Chinese herbal medicine support for MAC treatment

Posted by winema @winema, Jun 17, 2025

Has anyone tried herbal support for immune system and lung health? Traditional Chinese medicine apparently includes several herbs which have been researched and found helpful as adjuncts to the typical NTM meds. Here's an article from NIH (link below). I don't have the expertise or patience to wade through all the technicalities of the studies, but found the results interesting, and wonder if anyone has tried any. The one I'm looking into is Astragalus membranaceus. I'm not interested in high dosages sold in capsules by various companies which may or may not be reliable; Astragalus can be consumed as a tea. Would love to know what others might have learned or tried.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6630501/

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Profile picture for tufty @tufty

@kathyjjb
You're going to laugh I ordered it already! So thoughtful of you to PS me. I just finished my yoga and breathing hour.. so revitalizing. I hope I can keep it up!

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@tufty Sounds like you're on the right track. Good luck!

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Profile picture for kathyjjb @kathyjjb

@tufty Just noticed, I didn't give you enough info. It's called SOL NUTRITION. The doctor at the clinic here, formulated the supplements. Her name is Dr. Liu Jing. Thought it had B Vits but looking at bottle it contains: Astragalus root, Ren shen root, Eleuthero, Tongkat Ali, Honey Fried licorice root, Ashwaganda, Rhodia, Rehmannia root.

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@kathyjjb Noticed your post about the herbs etc. in the SOL NUTRITION.
Going to look them up.
Barbara

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Profile picture for blm1007blm1007 @blm1007blm1007

@kathyjjb Noticed your post about the herbs etc. in the SOL NUTRITION.
Going to look them up.
Barbara

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@blm1007blm1007 best supplements for fatigue.

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I waned to offer a little different perspective on supplements if anyone is interested. I’ve been in healthcare for 38 years practicing as a registered dietitian. I think there are some supplements with very promising studies out there. As with anything I think that we need to consider safety first. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and as a result the amount of active ingredients may vary, some may be contaminated with toxic substances including bacteria. In addition, there may be side effects and interactions with other medications you take. For myself, I am more careful since I have a compromised immune system and have BE with MAC. With that being said, I’m not sure I can live without my melatonin. Things to consider when starting herbal supplements are to stick with well known brands, consult your doctor regarding potential interactions and look for GMP (good manufacturing practice seal of approval and USP seal. Also, I’d look for those with randomized control trials with human subjects. Good luck to everyone in finding the answer that’s right for you!

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Profile picture for Nonnie @cpolich

I waned to offer a little different perspective on supplements if anyone is interested. I’ve been in healthcare for 38 years practicing as a registered dietitian. I think there are some supplements with very promising studies out there. As with anything I think that we need to consider safety first. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and as a result the amount of active ingredients may vary, some may be contaminated with toxic substances including bacteria. In addition, there may be side effects and interactions with other medications you take. For myself, I am more careful since I have a compromised immune system and have BE with MAC. With that being said, I’m not sure I can live without my melatonin. Things to consider when starting herbal supplements are to stick with well known brands, consult your doctor regarding potential interactions and look for GMP (good manufacturing practice seal of approval and USP seal. Also, I’d look for those with randomized control trials with human subjects. Good luck to everyone in finding the answer that’s right for you!

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@cpolich
Thank you, Nonnie!

Anne

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Profile picture for kathyjjb @kathyjjb

I went to an Eastern Medicine Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic a few weeks ago, and the doctor started me on SOL GOGO and Liver capsules. He told me my dose was stronger than daily acupuncture. The clinic does have the powder and the individual herbs for the tea, but based on past experience, due to taste, I'm taking the capsules, even though the alternatives are stronger. I have a CT in 2 months, so it will be interesting if there's any improvement. Thank you for the link, I will print and take to the clinic. The 2 doctors that run the clinic are very impressive; one has 2 PhD's and an MD from China. I take 16 capsules/ day (4 of each twice per day) and I have thus far noticed an improvement in my energy.

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@kathyjjb Thanks for this info. So interesting. I’m going to look it up. Why the liver pills?
Please keep us posted?

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Profile picture for roebeau1 @roebeau1

@kathyjjb Thanks for this info. So interesting. I’m going to look it up. Why the liver pills?
Please keep us posted?

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@roebeau1 You're welcome. The liver is for detox, inflammation (which is a huge problem for me), low energy, etc. I had an herbal consult with the Dr there, so not sure if there were other reasons he put me on that particular combination. I don't take the liver anymore and have cut my GOGO down to 5 capsules/day. Energy is pretty good, still get low energy in the afternoon for a few hours-but it's not every day and few and farther in between.

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