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Flu Season Protection: Discover How Ginseng Supports a Strong Immune System

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:00:34 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Don’t become a medical statistic – this coming flu season. Today, we’ll talk about how ginseng can help to support a strong immune system response. As you probably know: seasonal influenza can be a rapidly-spreading and highly contagious health issue that leads to 291,000 and 645,000 fatalities worldwide every year. Although most healthy adults recover from bouts of the flu with nothing more serious than unpleasant memories of fever, aches and pains, the fact is that a flu can and does increase the risk of premature death – in people with a compromised immune system. Making the situation even more dire is the fact that unexpected new pandemics, like COVID-19 – for which Western medicine has no “cure” – can emerge without warning. In truth, too many conventionally-trained physicians simply lack the fundamental level of education to handle immune deficient, health-related conditions. Scientific research reveals the lifesaving power of ginseng In a study published in the April 2014 edition of Nutrients, red Korean ginseng improved the survival rate of human lung epithelial cells that had been infected with influenza A, along with reducing the expression of inflammation-causing genes. In addition, researchers found that Korean ginseng helped to treat influenza by modifying the immune systems of mice with clinically-induced influenza A, causing them to develop increased levels of antiviral proteins. This is exciting information, especially when you consider the danger of flu vaccines. And the news on ginseng gets even better – another new study, published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine, supports ginseng’s ability to prevent and treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease for which there is currently no conventional remedy. RSV, the single most common cause of pneumonia and small-airway lung inflammations in babies under a year old, can also be extremely dangerous in older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV causes 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths in adults over 65 every year. Bottom line – you can eliminate the threat of pneumonia safely and effectively – without the need for toxic medications. Reduce your risk of chronic inflammation and viral activity Researchers found that Korean red ginseng attacked RSV in a style very similar to the way it combated influenza A: reducing damage to lung cells, suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes and inhibiting the virus’ ability to spread in the body. Animals given red ginseng orally had lower viral levels than those that had not been given this herb, along with increased production of dendritic cells – which create virus-fighting interferons. Red ginseng also fights viruses by stimulating production of natural killer cells and T-cells and boosting the power of the body’s own antioxidant defense systems. True ginseng exists in two different forms: American, or Panax quinquefolius, and Asian or Korean, scientifically known as Panax ginseng. Although they have similar active ingredients – a group of compounds called ginsenosides – their effects can differ. The most recent studies were performed with red Panax ginseng, but American ginseng has also shown immune-boosting properties. A third type, known as Siberian ginseng, is unrelated and does not have the same constituents. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, this herb can help to reduce the risk of serious chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It is also used to promote energy, reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function and memory, and elevate mood and quality of life. Famous for boosting immunity and preventing disease In a well-known study published in 1996 in Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, researchers found that ginseng potentiated the flu vaccine, making it more effective. A group of 227 volunteers were split into two roughly equal groups and given either placebo or 400 milligrams of ginseng daily for 12 weeks; both groups received an anti-influenza vaccination at week four. While 42 people in the placebo group eventually developed influenza or colds between weeks four and 12, only 15 people in the “herb enhanced” group fell ill – a dramatic difference! The ginseng group also experienced decreased intensity of symptoms and a shorter duration of the illness. Which type of ginseng is best for flu prevention? Most studies on ginseng’s beneficial effects – as well as the two latest studies – have been done with red Korean ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng. Ginseng is available both as “white,” which has been peeled and dried, and “red,” which is steamed before drying and unpeeled. You can get the Korean form as a liquid extracts, powder and capsules; it is also available as a root, which can be boiled to make a decoction. Just be careful to buy the Korean variety only from trusted, reputable companies; cases of substitutions and adulterations have been reported. Ginseng can interact with medications and other herbs and supplements; consult with an integrative physician beforetaking it, especially if you have high blood pressure or autoimmune disease. Most experts advise taking ginseng in cycles, with a two-week period of ginseng supplementation followed by three weeks without the herb. One final note: Due to its stimulating effect, ginseng can theoretically cause nervousness and sleeplessness; this is more likely with very high amounts. Other side effects are uncommon, but could include headache and digestive disturbances. And, because this herb can lower blood sugar levels, it should be taken with food. No doubt, the current COVID-19 pandemic and past issues like the H1N1 virus highlight the need for better research on protecting us against unexpected and new viral strains. But, the research featured (today) about the value of herbal medicine should give us hope. There is a natural (safe) way to support our immune system and stay healthy – even in these troubling times of uncertainty. Never forget the value of good (organic) food and herbal medicine to protect your life. Sources for this article include: Medicinenet.com, Sciencedaily.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Winter Aches & Pains? Try These 8 Effective Natural Pain Relievers Today

AHA Publisher — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 08:00:13 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Looking for natural pain relievers? Of course, there are many options. We’ve provided 8 that are effective, can be initiated easily at home, and are affordable. Massage, cold-therapy, and others are effective as well. If you have achy joints, bones, or muscles, winter can mean more pain. It can be easy to become dependent on daily pain-killers to find comfort. But, there are effective natural pain relievers available. And most are extremely affordable. The best part? Not only do these natural pain relievers reduce pain, but they also promote whole-body health. Instead of just numbing the pain, they can promote strong joints, ligament, tendons, bones, and bodies. Here are our 8 effective natural pain relievers for winter aches and pains. 8 Natural Effective Pain Relievers 1. Ginger What’s ginger got that other spices don’t? Gingerols and shogaols. These active medicinal components are potent phytochemicals with pain-reducing qualities. In fact, ginger has been used as one of many natural pain relievers in eastern medicine for centuries. It’s known to aid many ailments from joint pain to nausea and motion sickness to bacterial infections (1). Study after study has validated it as a natural pain reliever. One such study from 2014 found that ginger effectively relieved pain from osteoarthritis within 24 weeks (2). Another concluded that topical ginger ointments and creams reduced pain in joints (3). What’s more, studies confirm that gingerols are strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (4). For a wonderful ginger dip, try our Keto Zone Spicy Ginger Dip. Or, add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to Turmeric Tea Recipe listed below. 2. Turmeric Curcumins are turmeric’s secret weapon. And while it’s difficult for researchers to fully understand how curcumins work to decrease joint pain, their works conclude that it is effective. For example, a recent meta-analysis found that the curcumins in turmeric extract are effective in treating arthritis (5). Additionally, animal studies show that curcumins actually protect cartilage (6). Another study of 50 arthritis sufferers showed a 58% reduction in stiffness and pain with curcumin treatment in 90 days. What’s more, curcumin effectively reduced inflammation in the participants: C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, decrease by 16-fold! Want a great winter recipe to increase your turmeric intake? Try Keto Zone Turmeric Tea. If you suffer from pain, also add Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements each day. 3. Black Pepper Black pepper also contains a secret weapon: Piperine. And piperine is a strong anti-arthritis nutrient. Many studies have supported it as a compound that reduces pain, increases healing and decreases pathology in arthritic animals and humans (7). As a bonus, piperine increases the absorption of curcumins by up to 10 times. It stimulates “transporters” in our intestines to increase absorption, so take them together by simply adding freshly ground pepper to anything that contains turmeric (Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements contain both). 4. Lemongrass Essential Oil While essential oils are a confusing area of natural pain relievers for many, lemongrass essential oil is effective, safe, and easy to use when applied correctly. As a simple explanation, plants manufacture chemical compounds (essential oils) to protect themselves, heal themselves, and even repel disease and animals that may hurt them. Some of the chemical compounds are at a molecular size that can be absorbed through human skin and/or respiration. Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) is one such compound. Many animal studies have shown it to reduce pain, inflammation, arthritic symptoms, and depressed serotonin in animals (8, 9). However, care must be taken when using it. First, make sure to use it in a diluted form. To do so, simply mix 10 drops “100% pure lemongrass essential oil” with no less than 1 tablespoon carrier oil. A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute essential oils. Examples include fractionated coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, and/or olive oil. Second, try using the diluted lemongrass oil in just a small amount on a small area of the body. Wait at least 3 days to make sure you don’t have a reaction. Then, apply it up to twice per day on painful areas. If applying by hand (rather than will a roller-bottle) make sure to wash hands and not get the oil in your eyes. Third, realize that essential oils aren’t regulated by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s important to only use brands you trust and oils that are 100% pure. You can look for oils manufactured by a brand that’s a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. While essential oils have the potential to be amazing health aides, they are potent and should be used with care. 5. Compression While many mistakenly believe that compression apparel only provides external support to joints (like a brace), they actually do much more internally than externally. In fact, most compression sleeves are slender and minimal, allowing the joint to flex and extend freely without structurally supporting it. So how do they help pain? Compression apparel are natural pain relievers since they: • Modulates spinal cord excitability for many pathways and muscle groups • Significantly improve accuracy in movements • Increase the sensitivity around the joint in which the sleeve is applied This means that the compression sleeve can help the mind-nerve-body pathways filter out irrelevant information and increase sensitivity to task-related sensory information and enhance movement (10). When movements are performed precisely and biomechanics improve with compression, pain and soreness decreases (11). 6. Collagen We’ve discussed collagen’s benefits at length for joints, ligaments and tendons, skin, digestion, and overall health. When it comes to pain, the best type of collagen is “type II collagen” derived from chickens. It specifically contains hyaluronic acid, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate to support healthy cartilage and joints. In fact, one 2008 study found that athletes who took hydrolyzed collagen had less joint pain at rest and when active (12). Another found that type II specifically reduced knee pain in those with osteoarthritis (13). Yet another 6-month study showed that it can improve lower back joint pain (14). The best option for collagen is none other than Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder. It includes all 3 types of important collagens, so you get every type you need in one powder. What’s more, the addition of probiotics makes it even better digested and absorbed, and a whole-body pain reliever. 7. Weight Loss If you are currently overweight, one of the best things you can do for joint and bone pain is to lose weight. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in luck, because we have the resources you need. In fact, you can start our Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge today, and it’s FREE. You’ll find the resources, recipes, and information you need to get started with Keto Zone, the most effective and healthy weight loss plan available. Not only will you lose disease-promoting abdominal weight, but you’ll also lose it safely and efficiently while improving whole-body health and reducing joint pain. Start for free today! 8. Optimism and Prayer Believe it or not, optimism can reduce pain. And, yes, it’s all in your head. Our brains are incredibly powerful. And our thoughts can translate into real pain or pain relief. In fact, there’s a growing body of evidence that optimism plays a protective role in acute and chronic pain. In fact, a recent medical review found that optimism is associated with less acute and chronic pain (15). And what’s more, those who consistently practice prayer are often more optimistic and hopeful about the future. When you take your burden to God, you release them and can reduce stress and negative thoughts. This all translates to more pain relief (physically and mentally). Bottom Line Looking for natural pain relievers? Of course, there are many options. We’ve provided 8 that are effective, can be initiated easily at home, and are affordable. Massage, cold-therapy, and others are effective as well. But to start, find relief using natural foods, plant compounds, compression, prayer and optimism, and weight loss today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post Winter Aches & Pains? Try These 8 Effective Natural Pain Relievers Today appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.