Keeping your immune system in optimal condition is the first line of defence, fortifying your body to tackle life’s ups and downs. But it can be hard to know just how to support it. Daily Defence is a great place to start, with its blend of beneficial adaptogens and mushrooms, designed to help your body’s immune response.
The herbs and mushrooms in this blend all have a long history of use to assist with immune function. Astragalus and the mushrooms (Reishi – the ‘mushroom of immortality, Chaga and Cordyceps) all hail from Asia where they are regarded as tonic adaptogens and used for both preventing illnesses as well as restoring vigour. Echinacea, purple coneflower, was used extensively by the Native Americans who used it for many purposes including fever and snakebite.
A jar or pouch of 60 capsules is £30 available at www.the-herbtender.com
Daily Defence, The Immunity Mix
We all know that the change of season from warm to cold can increase your exposure to winter germs. We also know that chronic stress weakens your immune function. Either way, Daily Defence is your go-to to keep your immune system ticking over. This immune-charging super mix can be taken daily as a prophylactic to keep your immune system in top form or simply taken when you feel you might be coming down with something.
Here are some reasons why our ingredients are so powerful:
The Adaptogens: Chaga mushroom contains a higher proportion of antioxidants than just about anything else on planet earth (1,014 ORAC units per gramme, compared to 165 in Acai berries or 105 in pomegranates). It can also give a nice energy boost without the jitters. It contains naturally occurring B complex vitamins and vitamin D.
Reishi mushroom is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality because of its use to strengthen the heart, prolong life, also support the immune system. When you consume Reishi as part of your daily routine you increase the number of beneficial phytochemicals your body has to work with, thus improving your resilience.
Cordyceps mushroom gives more sustained energy than caffeine, so if you’re feeling low, Cordyceps will pick you up. Cordyceps can help the body utilise oxygen more efficiently and enhance blood flow. Astragalus root has been used for centuries to stimulate the immune system and works to prevent colds and respiratory infections. Considered the ‘leader’ of the tonic herbs, it is often used to keep infection at bay as well as to support the system as a whole.
The Herbs:
Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Studies have found that taking echinacea increases natural killer cells, total white cell count and heat shock proteins in the body*. It may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, helping you to recover faster from illnesses.
Yarrow and Cinnamon were included in this mixture to bring warmth and blood flow to maximise efficacy.
These are all backed up by Acerola Cherry which provides vitamin C, known to contribute to the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress
* Agnew LL et al in Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2005; 30: 363-369
Miller SC. Echinacea: a miracle herb against ageing and cancer? Evidence in vivo in mice. eCAM 2005; 2(3): 309-314
