Research:

Garlic:

• Worldwide garlic is known as a healthy immune system support herb as well as a great tasting spice for food.

• All over the world and for thousands of years, people have been using garlic for more than just food seasoning.Garlic's main active constituent is allicin.

• An article in MDD Diagnostice "April, 2002, Vol. 5, No. 4, P. 12" describes 2 studies that have had positive results using allicin from garlic for immunal support.

Echinacea Angustifolia:

• Contains active substances called phenols. Phenols control a range of enzymes and cell receptors that protect the plant by utilizing an abundance of antioxidants.

• Antioxidants are considered to be healthy for humans and may contribute to a healthy immune system.

• Echinacea also contains alkylamides or alkamides, as well as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and caffeic acid derivatives.

• Archaeologists have discovered evidence that Native American's have used Echinacea for well over 400 years.
  
  

Astragalus Root:

• Astragalus is considered to be an "Adaptogen" herb. Adaptogens are herbs that promote physical, mental, and emotional health.

• Astragalus has been used by the Chinese for centuries. It is referred to as Huang-qi. Only the roots are harvested as herbal health supplements.

• Astragalus contains three components or major active constituents - saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides.

• Saponins may support the liver in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Saponins may also boost a healthy immune system.

• Flavanoids have antioxidative qualities which control and scavenge off free radicals.

• Polysaccharides' main function are structural support, energy storage, and cellular communication. Cellular communication is key to immunal support.
  
  

Goldenseal:

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), also known as orange root, yellow root or yellow puccoon. It is a perennial herb belonging to the buttercup family.

• Native Americans historically used goldenseal as an herbal supplement to support general health.

• Today goldenseal is being studied for its effectiveness as an immune system booster.

• One of the major active constituents in Goldenseal is berberine.

• Berberine is an alkaloid that comes from a group of evergreen shrubs.

• Berberine has been used for centuries by the Chinese and is known to be a powerful antioxidant.

• Goldenseal has a similar reputation to garlic. It is a well known herb that supports immune system function.

• Goldenseal contains large quantities of berberine. Some of the herb's attributes may be tied to the effectivness of berberine.

• Research involving goldenseal (specifically berberine concentrates) at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School is still ongoing.
  
  

Reishi Mushroom:

• The Reishi Mushroom, also known as LingZhi by the Chinese. It is an edible mushroom that has been used for its healthy properties for thousands of years.

• The Chinese noted that Reishi Mushrooms are tied to longevity, better immune function and mental clarity.

• These mushrooms are catagorized as adaptogens.

• There are multiple studies that have been or are being conducted in Japan, China, the U.S. and the U.K. on Reishi Mushrooms.

• These studies are based in part on the historical writing of the Chinese regarding the reishi mushrooms. 

Mullein:

• The herb Mullein has been cultivated in Scotland and England for centuries as an herb used for human health. Historically it was used to support respiratory function.

• Mullein contains a good amount of potassium and calcium phosphate.

• These two organic salts are essential for rebuilding tissue, nervous system function, bone structure and in maintaining general health and well-being.

• Mullein leaves and flowers are classified in traditional herbal literature as expectorants (promotes the discharge of mucus), demulcents (soothes mucous membranes) and astringent.

• Mullein is known by other names in other ancient cultures. The people of Rome and Ireland called it "lungwort"

• Many of the herbs were named by these ancient people because of the body part the herb appeared to benefit. (Muenscher, 1935; DeBray, 1978 {paraphrased not quoted}).

• Mullein has a long history of use for promoting respiratory function and is currently being studied for more information.
  
  

Elcampane:

• The herb Elcampane is categorized as a diuretic, tonic, expectorant, alterative, astringent and is a gentle stimulant.

• Elcampane has a history of support for the pulmonary system.

• The pulmonary system is defined as the specialized organs, collectively, concerned with external respiration: in humans and other mammals it includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, diaphragm and the sinus'

• Elcampane has been used for many hundreds of years to support the healthy function of the lungs, and sunus cavity.

• Elcampane is classified as an expectorant.

• The expulation of mucus is very important to the proper function of the lungs and sinus.

• It is also an astringent which is said to shrink or contract skin and other tissue like mucus membrane.
  
  

Bayberry:

• Bayberry is a large, irregularly-shaped evergreen shrub.

• It grows very fast with dense branches. The berries are dark blue signaling that they are full of great anti-oxidants.

• Bayberry's claims to health benefits of are primarily due to its astringent effects.

• Astingents generally support the digestive system and respiratory system.

• Bayberry contains tannins that have a drying effect on skin and membranes.

• Bayberry contains an active flavonoid called Myricetin. It is extracted from the fruits, barks, leaves, and roots of the plant.

• It is very well known for the biologic effect of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.

• During the 19th century Samuel Thomson, a New England herbalist and father of 'physiomedicalism' described Bayberry as second only to red pepper for producing 'heat' within the body. Thomson recommended it for respiratory support and most particularly as an agent to increase the 'vital force', related to the body's intrinsic ability to return to health.

The information above is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect or relate to the performance or purpose of any products that contain similar materials.

* "Herbal supplements are not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."*

Help Me Choose:

What is the Immune System?

The immune system protects the body like a guardian from harmful influences from the environment and is essential for survival. It is made up of different organs, cells and proteins and aside from the nervous system, it is the most complex system that the human body has.

Without an immune system, a human being would be exposed to harmful pathogens germs bacteria and viruses from the outside and similar issues on the inside. All of these issues would be unstoppable and even fatal it the immune system was eliminated.

The body’s immune system is given the assignment of searching for and destroying anything that might cause a health problem. It is also supposed to recognize and neutralize harmful substances from the environment and fight against the body's own cells that have changed due to a health concern. The immune system is totally focused on your health and works hard to keep you running strong.

There are two different halves to the immune system. Basically, the first half is referred to as the innate immune system. It provides a general defense, so it is also called the nonspecific immune system. It works mostly at the cellular level searching and destroying would be immunal problems. The other half of the immune system is referred to as the adaptive immune system. It looks for microorganisms that are out of place. It is adaptive and seeks out those changes in the microorganisms and then defends against them.

The two halves work very closely together to make a complete immune system. When our immune system is working properly our chances of better health and well-being are greatly improved.

Are there steps that can be taken to improve my immune system?

The idea of boosting your immunity is enticing, but the ability to do so has proved elusive for several reasons. The immune system is a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony amongst all of the working parts. There are healthy and unhealthy contributors to the immune system's overall performance. Sleeping habits, eating habits and stress loads all contribute to the immune system's capabilities.

The bottom line is that, as always, a healthy lifestyle contributes to a healthy immune system. To increase your immune system's health your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and healthy-living strategies such as these are just the ticket to bouy up your immune response to a nasty pathogen who's only goal to to sicken the host that it is about to attack.

• Don't smoke.

• Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. It introduces carcinogens into your body that make your immune system have to perform tasks that aren't necessary. Smoking also blocks life supporting oxegen from being able to run free throughout your body and give support to the immune system. Smoking is definitely a double threat problem.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

• A healthy diet that keeps your body full of nutrition and contains enough fiber to keep everything that you consume moving through and being expelled from your body is essential to overall health.

• Exercise regularly.

• Diet and exercise! We hear it all of the time Exercise is just as important to overall health as diet. It doesn't take much but some exercise 3 to 5 times per week will do wonders for your immune system and its ability to defend you against the onslaught od disease that we come in contact with on a daily basis.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• When referring to a healthy weight everyone assumes that the only condition that we're referring to is obesity, WRONG! A healthy weight is a healthy weight. A person can be under weight or over weight. Adjusting your diet and exercise routines to maintain a HEALTHY weight will definitely assist the efficacy of your immune system.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• There are some reports that claim that a glass of wine every day has some health benefits. While that may be true drinking copious amounts of alcahol on a consistant basis is hard on your nervous system, your liver, your digestive tract and in many cases your cognative capabilities. Drinking occasionally may not have much of an effect but drinking daily increases the chances that your immune system won't be performing at its peak when you need it most.

• Get adequate sleep.

• While you are asleep your body gets a well needed break from all of the stresses, both physical and psychological, and strains of the hours spent awake. It is a time for refreshing, resetting and rejuvenating. The strength of your immune system depends on the rest of the body being well rested to be able to work properly. Getting enough sleep is absolutely key to a healthy immune system.

• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

• Mother alwys taught us to wash our hands. It has been scientifically proven that something as simple as washing your hands can eliminate a good percentage of the viral and bacterial threats your immune system might have to defend against.

• Try to minimize stress.
  
  

• If you think back on your life a cold or a flu always seems to come when everything else seems to be blowing up and stress is at its peak.

When reading this article please keep in mind that supplements are not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These articles are truly just for your information.

* "Herbal supplements are not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.*

Health Information:

When reading this article please keep in mind that supplements are not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These articles are truly just for your information.

Is Your Immune System Strong and Fortified?

We all associate the coming of cold weather with certain aliments. Some people make an annual trek to their local health clinic for a vaccination just to hedge the bet a little against getting the flu. The way that the flu vaccine works is to inject a weakened version of the flu into your bloodstream. This causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. In other words the flu vaccine is actually the flu being placed in your body. Then your immune system develops the antibodies needed to defend you from that particular flu. The key on a personal level is to have a strong immune system!

Here are the immunal defense pointers.

• Get plenty of sleep. The first and most important rule. A tired body is a sure way to become susceptable to disease.

• Don't smoke!!! That means anything. The toxins that come from smoke and enter the bloodstream through the lungs have to be eliminated. The immune system can be taxed during this process.

• Eat a healthy diet. All of the nutrition consumed in a healthy diet contributed to the health and strength of your immune system.

• Exercise regularly. This keeps all of the "juices" flowing. Increased heart rate and blood flow isn't just for your cardio-vascular health. It also aids in making sure that all of your systems are being fed and oxygenated.

• Be vigilant at being clean and sanitary. Wash you hands consistantly. Makje sure that you are using best practices when handling and cooking the food you eat.

• When you feel that you are getting extra exposure find supplements that boost your immune system or at least fortify the vitamins, minerals and amino's that are connected to a healthy immune system.

* "Herbal supplements are not drugs. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.*

Ingredients:

Grandma's Herbs Nature's Biotic

• Garlic (herb), Goldenseal (root), Echinacea Angustifolia (root), Myrrh (gum), Plantain (leaves), Propolis (herb)

• Grandma's Herbs Immune Enhancer

• Echinacea Angustifolia (root), Astragalus (root), Siberian Ginseng (root), Pau D' Arco (bark), Suma (root), Goldenseal (root), Kelp (herb), Bladder Pod (herb), Plantain (leaf), Reishi (herb), Cayenne Pepper (40,000 HU)

• Grandma's Herbs Respiratory

• Mullein (leaf), Bayberry (bark), Horehound (leaf), Bladder Pod (herb), Heal All (herb), Elecampane (root), Yerba Santa (herb), Plantain (herb), Nettle (leaf), Coltsfoot (flower), Cayenne (fruit 40 HU), Lungwort (herb)

Instructions:

Grandma's Herbs Nature's Biotic

• 4 Capsules 4 or 5 times a day for 5 to 6 days as needed. You can take with Immune Enhancer and Respiratory Relief for a synergistic effect.

• Grandma's Herbs Immune Enhancer

• Take 1 to 2 Capsules once or twice a day. Works well in conjunction with NATURE''S BIOTIC and RESPIRATORY RELIEF.

• Grandma's Herbs Respiratory

• 2 Capsules 3 times a day 1/2 hour before meals when possible. May use more as needed.

What’s Included:

1 Bottle of Nature's Biotic* - Herbal Supplement for Overall Health and Well-Being - 100 Capsules

• 1 Bottle of Immune Enhancer* - An Herbal Supplement for a Healthy Immune System - 100 Capsules

• 1 Bottle of Respiratory* - Supports a Healthy Respiratory System - 100 Capsules 

Features:

Grandma's Herbs Nature's Biotic:

• Valuable Herbal Formula during the Spring and Fall.

• This formula also features Garlic, Golden Seal and Echinacea.

• Formula for promoting a healthy immune system function.

• Grandma's Herbs Immune Enhancer:

• Guards and strengthens a healthy immune system.

• Formulated with a combination of herbs that promote healthy immune system function.

• Best if used in the months of September, October, March and April.

• This product contains Eccinacea, Golden Seal and Astragalus. Historically these herbs were used to keep people healthy!

• Grandma's Herbs Respiratory Relief:

• This all natural formula is designed to promote healthy respiatory function.

• Mullein has been cultivated in Scotland and also in England for centuries, Traditionally it is used as an herb that naturally adresses the respiratory system.

• Elcampane is traditionally used to expel mucus. It is in the expectorant herbal category.

• This has been a great formula for use in the cold months of winter!

• Contains herbs in the expectorant astringent and stimulant herbal categories.