TB, the Devils Bit Scabious and Immunity

on October 2016

Our picture shows a bee heavy with pollen on the flower of the Devil’s Bit Scabious late on in September.

Nicolas Culpepper (1616 – 54) the famed London herbalist and astrologer thought most highly of the medicinal properties of the Devil’s Bit. He said: “The root was longer until the devil bit it away, envying its usefulness to mankind”.

Carefully unearthing the plant reveals the root abruptly cut short, as if it has been bitten off. Unfortunately the Devil’s Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) has fallen into disuse – but maybe its fame will emerge again.

On the northern isle of Stroma, a healer by the name of Mrs Mackenzie claimed to be able to heal the dreaded disease of TB with Devil’s Bit. This was in an age well before the discovery of antibiotics and their dramatic effect in taming this fearful malady. However, we now face the very real possibility of antibiotic-resistant TB re-emerging and it is reported that some cases are not yielding to the most powerful of antibiotic combinations.

The legend of Mrs Mackenzie and her ability to cure TB has withstood the passage of time and although some will dismiss this as a fanciful tale, the medicinal action of the Devil’s Bit would add credibility. According to Potters New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations: “The Devil’s Bit contains saponin glycosides of unknown structure including scabioside. The medicinal use is: diaphoretic, demulcent and febrifuge. It may be taken as in infusion for coughs and fevers”.

The energy of Devil’s Bit would therefore appear to be directed to the lungs, which of course is the organ attacked by TB with cough and fever being the prime symptoms. In 2014 there were nearly 10 million cases of TB world wide with 1.5 million deaths, mostly in developing countries.

In the meantime, we need to protect ourselves from opportunistic bacterial diseases such as TB by ensuring a competent immune system.

Written by B V Lamb

Now with the real change in season preparing the immune system is key. We already have customers visiting us starting therapeutic doses of our proprietary Echinacea as a preventative. Zinc is ideal to help stop colds and flu and a probiotic to maintain good gut health, the gut being ‘the root of all disease’. Simple measures like keeping the throat area warm, enough rest, enough exercise and most importantly low stress levels all, (Holy Basil, Ashwagandha and ReMag are all helpful for stress) add to keeping the body in a healthy ‘state’. Keeping vitamin D status optimal is vital and testing is key.

For children it is equally important to maintain a strong immune system, especially through the colder months. A good combination of zinc, vitamin C and other wonderful nutrients in this special multi is a real boost. Early nights, time away from the screen and again low stress, will keep them feeling strong. If you have a child that leans to being anxious Californian Poppy can be ideal.