Immunity

ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea) is one of the most exciting therapeutic herbs available today, a unique herb related to the sunflower (Asteraceae) plant family. Echinacea has been widely used by Native Americans, particularly the Plains Indians, for hundreds of years as an antiseptic, an analgesic (pain killer) and for the treatment of snakebites. Echinacea is also used extensively by herbalists and alternative health care providers to boost the immune system, help speed wound healing, reduce inflammations, treat colds and flu, and fight infections. A growing collection of scientific evidence supports Echinacea’s important contribution to stimulating the immune system. Researchers have found that Echinacea’s immune-stimulating properties are due to a rich host of polysaccharides and phytosterols unique to this plant. Researchers have identified a number of important active ingredients, including glycosides (especially echinacoside), eichloric acid, chlorogenic acid, polysaccharides (echinacin B, inulin, arabinogalactans, xyloglucans), isobutylamines (echinacin), alkylamides, phytosterols, and many other valuable compounds.
Scientists have found that Echinacea helps to activate macrophages, key immune system elements that are directly involved in the destruction of bacteria, viruses, other infectious agents and cancer cells. Macrophages produce much of their lethal effect by generating free oxygen radicals as well as producing a key protein called “interleukin-l”. A report in the December 1984 issue of Infection and Immunity demonstrated that a polysaccharide fraction derived from Echinacea purpurea significantly increased the killing effect of macrophages on tumor cells. The polysaccharides also increased the production of free oxygen radicals and interleukin-1. The Echinacea polysaccharide had no effect on T-lymphocytes (involved in cellular immunity) and only a modest effect on B-lymphocytes (involved in humoral immunity-making antibodies). Another report indicated that Echinacea enhances natural killer cell activity, another important component in the immune system.

GOLDENSEAL (Hydrastis canadensis), a member of the family Ranunculaceae, is a native American medicinal drug introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases and sore eyes. Goldenseal extract, derived from the rhizome and roots of this small forest plant, has acquired a considerable reputation as a general bitter tonic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal’s benefits can be attributed to its alkaloids, especially hydrastine and berberine. The latter is also responsible for the drug’s characteristic golden color. These alkaloids are strongly astringent and help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. Hydrastine has also been reported to lower blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis, along with being an anti-tussive (relieves coughs). Barbering and its sulfate, berberine sulfate, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity in vitro, and also have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immunostimulatory activity, as well. Barbering has shown marked effects on acute diarrhea and its antibacterial qualities interfere with the ability of micro-organisms to adhere to the walls of host cells. Goldenseal has been recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It has been reported that the plant relieves pains and helps heal wounds and stop bleeding. In addition, the antibacterial action helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores.

LICORICE ROOT (Glycyrrhiza glabra) acts in an extremely complex manner to adjust the concentrations of vital blood salts, thereby stimulating and sustaining proper adrenal function. Licorice root protects the blood supply and enhances its purity by protecting the body’s blood detoxification plant – the liver, from serious diseases. Licorice root is contained in many of the formulations developed by Viable Herbal Solutions. Besides possessing numerous specific medicinal properties, it modulates and strengthens the activity of other herbal ingredients in each formulation. Licorice root’s status as a tonic is undoubtedly due to the cumulative effect of all its medicinal properties. Other examples of the benefits of this herbal ingredient include the following:
Licorice protects & heals distressed mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory which has been used successfully in treating dermatological problems, as well as to reduce the symptoms of stiff, inflamed and sore muscles & joints.

CAT’S CLAW (Uncaria tormentosa) is a wood vine that grows in Peru, and has been used by the Peruvian Indians for years for the treatment of a wide range of health problems. Cat’s Claw helps create support for the intestinal and immune systems of the body, and also creates intestinal support by its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal
tract. This cleansing property helps create support for people experiencing different stomach & bowel disorders, including colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and leaky bowel syndrome. Cat’s Claw contains seven
different alkaloids that are credited with having a variety of different medicinal and healing properties. The most immunilogically active alkaloid is believed to be Isopteropodin (Isomer A), which increases the immune response in the body. In addition, the presence of glycosides, proanthocyanidins and beta sitosterol help provide anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory support for the body.

PAU D’ARCO (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is an antibacterial agent which has a positive overall healing effect, and also exhibits numerous anti-viral properties. Derived from the inner bark of a native South American tree, this herb has strong anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties. Considered a good blood alterative, it has application in numerous chronic health disorders. A primary action of Pau D’Arco includes its use as a powerful immune system builder, again relating back to its blood cleansing capabilities. This herb has also been used effectively for a variety of conditions, including candidiasis, smoker’s cough, warts, all types of infection, diabetes, ulcers, rheumatism, allergies, and liver disease.

CAYENNE (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)  is primarily a kind of catalyst in the blood purification process. Cayenne has positive effects on circulation, the heart, the stomach, and all other systems of the body. But it is not usually thought of as a tonic. It is generally considered a carminative (expelling gas from the stomach & intestines) and a stimulant. The stimulant property, however, is so prevalent that increased tonus of nerves & glands is a major end result of its action. It stimulates the vital organs to greater activity levels, and promotes cardiovascular efficiency,
while lowering overall blood pressure. Additionally, Cayenne acts directly as a diaphoretic, stimulating excretion of wastes in the sweat. By increasing the circulation of blood to peripheral tissues, Cayenne helps ensure that nutrients (including those obtained from this and other herbal preparations) are effectively delivered to inflamed and infected areas. Cayenne also helps regulate cholesterol and lipid levels.