Search Results for: Immune

Chondroitin Sulfates: Chondroitin Sulfates (CS) are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which are found naturally in the body and are important in maintaining elasticity and integrity of many types of body tissues, including connective tissue and the walls of blood vessels. Chondroitin sulfate is essential to cartilage growth and repair. It is produced by cartilage cells called “chondrocytes”, but the process declines with age and is also disrupted by stress or injury. Without enough chondroitin sulfate, cartilage integrity seriously declines. Chondroitin sulfate is also needed to keep destructive enzymes in check, so they don’t prematurely break down healthy cartilage.

Glucosamine Sulphate: Glucosamine Sulphate is a naturally occurring chemical found in the human body. It is in the fluid that is around joints. Glucosamine is also found in other places in nature. For example, the glucosamine sulfate that is put into dietary supplements is often harvested from the shells of shellfish. Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used for arthritis. Scientists have studied it extensively for this use. It is most often used for a type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis.

Selenium: Selenium acts as an antioxidant, blocking the rogue molecules known as free radicals that damage DNA. It is part of an antioxidant enzyme (called Glutathione Peroxidase) that protects cells against environmental and dietary toxins, and helps guard against a range of disorders – from cancer, heart-disease, cataracts and macular degeneration to strokes and even aging – thought to be caused by free-radical damage. It also fights viral infections, reduces the severity of cold sores and shingles, and helps relieve lupus symptoms.

Zinc: Zinc is a metal. It is called an “essential trace element” because very small amounts of zinc are necessary for human health. Zinc is used for treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency and its consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, and slow wound healing. It is also used for boosting the immune system, treating the common cold and recurrent ear infections, and preventing lower respiratory infections. It is also used for malaria and other diseases caused by parasites.

Gotu kola: Gotu kola* (Centella asiatica) is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda’s botanical medicine chest. Described in the original Ayurvedic textbooks several thousand years ago, gotu kola is probably best known for its ability to improve memory and cognitive functioning. However, this chemically complex herb also has many other healing properties and is commonly prescribed to treat:

• Chronic skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne)
• Venereal diseases
• Anxiety and other nervous disorders
• Fever
• Inflammatory conditions (arthritis, scleroderma and others)
• Respiratory congestion
• Traumatic injuries (facilitates wound healing)
• Edema or water retention
• Immune dysfunction

Gotu kola contains the bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes and has a cooling effect on the body. It helps balance all three doshas but is especially effective in treating Pitta-aggravated nervous systems.