Herbs for the immune system

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is probably the most famous of all the herbs used for immune function. The most important thing to understand with Echinaforce is that it improves the efficiency of the immune system. This is very different from the commonly held belief that it stimulates the immune system.

Most people do not need their immune system stimulated; often, all that is needed is for the immune system to work more effectively. 

Scientists working in the field of phytotherapy now refer to Echinacea as an immunomodulator rather than an immunostimulant. Echinaforce improves the way the immune system recognises pathogens. Immune system cells respond more rapidly, increasing the chances that the pathogen will be dealt with before it can damage the body. As pathogen recognition is improved, there is less likelihood that healthy cells will be attacked in error.
This is now believed to make autoimmune diseases less likely. By increasing the efficiency of the immune system, Echinacea improves the non-specific immune response as opposed to the specific immune response. This means that Echinacea works on a wide range of pathogens, and therefore has a broad spectrum of activity. 

The time taken to recognize antigens and to respond to them are both shortened, enhancing the immune surveillance system. This makes Echinaforce an appropriate remedy to use for preventing illness and disease. Taking it regularly means that your immune system will be on the alert, ready to deal with any bug before it can take you over. Echinacea also improves the process of phagocytosis by making phagocytes more mobile and better able to clear up pathogens quickly and efficiently. This means that if you already have a bug, Echinaforce will shorten your recovery time during an infectious illness.

A.Vogel Echinaforce® Extra

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Made from fresh plants, A.Vogel tinctures contain the maximum amount of soluble constituents of a herbal remedy. They are, on the one hand, finished medicines, e.g. A.Vogel Echinaforce® - and are also used as the source material for various other A.Vogel products.

Devil’s claw, the herb in A.Vogel Joint Pain Relief is now well known as a wonderful anti-inflammatoryagent when used for rheumatism and arthritis. What is less known is that, when taken long term, it balances the immune system, improving its recognition of pathogens, and reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions caused by the immune system firing at harmless molecules in error.

The immune system is central to the production of inflammation in the body. Whole herb extracts of Devil’s Claw have been shown to affect many parts of the complex inflammatory pathway as seen inconditions such as osteoarthritis. As most autoimmune conditions involve a degree of inflammation, it is handy to use a herb that is bothanti-inflammatory and immune balancing. 

Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and lupus. A.Vogel Joint Pain Relief needs to be taken for at least 6 months for the immune balancing effect to become apparent. One of the joys of using A.Vogel Joint Pain Relief is its lack of contraindications with other medicationand its suitability for long-term use.

Siberian Ginseng has beneficial effects on the female hormonal system. It can also be useful when there is increased stress, whether physical or psychological, that may impede immune function.

Adaptogen that allows the immune system to work better under stressful conditions Siberian Ginseng improves the metabolic processes that allow the body to rise to challenges and adapt to meet increased requirements in terms of energy output. 

Have you noticed how people tend to fall sick just when they have the most work to do? This herb can help you avoid becoming ill when going through a stressful or demanding period. For example, it is great for those studying for exams or during a house move. 

Siberian Ginseng should not be taken during pregnancy or nursing, in combination with blood pressure or other heart medication, or in cases of epilepsy or schizophrenia.

Just a quick mention of this herb that most people know of as an antidepressant: Anti-Stress (St-John’s Wort) is also antiviral and can be used to fight viral infections, especially when depression or emotional upsets are making the body vulnerable to attack. The nice thing about Anti-Stress is that it cheers you up while it cures you of your virus!
Remember that this herb should not be taken with prescription medication.