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Mullein
This herb, which contains magnesium, pantothenic acid,
PABA and vitamins B-2,B-12 and D, is able to alleviate
and soothe irritation and inflammation while also acting
as an expectorant.4,5 It has calming properties and
swollen membranes respond to its soothing action.4 It
has been used for asthma, bronchitis, difficulty in
breathing, earache, hay fever and swollen glands.4 It
is approved by the German Commission E as a catarrh
of the respiratory tract.5 Recent clinical studies have
corroborated that the saponins and mucopolysaccharides
in mullein confer its ability to heal and soothe inflammation.5
In addition, it can also be used as an herbal pain reliever
and sleep aid.4 Products: Breathe Right.
Olive Leaf
Native to Southern Europe and the entire Mediterranean
region, olive leaves exert, as demonstrated in animal
studies, an "antispasmodic, bronchodilator, coronary
dilator, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic and arrhythmogenic,
antipyretic, hypoglycemic and diuretic" effects.5 Two
compounds in olive leaves, terpenes and phenols, have
been shown, in animal studies, spasmolytic effects on
the smooth muscle of the intestine.5 Olive leaf has
been used to stimulate the immune system and to treat
hypertonia, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, gout, diabetes,
mellitus and fever.6
Contraindications: Persons suffering from gallstones
should not take an excess of olive leaf as it might
trigger colic.6 Products: ImmunoMax.
Oregon Grape Root
Oregon Grape, like Goldenseal, is another herb that
contains berberine, which is used to treat infection.4
It has been used to purify the blood and cleanse the
liver, which has had implications for many skin disorders
such as acne, psoriasis, eczema as well as liver and
gallbladder conditions.5,6 In addition, it is also considered
a tonic for the glands. Because it contains berberine
and hydrastine, it is also useful in fighting bacteria
such as staph infections, vaginal yeast infections and
urinary tract infections. Studies have demonstrated
that Oregon grape has a similar bactericidal effect
as with goldenseal.4 Contraindications: Use of Oregon
grape is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.4,6
Products: ImmunoMax.
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