The Herb Pantry - Don't Catch that Cold or Flu!



	...Be a Healthier You!

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HAVE A WONDERFUL
TIME WITH HERBS.

NEW HAPPENINGS

Don't Catch that Cold or Flu!

Cold and flu season is here hopefully you and your family can avoid them this winter. You would think, with all the people that have flu shots every year, the cold and flu season would be a snap for us.

But the reality is that flu shots do not protect aging immune systems, and they are actually probably more harmful than good. Even the conservative Journal of the American Medical Association has said that "the main weapon doctors have against the flu - a vaccine - has proven disappointingly ineffective in the most vulnerable population, people 65 and older."

And these are the people that suffer the most during this season. And speaking of research, I read the other day that scientists are worried that a new flu virus will emerge in this century and cause a severe pandemic - and they are especially concerned about the deadly H5N1 flu strain, which is transmitted by birds and is becoming endemic in Asia.

So what can you do to help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy this winter? Make sure their immune systems are good and healthy is one main thing you can do.

Your immune system is like an invisible shield that protects you from invading bacteria and viruses. The problem is that stress, a poor diet, environmental pollutant, and sleep deprivation can weaken it. Because of this, it's more important than ever to support your immune system - especially this time of year and especially now.

Immune health depends on eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and avoiding environmental toxin and stress. It's almost impossible to avoid environmental toxins because of plastic, automobile emissions, and the overuse of insecticides and pesticides - just to name few.

Sugar and alcohol consumption inhibit proper immune function. And obesity has been linked to decreased immune function as well. Daily nutritional supplementation is your best bet for making sure your nutritional needs are met, as well as supporting your immune health. And during cold and flu season, it's important to take more aggressive measures. Conventional medicine promotes vaccines, which contain dead or weakened bacteria, viruses or other material such as inactive toxins, to stimulate the production of antibodies against a specific pathogen. But as we well know, these vaccines can upset the immune system's balance and produce side effects - which can sometimes be uncomfortable and dangerous.

Fortunately, there are a number of safe herbs that enhance overall immunity by stimulating or strengthening the body's own defense mechanisms, without adding stress to your system.

5 Proven herbal extracts to get you through the winter without getting a cold or flu:

- Andrographis paniculata

- Astragalus Root

- Olive Leaf Extract

- Elderberry extract

- Echinacea Root

1) Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata is an herb used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. In Sweden, however, andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb to combat flu and upper respiratory infections. And according to recent scientific studies, andrographis has demonstrated significant success in fighting the common cold, flu, upper respiratory infections, and even Streptococcus.
Active Constituents

The most significant compounds in andrographis are diterpene lactones, known as andrographolides, which produce significant antimicrobial activity.
How Safe is it?
Studies have found very few adverse reactions to andrographis, and many of them were rare and mild. Overall, andrographis has been found to be a safe treatment for the relieving symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory.

2) Astragalus root
Astragalus root is native to Mongolia and China, and has been used for thousands of years in China to ward off illness, strengthen the immune system, and chi - the building block of all spiritual and physical energy. While over 2,000 types of astragalus exist worldwide, theChinese version has been extensively tested, both chemically and pharmacologically. Astragalus enhances immune function by increasing the activity of certain white blood cells, which increases the production of antibodies. It also increases the production of interferon (an anti-viral and anti-tumor agent naturally produced by the body) and stimulates natural killer cells. In addition to boosting immunity, astragalus has antibacterial, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects.
How Safe is it?
Astragalus is safe to take on a regular basis and does not appear to suppress the immune system with long-term use. It has no known side effects when used as recommended.

3) Olive Leaf
Olive leaf has been used effectively against viruses, retroviruses, bacterium, parasites, yeasts, protozoans, fungi, molds an other microbes and diseases. It is also believed that the natural antioxidants found in olive leaves prevent cardiovascular disease. It also plays a role in supporting normal blood pressure and in reducing the risks associated with stroke.
How Safe is it?
Olive leaf has been demonstrated to be safe and effective by the hundreds of health practitioners around the country who have used it to treat their patients with remarkable results.

4) Elderberry
Elderberry has traditionally been used to ease cold and flu symptoms, sinus problems, fevers, and muscle pain. Elderberry contains active substances that are able to prevent the process of the invading cells. The viral enzyme is also neutralized in the presence of elderberry.
Active Constituents
Elderberry contains rutin and quercertin (flavonoids), vitamin C.
How safe is it?
Elderberry is very safe for adults and children. No adverse effects have been reported.

5) Echinacea
Echinacea has been used by the Native American more than any other plant for treating illness and injury, including wounds, snakebites, burns, toothache, and joint pains. although echinacea's popularity waned with the antibiotics, it became respected among herbal practitioners in Europe after the first scientific study in 1932. Today, Echinacea is the best-selling herb in America.
How Safe is it?
Most of the studies of Echinacea have shown it to be a safe herb with very limited side effects.

In addition to the five herbs mentioned, the mineral zinc has proven to be extremely effective in shortening the duration of colds, and even halting them - sometimes before you reach for the tissue box. Zinc has proven to be extremely effective in shortening the duration of colds, and even halting them.

The good news is that you now have the information you need to protect yourself and your family from getting more sick this winter and spring. Stock up on the immune-enhancing herbs, cut down on sugar consumption, get plenty of rest, and use common sense.

Herbally yours, Vicki L. Vosburg, M.H.

OUR APRIL CLASSES ARE AS FOLLOWS: APRIL 5, 2008 ASPARTAME (SUGAR SUBSTITUTE)
There are over 92 different health side effect associated with aspartame consumption. It seems surreal, but true. How can one chemical create such chaos? The multitude of aspartame side effects are indicative to your genetic individuality and physical weaknesses. It is important to put two and two together, and identify which side effects aspartame is creating with you!

Classes are held at THE HERB PANTRY located at 851 S. Curtis Rd.
Call for directions, and also to reserve your space in this class! Call now 433-1882.