Answers For Your Health 

Herbs, Mushrooms and Nutraceuticals

Cat's Claw (Una de gato) has anti-oxidant and immune enhancing properties as well as anti-hypertensive effects (lowers blood pressure & supports circulation).  Cat's Claw is derived from a vine found in South America.  It is often used in combination with other herbs.  It can be useful in treating a wide variety of illness including parasites, colitis, gastritis, leaky gut, tumors and for acute conditions such as viral and respiratory infections.
Chinese Herbs are available in a variety of combinations for immune support.  Astragalus is one of the more commonly found Chinese herbs in immune formulations.  Selecting the proper Chinese herbal formula is not always straightforward since a variety of conditions need to be considered before deciding on the best combination, so sometimes the guidance of a trained holistic veterinarian is important. 

Green tea contains polyphenols which target cancer cells for destruction and helps eliminate free radicals.  It also supports the production of a protein that protects healthy cells.

Circumin, or turmeric root, has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It has a wide range of uses for both chronic and acute illnesses and is an excellent cancer preventative.

Echinacea stimulates the immune system to fight bacterial and viral infections.  It is a good choice for acute conditions but is not recommended for continual long term use.  Echinacea works best when given as a preventative - to help an animal avoid contracting an illness or infection they may be exposed to.

Mushrooms such as Maitake, Reishi and Shitake stimulate T-helper cells (which are integral to a strong immune response) and powerfully boost the overall immune system. Cordyseps is a Chinese mushroom with antioxidant, antiviral and cancer fighting properties.

Colostrum is the first milk produced by mothers.  Most colostrum commercially available is from cows.  It has many immune boosting properties including factors that support T-helper cells.  It may also play a role in the metabolism of essential fatty acids.   Useful for acute and chronic disease including autoimmune disorders.

This is by no means a complete list of immune support herbs and supplements, but it is includes of the many of the most common of those used for general immune support.  Again, prevention is the best course, but should your companion fall ill extra support for the immune system through nutrition, herbs and supplements can give her the upper hand and aid in her speedy recovery. 

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Article courtesy of Only Natural Pet Store

You may click here to view the selection of immune support supplements available at Only Natural Pet Store.

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