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Echinacea is native to North America, and is one of the most popular herbs today in both North America and Europe. With natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea purpurea is best know for its ability to kick-start the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells. Echinacea contains iron, iodine, copper, potassium, sulphur, and Vitamins A, E and C. Echinacea also contains polysaccharides, resembling bacteria, which motivate the healthy white blood cells attack bacterial invaders. Contributing to the bodies natural ability to fight infection, Echinacea is commonly referred to as the natural antibiotic and commonly used to fight infection caused by common colds and flu. Echinacea may also be used for reducing inflammation caused by respiratory problems, bronchitis, strep throat and enlarged prostate glands. Echinacea also has fat-soluble flavonoids, luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin. Also present are the potent free radical scavengers safely derivatives which are said to protect the skin from sun damage. The high molecular weight polysaccharide fractions are surely involved in stimulating the immune response. |
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Astragalus is also known by the names Milk Vetch, Locoweed, Yellow Vetch, Poison Vetch, and Chinese Astragalus. The common name "Astragalus" also includes the species Astragalus mongolicus, Astragalus chinensis, and Astragalus complanatus, which are used interchangeably with Astragalus membranaceus. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Some say that Astragalus shows promise to support cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy therapies, and may also help fight against environmental allergies, but more scientific evidence is needed to affirm these considerations. Astragalus contains numerous constituents, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, amino acids, and trace minerals. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. |
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Reishi Mushroom grows wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat liver disorders, hypertension, arthritis, and other ailments. Reishi also has immune potentiating properties. Active compounds from Reishi include glycoproteins, enzymes, polysaccharides and other metabolites which can stimulate immune response in a host. Some compounds in Reishi Mushrooms are classified as immuno-potentiators. Reishi can also act to restore homeostasis in an immuno-suppressed host. Studies have indicated that Reishi is able to induce potent anti-microbial activity in mice. In vitro studies point to the stimulative effects on the production of monocytes, macrophages and cytokines. Anti-viral and anti-oxidant effects are other in vitro effects observed from the study of Reishi. Reishi contains several chemical constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well as decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels.
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