Anthrax – What Can TCM Do?  excerpted from an article  by Dr. John Chen,

Which Herbs Have Immune-Enhancing Effect?
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei): Modern research has confirmed repeatedly that Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) increases both specific and non-specific immunity.4,5,6 In a clinical trial of 115 leucopenic patients, it was found the use of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) is associated with an "obvious rise of the white blood cell (WBC) count" with a dose-dependent relationship.7 In addition, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) works well with concurrent drug therapy in enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) potentiates the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapy drugs,8 while reversing the drug-induced immune suppression.9 Lastly, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) also demonstrates anti-cancer activity as it increases the content of cAMP and inhibits the growth of tumor cells.10 

Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum): It has been demonstrated in various clinical studies that Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) enhances the immune system. The specific effects of Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) include an increase in monocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes. 11,12,13,14 In addition, there is also an increased production of cytokine, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor and interferon. 11 Furthermore, Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) has a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activities and inhibits the growth of pneumococci, streptococci (type A), staphylococci, E. coli, B. dysenteriae, pseudomonas, etc. 10 

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis): It enhances overall immunity by increasing the number of lymphocytes and natural killer cells and the production of interleukin, interferon and tumor necrosis factor. 15,16,17,18,19 

In addition, Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis) stimulates and increases the phagocytic activities of macrophages against foreign substances.20 This effect is further potentiated with the addition of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) and Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng). Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) is extremely effective in enhancing the immune system and reversing immune deficiency.21 ,22 ,23 Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) also has immune-enhancing effect by increasing the function of the reticuloendothelial system and the total count of IgM.24 In one clinical study, 52 cancer patients who have leukopenia caused by chemotherapy were able to continue and complete the entire course of chemotherapy treatment with the intake of Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) to prevent bone marrow suppression.25

What Herbs Have Antibiotic Effect Against Bacillus anthracis:

Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) has a broad spectrum antibiotic effect against Bacillus dysenteriae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella typhi, E. Coli, Vibrio Cholerae, Bacillus proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Diplococcus meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, beta hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and Leptospira.26 

Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) has demonstrated moderate antibiotic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus anthracis.27,28 

Qing Dai (Indigo Pulverata Levis) in decoction has inhibitory influence against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis and Vibrio cholerae.29

Qing Hao (Herba Artemisiae Annuae) has been shown to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria catarrhalis, Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.30

Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae) in decoction has a varying degree of inhibitory effectiveness against such pathogens as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus meningitidis, and influenza virus.31 

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis) has been shown to have antibiotic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and some dermatophytes.32

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) has been shown to inhibit the activity of Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus anthracis, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.33

Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis) decoction has inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus anthracis, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and beta-hemolytic streptococcus.34

Ding Xiang (Flos Caryophylli) is effective against Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus.35

Tian Men Dong (Tuber Asparagi Cochinchinensis) in decoction has an inhibitory effect against Bacillus anthracis, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Bacillus subtilis.36

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) in alcohol extract has an inhibitory effect in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.37

Jing Jie (Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae) in decoction has shown anti-microbial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Bacillus anthracis, beta streptococcus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus tuberculi.38 

Gao Liang Jiang (Rhizoma Alphiniae Officinari) has an inhibitory effect on Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis.39

Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae) in decoction has an inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and Bacillus dysenteriae.40

Conclusion
In the event of bio-terrorism, the possibility of an anthrax infection is no longer a theoretical risk, but an actual reality. Though the actual risk of contracting anthrax infection may be extremely small, but cases of anthrax infection continues to be reported. Ever present new threats like Bird Flu, or avian flu, It is essential to stay informed, and be empowered with knowledge. It is necessary to be prepared, but not to over-prepare to interrupt the normal lifestyle. When properly informed and prepared, we can remain poised and ready to take immediate action whenever necessary.