These herbs were chosen primarily for their active ingredients, but also with consideration given to their taste, safety and cost.
REMEMBER: Depending on the strain of Flu, it may be better to avoid anything that boosts the Immune System, especially during the active Flu stage. This is because an increase in Cytokines brought on by a stimulated immune response can lead to a Cytokine Storm and actually ravage the lungs. THIS IS WHY BIRD FLU DEATHS SEEM TO BE MOSTLY IN THE YOUNG AND FIT.
Anti-inflammatories and
anti-virals are therefore thought best to help the body cope with Flu strains such as Bird Flu (H5N1).
Hence we have chosen these three particular herbs because they are attributed with
anti-inflammatory and
anti-viral action. But most importantly, none of them are thought to specifically boost Cytokine response.
The Herbs We chose and Why:
Ginger Root: This herb was chosen because it contains 10
anti-viral compounds and is a stimulating herb that is warming to the system, making it a wonderful warming cold and flu remedy. It is also thought to be a powerful
anti-inflammatory herb and there has been much recent interest in its use for joint problems, relieving headaches, soothing sore throats and reducing fever. All these symptoms are commonly associated with Flu. In her book '10 Essential Herbs' author Lalitha Thomas describes the properties: "The major active ingredients in
ginger are terpenes (quite similar to the chemical action of turpentine) and an oleo-resin called
ginger oil. These two, and other active ingredients in
ginger, provide
antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating, and mild constipation relief qualities along with a potent perspiration-inducing action that is quite effective in cleansing the system of toxins."
Lemon Balm: This herb is another excellent herb. It is an
antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial,
antiviral,
sedative, and thyroid-regulating. It is often used to treat children with fever, flu, and colds. In adults, it treats colds, headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and nervous stomachs. In addition, it is a soothing,
sedative herb that can relieve tension and lift depression. This is important as people do get very tired and fed-up when fighting the Flu. If you can start to FEEL better your body will heal much better.
Green Tea:
Green Tea possesses one of nature's most powerful
antioxidants, called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). Even moderate doses have an effect. In addition,
Green tea is an excellent
anti-inflammatory. It is thought the tea acts at the cellular level by inhibiting inflammatory pathways to reduce inflammation. The tea's high content of polyphenols is likely to be responsible for its high
anti-inflammatory activity. It has been shown to REDUCE THE RELEASE OF PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES. (reference: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=57923).
Herbs We Didn't Choose and Why
Echinacea: This is a very useful herb for boosting the immume system, but as we've already mentioned this would not be a good idea when fighting such as Bird Flu. The increase cytokine response (white blood cells) is actually what causes problems as it ravishes the lungs, hence Bird Flu has so far mostly killed the fit and young. In addition,
echinacea is for use in short bursts only and we wanted a kit that can be used all winter.
Garlic: This is a great herb medicinally, but we wanted to create a warming beverage that could be taken with fresh orange, and
Garlic is not very pleasant taken in this way (it's best added to food). Also, it can interact with other herbs, and care must be taken not to take too much as high doses can cause anaemia.
Goldenseal: Another great herb for the immune system, but very expensive and hard to come by, so not suitable for inclusion in a kit. If you can afford it though, it's definitely worth a try.
We feel we've come up with the right combination of herbs that are easy to take, taste nice and are not too expensive.
Please Note: This kit is NOT a substitute for the Flu injection and these herbs will not give you complete immunity from colds or Flu. What they aim to do is reduce the likelihood of catching an illness in the first place. And if you do become ill they should hopefully reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms, and help you recover afterwards.
Herbs
