Immune System

The Immune System

The immune system is not an organ or group of cells, rather it is the sum of the body's defense functions against unwanted invaders. It is made up of white blood cells and T-cells, macrophages, lymphokines and enzymes such as immune globins, superoxide dismutase and histamine.

The overall function of immune defenses is to correctly identify and eliminate metabolic waste, cell mutations and allergens. Immune processes are a part of every cell and affect all the systems of the body. A healthy immune system is
essential for good health.

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Herbs and Herbal Combinations that affect the immune system include:

Blue vervain Classification: Bitter herb, Tonic
Blue Vervain, sometimes called Wild Hyssop or Traveler's Joy, has been in use
since at least the Middle Ages. The plant contains glycosides, volatile oil, tannins,
alkaloids and bitter substances. Nutritionally, blue vermin supports the immune and
nervous systems. It is high in vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin E, calcium
and manganese.

BP Contains a combination of herbs traditionally known in herbalist as blood purifiers.
Ingredients: 430 mg of the finest burdock root, yellow dock root, dandelion root,
licorice root, red clover tops, Turkey rhubarb root, golden seal rhizomes, yarrow
flowers and sarsaparilla root.

BP-C Constitution: Increases wood
A tonic that nutritionally supports and enhances immune response and improves
circulation.
Ingredients: 470 mg of the finest ho shou wu root, ligustrum fruit, rehmannia root,
ganoderma plant, lycium fruit, dang qui root, bupleurum root, cornus fruit, curcuma root, salvia root, achyranthes root, alisma rhizome, astragalus root, atractylodes rhizome, cnidium fruit, cyperus rhizome, and Panax ginseng root.

Cats Claw
Combination It’s been referred to as the "opener of the way" for its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. Cat’s Claw Combination has been enhanced with two additional immune-system herbs: astragalus and echinacea.

KBG CBG combination nutritionally supports the immune system, which is especially
important during times of seasonal change.
Ingredients: chickweed herb, black cohosh root, golden seal root, glycerin, valerian root, scullcap, Brigham tea herb and licorice root with water and alcohol.

CCA Nutritionally supports the immune and respiratory systems during times of stress and
upset.
Ingredients: rose hips, chamomile flowers, slippery elm bark, yarrow flowers,
capsicum fruit, golden seal root, myrrh gum, peppermint leaves, sage leaves and lemon grass herb.

Echinacea Classification: Mucilaginous herb
Echinacea purpurea is the Latin name for a herb native to the central and southwestern U.S.A. The plant, which also goes by the name purple cone flower,
bears beautiful purple flowers resembling black-eyed susans. Although it prefers to
grow in open fields and rocky soil, it has become a favorite with urban gardeners
too. Echinacea was widely used by the Plains Indians who valued it in much the
same fashion the Chinese value ginseng. American settlers quickly adopted its use,
and the herb has been valued by natural health care advocates ever since. German
research has demonstrated the herb’s ability to increase the number of white blood
cells (a vital part of the immune system’s defense against invaders). Today echinacea
is the most popular selling herb for the prevention of colds and sickness. It is high in
organic aluminum, cobalt, zinc, chromium, iron, manganese, niacin, riboflavin,
selenium and vitamin C.

Garlic Garlic has a long history of herbal use as an all purpose healer, antibiotic parasite
killer and detoxifier. "A clove a day keeps the doctor away." It is an excellent source of chromium, phosphorus, selenium and thiamine.

Golden Seal
and
Parthenium This combination uses equal amounts of parthenium and golden seal in an extract
formulated primarily to nutritionally support the immune system during seasonal
changes. Golden seal contains hydrastine hydrochloride and berberine chloride, two
major alkaloids. Parthenium contains sesquiterpene esters. The herbs’ nutritional
elements in extract form are concentrated and rapidly absorbed by the body.
Golden Seal and Parthenium extract can be taken in water or straight under the
tongue.

GraPine with
Protectors GraPine with Protectors combines the powerful grape seed extract with pine bark
extract, making it a superior proanthocyanidin formula. Proanthocyanidins are 20
times more powerful than vitamin C, and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E at
neutralizing free radicals. The proanthocyanidins in this supplement are formulated in
the exclusive Protectors blend of vegetables and the vitamin C-rich bioflavonoid,
acerola.

HP Fighter In addition to diet and chronic stress, another important contributor to stomach
ulcers is heliobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacteria. This bacteria’s favorite home is in the
stomach’s mucous lining where it causes inflammation and ulcers.
H-P Fighter is a deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract supplement which nutritionally
supports the body in its fight against H. pylori bacteria. The ingredient inula
racemosa inhibits the bacteria, while deglycyrrhizinated licorice soothes the stomach.

HRP-C Constitution: Enhances metal
Chinese herbalists would describe this popular combination as a metal-enhancing
formula. Nutritionally it supports the immune system.
Ingredients: dandelion root, purslane herb, indigo herb and root, thlaspi herb, bupleurum root, scute root, pinellia rhizome, Panax ginseng root, cinnamon twig and licorice root.

IMM-C Constitution: Generates chi.
Nutritionally supports the immune system for optimal immune response.
Ingredients: astragalus root, Panax ginseng root, epimedium leaf, eucommia bark,
ganoderma plant, lycium fruit, rehmannia root, dang gui root, achyranthes root, atracylodes rhizome, citrus peel, hoelen plant, ligustrum fruit, ophiopogon root, ho shou wu root, polygala root, schizandra fruit and licorice root.

LYM-Mx The lymphatic system needs to function properly to fulfill its role as an able partner
of the immune system. LYM-Mx supports drainage through the lymphatic system.
Ingredients: 1250 IU Beta Carotene; 50 mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid); 2.5 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HC1); 100 IU Vitamin D3 and 12.5 mg magnesium
(magnesium oxide) in a base containing cliver’s herb, root bark, alfalfa herb,
chamomile flowers, echinacea purpurea root, parthenium integrifolium root, Siberian
ginseng root, yarrow flowers, lecithin, garlic bulb, CoQ10 and sodium copper
chlorophyllin.

Pau d’Arco Pau d’Arco bark comes from a tree that makes its habitat predominantly in
Argentina and Brazil, but which also grows in other tropical areas. The trees grow as
tall as 30 meters, and are alo known by the name Taheebo. Unlike other trees in the
area, pau d’arco does not develop fungus growth. The tree bark was one of the
major plants used to promote health and immunity among the Incas, and its use has
continued among the Callawaya tribe of Indians in South America. Pau d’Arco
contains a chemical called lapachol, which may provide nutritional support to the
immune system. The bark is harvested by being stripped by hand in vertical strips
form the ground up about 6 to 7 feet, leaving enough bark intact to ensure the life of
the tree. Traditionally Pau d’Arco has been helpful with fungal and parasitic
infection.

Rose Hips Nutritionally supports the immune system. High in chromium, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, vitamins A and C, and bioflavonoids.

Syner Pro
protector Pac A 14-day vitamin, mineral and herbal program containing some of the most powerful nutrients, phytochemicials and bioflavonoids to effectively boost the body’s army of free radical fighters.
Ingredients: 28 individually wrapped packets that contain: one tablet supplying 15 mg of beta carotene in a base of carrot powder; one tablet supplying 25 mg of zinc gluconate in a base of kelp, alfalfa and thyme; two SynerPro GraPine tablets with Protectors supplying 40 mg proanthocyanidin complex in a specially formulated SynerPro Concentrate of broccoli, carrot, red beet, rosemary, tomato, turmeric, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, grapefruit and orange bioflavonoids, and hesperidin; one SynerPro citrus bioflavoinoids vitamin C tablet supplying 500 mg of vitamin C (from ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate and ascorbyl palmitate) in the specially formulated SynerPro base; and, one SynerPro vitamin E with selenium capsule supplying 400 IU of natural vitamin E from vegetable sources, and 25 mcg of selenium.

Zinc A rare trace mineral, zinc has been found to be extremely important for maintaining overall health. More zinc is found in the body than any other trace mineral with the exception of iron. Relatively large amounts are found in bone and muscle and in the prostate and retina. It is involved in sugar metabolism and the mineral seems to be easily lost from the system. Pregnant and nursing women require more than other
women. Sucking on a zinc tablet is effective in fighting a sore throat.

All of the above products are available from Nature's Sunshine Herbal Products.

Contact me for more information or to discuss the results of your quiz.

Blue vervain	Classification: Bitter herb, Tonic Blue Vervain, sometimes called Wild Hyssop or Traveler's Joy, has been in use since at least the Middle Ages. The plant contains glycosides, volatile oil, tannins, alkaloids and bitter substances. Nutritionally, blue vermin supports the immune and nervous systems. It is high in vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin E, calcium and manganese.
BP	Contains a combination of herbs traditionally known in herbalist as blood purifiers. Ingredients: 430 mg of the finest burdock root, yellow dock root, dandelion root, licorice root, red clover tops, Turkey rhubarb root, golden seal rhizomes, yarrow flowers and sarsaparilla root.
BP-C	Constitution: Increases wood A tonic that nutritionally supports and enhances immune response and improves circulation. Ingredients: 470 mg of the finest ho shou wu root, ligustrum fruit, rehmannia root, ganoderma plant, lycium fruit, dang qui root, bupleurum root, cornus fruit, curcuma root, salvia root, achyranthes root, alisma rhizome, astragalus root, atractylodes rhizome, cnidium fruit, cyperus rhizome, and Panax ginseng root.
Cats Claw Combination	It’s been referred to as the "opener of the way" for its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. Cat’s Claw Combination has been enhanced with two additional immune-system herbs: astragalus and echinacea.
KBG	CBG combination nutritionally supports the immune system, which is especially important during times of seasonal change. Ingredients: chickweed herb, black cohosh root, golden seal root, glycerin, valerian root, scullcap, Brigham tea herb and licorice root with water and alcohol.
CCA	Nutritionally supports the immune and respiratory systems during times of stress and upset. Ingredients: rose hips, chamomile flowers, slippery elm bark, yarrow flowers, capsicum fruit, golden seal root, myrrh gum, peppermint leaves, sage leaves and lemon grass herb.
Echinacea	Classification: Mucilaginous herb Echinacea purpurea is the Latin name for a herb native to the central and southwestern U.S.A. The plant, which also goes by the name purple cone flower, bears beautiful purple flowers resembling black-eyed susans. Although it prefers to grow in open fields and rocky soil, it has become a favorite with urban gardeners too. Echinacea was widely used by the Plains Indians who valued it in much the same fashion the Chinese value ginseng. American settlers quickly adopted its use, and the herb has been valued by natural health care advocates ever since. German research has demonstrated the herb’s ability to increase the number of white blood cells (a vital part of the immune system’s defense against invaders). Today echinacea is the most popular selling herb for the prevention of colds and sickness. It is high in organic aluminum, cobalt, zinc, chromium, iron, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, selenium and vitamin C.
Garlic	Garlic has a long history of herbal use as an all purpose healer, antibiotic parasite killer and detoxifier. "A clove a day keeps the doctor away." It is an excellent source of chromium, phosphorus, selenium and thiamine.
Golden Seal and Parthenium	This combination uses equal amounts of parthenium and golden seal in an extract formulated primarily to nutritionally support the immune system during seasonal changes. Golden seal contains hydrastine hydrochloride and berberine chloride, two major alkaloids. Parthenium contains sesquiterpene esters. The herbs’ nutritional elements in extract form are concentrated and rapidly absorbed by the body. Golden Seal and Parthenium extract can be taken in water or straight under the tongue.
GraPine with Protectors	GraPine with Protectors combines the powerful grape seed extract with pine bark extract, making it a superior proanthocyanidin formula. Proanthocyanidins are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C, and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E at neutralizing free radicals. The proanthocyanidins in this supplement are formulated in the exclusive Protectors blend of vegetables and the vitamin C-rich bioflavonoid, acerola.
HP Fighter	In addition to diet and chronic stress, another important contributor to stomach ulcers is heliobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacteria. This bacteria’s favorite home is in the stomach’s mucous lining where it causes inflammation and ulcers. H-P Fighter is a deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract supplement which nutritionally supports the body in its fight against H. pylori bacteria. The ingredient inula racemosa inhibits the bacteria, while deglycyrrhizinated licorice soothes the stomach.
HRP-C	Constitution: Enhances metal Chinese herbalists would describe this popular combination as a metal-enhancing formula. Nutritionally it supports the immune system. Ingredients: dandelion root, purslane herb, indigo herb and root, thlaspi herb, bupleurum root, scute root, pinellia rhizome, Panax ginseng root, cinnamon twig and licorice root.
IMM-C	Constitution: Generates chi. Nutritionally supports the immune system for optimal immune response. Ingredients: astragalus root, Panax ginseng root, epimedium leaf, eucommia bark, ganoderma plant, lycium fruit, rehmannia root, dang gui root, achyranthes root, atracylodes rhizome, citrus peel, hoelen plant, ligustrum fruit, ophiopogon root, ho shou wu root, polygala root, schizandra fruit and licorice root.
LYM-Mx	The lymphatic system needs to function properly to fulfill its role as an able partner of the immune system. LYM-Mx supports drainage through the lymphatic system. Ingredients: 1250 IU Beta Carotene; 50 mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid); 2.5 mg Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HC1); 100 IU Vitamin D3 and 12.5 mg magnesium (magnesium oxide) in a base containing cliver’s herb, root bark, alfalfa herb, chamomile flowers, echinacea purpurea root, parthenium integrifolium root, Siberian ginseng root, yarrow flowers, lecithin, garlic bulb, CoQ10 and sodium copper chlorophyllin.
Pau d’Arco	Pau d’Arco bark comes from a tree that makes its habitat predominantly in Argentina and Brazil, but which also grows in other tropical areas. The trees grow as tall as 30 meters, and are alo known by the name Taheebo. Unlike other trees in the area, pau d’arco does not develop fungus growth. The tree bark was one of the major plants used to promote health and immunity among the Incas, and its use has continued among the Callawaya tribe of Indians in South America. Pau d’Arco contains a chemical called lapachol, which may provide nutritional support to the immune system. The bark is harvested by being stripped by hand in vertical strips form the ground up about 6 to 7 feet, leaving enough bark intact to ensure the life of the tree. Traditionally Pau d’Arco has been helpful with fungal and parasitic infection.
Rose Hips	Nutritionally supports the immune system. High in chromium, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, vitamins A and C, and bioflavonoids.
Syner Pro protector Pac	A 14-day vitamin, mineral and herbal program containing some of the most powerful nutrients, phytochemicials and bioflavonoids to effectively boost the body’s army of free radical fighters. Ingredients: 28 individually wrapped packets that contain: one tablet supplying 15 mg of beta carotene in a base of carrot powder; one tablet supplying 25 mg of zinc gluconate in a base of kelp, alfalfa and thyme; two SynerPro GraPine tablets with Protectors supplying 40 mg proanthocyanidin complex in a specially formulated SynerPro Concentrate of broccoli, carrot, red beet, rosemary, tomato, turmeric, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, grapefruit and orange bioflavonoids, and hesperidin; one SynerPro citrus bioflavoinoids vitamin C tablet supplying 500 mg of vitamin C (from ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate and ascorbyl palmitate) in the specially formulated SynerPro base; and, one SynerPro vitamin E with selenium capsule supplying 400 IU of natural vitamin E from vegetable sources, and 25 mcg of selenium.
Zinc	A rare trace mineral, zinc has been found to be extremely important for maintaining overall health. More zinc is found in the body than any other trace mineral with the exception of iron. Relatively large amounts are found in bone and muscle and in the prostate and retina. It is involved in sugar metabolism and the mineral seems to be easily lost from the system. Pregnant and nursing women require more than other women. Sucking on a zinc tablet is effective in fighting a sore throat.