Q: Hi,
I just signed up for your newsletter and find it informative. I have a question that I've wanted to ask.
I've researched various herbs that boost one's immune system like astragalus, olive leaf, medicinal mushrooms, etc. There are different approaches regarding using/combining these herbs. Many say it's wise to alternate them. One article mentioned using olive leaf for 2 weeks, then mushrooms for 2 weeks, then back to olive leaf. Other articles say just stick to one and take it daily. Because the body treats herbs, basically, like food, there isn't a need to alternate using different ones. Some of the mushroom products, like Host Defense by New Chapter, synergistically combines 16 medicinal mushrooms and recommend taking it daily.
What is your objective opinion about this? Does one's body need a "break" from taking certain herbs? Does one's body get "use to" a herb making it less effective? Is it better to alternate different ones or just stick to one daily like other supplements?
Your feedback is appreciated - thanks.
A: Thank you for writing. Yes there are varying opinions on this. From my years of study with Susun Weed, I gather that she does not see a need to take breaks from herbs in general, however have heard her mention the strength of some herbs warrant they be used for weeks or a month, then discontinued for a longer period of time. Or I have heard her mention the use of an herb or two that is taken only during a particular phase of a woman's cycle. I have also heard her mention, like when referring to asparagus, the value of paying attention to a food's availability in a season.
I personally find it a variable that needs attention to the person and the herb and the situation. I do not generally subscribe to the one day or week or so on, then one off. However I have found for myself similar variations. I encourage you to gather up the varying opinions, organizing them by the value of the source to you, then experiment for yourself and see what feels right with any herb at any given time.
Please let us know if we can help further!
Blessings,
Karen Joy
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