Immune support with herbs

 Echinacea
 
Echinacea is a pretty commonly known herb used for immune support and as a blood purifer. The parts used are the flowers, leaves and the roots. To get the optimal benefits from this herb, it is best to use products that contain both the root and the aerial (above ground) parts. The roots have high concentrations of the volatile oils that are helpful for the treatment of flu-like infections, while the above ground parts of the plant contain more polysaccharides that help treat colds, upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and slow healing wounds. Echinacea is commonly used to prevent and shorten the duration of viruses like the common cold and flu. It actually reduces the chances of catching the common cold by 58% and reduces the duration of the common cold by almost a day and a half! It can be used as a pain reliever to reduce symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and fever. You will usually see either Echinacea Angustifolia or Echinacea Purpurea. Typically, herbalist will use these interchangeably with Echinacea Angustifolia being known as more desirable, possibly because it has been shown to relieve anxiety in low doses. Many herbalists recommend Echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections as it is known to boost your white blood cell count. Due to this boost in white blood cells, Echinacea is not recommended for individuals with an autoimmune disorder. If you are starting to get sick, drink a cup of Echinacea tea every two hours until symptoms disappear. Echinacea is available in the bulk section, in capsules, as a tea and in a tincture. 
 
Osha Root
 
Osha root, also known as bear root, is a perennial herb native to north America. It is recognized for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically used for the common cold and flu. It is very effective as a treatment for respiratory conditions such as sinus congestion, sore throat, and bronchitis. It promotes perspiration and sweating to cool down a fever and detox the body and stimulates your white blood cells. (Not recommended for those with an autoimmune disorder) It also has a numbing effect that can soothe irritated, dry or sore throats. It has been used to treat tuberculosis, headaches, toothaches, motion and air sickness, sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory illnesses. It is also great for those traveling to higher altitudes or for those doing long-distance hiking as it promotes easy breathing.  Osha contains oxytocin, a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in bonding and creating feelings of love. (Not recommended during pregnancy) I think it’s nice when you are having a rough time with an illness to have an herb that will not only help you feel better but will also make you feel happy. J Osha root tea has a special preparation process, you will usually simmer a stick in a pot of water for approximately 20 minutes or longer to get the best results. As a bonus, Osha can be used multiple times! Osha root is available in the bulk section, in tincture and as a syrup.
 
Stay Well Tea
 
Stay Well Tea is a blend of amazing immune boosting, antiviral herbs including Echinacea, Lemon balm, Elder flower, Elder berries, Lemon peel, Goldenseal leaf, Olive leaf and Ginger. Echinacea, as stated above is an immune boosting herb that not only treats but also helps to prevent colds and the flu. Goldenseal leaf is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and has immune enhancing properties. Its effective against a wide range of bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Commonly used to treat gastrointestinal issues, including traveler’s diarrhea and that from food poisoning. Lemon Balm acts as an anti-viral, providing nervous system support along with symptomatic relief from chills, fever, digestive problems, upset stomach, gas, vomiting, headache, cold sores and nervous tension. Lemon Balm nourishes and calms the body in distress especially during a cold or flu. Elder flower is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It works to decongest the respiratory system including the sinus and nasal passages. Elderberry is an amazing antiviral thanks to the compound known as Antivirin. This not only helps to prevent viruses from invading the cells, but also prevents the virus from replicating.  The anthocyanins found in Elderberries enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. Cytokines are unique proteins that euact as messengers to help regulate the immune response and defend the body against disease. People with the flu who took Elderberry reported less severe symptoms and felt better faster than those who did not.  Olive leaf was first discussed in a medical journal article by Daniel Hanbury, M.D. in 1854. He used it as a tea and treated people with fever and malaria. Olive leaf is high in a polyphenol called Oleuropein. The Elenolic acid in Oleuropein stops the growth of viruses, including those associated with the common cold and inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, upper respiratory tract infections, worms, protozoa and micro fungi, including athletes’ foot. Lemon peel contains an array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  The high vitamin C content helps to neutralize free radicals, stimulate the immune system and speed up recovery time. Last but not least, Ginger root helps to gently heat the body allowing relief from fevers. Ginger root also helps to treat nausea, and aid in a healthy digestive system. Ginger promotes immune responses to kill viruses. Many sore throats are caused by viral infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Ginger has been used as a pain reliver for sore throats, loosen congestion and speed up recovery time. For daily immune support, drink one cup daily. If you are feeling sick, drink 1-3 cups daily. Stay Well Tea is found in our bulk section. 


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ​