Echinacea

Echinacea Purpurea, Sambucus Nigra, Hone

Fresh, pure and traditional, 100% Organic Echinacea throat spray with echinacea, elderberries and honey. Pleasant tasting and convenient with a clean spray action.

Potential applications: General infectious conditions, influenza, colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, wound healing, abscesses, folliculitis, eczema, burns, varicose ulcers of the leg, arthritis, feverish conditions, catarrhal congestion of the upper respiratory tract, sinusitis, perennial rhinitis, chronic nasal catarrh with deafness and sinusitis, hayfever and allergies, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fluid retention. Evidence suggests that Organic Echinacea may be used for supporting patients undergoing orthodox cancer treatments. Topical application of the spray can benefit wounds, acne, skin infection, and skin irritation through its antiseptic action and helping facilitate healing.

Known contraindications: AIDS (HIV) – although some positive reports, more research is needed to determine effects. Caution also for transplant patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Organic Echinacea is not recommended in cases of auto-immune disorders such as lupus or M.S. – (although some authorities believe it may even be beneficial). Caution required in those with known allergens to the daisy family (Compositae).

Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Organic Echinacea:

WOUND HEALING – Echinacin, as well as polysaccharide components have been shown to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. This effect is largely due to the inhibition of the enzyme HYALURONIDASE, thus helping maintain tissue integrity. Organic Echinacea also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans and fibroblast growth needed for wound healing. The polysaccharide portion enhances adrenal hormone production thus helping reduce inflammatory processes.

IMMUNE MODULATION – Organic Echinacea provides a broad spectrum of effects on the immune system and appears to offer benefit for all infectious conditions. The majority of effects appear to be due to the binding of Echinacea polysaccharides to carbohydrate receptors on the cell surface of macrophages and T-cells. Echinacea polysaccharides also promote T-cell activation – increasing interferon, secretion of lymphokines, interleukin-1, and macrophage phagocytosis – resulting in greater cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.

ANTI-VIRAL – Organic Echinacea has shown to be effective against the common cold, influenza and herpes virus, and urogenital infections. Research has demonstrated that Echinacea reduces severity of cold symptoms, time between infections, and increased the speed of recovery.

ANTI-BACTERIAL – Organic Echinacea exerts an anti-bacterial effect largely due to its content of echinacoside, a caffeic acid derivative. This effect has been noted in both internal and external bacterial infections.

ANTI-CANDIDA – The influence of Organic Echinacea on improving cell mediated immunity helps provide resistance to infection from mould-like bacteria, parasites, fungi, and yeast organisms such as Candida Albicans.

Elderberry:

IMMUNO-STIMULANT – Elderberry is noted for its potent effects on stimulating the non-specific immune response, gently stimulate sweating during a fever (diaphoretic), regulate temperature control, and so resolve infection more quickly and with less severe symptoms. Elderberry has been shown to have immuno-stimulatory properties when administered to patients suffering from influenza type A or B, and is likely to support individuals who are receiving chemotherapy or other treatments.

ANTI-CATARRHAL – Elderberry has proven to be useful through its effects on improving the functioning of the mucous membranes and helping clear catarrh lining the ears, nose and throat.

ANTI-ALLERGIC – The combination of anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and mucous membrane soothing properties provide suitable relief for hayfever sufferers.

ANTIOXIDANT – Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. These flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.

Honey:

Honey is considered a complete food and contains 35% protein (one half of all the amino acids). It is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients, including B-complex, vitamin C, D, and E, and some minerals. Historically it is prized for its ability to promote energy and healing. The use of honey in this formula is a traditional method and gives the spray a pleasant flavour.

Honey contains several compounds that function as antioxidants, one of which is unique to honey, called pinocembrin. Pinocembrin is being studied for potential antibacterial properties. Honey contains specific enzymes as well as other compounds that may be responsible for honey’s ability to exert antimicrobial effects against such organisms as Staphylococcus auras, Escherichia coil and Candida albicans.

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Viridian 100% Organic Horse Chestnut tincture 50ml
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Hundreds of acres of Horse Chestnut trees have been planted in the UK and Europe to supply the demand for ‘conkers’ by pharmaceutical and herbal product manufacturers. These are collected in the autumn and processed to produce a concentrated extract rich in a compound called aescin. We are not permitted to describe what horse chestnut is used for, as this would be considered a medical claim.

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Viridian 100% Organic Ginkgo biloba tincture 50ml Viridian’s 100% Organic Ginkgo tincture is made with fresh Ginkgo biloba leaves. Our leaves come from the ancient Ginkgo biloba tree at Kinnersley Castle in Hereford.

Medicinal uses Ginkgo Biloba

Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been used pharmaceutically. Ginkgo supplements are usually taken in the range of 40 to 200 mg per day. Recently, careful clinical trials have shown Ginkgo to be ineffective in treating dementia or preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease in normal people.

Ginkgo Biloba In memory enhancement

Ginkgo has many alleged nootropic properties, and is mainly used as memory and concentration enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent. However, studies differ about its efficacy. The largest and longest independent clinical trial to assess ginkgo biloba’s ability to prevent memory loss has found that the supplement does not prevent or delay dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some controversy has arisen over the conclusions drawn by some studies that were allegedly funded by a firm which marketed Ginkgo.

In 2002, a long-anticipated paper appeared in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) titled “Ginkgo for memory enhancement: a randomized controlled trial.” This Williams College study, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging rather than Schwabe, examined the effects of ginkgo consumption on healthy volunteers older than 60. The conclusion, now cited in the National Institutes of Health’s ginkgo fact sheet, said: “When taken following the manufacturer’s instructions, ginkgo provides no measurable benefit in memory or related cognitive function to adults with healthy cognitive function.” … The impact of this seemingly damning assessment, however, was ameliorated by the almost simultaneous publication of a Schwabe-sponsored study in the less prestigious Human Psychopharmacology. This rival study, conducted at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University, was rejected by JAMA, and came to a very different if not exactly sweeping-conclusion: There was ample evidence to support “the potential efficacy of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 in enhancing certain neuropsychological/memory processes of cognitively intact older adults, 60 years of age and over.”

According to some studies, in a few cases, Ginkgo can significantly improve attention in healthy individuals. Allegedly, the effect is almost immediate and reaches its peak in 2.5 hours after the intake.

Ginkgo Biloba In Dementia

A 2004 conference paper summarizes how various trials indicate that Ginkgo shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, though a 2008 study found it ineffective at treating dementia.

In ongoing studies, a research team led by Luan Luo, PhD, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, found that giving mice with the human Alzheimer’s gene the ginkgo extract called Egb 761 improved the process of making new nerve cells in part of the brain much affected by the disease. The team found evidence that the protective effect of the extract also could be due to decreasing senile plaques or the clumping of beta-amyloid in the brain tissues.

Ginkgo Biloba In other symptoms

Out of the many conflicting research results, Ginkgo extract may have three effects on the human body: improvement in blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and blockage of many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting) that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders. Ginkgo can be used for intermittent claudication.

Some studies suggest a link between ginkgo and the easing of the symptoms of tinnitus.

Preliminary studies suggest that Ginkgo may be of benefit in multiple sclerosis, showing modest improvements in cognition and fatigue without increasing rates of serious adverse events in this population.

A study conducted in 2003 by the Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India concluded that Ginkgo is an effective treatment for arresting the development of vitiligo.

Ginkgo Biloba Side effects

Ginkgo may have undesirable effects, especially for individuals with blood circulation disorders and those taking anticoagulants such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin, although recent studies have found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant properties or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Ginkgo should also not be used by people who are taking certain types of antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or by pregnant women, without first consulting a doctor.

Ginkgo side effects and cautions include: possible increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness. If any side effects are experienced, consumption should be stopped immediately.

Ginkgo Biloba Allergic Precautions and Contraindications to Use

Ginkgo biloba leaves contain long chain alkylphenols together with the extremely potent allergens, the urushiols (similar to poison ivy). Individuals with a history of strong allergic reactions to poison ivy, mangos, and other usushiol producing plants are more likely to experience an adverse reaction when consuming Ginkgo-containing pills, combinations, or extracts.

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Viridian 100% Organic Echinacea tincture 100ml
Viridian’s 100% Organic Echinacea tincture is made with the whole Echinacea purpurea plant