~Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Prescription for Herbal Healing

A healthy, properly functioning immune system is absolutely vital to good health. It is key to healing process from tiniest scratch - to most complex virus. Even aging process is intimately linked with immune system.

Compromised immunity leaves us vulnerable to disease and impairs our ability to heal properly and age well.

SIGNS OF IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION

CANDIDIASIS/ YEAST INFECTIONS

RECURRING INFECTIONS

CHRONIC FATIGUE

LISTLESSNESS

CHRONIC DIARRHEA

SLOW WOUND HEALING

ALLERGIES

INFLAMMATION

People who have more than 2 or 3 colds or infectious illnesses per year are likely suffering from weakened immunity

WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?

The immune system is a complex system of interactions involving many organs and glands as well as substances such as bone marrow, white blood cells, lymphatic vessels and serum factors in our blood. Our immunity dependson all these components functioning together.

HOW DOES OUR IMMUNITY BECOME IMPAIRED?

Unfortunately, modern life is full of things that tend to depress our immune systems.

PESTICIDES

CHEMICHALS IN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

FOOD ADDITIVES

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS

POOR LIVING HABITS

STRESS

IMPROPER NUTRITION

CHEMOTHERAPY

Also many disorders have been linked to improper immune function including thyroid deficiency, diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, reheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pernicious anemia.

For optimal immune function we need to address any disorders that may be inhibiting immune function. We also need to take steps to avoid exposure to toxins such as pesticides and chemicals we use around house. Try wearing gloves when cleaning to avoid skin exposure and avoid inhaling fumes from things like bleach, oven cleaners, and like. Make sure dishes and glassware are thouroughly rinsed of any residue from dishwashing liquids etc. Even though they're more expensive, consider buying nontoxic cleansers. Take steps to ensure that soaps and shampoos you use are made from most natural ingredients possible. (Aubrey Organics is a good option.) It's also important to get plenty of fresh air and to drink purest water available.

HERBS THAT BENEFIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Morinda Citrifolia , a deciduos creeping vine with twining stems and white flowers which is native to Malaysia, Austrailia, and Polynesia, is gaining popularity in west due to it’s apparently wide ranging health benefits. Part of Madder family, Morinda’s thick, intertwined purple roots are harvested in spring and fall for use in herbal medicine and to make increasingly popular noni juice.

The Polynesian culture has long used morinda to treat a wide variety of symptoms ranging from respiratory problems, poor digestion, and high blood pressure to menstrual problems and immune deficiency. Rich in vitamin C, noni juice also contains hill spectrum of amino acids, as well as naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, beneficial alkaloids , co-factors and plant sterols.

Recent research suggests that noni root compounds contain natural sedative properties and may lower blood pressure. Biochemist , Dr Ralph Heinicke, asserts that proxeronine, an alkaloid precursor to a vital compound called xeronine, helps in normalization of abnormally functioning cells. Heinicke claims that noni juice provides a safe and effective way to increase xeronine levels, which can be decreased by anger, stress, trauma, disease and injury.

"Rich in vitamin C, morinda provides natural antioxidants that support kidneys, increasing flow of urine to flush toxins from body. It works to correct problems with structure of proteins and cells. Working at cellular level, morinda solves problems within body ranging from cancer to digestive distress." - From Prescription For Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A Balch, CNC

Depression