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Immune Tincture Support

Description

An immune tincture focuses on one particular body system, but also contains synergistic herbs that are designed to integratively support the other organ systems as well.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Immune conditions - Colds - Flu - Fever - Infection - Malaise due to lowered immune defenses

Clinical Applications/Research

Paracress

Paracress, also known as Spilanthes acmella, is used for enhancing the immune systems resistance to infections. Paracress is known to protect against colds and flus and decrease allergic symptoms. Paracress is indicated in swollen glands and in all types of acute viral, bacterial or fungal infections.

Pau D’Arco

Pau d’arco was widely used by the Indian tribes of the Amazon region for centuries as a healing herb. It has become popular as an antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory and antifungal agent (Mayell; Natural Health First Aid Guide. 1994. Pocket Books. NY, NY p. 44). Research into the medicinal substances of pau d’arco show it to also have antiparasitic properties.

Red Clover

Red Clover became popular in the nineteenth century as a “blood purifier”. Many people believed that toxins in the blood were the root cause of disease and if the blood was purified, illness would resolve. For this reason, many popular natural detoxification treatments, including the Hoxsey Formula, contain Red Clover as one of the primary ingredients. Red Clover has also been suggested in skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Astragalus membranaceus

The Chinese herbal (huang qi), or astragalus, has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for viral infections. It is valued as a tonic for building resistance to disease. The part commonly used include the root (which may be made into a tincture, fluid extract or powder). Astragalus is very high in trace minerals and micronutrients.

Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea is a natural herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent, and in many scientific studies for its ability to enhance the immune system. It is known to stimulate macrophages and antibodies.

Garlic

Allicin is the molecule responsible for the odor of garlic, and also for many of the purported benefits it offers as an herb. There are many documented effects of garlic in the literature. Some of the effects include garlic’s use as an antifungal, antiviral and broad spectrum natural antibiotic.

Elecampane

Elecampane has been used traditionally to treat coughs, especially those associated with asthma, bronchitis or whooping cough. The constituents of elecampane include inulin and mucilage, which may contribute to the cough prevention capabilities of elecampane. The mucilage content may account for elecampanes carminative effect (the ability to soothe the digestive tract). Elecampane also contains alantolactone, which has been sold in isolated form in Europe by prescription to treat parasites.

Licorice

In China, licorice is called, "the great detoxifier," and is thought to drive poisons from the body (Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal 1993. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London). Licorice is valued as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, because of its ability to help focus the purpose and direction of other herbs, as well as attenuate the harsh properties of other herbs (Landis R. Herbal Defense. 1997. Warner Books. NY, NY). Adrenal insufficiency is treated well with licorice because of the constituents that resemble the adrenal corticoid hormones.

Ginger

Ginger is a perennial herb in which the rhizome (often referred to as the root) has been used in China for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. It is also a favored kitchen spice as well as a spa bath ingredient (promotes perspiration, which aids in detoxing & relaxing sore, achy muscles). Ginger is well known for aiding digestion and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. Ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory product. The gingerols, an active ingredient in ginger, have demostrated some ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes (Chem Pharm Bull. 1992; 40:387-391).

Turmeric

Curcumin is the active component that produces the yellow pigment of turmeric. Turmeric is a root belonging to the ginger family, in which the rhizome part is used in many flavorings but most noticeably in curry powder. This herb is traditionally grown in India, China and Indonesia. Research has shown excellent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. The antiinflammatory properties are due to the ability of curcumin to reduce histamine levels and possibly increase natural cortisone production by the adrenal glands (Aora RB, Basu N, Kapoor V, Jain AP. Antiinflammatory studies on Curcuma longa (tumeric). Ind.J.Med Res. 1971:59:1289-95). For this reason, it is frequently used in rheumatoid arthritis conditions as well as other inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and bursitis. “Due to its antibacterial properties, turmeric is believed to have been used to preserve food before the widespread use of refrigeration” (Mindell, E., Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 1992, page 162).

Buckthorn

Buckthorn berries contain anthraquinone glycosides, which are responsible for their cathartic effect, and which are similar to cascara sagrada, with buckthorn being the milder of the two. Buckthorn has shown activity against Candida, staphylococcus, herpes, and influenza (Weiner, M.A. Herbs that Heal. 1994. Quantum Books, Mill Valley, Ca. p. 97).

Suggested Dosage

5-20 drops in water three times per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Echinacea contains sugars in its cell membrane which the body can build resistance to. Some believe that the immune system should not be constantly stimulated, and recommend not taking continuously (I.e. 8 weeks on, 1 week off). Garlic and pau d'arco should not be taken in large doses with anticoagulant drugs (small amounts are included in this formula).

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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