A strong immune system is important all year long, not just in cough and cold season. Your immunity is linked to many factors, including your digestive health, skincare, and general wellness. Using all-natural dietary supplements is an easy way to support your immune system. There is a strong tie between Oregon grape root, elderberry, reishi, and immunity. Here's why you should upgrade your wellness routine with these three immunity herbs!
1. Oregon Grape Root
This medicinal root is derived from Mahonia-aquifolium, better known as the Oregon grape holly plant. Oregon grape holly is native to Western North America.
As the name implies, it's even a state flower for Oregon! However, its presence has benefitted states all along the West Coast.
This plant's roots, rhizomes, and even bright yellow flowers have been used in medicine for centuries, dating back to indigenous tribes.
Traditionally, Oregon grape root was steeped in teas to create tonics. It was used to help with digestive issues, including:
- Ulcers
- Heartburn/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Bowel Cleanses
- Nausea/Vomiting
Currently, Oregon Grape root is used for skin conditions. It's bursting with antioxidants that are useful in treating psoriasis. Some people also experience relief with eczema by using Oregon grape root, but studies are still in the early stages.
While these are all excellent benefits of Oregon grape root, its immune-supporting abilities are what really sets this plant apart from others. Oregon grape root is rich in a unique alkaloid known as berberine. In fact, Oregon grape holly has so much berberine that its Latin name is Berberis aquifolium!
Berberine is called "nature's antioxidant."
This alkaloid has been shown in studies to prevent oxidation in vital body parts, including:
- Adipose (Fat) Tissue
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
Oregon grape root powder is an excellent immune-boosting dietary supplement for people with type 2 diabetes. Berberine in Oregon grape holly helps lower cholesterol and lipids in the bloodstream. This benefit prevents blockages that can cause oxidative stress or high blood pressure.
Additionally, Oregon grape root has potent antifungal capabilities. Berberine is often used in treatments when medical antifungals, such as Fluconazole, are ineffective.
This powerful compound alters the DNA of medicine-resistant yeast, including Candida albicans. Candida overgrowth is the #1 fungal infection in the world. It can cause severe digestive issues, suppress your immune system, and cause chronic fatigue.
Oregon grape root destroys the yeast's membrane. This damage stunts the cellular processes of yeast. Berberine prohibits the yeast cells from proliferating. Ultimately, this potent antioxidant prevents fungal overgrowth.
2. Elderberry
Elderberry and immunity are like peanut butter and jelly. Except, elderberry is far healthier!
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a native plant to Europe and North America. Its black fruit bodies have been used for centuries in teas, tonics, and other health-boosting elixirs.
We're still reaping the benefits of elderberries to this day. Its antiviral benefits were highly touted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts pointed out that elderberry helps with respiratory health.
Anthocyanins in this fruit help prevent virus cells from latching onto healthy cell membranes. This benefit prevents the virus from reproducing and comprising the entire system.
Speaking of viruses, elderberries are one of the most effective fruits for fighting the flu. Studies on elderberry and influenza A and B found that those who supplement with elderberry for five days see symptoms subside up to four days quicker than those who don't.
In addition, elderberries have extremely high levels of vitamins A, B, C. These vitamins are essential for so many physiological functions. That makes elderberry extract an excellent source of vitamins you might be missing in your diet.
3. Reishi
The Ganoderma lucidum Reishi mushroom is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This mushroom has been used as a tonic in Asia for centuries. It was believed to improve brain power and fight aging.
More recently, a study of potential cardioprotective effects of reishi has caused many holistic practitioners to turn to this mushroom for treatment.
Cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum include:
- Reperfusion Injury Protection
- Cardiomyocyte Injury Prevention
- Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage Protection
- Cholesterol Synthesis Inhibition
- Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Decrease
There is also growing evidence of the benefits of using reishi mushrooms for cancer. This mushroom is rich in a unique antioxidant known as beta-glucans. Beta-glucans isolated from Ganoderma lucidum have potent antitumor capabilities that make this mushroom for cancer treatment so effective.
Reishi mushrooms are also excellent for brain health. These fungi stimulate neural cells. These reactions support healthy communication in the brain by opening new pathways and strengthening synapses. That's why experts are turning to reishi medicinal mushrooms as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's patients.
This powerful mushroom is also useful for maintaining liver health. Reishi has shown to protect liver cells in mice when they were induced with the amino acid α-amanitin. About 60% of the α-amanitin humans ingest gets filtered through the liver.
Here, it binds to the enzyme RNA polymerase II. This enzyme is responsible for mRNA production, which leads to DNA synthesis. When there is too much α-amanitin in the liver, it can prevent new cell growth. When this happens, liver disease can manifest.
Typically, practitioners measure the following biomarkers to determine if your liver is in jeopardy:
- Increased Levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Increased Levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Decreased Levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
- Decreased Levels of Catalase (CAT)
Studies with reishi found that reishi may cause the opposite effect by increasing SOD and CAT, while decreasing ALT and AST. So, power up on reishi if you’re experiencing liver problems!
Boost the Immune System with Natural Herbs
Most people have always wanted to feel their best. However, this pandemic has really opened the eyes of millions. Health and quality of life have become priorities, and rightfully so!
Don't increase the risk of your health by reverting back to poor wellness habits. Boost your immune system with simple lifestyle changes, like using all-natural dietary supplements.
Detox your body daily with Our Botanicals' Oregon Grape Root Extract. This potent antifungal tonic helps protect the body from pathogens, like Candida albicans. Its unique antioxidants help protect vital organs and promote a healthy digestive system.
Support cognitive function daily and in the long-term with Our Botanicals' Reishi Extract. This tonic is enriched with beta-glucans and antioxidants isolated from Ganoderma lucidum to protect your immune system, heart, and liver health.
Lastly, protect your body all year round from viruses with Our Botanicals' Elderberry Comfort. This delicious tonic contains the immune-boosting support of elderberry. It's also fortified with reishi to help promote brain health while detoxifying the body.
This all-natural tonic also contains lemon balm. This all-natural botanical improves mood and relaxes the mind. These benefits trigger a release of feel-good hormones that lower our stress levels. That's why lemon balm is also one of the ingredients in Tranquility Labs' Sleep-Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray!
Essential Takeaways:
- Oregon grape holly root is a potent antifungal agent that prevents pathogenic growth.
- Elderberry is a superfood that promotes healthy lungs and fights off influenza.
- Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that is great for brain health and cancer.
BONUS RECIPE: Reishi Golden Milk Nightcap
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, well blended
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp minced fresh turmeric
- Pinch ground black pepper
- Small pinch pink Himalayan or sea salt, optional
- 1 tsp reishi mushroom powder
- 1 tbsp raw honey
-In a saucepan, combine milks, ginger, turmeric, pepper and salt.
-Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally. Turn off heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
-In a high-speed blender, add milk mixture, reishi powder and honey; blend until smooth.
-Serve warm.
