For
the defense and early attack of influenza viruses. As with all supplements, only use as
preventative and do not overuse. When
taking supplement, use for 12 days, then rest for 2 and resume. This formula includes elderberries,
astragalus, and two forms of Echinacea. For
general defense take 1 cap, twice daily.
For Intensive treatment take 2 caps, two to three times daily.
In light of the media hype each year regarding the
latest flu epidemic and the reality of the flu itself being a despicable
illness that no one desires to acquire. Lucy's Garden has created a
wonderful formula to aid in strengthening the immune system and allow it to
function to its best ability. Since we
realize that most healthy individuals have an immune system that will work to
fight off the typical infection, it is our policy to recommend use of any
supplement as needed for defense, but not in excess. Using any supplement to enhance the immune
system when it is not needed can cause the immune system to work hyperactively
which is not healthy for one’s body. So,
during times when you are less likely to be exposed to bacteria and viruses, a
good healthy diet, coupled with adequate amounts of steam-distilled water, a
good whole food supplement,
and your Omega 3’s would be all you need.
But during times of stress, illness, exposure to bacteria and viruses
and often during the seasons when flu is at its peak (late summer through
winter) taking a good quality immune boosting supplement can be beneficial. Lucy's Garden has chosen to use the best herbs
known for their ability to ward off the elements that make the flu viruses so
strong and dangerous. The following
herbs are included in each capsule of the flu defense formula:
Elderberries—a known anti-viral herb. They bind to flu virus cells and work to prevent
the virions from binding to the host cells.
This process inhibits the influenza virus from taking hold of the
individual. Testing has been done
specifically on the influenza A (H1N1) virus and elderberries have been one of
the best inhibitors available. These
berries stop the production of hormone-like cytokines that encourage
neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) to cause inflammation (like in the flu
or arthritis) and actually increase the production of anti-inflammatory infection-fighting
cytokines. The elderberries are known to
be effective against at least 8 strains of influenza making them superior to
the vaccines. Elderberries also disarm the
enzymes that viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose
and throat—this means that if a supplement with elderberries is taken prior to
one being infected, it can prevent infection.
If taken after infection, it can prevent the spread of the virus through
the respiratory tract. In a recent
clinical study read, 20% of the people taking elderberries reported significant
improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours and 90% claimed to be completely
cured in 3 days (subjects who took a placebo required 6 days to recover).
Astragalus
Root—
research shows that simple preparations of astragalus as a whole herb stimulate
the immune system in several ways. It increases the number of stem cells in
bone marrow, and encourages their maturity into active white blood cells. It
appears to help signal the white blood cells known as neutrophils to migrate to
places they are needed to fight infection. It stimulates the
"germ-eating" white blood cells known as macrophages, activates
T-cells and natural killer (NIK) cells, and increases the production of immune
globulins. Usually taken with a variety of other herbs, astragalus as a whole
herb eases chronic respiratory infections.
It is a good herb preventing cytokine over-reactions.
Echinacea Angustifolia root—is
known to boost the immune system by treating colds, flu’s, and fighting
infections. It has also been used to speed wound healing, and reduce
inflammation (very common with influenza and arthritis). It has a long and intriguing history of use
as an antiseptic, an analgesic, and to treat poisonous insect and snakebites, toothaches,
sore throat, wounds, and communicable diseases such as mumps, smallpox, and
measles. It has also been touted as a
blood purifier. Many research studies done by doctors all over the world
indicated that Echinacea Angustifolia root is effective primarily by increasing
the number of white blood cells, thus boosting the immune system and thereby
increasing the body's ability to fight infection.
Echinacea
Purpurea
(otherwise known as Coneflower)—well known herb to stimulate the natural immune
function, helps fights viral AND bacterial
infections. Inhibits the enzyme
hyaluronidase, which is known to cause strep A (“strep throat”) and prevents
tissue invasion by the bacteria, while also killing the strep cells. This herb alone would do well to prevent and
aid in battles with allergic rhinitis/hay fever; Lyme’s disease; strep throat
(as mentioned above); laryngitis; hepatitis; and, any other common cold. It has also been
noted to be helpful in the fight with viral illnesses such as influenza because
of its ability to boost the immune system response to the virions. It also helps to prevent
illness if taken regularly*.
Lucy's Garden recommends its Flu Defense Formula be
taken as a preventative supplement only when needed. During flu season, in times of stress, if
immunosuppressed, and for individuals without a hypersensitive immune
system. The goal is to elicit a
strengthening of the natural immune response, so a preventative dose would be 1
capsule twice daily for 12 days, then rest for two days and then treat for 12
until the threat of illness is removed.
If intensive use is needed (in the event of direct exposure or at the
onset of flu like symptoms) take 2 capsules two to three times daily depending
upon the severity of the need and return to preventative dosage as soon as the
illness or imminent threat is removed.
This supplement is recommended for ages 4 and up. For children under 4 you may choose to find a
chewable elderberry supplement or use a liquid immune glycerite. If you choose to use the flu prevention
formula, you could cut the dosage in half and put the powdered herb in with
yogurt or applesauce.
As with all natural supplements, proof of their
ability to do as they claim is based upon word of mouth use and not
scientifically proven evidence. Lucy's Garden makes no claims that
this or any of our formulas are scientifically proven effective; we simply
believe based upon usage of these and other herbs over time, that the formula
may help in nourishing your body’s regular functions and helping to improve
your immune and body system responses.
We understand that some herbs work differently on different individuals
and therefore advise that you consult with your health practitioner prior to
taking any supplements to be assured of how they may affect you based upon your
overall health and other medications.