How to boost your immune system naturally
We explain our plant-based approach to immunity using DEFENSE DROPS, our liquid tincture blend of organic adaptogenic herbs and immunomodulating extracts.
As we go into an especially uncertain time for our health with the double threat of COVID-19 and flu this winter, looking after our immunity has never been more of a priority. One study found that exercise and nutrition can “influence immunity and resistance to infection across a wide spectrum of the population,” making it especially important for those over 65 years of age to optimize, as our immune function decreases as we get older.
Both probiotics and herbal supplements have been studied in regards to their benefits on the immune system and are readily available. One of the best-documented immune-supporting herbs is Echinacea. Echinacea works as an immunostimulant by increasing white blood cell count, which is vital for fighting against infection, and a UK study found it could reduce the combined number and duration of cold episodes by an average of 26%.
You might also notice that when you’re stressed, you tend to get sick. This is because stress plays an important role in immunity, with continually elevated stress levels being the fastest way to impair our immune function. Adaptogens have been proven to help reduce that impact, which is why our DEFENSE DROPS formula blends adaptogens Eleuthero, Astragalus and Shisandra Berry–most commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine–alongside Echinacea.
Adaptogens work through the two “master” control systems in our bodies; the HPA axis (hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal axis) which controls our nervous system, immune system and hormone function, and our SAS (sympatho-adrenal system), which is our “fight or flight” response. These extracts have a normalizing effect on the body, meaning they help to restore balance to normal physiologic function that has been disrupted by stress. In immunity terms, this means if the system is depressed, adaptogens enhance the immune response. If the immune system is overactive—i.e. with allergies—adaptogens help re-regulate the immune response, decreasing overactivity.
All the plant extracts in DEFENSE DROPS are organic as they are proven to be more nutrient-dense in addition to supporting the health of the soil and those who cultivate the crops—therefore benefiting our health while looking after the health of our planet.
DEFENSE DROPS: The ingredients
Organic Echinacea Purpurea Root
Part of the genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, also known as the American coneflower. Echinacea contains alkylamides or alkamides, which have an effect on the immune system, as well as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and caffeic acid derivatives.
Organic Eleuthero Root
Also known as touch-me-not and devil’s shrub or Siberian Ginseng, has historically been used to support the immune system. Preliminary Russian research has supported this traditional use. A double-blind study has shown that healthy people who take 10 ml of eleuthero tincture three times per day had an increase in certain T lymphocytes important to normal immune function.
Organic Astragalus Root
Known as Huáng Qí in Traditional Chinese Medicine and one of the fifty fundamental herbs used in the practice. Astragalus is believed to stimulate and increase the immune system it has recently become the focus for numerous studies exploring its immunoregulatory properties.
Organic Rosemary
Naturally antifungal and antibacterial, used traditionally in herbal medicine.
Organic Schisandra Berry
Schisandra berry has been used as a source of medicine throughout China for thousands of years. It’s most powerful benefit is as an adaptogen, meaning it helps to alters the body’s response to external stressors and anxiety through balancing the production of cortisol—our “fight or flight” hormone.
Vegetable Glycerin
We use glycerin as the base and extractor for our tincture rather than alcohol. A glycerin tincture is believed to preserve the properties of the herbal extracts more effectively than alcohol. Alcohol denatures protein, which can negatively affect living cells and even kill them. This biological sterilization can virtually wipe out the usability of a herb’s components. Whereas glycerin is known to preserve them.
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