Micronutrient therapy
| Supports the immune system | |
| For colds, timely and sufficiently high Vitamin-C supplementation (1-5 g/d) can significantly shorten the duration of the disease in adults and children. High doses of vitamin C can prevent a drop in the vitamin C concentration in the leukocytes and thus increase their phagocytosis activity. Bovines colostrum is almost identical to human colostrum. Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) are among the therapeutically relevant constituents, which show antibacterial and antiviral effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Studies have shown that zinc has a direct influence on the risk of disease and the duration and intensity of diseases. A deficient zinc status impairs the formation and activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells. It is also suspected that zinc inhibits the formation of inflammatory cytokines and thus has a direct influence on the infection process (daily dose 60-90 mg). L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps fight viral infections. L-lysine can also prevent the development of cold sores (herpes labialis). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) liquefies mucus and helps to alleviate respiratory diseases. |
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| Promotes clearance of the airways | |
| The natural cleaning mechanism of the airway mucous membranes is supported by plant extracts. Thyme (Thymi herba) has antibacterial, expectorant and secretolytic effects. Its essential oils (thymol, carvacrol) are quickly and almost completely absorbed and directly reach the glandular cells of the bronchi, where they promote self-cleansing and the removal of mucus. Thyme has also been shown to have antitussive (cough-reducing) properties, which explains its traditional use for cougs. Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has an anti-irritant, astringent and antibacterial effect and is mainly used for catarrhs of the airways and inflammatory changes of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. It contains iridoids, aucubin and catalpol which have a preferential antiphlogistic effect. The primerose (Primulae radix) has both expectorant and antiphlogistic properties. Salicylglycosides and saponins are the primary active substances. The saponins lead to a liquefaction of the mucus, while the salicylglycosides have a predominantly antiphlogistic effect. Marshmallow root (Althaeae radix) has a soothing effect and normalizes excessive activity of ciliated bronchial hair. In addition, an increase in phagocytosis activity in the mucous membrane has been demonstrated. |
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| Traditional plant extracts to strengthen the immune system | |
| Plant extracts can influence the performance of the human immune system via various mechanisms. There are immune stimulants which promote the activities of the non-specific immune system, and additionally, many plant substances have a direct antibacterial and antiviral effect on antigens. These include Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), Astragalus membranaceus and Neem (Azadirachta indica). |