Deep Immune Activator The herbs in this formula have traditionally been considered to act as deep immuno-modulators, having a beneficial effect on the cellular foundations of the human immune response. This is a long-term formula for strengthening the body's deepest powers of defense.

Contents: Chinese Astragalus root, Chinese Ligustrum fruit, Chinese Lovage (Ligusticum v. sp.) root, Peruvian Cat's Claw bark, St. John's Wort flowering tops, Red Reishi mushroom, Shiitake mushroom, Chinese Schizandra Berry and fresh Venus' Flytrap. 20 to 50 drops 3-5 times daily or once daily for maintenance. During the acute phase of infections use with surface immune activators such as Echinacea. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Ingredient descriptions:

Chinese Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)

Actions: Deep immune activator, diuretic, tonic, hypotensive, vasodilator, anti-stress agent.

Common Use: Used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties.

Chinese Ligustrum Privet Fruit (Ligustrum lucidum)

Actions: Nutritive tonic, deep immune activator, liver tonic, digestive aid.

Common Use: Ligustrum, or privet fruit, is an excellent digestive aid, it may be of benefit in chronic bowel complaints and ulcerations of the stomach and bowels. Also known to nourish and tone the liver and kidneys, benefit the skin, and act on conditions such as dizziness, spots in front of the eyes, lower back pain and tinnitus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ligustrum is often combined with astragalus root to combat long term weakness, chronic illness or deficiency, and many degenerative ailments such as general immune weakness.

Chinese Lovage Root (Ligusticum wallichii v. sp.)

Actions: Tonic, deep immune activator, antimicrobial, hypotensive, mild nervine.

Common Use: Increasing interest is being shown in plants that impact the immunological process within the tissue that mediates its work, Chinese Lovage root or ligusticum, is one of those plants (this is not Osha root Ligusticum porteri). In addition to its antimicrobial properties, Chinese ligusticum is considered by herbalists to be an immune modulator, or adjuvant, an herb that has a beneficial effect upon the human immune response, not necessarily acting as stimulants or inhibitors, but rather "feeding" the whole process in some, as yet unknown way. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

Peruvian Cat's Claw (Una de Gato) Bark (Uncaria tomentosa)

Actions: Deep immune activator, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, hypotensive, cardiac tonic.

Common Use: This amazing vine from the Peruvian rain forest is offered in Peruvian pharmacies. 15 to 30 drops 2-3 daily. Do not use with anti-ulcer medications. Not recommended if pregnant or nursing.

St. John's Wort flowering Tops (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's wort achieved instant fame in the US when clinical studies confirmed its effectiveness in the relief of mild-to-moderate depression. The news came as no surprise to herbalists, who have long used St. John's wort not only for depression, but also for the relief of wounds, burns, injured nerves, inflammations, ulcers, anxiety, and other ailments. Today, St. John's wort is one of the most frequently used in mild-to-moderate depression in Germany, and it seems destined to become just as popular in the US. The plant has also generated intense scientific interest because of its potential as an antiviral agent.

Red Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)

Actions: Adaptogen, deep immune activator, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antibacterial, antiviral, cardiac tonic, expectorant, antineoplastic.

Common Use: Reishi is in the most highly rated category of herbs ("Superior"), in terms of multiple benefits and lack of side effects, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.Reishi greatly reduced the symptomsof oxygen deprivation among Chinese workers who traveled to the high plateau of Tibet, climbing 15,000 feet in 3 days in the process. Reishi is a true adaptogen, enhancing health and normal functions of the body. For example, while it increases some components of immune response, it also inhibits pathological immune functions. It has been reported to reduce the histamine release associated with allergic reactions. It also increased immunoglobulin-A levels.

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes)

Actions: Adaptogen, deep immune activator, antiviral, antineoplastic.

Common Use: Shiitakeappears to be beneficial for soothing bronchial inflammations and regulating urine incontinence. Shiitake mycelia is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. It contains a polysaccharide-protein complex that studies have shown to:activate macrophages, promoting recognition of antigens and information transmission to the helper T-cells and increasing the rate at which objects are engulfed; reinforce interleukin-1 production, activating the helper T-cells; promote the mitosis of B-lymphocytes (and others), increasing their proliferation; increase antibody production; and, improve health of chronic hepatitis patients. This fungi has been extensively studied in the Orient and elsewhere, the reported beneficial findings are to detailed and numerous to mention here. For anyone with further interest we recommend reading Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs, subjects include reishi, shiitake, maitake, kombucha, and more.

Chinese Schizandra Berry (Schizandra chinensis)

Actions: Tonic, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, deep immune activator, antioxidant.

Common Use: Schizandra fruits or berries contain various lignans, mainly schizandrins, these lignans have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver repair, and stimulate normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various antioxidant abilities of the various schizandrins. Schizandra also helps in digestion, regulating gastric acid release. Other studies have shown that extracts of schizandra are stimulating to the central nervous system and are cholinergic. There have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, increase work efficiency, control anger and combat neurasthenias (headaches, insomnia, dizziness, palpitations). Other reports have mentioned increased cognitive function and increased memory. A recent study concluded that schizandra may be a useful herb to reverse depression, particularly that due to adrenergic exhaustion. Recent research studies have indicated that schizandra has numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. In Oriental Medicine, schizandra is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys, including as an aphrodisiac ( kidney element). Schizandra is also a registered medicine in Russia for vision problems since the herb has been found to prevent eye fatigue and increase acuity.

Fresh Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Actions: Deep immune activator, antiviral, analgesic, antineoplastic.

Common Use: Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.