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The benefits of bee propolis are numerous. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties have been used medicinally for centuries to support human immune function. Propolis is manufactured by honeybees from resins collected from plant and tree resins. Due to its antiseptic nature, propolis is used by the bees to seal and protect their hive from the invasion of microbes and to create a germ-free environment. In addition to its antimicrobial functions, bee propolis contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential to a healthy immune system. Through scientific studies and historical applications, bee propolis has been proven immune supporting effect on humans. Bee propolis can be used to fight colds and flu’s as well as prevent viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Propolis boosts the immune system without over stimulating it. It is also helpful for hay fever symptoms.

Links:

Benefits of Propolis

Phytotherapy Research: Propolis Immunomodulating Action

Asian Pacific Review of Cancer Prevention: Biological activity of Bee Propolis in Health and Disease.

Journal of Natural Products: A Study on Flavonoids of Propolis

BBC Earth News: Honeybees Sterilise their Hives

Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy: Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Propolis in Vitro and its Efficacy Against Influenza

The Sting’s in the Tail for Orthodox Medicine

For centuries, extract from the berries of the elderberry shrub have been used in folk medicine to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, but only recently has the modern medical world recognised its potential in battling infection. It has the highest ORAC value (overall antioxidant capability) of just about any fruit or berry. Elderberry also contains anthocyanins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, ideal for helping reduce aches, pains and fevers, including the headaches that often accompany the common cold.

Studies have shown black elderberry may help halve the amount of time one suffers from colds & flu in some cases.

Links:

Elderberry Benefits

University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry

National Institutes of Health: Randomized Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections

National Institutes of Health: Elderberry Flavenoids Bind to and Prevent H1N1 Infection in Vitro
Sources of Antioxidants and ORAC: Black Elderberry Info

Natural News: Elderberry Trumps Tamiflu for Flu Remedy

Oleuropein, a key chemical compound found in the olive leaf, has powerful antioxidant activity. In fact, it’s said to be responsible for the hardiness and disease-resistant qualities of the olive tree. Another important component found in the olive leaf is calcium elenolate, a virucidal, bacteriocidal, fungicidal and parasitical. These two compounds, combined with others, make the olive leaf a powerful tool in combating a variety of health issues.

Olive leaf has been used since ancient times as a remedy for a variety of conditions from diabetes to hypertension, and extract from olive leaf has been shown to fight viruses and infections swiftly and effectively. Dr Morton Walker, author of 29 books on natural health, is one of olive leaf extract’s biggest champions. As he states in his book, Olive Leaf Extract: Nature’s Most Powerful Antibiotic, ‘Olive leaf extract is nature’s answer to the medical profession’s creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.’

Links:

Better Nutrition Magazine: Olive Leaf Extract

Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Times Article: Can Olive Leaves Help to Beat Cancer?

Mindfood: Olive Oil is Good, But Olive Leaf Extract is Even Better.

Beta glucans are molecular compounds extracted from the cell walls of bakers yeast, the bran of cereal grains, mushrooms and certain fungi. Beta glucans have been shown to have extraordinary immune-enhancing capabilities, and it also has potent anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging abilities. More than 1500 scientific papers have investigated the roles, safety and efficacy of beta glucans for more than 40 years, and beta glucans have shown remarkable immune-enhancing activities. During a US study measuring the ability of well-known immune supplements, beta 1.3-1.6 glucans were shown to be nine times more effective than Echinacea.

Links:

Beta is the New Alpha

Dr Paul Clayton: Nature’s Strongest Immune Enhancer

Medical News Today: New Method for Analyzing Beta Glucan Structure

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory caratonoid found naturally in algae. It supports the immune system by encouraging the body’s natural virus and bacteria killing mechanisms and cell mediated immune responses. It also helps to reduce inflammation which may help to reduce cold, flu and hay fever symptoms, as well as, possibly speed recovery.

Links

Astaxathin, Carotenoid action on the immune response.

Astaxathin, a carotenoid without vitamin A activity, augments antibody response in culturnes including T-helper cell clones and suboptimal doses of antigen.

Astaxathin: A review of its chemistry and applications

Astaxathin: A carotenoid with potential in human health and nutrition.

Reishi mushrooms have been used for centuries as immune tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Reishi has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and it supports the body’s immune system through the production of immune cells and activation of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Reishi may also be helpful in regulating allergies and hay fever symptoms due to its immunomodulating action, in addition to its high levels of lanostan, a natural antihistamine. Reishi stimulates the body to produce its own antioxidant enzymes in addition to having its own antioxidant properties.

Links

Polysaccarides and protein from Reishi exhibit diverse functions in regulating macrophages adn T lymphocytes.

Trace elements content in Reishi provides protection against influenza virus

Reishi mushroom can modulate immune response in allergic asthma.