< previous page | page_32 | next page >
Page 32
| interferon and other immunoactive compounds and has other immune-stimulating effects. |
| Today, echinacea is still touted for its ability to strengthen the immune system, fight infections, and promote wound healing. An estimated 350 scientific studies have investigated its pharmacology and clinical uses. |
| Echinacea is often taken alone in capsule form or in combination with other immunity-enhancing herbs. Of the nine species of echinacea that exist, only twopurpurea and angustifoliahave been studied extensively in the scientific literature, so look for these species on the label for maximum therapeutic effect. |
| Garlic |
| Garlic (Allium sativum) is a potent antibiotic, with antibacterial and antiviral effects as well. Garlic has many active constituents including alliin, allicin, and sulfur compounds. These ingredients primarily account for garlic's famous potency as an antibiotic and fungicide and for its use in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. Alliin becomes an antibiotic agent which means that it kills bacteria and many viruses. Sulfur compounds strengthen the immune system, lower high blood pressure, and also fight infection. These two major properties of garlic make it an infection fighter easily comparable to penicillin. Take in capsule, tablet form or eat two cloves of raw garlic per day. |
| Astragalus |
| Widely used in Chinese medicine, astragalus (Astragalus, various species) root has both antiviral and immunity-enhancing properties. You can find astragalus in a variety of single and combination remedies. |
| Astragalus increases resistance to disease in general and also is a promoter of other herbs known to increase energy, aid digestion, and stimulate the production and circulation of blood. Pharmacological studies in the West confirm that astragalus enhances the immune system. It increases activity of several kinds of white blood cells as well as the production of antibodies and interferon. These properties have to do with the root's content of polysaccharides, large molecules com- |
< previous page | page_32 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!