There are many factors that are essential to a healthy Immune System. These factors can be analyzed and used to formulate a support plan for individual clients. These include both physiological and psychological factors. Among the most important factors are diet, social support, attitude, stress, exercise and sleep. Herbal Support Herbs can be an excellent way to help boost the immune system. For thousands of years many cultures have recognized certain herbs for their immune boosting value. Herbs like Elderberry, Elderflower, Echinacea, Ginger, Goldenseal, Oregano and Reishi mushroom are time tested immune system boosters.
Echinacea: Echinacea is one of the most studied herbs in the world. Echinacea has shown that it has direct antiviral activity against several respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Influenza B, and Herpes Simplex Virus. Goldenseal: A recent study at North Carolina University demonstrated that Goldenseal inhibits H1N1 Influenza A virus. The study showed that the chemical berberine, found in Goldenseal, was responsible for the action. It works by inhibiting virus protein trafficking/maturation which in turn inhibits virus growth. Other herbs that contain berberine include barberry, Oregon grape and goldenthread. Reishi Mushroom: Studies on Reishi mushroom have shown it to me a medicinal powerhouse with inhibitory effects on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Diet A proper balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients is vital to a healthy immune system. Lack of key nutrients can cause chronic inflammation and can lead to disease (Percival, 2011). There is increasing evidence that diet may have a direct effect on the immune system and consequently on disease risk. Malnutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infection. (Sanderson, et al., 2010). Many of us today eat prepackaged or fast food. These have hidden dangers for our immune system. Processed sugar inhibits immune function. Eating refined sugar causes your cortisol levels to rise. Processed sugar spikes glucose (blood sugar) levels. Insulin, the hormone that tells cells to take in glucose, spikes as well. Increased insulin levels tell the body to form fat and release more cortisol, a stress hormone that damages immunity and increases inflammation.
which is just one more reason why eating to promote healthy microflora is an essential element a properly functioning immune system. There is an emerging consensus that most disease originates in your digestive system. This includes both physical and mental disease. A healthy diet is the ideal way to maintain a healthy gut, and regularly consuming traditionally fermented or cultured foods is the easiest way to ensure optimal gut flora. In addition, avoiding sugar, including fructose in your diet. Sugar nourishes pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungi in your gut, which may actually harm you more than its impact on insulin resistance. A robust immune system, supported by your flourishing inner ecosystem, is your number one defense against ALL disease, from the common cold to cancer (Mercola, 2013). Social Support People who do not have frequent interaction with others are 14 per cent more likely to die early. This is due to reduced levels of white blood cells in their body.
Stress Stress is another major roadblock to proper immune function. Stress response is a natural and lifesaving element of our total body system. It is that natural response that helped our ancestors survive and continues to help us today. The problem is that in
contributors to disease in America. One of the best therapeutic approaches to stress, which I use personally is Shinrin-yoku or forest air bathing. The combination of forest serenity, meditation and the forests natural phytochemicals reduce high blood pressure, relieve stress and revives the spirit. Meditation and exercise are also excellent ways to combat stress. Sleep levels and lowers cortisol and catecholamine concentrations (Luciana Besedovsky, 2012). A good rule of thumb is to get a good 8 hours of sleep each night. References:
Davidson, R. (2003). University of Wisconsin, Madison; Study shows brain activity influences immune function. Biotech Week, 532. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/205568452?accountid=158302 Eliaz, I. (2013, October 10). Dangerously Sweet: The True Impacts of Sugar on Your Health. Retrieved from Rodale Wellness: https://www.rodalewellness.com/health/sugar-and-health Luciana Besedovsky, T. L. (2012). Sleep and immune function. Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 463(1), 121-137. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00424-011-1044-0 Mercola, J. (2013, January 2). Confirmed – Your Digestive System Dictates Whether You’re Sick or Well. Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/02/digestive-system-gut-flora.aspx: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/02/digestive-system-gut-flora.aspx Parker, F. (2015, November 2). Being lonely increases your chances of dying early as it weakens your immune system; Researchers said their findings were independent of factors such as depression, stress and social support. Daily Mirror. Retrieved from Health Reference Center Academic, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=HRCA&sw=w&u=lirn12711&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA435433154&it=r&asid=c381d9928a31b8ec0b629084e0814fdc. Percival, S. S. (2011). Nutrition and Immunity: Balancing Diet and Immune Function. Nutrition Today, 46(1), 12. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/857330671?accountid=158302 Sanderson, P., Elsom, R. L., Kirkpatrick, V., Calder, P. C., Woodside, J. V., Williams, E. A., . . . Stone, E. M. (2010, June 14). UK Food Standards Agency Workshop Report: Diet and Immune Function. The British Journal of Nutrition, 1684-1687. doi:10.1017/S0007114509993692 Sapolsky, R. M. (1998). Why zebras don’t get ulcers: An updated guide to stress, stress-related disease, and coping. New York: Freeman. Suzanne C. Segerstrom, G. E. (2004). Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601-630. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/203482134?accountid=158302 http://pacificcoastchirowellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/stress.jpg
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The American EpidemicOver 20% of You have it The United States is suffering from an epidemic of chronic inflammation, And despite the best health care technology in the world, it is getting worse. The statistics are alarming. For example, chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and joint disease affect more than 50 million people in the United States. That’s 1 in 5 people over age 18. This number is expected to surpass 67 million by 2030. According to the American Diabetes Association, 371 million adults and children are living with diabetes worldwide, another chronic inflammatory disease. An additional 79 million have prediabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The continued changes to the food supply and lifestyles are escalating the crisis of chronic inflammation (Becker). Yes, you read it correctly, its our food and lifestyle choices that is giving us the disease. Inflammation is an essential part of a healthy immune system that helps your body heal after an injury or infection. But chronic inflammation is bad. When your immune system produces immune cells constantly, it can cause a wide range of health problems including asthma, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, gastritis, otitis, coeliac disease, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, chronic inflammation is directly linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis depression, premature ageing and some of the visible signs of getting older, including not-so-youthful skin. So, what is causing this epidemic?? There are several reasons including the food we eat, exercise, pollution, stress, weight and lifestyle factor such as poor sleep, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, nutritional deficiencies and an imbalance of digestive bacteria (Robert, 2017). Note that many of these factors we can control.
messages to our white blood cells. As stated by Floyd Chilton, Ph.D., “These changes have dramatically turned the volume up on our immune systems causing them to become our enemy. Our bodies are revolting; our white blood cells have overreacted resulting in a plague of inflammatory diseases” (Gilbère, 2017). Dr. Nathan Wei, a rheumatologist at the Arthritis Treatment Centre in Maryland, says there’s a compelling reason to use diet rather than drugs. “While inflammation can be reduced with medication, these drugs may have significant side effects”. “For example, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug group increases the incidence of gastric or peptic ulcers as well as cardiovascular events. As a result, there has been a burgeoning interest in the use of foods that
that help you to digest protein. Proteins get into the bloodstream as a partially digested protein, and is attacked by the immune system.” Nielson suggests the first thing you should do when tackling inflammation is to avoid processed foods like white flour and sugar. “You should avoid too many animal fats, omega 6 fatty acids from soya bean, sunflower and corn oil; and trans fats (hydrogenated fats) from fast food and packaged goods. These fats drive inflammatory pathways. To reduce inflammation, eat a diet rich in natural, fresh and unprocessed foods. Eat fresh vegetables, low-sugar fruits, nuts, seeds and oily fish. Some herbs and spices can have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. The one that is most well-known is turmeric, and there has been much research into turmeric’s effects, identifying curcumin as the anti-inflammatory ingredient in it. Barley grass powder is also an excellent herb to use to reduce inflammation. If you like Indian food, you’ll be glad to hear that several spices have a range of health benefits, and some, including ginger, cinnamon, garlic, chilli, cayenne pepper and black pepper, may help to manage inflammation. Sleep is very important to your body. If you aren’t sleeping properly, your body will break down on you. New research indicates that Loss of sleep, even for a few short hours during the night, can prompt one’s immune system to turn against healthy tissue and organs. Losing sleep for even part of one night can trigger the key cellular pathway that produces tissue-damaging inflammation according to new research. The findings suggest a good night’s sleep can ease the risk of both heart disease and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (Elsevier, 2008).
important things we can do is manage our stress level. There are many areas of our lives that can produce chronic stress including work, family relations, emergencies and other life events. In addition, our ability to cope with this stress can be hampered by some of our lifestyle decisions such as smoking, alcohol use and obesity.
References Becker, M. (n.d.). The Inflammation Epidemic: No End in Sight. Retrieved from Natural Products Insider: https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/supplement-perspectives/blogs/supplement-perspectives/2016/02/the-inflammation-epidemic-no-end-in-sight-part-1.aspx Carnegie Mellon University. (2012, April 2). How stress influences disease: Study reveals inflammation as the culprit. Retrieved from Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm Elsevier. (2008, September 4). Loss Of Sleep, Even For A Single Night, Increases Inflammation In The Body. Retrieved from Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902075211.htm Gilbère, G. (2017, February 13). Inflammation – Epidemic of Epidemics. Retrieved from Dr. Gloria Gilbère, A Leading Voice in Wholistic Rejuvenation: http://www.gloriagilbere.com/published-health-articles/177-inflammation-epidemic-of-epidemics Robert, C. (2017, January 20). The Inflammation Epidemic: Your Number One Health Concern (And Sugar’s Role In It). Retrieved from High 50 Health: http://www.high50.com/health/the-inflammation-epidemic-your-number-one-health-concern-2015-and-what-sugars-got-to-do-with-it Need Energy Don’t drink energy drinks Go Natural Instead Energy drinks are very popular. The global energy drink market was worth $39 billion in 2013 and is forecast to reach $61 billion by 2021. This is a real problem according to many health organizations. Energy drinks pose danger to public health," warns the World Health Organization. Children "should not consume" them, cautions the American Academy of Pediatrics. Over the last several years researchers have determined some of the health hazards associated with these drinks. If you would like to read more about the health hazards of Energy Drinks, here are some recommended links.
There is some good news in all of this. There are natural and health ways to achieve the energy you need without the hazards of energy drinks and energy shots. Start by eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables. This alone will go a long way. In addition, nature has given us its own versions of boosting and maintaining energy. Bee Pollen Did you know that bee pollen contains almost all of the nutrients required by the human body to thrive? That’s why the German Federal Board of Health has officially recognized it as a medicine. Alex Woodly, then executive director of the prestigious Education Athletic Club in Philadelphia, said:
Bee Pollen not only will give you an energy lift it does more.
My favorite adaptogens are, Holy Basil, Milk Thistle and Astragalus.
One of the things you learn when becoming a Master Herbalist (Masters in Herbal Medicine) is that there is a time and place for the different components of herbs. Knowing if you should use a tea, tincture, or essential oil can be a complex problem that takes years of education and training to understand. There is a wealth of false or misleading information being passed around about Herbs, teas, tinctures and essential oils. Consulting a trained Master Herbalist is one way to cut to truth about what works, what doesn’t and what is flat out unsafe.
Here are some examples. Headaches are common but can be caused by many different issues. While essential oils can help by quickly alleviating a symptom, they do not last long and require frequent applications. Longer lasting relief could be found by using teas or tinctures. Addressing headaches long term should be done by bringing the body back in balance through the use of herbs and foods in a person’s diet. In another example, I recently read a post on the internet about how to remedy an upset stomach by rubbing lavender essential oil on the abdomen. Lavender essential oil constituents show up in the blood as soon as 15 minutes after application, with the peak occurring around 30 minutes. These chemical constituents have a half-life in the blood of less than 15 minutes, meaning that the liver filters them out of the blood. A much better, longer lasting solution would be to use an herbal tea to address the causes of the upset and protect the stomach from damage. the following paragraphs provide more information on the different types of herbs. Fresh and Dried Herbs Fresh and dried herbs can be a wonderful source of nutrition and flavor as well as a medicine. Cultures from around the world add medicinal herbs to their food, apply them to wounds, or chew them for their medicinal value. Using fresh or dried herbs are best used in two ways. The first is application directly to the affected area. A great example would be applying yarrow leaf to a cut to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. The second is using it in food for a long-term preventative. Here an example would be using turmeric as an anti-oxidant in food. Internal ingestion of most herbs is a long-term commitment to health. Herbs act on your body over time and have a profound influence on your long-term health. There are some herbs that are so powerful that even a small amount can cause dramatic and sometimes dangerous effects. When ingesting herbs, the body’s metabolic processes affect the chemical makeup of the herbs. These secondary metabolites are what effects the body.
Depending on what you want to extract the temperature of the water makes a difference. Sometimes cold water is best and others boiling water is better. A decoction is when you cover an herb with water and boil it for longer periods of time, reducing the volume of at least half. This produces a stronger product than simply steeping. A good example of this is an herbal syrup. Teas, infusions and decoctions are absorbed in the stomach and digestive system. This means that the rate of absorption is both slower and lower than in tinctures and inhalation. This is not a bad thing. In many cases the chemicals in the plant are broke down into secondary metabolites which are the actual drugs that the body needs. A great example of this is Uva ursi also known as bearberry. One of the primary chemical constituents of Uva ursi is arbutin. Arbutin is a glycoside that when metabolized becomes hydroquinone, a known astringent and antiseptic compound. Hydroquinone has urinary antiseptic properties and relieves pain associated with bladder stones, cystitis, nepritis and kidney stones.
To take a tincture, it is best to take the drops directly under the tongue. This gets the herb directly into the bloodstream. It is fine to dilute the tincture in a small amount of water or juice. This works well when the tincture does not taste very good.
Never use undiluted essential oils directly on your skin and never ingest essential oils without first consulting a trained professional. There are only a few specific essential oils suitable for oral administration. Ignorance or disregard of basic essential oil safety information can be one of the most dangerous mistakes to make with essential oils. Essential oils can react with prescription drugs and supplements and they can cause adverse reactions when used in excess. They can react differently in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity. Essential oils are best used through inhalation or through absorption through the skin. One thing to consider is essential oils act quickly but have a very short half-life, meaning they do not last long. Your body’s systems are very efficient at getting rid of toxins and it considers the components of essential oils a toxin.
Herbal medicine uses plants, or mixtures of plant extracts, to treat illness and promote health by focusing on the whole person rather on specific symptoms or illnesses. In short, the goal is to promote health and restore balance in order to help your own body heal itself. Navigating the world of herbal medicine can be complicated and difficult. It is best to seek help from a school trained Herbalist or Naturopath help guide you on your path to better health. If you have questions, please feel free to email me at bearberryessentials@gmail.com Nature |
Forests have much to offer in maintaining good health, recovery, and relief for the unwell. Green tracts have been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, strengthen immune systems, and help those struggling with conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Madren, 2011). According to Yoshifumi Miyazaki, a professor at the Center for Environment, Health, and Field Sciences at Chiba |
| Click here for Bearberry Essentials whole line of ready to use roll on Essential oils.Essential Oil Blends |
In 1924, her aunt was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was given 6 months to live. After taking the tea regularly she was pronounced cancer free and lived for more 21 years. Rene Caisse also gave Essiac Tea to her 72-year-old mother who had been diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer. The prognosis was terminal. Her Mother |
About UsBear Berry Essentials LLC is a family business created to fulfill the dream doing something you love to do. Here at Bear Berry we want to provide you with the opportunity to find the healing power that comes from nature. We only carry organic or wild crafted (super organic as we like to call it) products. Join us today in ‘determining our future health’.
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What they are saying about usThe Wound Care ointment is a miracle! I can't believe how quickly it worked. After getting nowhere with over the counter remedies for my cuts, I tried this and over night my cuts were healing. |