F.L.U. -FORCE

OLIVE, ELDERBERRY AND ECHINACEA EXTRACT

The immune system is our first line of defense from potentially harmful toxins, viruses and foreign invaders. Today, amidst our jobs, family and numerous personal commitments, it has become increasingly more difficult to nourish and protect this vital defense mechanism. Stress factors, dietary deficiencies, drug therapies and environmental pollution all pose significant threats to our immune system. The result of this compromised system is an increased susceptibility to infection. Research has shown that some specific herbal remedies may provide important medicinal compounds that can help strengthen the body's resistance to infection.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT- Since biblical times, the branches of the olive tree have been recognized as a symbol for peace and properity. In the early part of this century, researchers determined that a compound called oleuropein made the olive tree resistant to disease. Today, modern herbal medicine recognizes the potential immune strengthening properties of this coveted plant. Olive leaf is rich in phytochemicals that exert powerful healing properties. Clinical information suggests that olive leaf appears to interfere with the spread of viral infection and also has the ability to inhibit viral production in the host cell.

ELDERBERRY EXTRACT- Elderberry is the berry from the black elder tree indigenous to all parts of the United States and Canada. The extracts of this berry contain both bioflavonoids and authocyanins, the compounds found in plants that give vibrant color to berries, fruit and vegetables. Elderberry is an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C and it's constituents may strengthen the body's natural defenses.

ECHINACEA AUGUSTOFOLIA EXTRACT- Echiniacea Augustifolia Extract -
Echinacea is one of the most resarched plants for aiding the body during infections. A perennial herb native to the midwest, echinacea was used extensively by the North American Indians for the treatment of wounds, infections and insect and snake bites. Echinacea is rich in polysaccharides and phytosterols which have potent stimultory actions on the immune system. Controlled trials have confirmed that it can lessen the severity of a cold and increase resistance to upper respiratory infections. Many of the active components of echinacea have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, making it the herb of choice when looking to strengthen the body's response to infection.

ASTRAGALUS ROOT EXTRACT- Astragalus has been used extensively in traditional Oriental medicine to increase resistance to disease and infection and to restore depressed immunity. The pharmacological activity of astragalus has been documented in numerous studies. The polysaccharides found within the root have been shown to enhance the activy of the immune system and increase the production of interferon.

GOLDENSEAL ROOT EXTRACT - Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to the eastern region of North America. Herbalists and Naturopath physicians have historically used goldenseal for the treatment of infections and immmune system weaknesses. The pharmological value of goldenseal is thought to be due to the high content of isoquinoline alkaloids, of which berberine has been the most widely studied. Berberine has demonstrated both antibiotic and immunostimulatory activity. Berberine has been shown to increase the blood supply to the spleen which is responsible for filtering the blood and for regulating the release of compounds that facilitate immune function. Berberine also activate macrophages. Macrophages are the cells responsible for engulfing and destroying bacteria and viruses.

CAT'S CLAW POWDER- Cat's Claw, a herb which grows wild in the Peruvian rainforest, is useful for helping the immune system deal with viral infections and autoimmune disorders. Rich in glycosides, Cat's claw exhibits strong antiviral properties.

LICORICE ROOT POWDER- This perennial herb has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It has been reported that licorice can inhibit the growth of several human viruses and has antibiotic effect. Licorice is particularly beneficial for treating respiratory infections such as bronchitis.

NEEM LEAF POWDER- For centuries the people of India have utilized the neem tree for its numerous medicinal applications. The effectiveness of neem leaf as an immune support nutrient is due in part to its ability to inhibit a virus from multiplying and spreading. Scientists are studying neem as a potential anti-viral treatment for smallpox, chickenpox and warts.

DANDELION ROOT POWDER- Dandelion is a well known enemy of gardeners. Herbalists however consider dandelion to be a valuable herb rich in medicinal constituents such as resin, pectin, taraxanthin, fatty acids, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals.

BURDOCK ROOT POWDER- Herbalist's revere this herb as nature's best blood purifier. They believe that burdock can help rid the body of dangerous, health compromising toxins.

GINGER ROOT POWDER- Ginger is used often as a common cooking spice. Medicinally, ginger possesses a number of pharmacological properties that facilitate antibiotic activity in the body. Ginger is a noted antioxidant and digestive aid.

ROSE HIP POWDER- Rose hips are an excellent source of a broad spectrum of nutrients, particularly vitamin C. Taken from the fruit of the rugosa rose, rose hips, ounce for ounce, have a richer content of vitamin C than orange juice.