Echinacea (echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea was once the medicinal herb to turn to before antibiotics dominated in the 1950’s. Echinacea contains polysaccharides (and vitamin C) that are known to trigger immune function. The plant is also highly anti-inflammatory, antiviral and has antimicrobial properties. It is said that echinacea can reduce your chances of catching the common cold by 58% as well as reduce the duration of the common cold. Echinacea can also combat and help prevent upper respiratory infections, including the flu. The whole plant from leaf to root is used in our tisane.
Moringa (moringa oleifera)
Moringa leaves are said to have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. Moringa leaves also contain high amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and vitamin A. It has been dubbed by some cultures as a panacea (a possible cure-all). Moringa leaves pack a punch in essential vitamins and minerals, and are a super rich antioxidant.
Rosehip (rosa canina)
The part of the rose flower just below the petals is packed full of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene and bioactive compounds such as phenols, lycopene and ellagic acid. All these play a vital role in strengthening and protecting the immune system. Because rosehip can contain up to 60 times more vitamin C than oranges it holds the ability to aid in collagen synthesis, stimulate white blood cells called lymphocytes, enhance their function and help to maintain the skin’s protective barrier against outside pathogens.
Olive (olea europaea)
Olive leaf has active compounds called oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol which are potent antioxidants. It is said that these antioxidants help to protect the heart against heart disease, high blood pressure and bad (LDL) cholesterol. Olive leaf also helps to boost the immune system. It is antiviral and anti-inflammatory in nature and a great immune stimulant.
Graviola (annona muricata)
Graviola contains good amounts of selenium and zinc, however is best known for its ability to help fight fungal, parasitic or bacterial infections. These types of infections can impact the health and immune function of a person, resulting in a range of health issues that are hard to pinpoint, usually causing sickness in a person way more often than usual. Graviola helps the immune system in a different way, by targeting other causes for sickness, giving the immune system a better chance to rebuild itself. Traditionally, this tree is also widely known as a natural cancer preventative and killer, although current research into these claims holds mixed results.
Cat’s Claw (uncaria tormentosa)
Gathered in the wilds of the amazon, cat’s claw bark has a very unique ability to repair and prevent damage of DNA cells (especially caused by chemotherapy) and also increase white blood cell counts, thus increasing immunity to viral infections. This makes it a perfect addition to our Core Defence tisane as it both boosts and dampens immune response depending on what is needed in the body.
Hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa)
These flower buds are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene and anthocyanin, as well as calcium and iron. Hibiscus is also known the help boost liver health by aiding in detoxification. Hibiscus also lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol. Hibiscus is also an anti-inflammatory and aids in lowering oxidative stress.
