OREGON GRAPE
Blood purifier and fever-buster

This herb has a high content of the alkaloids, berberine, hydrastine and canadine, which have strong antibiotic activity against a wide variety of harmful organisms including staphylococcus, strepococcus, chlamydia, salmonella and candida. Berberine's action against some of these pathogens is actually stronger than that of antibiotics commonly used for these foreign invaders. Berberine's action in inhibiting candida, as well as pathogenic bacteria, prevents the spreading of a yeast that is a common side effect of antibiotic use.

Oregon Grape also aids in boosting the blood supply to the spleen, enabling the spleen to release immune-boosting compounds most effectively. Berberine also activates macrophages the cells that engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses, tumour cells, and other undesirable matter.

This effect on the blood supply classes berberine-containing plants as 'blood purifiers'.

Berberine-containing plants are suitable in lowering fevers, as they appear to enhance the immune system's ability to handle fever-producing compounds produced by micro organisms.

Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of vitamin C in higher dosages for the prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms. Researchers from Heber City , Utah reported that vitamin C decreased cold and flu symptoms reported by 85 per cent of men and women.

In another study, H Gorton, DC, and K Jarvis, DC, compared the effects of pain relievers and decongestants among 463 subjects in a control group and vitamin C in 252 subjects in the test group. The test group took 1,000mg of vitamin C hourly for the first six hours after initial symptoms and then 1,000mg three times daily. The results showed that 50 per cent of subjects reporting flu symptoms experienced relief with one six-hour treatment of 1,000mg of vitamin C per hour.

A form of vitamin C has been developed and patented in the USA that has proven particularly effective - Ester-C is a buffered form of vitamin C that reduces the acidity and is especially gentle on the stomach.

This enables the user to take higher levels without gastrointestinal discomfort.

A number of reviewed studies have demonstrated improvements in health among those using the herbal remedy, echinacea, including reductions in the incidence and duration of colds.

For example, one eight week double-blind study in 109 subjects showed a decrease in the incidence of colds, with the echinacea group reporting half the number of incidences of "pronounced respiratory infections requiring absence from work or bed rest".

Cold sores are a viral infection, part of the herpes family and once you are infected, it remains in your system forever. Outbreaks of sores occur on the edge of the lips, especially when we are under stress, suffering with a cold, exposed to chill winds or bright sunshine. Cold sores are very infectious and you should avoid kissing friends and family until the sore has completely cleared.

The amino acid, lysine, has been shown to prevent the recurrence of, and speed recovery from, cold sores. Another amino acid in the body, arginine, promotes the cold sore virus and lysine works by blocking the activity of arginine.

Supplementing with lysine and reducing the intake of arginine-rich foods is an effective weapon against the cold sore virus. Foods to avoid include: nuts and seeds and chocolate.

Licorice is a helpful remedy for coughs as it acts as an expectorant, facilitating the movement of mucus from the respiratory tract. Additionally, licorice has anti-microbial, immune boosting and adrenal supportive properties.

Zinc is involved in virtually every aspect of immunity.

Zinc supplementation produced a significant restoration of serum thymulin (a hormone produced by the thymus gland). Typically, as we age the level of thymulin and other immune- enhancing thymus hormones decrease. The reduction of these hormones leads to an impaired immune system. Zinc like vitamin C, also possesses direct antiviral action. This includes antiviral activity against several viruses that cause the common cold.

Lifestyle changes to avoid infections include regular handwashing, drinking plenty of water and limiting sugar intake.