A-Z immune booster Articles

What is Astragalus?

Astragalus is one of the most widely used herbs in Asian medicine. It was first mentioned in Chinese medical texts from 2000 years ago. The root of the this plant is extensively studied in Asia. It is most well known for its effect on the immune system. It increases the activity of immune cells, resulting in more efficient responses to infection and reversing states of immune suppression. But that's only part of what it can do. Read on to learn more about this beneficial root, including how to find it in its most potent supplement form.

Top Astragalus Health Benefits

In contrast to the immune-boosting properties of some herbs, Astragalus can be taken for extended periods (several months) without showing a decrease in the immune system's response.

Astragalus for Stress

Try taking Astragalus when you feel stressed. This powerful herb is an adaptogen, which can help regulate your body in times of stress by providing a boost in energy without the jittery effects associated with caffeine. When most people think of stress, they often feel burned out and have diminished energy. However, stress can impact your body in many ways, including your immune system. Your immune system comprises a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect you from infections and other health problems. When your immune system detects an intruder in your body, it sends lymphocytes to fight off the threat.

Antiviral and Immune Health Benefits

Astragalus has antiviral properties and supports a healthy immune response. It also helps to promote a healthy stress response and helps improve your resilience. This process stimulates the production of natural hormones, white blood cells, and other substances that help regulate your immune response. It contains saponins, which improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. It has also been shown to support your body's ability to heal.

In addition to its benefits for the cold season, Astragalus helps reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes.

Cardiovascular System Benefits

It positively affects the cardiovascular system by protecting the heart from viral infections that damage heart tissue. Astragalus also improves shortness of breath and cardiac output in patients with congestive heart failure.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Cycloastragenols and astragalosides are constituents of the astragalus root that have been implicated in activating telomerase. A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome; it protects the end from deterioration and allows cells to divide (which inevitably means shortening) without losing genetic material. Telomerase is an enzyme that initiates telomere synthesis and can add to the end of the telomere, ensuring that it does not wear down too much or too fast. Astragalosides have been shown to increase this enzyme production. Not only does this mean that Astragalus prevents depletion, but it may be capable of supporting a certain amount of telomere rebuilding. This makes up for what has been lost through the natural process of aging and DNA replication, which has numerous implications regarding anti-aging abilities.

Astragalus Supplements

The herb is often found in Chinese patent formulas mixed with other herbs, such as licorice and ginseng. These formulas are specially formulated to increase the power of single herbs by combining them with other synergistic herbs.

It is often available as a dried root, tincture or solid extract. Clinical doses range from 250 milligrams to more than 1 gram per day, depending on the herb's format.

• Dried root: 9-15 grams daily
• Tincture: 6-18 millilitres daily.
• Powdered solid extract: 750-1500 milligrams daily.

Remember that clinical doses may be higher if you work with a practitioner.

You can safely take Astragalus for up to four months.

Important Information

Astragalus can generally be tolerated well by most people, with few side effects noted.

The Asian philosophy believes that the herb can boost the strength of the infecting organism and the patient. It should not be used when an individual has a fever. More research is needed about the use of this herb in HIV patients.

Because it has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, its use is not recommended.

Astragalus FAQs

What is Astragalus?

Astragalus is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It effectively increases the body's ability to deal with stress and supports healthy immune function.

How Does Astragalus Work?

Astragalus can help boost your immune system by stimulating white blood cell production, which helps fight off infections and diseases. Studies suggest it can improve lung function and help with hypertension or high cholesterol.

What Does Astragalus Root Do?

Astragalus is a perennial plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has many benefits for the immune system and is an anti-inflammatory agent.

How Much Astragalus Should I Use?

The amount of herb used depends on the format. Refer to the list above to determine the optimal dose.

Where Can I Buy Astragalus Supplements?

Most health food stores carry a good selection of astragalus supplements.

Chyawanprash (Chy) or Chyavanprash is a sticky mixture of herbs, and spices from the Ayurvedic tradition that is used in India for its toted health benefits. It is generally known as a rejuvenating tonic that strengthens the immune system and protects against aging, senility and debility.

Key Ingredients Found In Chyawanprash

In general, Chy contains 49 ayurvedic herbs, with the highest dose being Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis, or Amalaki). Other ingredients include ashwagandha, pippali, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon mixed into ghee (clarified butter), and honey.

This herbal mixture contains a large number of herbs, and the exact constituents and doses vary by the manufacturer.

Top Health Benefits of Chyawanprash Supplements

Immune Boosting Benefits

Chy is immunoprotective and to boost the activity of certain immune cells called macrophages. These are the cells that ingest and destroy harmful substances in our bodies. The main ingredient in Chy is Indian gooseberry, which is rich in vitamin C (445mg/100g). This could be a reason for its immune benefits, although further research is required to be sure.

Brain Health Advantages

Preliminary research in mice has shown that supplementing with Chy can increase brain glutathione levels and help protect against age-associated memory loss. Chy was shown to increase nerve transmission in the brain by boosting a brain-signalling molecule called acetylcholine. Since this result has only been seen in mice, more research is needed before we can be sure the same effect will occur in humans.

Blood Sugar Regulation

When a group of healthy adults were given 15g/day of Chy, they were found to have lower blood sugar following meals and healthier blood cholesterol levels after 16 weeks of use. This could benefit people suffering from diabetes or metabolic syndrome as it can prevent the after-meal glucose spikes that can eventually lead to peripheral insulin insensitivity. Regulating blood cholesterol can also help to protect the cardiovascular system in diabetics and reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

How To Take Chyawanprash Supplements

The only dose of Chy that has been studied in humans is 15 grams per day (1 Tablespoon). Thus, this is the dose that we know can be taken safely while providing the health benefits listed above. Ayurvedic practitioners have used doses larger than this for hundreds of years. As such, your healthcare practitioner may recommend a different dosage than the one listed here.

Echinacea is the top natural supplement sold today, and for one good reason; it's an immune powerhouse! If we take a historical look back at the roots of ancient medicine, Echinacea has an impressive resume- especially when we associate it with the bounce-back time needed to recover from sickness. If that doesn't convince you, it was even in Dr. Oz's Top 3 Supplements for fighting against cold and flu.

Key Health Benefits of An Echinacea Supplement

Echinacea has several immune-specific actions in the body, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-protozoal and anti-parasitic.

It’s also a decongestant, lymphatic (meaning it helps to tonify the lymphatic system), anti-inflammatory, and effective immunostimulant. Immunostimulants are products that increase the functions of the immune system, which as we know, is the system of the body that is responsible for protecting us from infection. Immunostimulants can act on any number of immune cells and ward off infection in several ways.

Immune System Support Properties

Echinacea stimulates white blood cells, which scavenge for bacteria and cellular waste. It also stimulates helper 'T cells', which mobilize other immune cells to fight infection. Finally, if that weren't enough, echinacea stimulates the production of collagen which rebuilds damaged tissue. 

For those of us who aren't Doctors, what does all this mean? It means that it can cut an individual’s chances of catching a cold or flu, as well as shorten the duration of these infections once caught. Echinacea is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including prevention and early treatment of colds and flu, as well as skin infections and ulcers, herpes, canker sores, eczema and wound cleansing. Before echinacea was used to fight against the dreaded cold and flu, it was used in part, to help with snakebites – this was before it was used as a herbal medicine.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Echinacea is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Free radicals are atoms that are missing an electron and steal them from healthy atoms, or cells; thus damaging healthy cells. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, reducing their capacity for damage. Antioxidants protect healthy cells as well as protect your body from aging. 

Different Types of Echinacea

There are a few species of Echinacea, including the more commonly known and used angustifolia, purpurea, and pallida. Look for root extracts, as studies show the root to be more the source of medicinal content and responsible for its medicinal action. Echinacea can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture. It is very often paired with goldenseal and other immune-specific herbs, for cold and flu support and prevention.

Shopping For A Quality Echinacea Supplement

Fortunately for us, Dr. Oz did his homework. Echinaforce by A. Vogel is one of the strongest lines of defence – Dr. Oz named A. Vogel and this product line specifically, as one of the Top 3 supplements to take at the onset of cold and flu. A. Vogel makes their herbal remedy using fresh, organically grown plants. 

Tinctures are carefully concentrated under a vacuum and used for the production of their tablets, such as Echinaforce Extra, as well as their toothpaste and cream. A. Vogel's products are sugar and gluten-free and certified by Bio Suisse. It is best to take them at the first sign of infection. Along with echinacea, this tablet also contains organically grown dried roots. Echinaforce can also be purchased in liquid or lozenges.

Interactions, Warnings and Side Effects

Echinacea is in the same plant family as ragweed; therefore, it is not recommended that individuals with ragweed allergies use echinacea. Due to Echinacea’s immunostimulating action, those on immunosuppressive or immunoglobulin therapies, such as transplant recipients, should not use it. 

Those with auto-immune conditions, such as lupus, RA, and diabetes, should use with caution and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Those with renal disease should not use Echinacea because it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. It's wise to remember that prolonged use of Echinacea is not recommended, as the body appears to become resistant to its immunostimulating properties. Long-term use of greater than 8 weeks is not advised.

Elder was used as a food in ancient times but also has an extensive history of medicinal usage. Extracts of elderberries have been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus, making it a suitable herb for the treatment and prevention of the common cold and flu. Elderberry benefits also include large amounts of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants.

Elderberry Health Benefits

Antioxidant Properties

Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Elderberry's antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and, therefore, reduce damage to tissues all over the body, including those that are infected. 

Cold & Flu Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberry's polyphenol properties are what make it a great immune-boosting supplement. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help expel mucus and lessen the severity and duration of the common cold and flu. 

Diuretic, Kidney & Skin Benefits

Elder flowers act as a diuretic and diaphoretic, aiding the body in the release of excess fluid through the kidneys and the skin (via sweat). Elderflower tea can be used as a wash over skin irritations. 

Elderberry supplements are often recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions, including:

• Prevention of Cold and Flu
• Treatment of Infections (Skin Infections)
• Wound Cleansing
• Decreasing Water Retention
• Fever Reduction

Shopping For Quality Elderberry Supplements

Elderberries can be purchased as dried berries, encapsulated berries, liquid extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of elderberry are stronger than dried preparations. Elderberries are found in formulas for colds and flu. Elderflowers can be purchased as loose herbs, encapsulated herbs or tinctures. They are found in formulas for water retention and kidney cleansing. By purchasing standardized elder supplements one can be sure that there are some berries and/or flowers in the formula.

Potential Cautions & Side Effects

The stems of the elder contain the toxin cyanide and should not be used. Other parts of the elderberry plant can also contain these toxins if consumed in raw form, but cooking them eliminates these toxins so be sure to cook elderberries before consuming. Use caution when taking elderberry for long periods of time if you are on heart medication, lithium or diuretics because elder can alter the levels of these medications. Short-term use of elderberry has not been found to affect medication levels.

Garlic is a popular herb in the kitchen and medicine cabinet. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many different cultures. The herb that's used is the bulb of the flowering plant in the Allium genus. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, Welsh onion, and Chinese onion. While consuming garlic through your diet can provide some benefits, you'd have to eat a lot of it to get any kind of therapeutic benefit. Let's explore what to look for when shopping for the best garlic supplement. 

Key Medicinal Compounds Found In Garlic

The cloves of the bulb contain active sulphur compounds called alliin, allicin, and S-allyl cysteine. These constituents have been well-studied for their various health benefits. Due to these active components, garlic can support the following health concerns:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Cholesterol Regulation
• Blood Pressure Lowering
• Improved Circulation

It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and acts as a potent antimicrobial agent.

Medicinal Food

Garlic is a medicinal food because these active ingredients are present in the cloves in sufficient quantities to have some medicinal effects. To reap the best medicinal benefits from the garlic clove, it is best to eat raw garlic because the active sulphur compounds are sensitive to heat and can be destroyed by cooking.

The Best Garlic Supplement Offers Key Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Benefits

Garlic intake is shown to decrease levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the "bad" cholesterol responsible for cholesterol plaques and the storage of fat and triglycerides. Garlic also increases levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the "good" cholesterol responsible for moving stored and deposited fat to the liver for processing and removal from the body. HDL cholesterol protects against plaque formation. Garlic preparations have also been found to lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. Thus, garlic can be used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Aged garlic extract is the form that has been studied for its cardiovascular benefits. 

Blood Sugar Regulation

Garlic has beneficial effects on balancing blood sugar as well. The pancreas releases insulin in response to sugar intake. It acts to promote the intake of glucose by all the cells of the body to use as a fuel source. Without proper insulin levels, any sugar absorbed stays in the blood, causing high blood sugar, while the body cells become starved for energy. Eventually, the pancreas becomes worn out and does not produce as much insulin or the body's cells become less sensitive after years of high insulin levels. This is what happens in diabetes. Garlic can increase the release of insulin and help the body's cells become more sensitive to the insulin present.

Antimicrobial Properties Found In The Best Garlic Supplements

For thousands of years, garlic has been used as an antimicrobial and anti-parasitic herb. It has been used topically for infections of the skin, wound care and even acne. It is commonly used for bacterial and fungal infections both inside and outside the body as well. 

Oral supplementation or eating garlic can help fight systemic infections like parasites, bronchitis, and digestive infections. Research has shown that garlic can be taken as a prophylactic during cold and flu season to help protect against infection.

Tips For Finding The Best Garlic Supplement

Garlic supplements are found as encapsulated herbs, tablets and aged extracts (oils). These products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of sulphur compounds they contain. 

There are many types of garlic supplements, choose the best one according to your preferences and consider combination products that target your particular needs. Garlic can be found in combination products for immune boosting, cholesterol control, blood pressure regulation, and heart health.

Do The Best Garlic Supplements Cause Stinky Breath?

Although eating large amounts of garlic and supplementing with some forms of garlic can cause halitosis and a garlicky body odour, this doesn't have to be the case. Garlic naturally contains allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), which is the compound responsible for halitosis, but the best garlic supplements come in an odourless form to help prevent this nasty side effect. 

Keep in mind that for respiratory infections, these supplements do not contain the AMS that naturally travels to the lungs and may not work as quickly. Also, some people say that the body odour and breath side effects decrease when garlic is used regularly.

Ginger is a popular herb in the kitchen as well as the medicine cabinet. It has a long history of use in foods because it soothes the digestion. The essential oil, gingerol, aids digestion topically by increasing the release of digestive juices and regulating intestinal contractions. Ginger’s topical anti-nausea properties are due to the essential oil, shogaol. The best ginger supplement will be pure, natural and potent. 

Exploring The Health Benefits of The Best Ginger Supplement Formats

Ginger has been clinically tested and shown to be as effective as many anti-nausea drugs. The big benefit of using ginger for nausea is that it does not cause drowsiness. It can be used for nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and more. Its anti-nausea benefits can be obtained by ingesting ginger supplements through capsules or chews or applied topically as an essential oil. 

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for muscle and joint injuries like athletic injuries and arthritis. A great way to reap these benefits is by mixing ginger oil with a carrier oil and applying it directly to the muscle or joint. 

Historically ginger was also used topically as a wash for wounds and sores because it can prevent infection.

The Best Ginger Supplement Varieties

Ginger supplements are found as encapsulated herbs and tablets. Ginger products should be standardized as an assurance that some active ingredients are present. Ginger can be found in combination products for indigestion, motion sickness and inflammation.

Ginger Roots Health Benefits From A Culinary Perspective

Because of the active ingredients found in the root, ginger is considered a medicinal food. Chewing on raw ginger or ginger candy is often sufficient to decrease nausea. Ginger tea is also helpful for nausea and indigestion. Dried ground ginger which is used as a spice has less medicinal value because the essential oils are lost in the drying process. 

Potential Side Effects & Cautions To Consider

Ginger, when used as a food, has very few side effects. Most side effects and cautions are relevant only when ginger supplements are used. Ginger has blood thinning and gallbladder-stimulating properties. Ginger supplements should be used with caution by individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, and individuals with gallstones. For the same reason, ginger supplements should be discontinued before surgery or dental work.

Maitake means "dancing mushroom'' in Japanese. It got its name because it was so valued in ancient times that people danced when they found a colony in the wild. The maitake‘s shape also looks like a bunch of butterflies that are in a wild dance. Maitake mushrooms have become popular because scientific studies done on mice show that an extract of the mushroom can inhibit the growth of tumours and stimulate the immune system. 

Key Constituents Found in Maitake Mushrooms

The health benefits of Maitake are believed to be due to various polysaccharides. Polysaccharide compounds are also a source of medicinal effect in herbs that have immune system action, like Echinacea. Human clinical studies on patients with unhealthy cell growth are currently underway. Maitake may be useful for limiting unhealthy cell growth in the breast, colorectal, lung, stomach or liver. Maitake extracts may also help fight symptoms of autoimmune diseases. 

Maitake Mushroom As A Food & Supplement Varieties

Maitake can be found in gourmet restaurants, dried and packaged in gourmet grocery stores, and in supplemental forms either in capsules or a liquid extract. It may be a part of formulas for immune system support. The maitake mushroom is now cultivated, in Japan, for medicinal use. This alleviates concerns about ecological harvesting and extinction of the maitake.

Important Information & Potential Side Effects

Little information has been collected concerning the toxicity of maitake, although some cases of allergic reactions have been reported. Individuals whose condition is dependent on immune system depression should not use maitake. Individuals with cancer, AIDS or other serious health concerns should consult with their health professional before using maitake.

What Are Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi are a member of the fungi kingdom and are one of the oldest mushrooms to be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ganoderma has an affinity for the immune system, which is why it has been studied extensively in the treatment of cell growth. It has been shown to prevent angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which many unhealthy cells use to form new unhealthy cells and keep disease strong and growing.

Health Benefits of Reishi

Ganoderma is also used as a form of palliative care, improving quality of life by decreasing symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. In terms of immune disorders, it is also showing promise against HIV activity, slowly the progression to AIDS in some individuals. Ganoderma has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial action.

Reishi is both immune modulating and immune supportive, meaning it not only helps to strengthen the immune system when needed but in immune disorders in which it is dangerous to do so, it actually balances the immune system out. This prevents our immune system from over reaction and creating too much inflammation. Allergy is an example of a concern for which Reishi’s may be indicated due to its anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to balance out our innate immune response.

Reishi reduces cholesterol synthesis in the liver (which also benefits the heart) and has recently been looked at as a treatment for hepatitis, an inflammatory disease of the liver. It has been shown to protect against atherosclerosis, and reduce blood clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is part of an inflammatory cascade. It has also been shown to decrease blood pressure. Individuals with diabetes have found it helpful in decreasing blood sugar. Reishi is also an antioxidant and can be used to prevent free radical damage.

Supplement Varieties

Reishi can be crushed and taken directly in capsules, or pieces of the mushroom can be steeped in hot water to make a tea. Recommended dose varies, depending on health concern, although anywhere from 2-6 g/day is considered safe. Some individuals have reported headaches, skin rash and dizziness. If you are on anti-hypoglycemic or medication to lower blood pressure, be cautious that these levels do not decrease too quickly or become too low while taking Ganoderma.