Natural Immune System Supplements - Activate® by Melaleuca

How to Make the Common Cold Uncommon. In this article, Michael T. Murray of Bastyr University indicates that if you catch a cold more than twice a year then your immune system needs some support. He goes on to list the virtues of selected vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, selenium and zinc, along with Echinacea, for a healthy immune response. Michael T. Murray, ND, is regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a Bastyr graduate and faculty member and serves on the Bastyr board of trustees.

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, has a comprehensive and interactive medical reference that includes over 50,000 pages of medically-reviewed health content. This is their fully referenced monograph on Astragalus.

The Herb Research Foundation has published a green-paper on Echinacea. It has an impressive history of usage, which started with the North American Plains Indians to modern day world-wide acclaim. It increases the immune system to help fight against opportunistic germs.

Immunological Activity...(link no longer available) This preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective four-week clinical trial at a naturopathic medical school research center, found that while other studies supported the benefits of Echinacea and larch arabinogalactan in reducing symptoms and recovery time from acute respiratory tract infections, this study showed activation of the complement system and increased production of complement properdin (a protein found in the blood that has a specific role in immune function), which may be another, additional, immune factor stimulated by these two herbal extracts.

(300 k) This monograph on Echinacea purpurea, in the Boston University Medical Center Library, gives a comprehensive list of uses. It states that the German Commission E has approved it orally for supportive treatment of chronic respiratory infections, lower urinary tract infections, and for topical treatment of poorly healing wounds and ulcerations. These indications are also noted in monographs published by the World Health Organization.

In this article on the constituents and indications of Echinacea, David L. Hoffman states that it is one of the most important herbs for helping the body guard against microbial infections. David L. Hoffmann, B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H. qualified as a medical herbalist after four years intensive study at the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, UK. He is now Director of the California School of Herbal Studies and President of the American Herbalist Guild. David is also the author of several books and he does lecture tours in Canada, the USA and New Zealand.

Arabinogalactan is a polysaccharide starch that is found in many varieties of plants, but is usually extracted from larch trees (Larix spp.) Not only has it been found to stimulate the body's ability to defend itself against pathogenic micro-organisms, it is particularly beneficial for the intestinal flora, and the overall health of the colon. It is classed as a safe and effective immune-stimulating plant-based agent, with no evidence of toxicity.

Improve your Immunity with Arabinogalactans. In this comprehensive article on arabinogalactans and the immune system, by Dr. Joseph A. Debé, we are reminded that an immune stimulant not only protects us from viral infections, but also from more serious diseases too. Dr. Joseph A. Debé is a Chiropractor, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition, Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner, and is working towards his certification as an Anti-Aging Health Provider. He has been in practice for nearly 20 years.

Minerals such as selenium have been shown to interact with many vital functions, including the immune system, within the body. It helps to signal the start of an immune response, so the body can attack the virus at an earlier stage. It also works synergistically with vitamins C and E, supporting and enhancing each other's functions. People deficient in selenium are more susceptible to infections in general.

Selenium works with zinc to boost the body's immunity response to the flu virus. It may be especially beneficial to the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to infections. It is also a potent antioxidant, protecting the body's vital cells from damage.

Nutritional deficiency can boost influenza virus damage. It is interesting that, in a selenium-deficient animal model, the virus was shown to mutate to a more virulent form; indicating that viral infections in a community deficient in selenium could be the breeding ground for more serious viral infections that can go on to infect the healthier members of the population.

Zinc and vitamin C work together to help to lessen the symptoms and the duration of respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.
Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-Enhancing Role of Vitamin C and Zinc and Effect on Clinical Conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2005 Dec 21;50(2):85-94

This review of the literature on zinc and its role in infectious diseases, mainly in Third World countries, states that recent studies have shown that zinc supplementation can shorten the duration of upper respiratory diseases e.g. colds.
Cuevas LE, Koyanagi A. Zinc and infection: a review. Ann Trop Paediatr. 2005 Sep;25(3):149-60.

COMMON COLD
Cold viruses attack the moist, cooler regions of the nose, throat, sinuses, vocal cords, and larynx when our systems are run down. The virus has developed a way of avoiding destruction by the immune system and is present in a dormant state. Apparently, when we contract a cold from someone else (sneeze, handshake, kiss), the two viruses exchange fragments of genetic information to form a slightly new strain. It is new enough to enter living cells undetected where it begins to multiply until cell damage has taken place and the immune system drives the virus into seclusion until the next opportune time arises. Mucous membranes become swollen, red and irritated as the virus spreads from one cell to the next. Untreated colds can progress into more threatening conditions.

Suggested Treatment: The common cold usually gives a warning that it is about to develop. From the earliest signs of tiredness, sneezing, and hoarseness you are given a few hours to launch an attack. Immediately take Activate Immune Complex during a cold or flu and take a hot bath. Take CounterAct cold and flu medicines as directed. Also, breathe the steamy vapor of five drops of T36-C5 and water in a steam inhaler for fifteen minutes (air temperatures above 104 degrees kill the virus). Apply one drop of T36-C5 to each nostril of your nose every four hours. Sip vegetable broth and/or mom's chicken soup every couple of hours. Avoid any temptation to eat heavy foods as your digestive tract, including smell and taste, are on vacation for a while. If coughing is present, use CounterAct Cough Relief Medicine as directed. CounterAct Cough Drops are formulated with menthol and Melaleuca oil to reduce coughs and sore, dry throat, as well as vitamin C to help boost the immune system. Try a hot Sustain Sport drink to fight any fever you may produce. To reduce painful muscles, bathe with Renew Bath Oil frequently. "Drown the cold" with G'Day Melaleuca Tea -- one cup per hour. Take the Vitality Pack and CellWise. You should also take ProVex-Plus each day. Get all the rest you can.

INFLUENZA (Flu)
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Its many symptoms may include chills, fever, cough, headache, aches in the joints, weakness, and stomach distress. Much more severe than the common cold, the flu can progress to total exhaustion, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and sometimes death. Since the virus is spread from one person to another, controlling the environment is important. Keeping one's immune resistance up is the best prevention.

Suggested Treatment: Upon the first signs of the flu, immediately take Activate Immune Complex as directed. Start drinking a cup of G'Day Melaleuca Tea every hour. Drink hot Sustain Sport to prevent exhaustion. To reduce painful muscles, frequently bathe with Renew Bath Oil. Use CounterAct Cough Medicine as directed. Use CounterAct Cough Drops to reduce coughs and sore, dry throat. Use CounterAct Cold and flu medicines as directed. Go to bed. Use Calmicid if indigestion or gas is present. Begin a steam vaporizer with 10 drops of T36-C5 and 2 capfuls of Sol-U-Mel in the infected person's room. Take the Vitality Pack as well as Cell-Wise and ProVex-Plus for the antioxidant effect, which reduces pain of muscles, chest, and abdomen.

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