum marianum
Myrrh – Commiphora spp.
Nettles – Urtica spp.
Ocotillo – Fouquieria splendens
Oregon grape – Mahonia spp.
Osha – Ligusticum porteri
Poke – Phytolacca americana
Prickly ash – Zanthoxylum spp.
Ragweed – Ambrosia spp.
Redroot – Ceanothus americanus
Red clover – Trifolium pratense
Reishi – Ganoderma spp.
Rosemary – Rosmarinus spp.
St. Johnswort – Hypericum perforatum Sassafras – Sassafras albidum
Shiso – Perilla frutescens
Siberian ginseng – Eleutherococcus senticosusSnakeroot – Aristolochia spp.
Spikenard – Aralia racemosa
Spilanthes – Spilanthes sylvatica
Thyme – Thymus spp.
Turkey rhubarb – Rheum palmatum Turmeric – Curcuma spp.
Usnea – Usnea spp.
Wild ginger – Asarum spp.
Wild indigo – Baptisia tinctoria, B. spp. Yarrow – Achillea millefolium
Yellow dock – Rumex crispus, R. spp.
Take the two images and combine them into one master image along with the information provided in this section be creative using either your artistic talents or by utilizing technology to showcase a more complete image of the components of the immune system.
Understanding the immune system is crucial for anyone interested in herbalism as it plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. One key component of the immune system is white blood cells, which are responsible for identifying and destroying these invaders. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the immune system functions, herbalists can better support and strengthen it through the use of herbs and other natural remedies.
When looking at the immune system from a holistic perspective, it's essential to consider both the physical and energetic aspects of immunity. In addition to supporting the physical body with immune-boosting herbs like echinacea and elderberry, herbalists may also work with energetics to address underlying imbalances that could be affecting immune function. For example, someone experiencing chronic stress may have a weakened immune system due to elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone that can suppress immune activity. In this case, adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil could be used to support the body's stress response and strengthen overall immunity.
By incorporating a wholistic approach to herbalism, practitioners can create a clearer picture of the immune system and how to effectively support it. This involves looking beyond just the physical symptoms of illness and considering the individual as a whole - including their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through this comprehensive understanding, herbalists can tailor their remedies to address the root causes of immune imbalances, helping clients achieve optimal health and vitality on all levels.
Development
- The microbiome helps train and develop the innate and adaptive immune systems. For example, in the gut, bacteria balance the immune response to pathogens, ensuring it's effective but not so strong that it damages the host. These bacteria can help the immune system respond to viruses that infect the gut, like norovirus and rotavirus, as well as viruses that infect the lungs, like the flu.
Function
- The immune system also shapes the microbiome, helping to maintain the symbiotic relationship between the host and the microbes. For example, inflammation triggered by the immune system is linked to many common conditions, including heart disease, some neurological conditions, and certain types of cancer.
The link between a healthy gut and a healthy immune system
Is it true that 70% of your immune system is in your gut?
In fact, about 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. A well-balanced microbiota, as the colonies of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa, in your gut are known, play a major role in keeping your immune system fighting fit and able to drive off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Called the “forgotten organ,” the microbiome comprises trillions and trillions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, in our body. Each person has their own unique set of microbes, initially determined by our DNA and early years of life.
Colon Cancer Research Studies Microbiome in Gut Health
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
How do I reset my microbiome?
Gut resets aim to restore the balance of the microbiome by:
- removing foods that feed harmful bacteria and cause inflammation.
- introducing plenty of prebiotic foods, which feed beneficial bacteria.
- encouraging healthful practices, such as getting enough sleep and exercise and staying hydrated.
The immune system is composed of various cells that play crucial roles in defending the body against infections and diseases. These cells can be broadly categorized into different types, each with specific functions:
- White Blood Cells:
- Produced in the bone marrow, they travel through the body's blood and tissues to find and attack foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
- White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes/macrophages.
- Lymphocytes:
- B cells: Mature in the bone marrow and are responsible for producing antibodies after exposure to an invader. These antibodies are found in the blood and other bodily fluids.
- T cells: Travel from the bone marrow to the thymus to mature. The thymus, a gland above the heart, produces the hormone thymosin, which helps in T cell production.
- Natural Killer (NK) cells: Protect the body from infection and disease by responding quickly to threats and destroying harmful cells early on.
- Neutrophils:
- The most abundant type of white blood cells, important for phagocytosing and destroying pathogens.
- Monocytes/Macrophages:
- Monocytes circulate in the blood and differentiate into macrophages when they migrate into tissues. Macrophages are essential for phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Other Cells:
- Phagocytic cells: Include granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells, which are involved in engulfing and destroying pathogens.
- Eosinophils: A type of white blood cell that targets large organisms by secreting toxic substances like major basic protein, which is toxic to parasites.
- Epithelial and Endothelial cells: Act as barriers and play roles in immune signaling.
- Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs): Produce cytokines and help in the early immune response.
- Platelets: Involved in clotting and play a role in the immune response and inflammation.
References:
- Immune Deficiency Foundation. (n.d.). Immune system and PI. Retrieved from Immune Deficiency Foundation.
- NCBI Bookshelf. (n.d.). Innate immune system - Autoimmunity. Retrieved from NCBI Bookshelf.
