Hygieia Herbal Echinacea-Baptisia Immune Compound
Indications: Enhances resistance to colds, flus and infections by strengthening the immune system. Excellent for both acute and chronic conditions.
Contains:
Echinacea root/flower (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea), Wild Indigo root (Baptisia tinctoria), Lomatium root (Lomatium dissectum), Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), Cat’s Claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa), Myrrh gum resin (Commiphora molmol), Usnea lichen (Usnea barbata), Pau d’Arco bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa), Thuja leaf (Thuja occidentalis), Thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris), St. John’s Wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum) and Cleavers herb (Galium aparine).
NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS
©Paulina Nelega, Clinical Herbalist (AHG)
Disclaimer: All information provided herein is strictly for educational purposes. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to commencing any health program.
With all the hype about H1N1 and flu pandemics, let’s take a look at some simple measures that you can take to keep yourself protected - naturally. A strong immune system is your first step to staying healthy!
Before delving into specific herbal remedies that can support the immune system, it can’t be overstated that the number one defense for avoiding ‘catching a bug’ is still the most simple and time-honoured of them all – proper handwashing. If you are out in areas frequented by large numbers of people, such as public transit, fitness centres, or retail shops, the first thing to do upon arriving home, or prior to eating, is wash your hands. (I don’t suggest the use of ‘anti-bacterial soaps’ as these indiscriminately kill our healthy (helpful) bacteria and upset the natural eco-balance of organisms. Regular soap and water is adequate; just be sure to suds up for at least 30 seconds before rinsing.) If you are in a public washroom, it would be counterproductive to now use those just-washed hands to open the door – use the paper towel you’ve just dried with to grasp the handle and, once you have the door open, you can practice your game by lobbing it to the trash bin – two points!
HERBS for the IMMUNE SYSTEM
Most medicinal herbs and mushrooms are more effective when skilfully combined into a compound formula. Traditional herbal medicine, as practiced by indigenous cultures the world over for millenia, has established that many herbs work synergistically together to yield a result that is often ”greater than the sum of the parts.” Combining multiple herbs provides broad-spectrum support of the immune system, including activating white blood cells (which fight infection) and promoting the release of several different chemical mediators of immunity.
SUPPLEMENTS for the IMMUNE SYSTEM
Alongside almost any herbal protocol that I might prescribe, there are also several supplements worth considering. In the case of immune system support, the most important of these is vitamin C. This vitamin is essential: By definition, “essential” means that the body cannot produce it and we must, therefore, obtain it from our diet or through a quality supplement. During times of stress, including illness, our body’s requirement for this essential vitamin increase greatly.
Along with quantity, the quality or type of vitamin C that you choose is very important. Ascorbic acid tends to cause diarrhea before enough can get into the system to be of much benefit. Buffered forms are, therefore, preferable and, amongst the buffered varieties, sodium ascorbate is superior to calcium or other mineral ascorbates. Sodium ascorbate has a faster rate of absorption into the bloodstream (from the intestinal tract) than either calcium ascorbate or ascorbic acid, thereby providing enhanced delivery to the tissues and cells. This results in higher concentrations within the cells of the immune system, enabling a faster and stronger immune response. The vitamin C that I use and recommend is The Right C®.
ZINC is another important supplement to include in your immune-supportive regime. Best is a chelated form, such as the Albion® amino acid chelates found in quality mineral supplements. 30-50 mg daily
You may also wish to consider the following supplements which are recommended as part of a regular, daily program:
MULTI-VITAMIN & MINERAL: For best assimilation, use one that is prepared from an organic food-base. I recommend New Chapter Organics® Daily Multi (gender- and age-specific available). Use an iron-free multi-unless it is specifically required due to an iron-deficiency anemia.
OMEGA-3 ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EPA & DHA): From cold water fish including sardines, mackerel, anchovies, cod liver, or algae (Chlorella, Spirulina, Schizochytrium). I recommend Nordic Naturals® for their unsurpassed quality, potency, research, and sustainable-fishing practices. On their website, you can select the Nordic Naturals Omega-3 product best suited to your individual needs based upon age, gender, and health condition.
Recommended Daily Dosage for EPA and DHA:
-
Adults (15 to 115 years): 500 mg EPA+DHA:
220 mg EPA (minimum)
220 mg DHA (minimum)
-
Lactating Women:
300 mg DHA daily
-
Children (1.5-15 years):
15 mg/lb EPA+DHA
-
Infants (1-18 months; 0-15 lbs):
32 mg/lb EPA+DHA
Some manufacturers may state “Wild Fish Oil” on their labels when, in fact, their products may not be derived solely from 100% wild fish. They may contain oil from farmed fish (up to a certain ‘allowable’ percentage) and are not required to state this on the label, while still qualifying to call themselves, rather misleadingly, Wild Fish Oil. Ensure that your omega-3 fish oil supplement is both high quality and high potency:
- Molecularly-distilled (free of heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and other environmental contaminants);
- 100% wild fish oil;
- Sustainably harvested; and, very importantly,
- In its natural triglyceride form – not an ethyl ester. Ethyl ester omega-3 oils are notably less expensive than the natural triglyceride form of omega-3s (a reflection of their manufacturing processes); however, their biological activity (the degree to which the body recognizes and utilises an ethyl ester fatty acid) is significantly inferior to that of the triglyceride form.
For vegetarians and vegans, algae-derived omega-3 EFAs from Chlorella, Spirulina, and Schizochytrium are an excellent alternative to fish oil. As these algae are commercially grown and harvested, it is important to verify that they are free of environmental contaminants and toxins. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3 EFAs and can be either ground up or sprinkled whole on yogurt, cereals and salads.
FLAX OIL: I do not recommend flax seed oil as a source of plant-based omega-3 EFAs. The conversion of its primary omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), to the biologically active metabolites EPA and DHA, is nominal-to-none in our body. This is another example of marketing myths that remain in circulation long after the facts have proven otherwise (remember margarine?). Flax seed oil is also subject to rapid rancidity upon exposure to light and oxygen; a rancid oil will contribute to inflammation and disease, rather than providing the desired, opposite effect. Fresh ground flax seeds, however, are an excellent source of lignans, which have anti-carcinogenic effects. Grind flax seeds just prior to consuming.
PROBIOTICS (”Friendly bacteria”): Use a full-spectrum product (containing multiple strains of organisms) to support the flora of both the small and large intestines. I recommend Natren® or Bio-K + brands, both of which have superior potency and viability of organisms, along with excellent research.
VITAMIN D3: Minimum 2000 IU daily
VITAMIN E: Full-spectrum, mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. 400 – 800 IU daily
CoQ10: As this is a fat-soluble nutrient, it is preferable to take one which is prepared in an oil matrix to enhance its absorption. Or, take it along with your omega-3 EFA supplement. 100 - 300 mg daily
“GREENS SUPERFOODS”: From organic extracts of vegetables, berries, seaweeds, algae, herbs and mushrooms. I recommend New Chapter Organics® Berry Green and Genuine Health greens+™.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS to keep your immune system (and the rest of you) healthy:
Ensure that you drink enough fluids (minimum one fl. oz. (~30 mL) of water for every two pounds (~1 Kg) of body weight); water and/or herbal teas are best
Avoid sugar (in its many guises): glucose, dextrose, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, sucrose, maltodextrin, brown sugar, sorbitol – to name a few
Absolutely avoid aspartame and other ’sugar replacements’ such as Splenda, Sweet’n'Low
Avoid soft drinks, ’energy drinks,’ ’vitamin waters,’ and fruit juices (unless freshly pressed). Drink water!
Minimise flour products
Minimise all refined/processed foods – foods are best when eaten closest to their natural state and minimally processed
Don’t nuke your food
Eat local, organically-grown foods – visit your farmers and public markets – and choose fair-trade
Consume healthy fats: omega-3 EFAs (cold-water fish, algae, chia seeds), olive oil, coconut butter, ghee, butter
Decrease refined vegetable oils: canola, soybean, corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, palm and palm kernel oil (many of these are genetically-modified, especially canola, soybean and corn)
Avoid trans-fats and saturated (hydrogenated) or partially-hydrogenated fats
Foods high in fat are especially important to consume organic sources of, e.g., vegetable/plant oils, meat, dairy (milk, butter, cheese, yogurt), eggs, avocadoes, nuts; many pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones, as are used in conventionally-grown crops and factory-farm raised animals, are fat-soluble and thus concentrate in the fat and oils of foods
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation
Do not smoke
Maintain a satisfactory work/life balance
Minimise cell phone use
Get adequate rest: sleep in as dark a room as possible and minimise electrical gadgetry - switch your digital LCD clock to an old-fashioned battery one; no television, stereo, telephone or computer in your sleep area
Nurture loving and supportive relationships
Rejuvenate yourself in Nature
And, last but not least, laughter is excellent medicine and a superb immune booster!
I am a Clinical Herbalist in practice in Vancouver, BC (Canada), and have been providing clients with an integrated and personalized approach to health and wellness for over 12 years. I look forward to any questions or comments that you may have.
