New Product Line: Nelson Bach Flower Remedies

Flowers

An Overview of Bach Flower Essences

The Bach Flower Essences are all natural, very dilute solutions made from spring water, brandy (in very small amounts as a preservative), and the petals of specific flowers. They are used to help balance the emotions and bring about a state of equilibrium in living organisms and have been successfully used with people and animals.

The Bach Flower Essences may be used individually or in combination. Rescue Remedy is the only combination remedy prepared and sold ready-made; it contains five essences and it typically only used for emergencies or extremely stressful situations when the subject is in a state of mental or physical shock, terror, or panic.

The Bach Flower Essences are very safe. The only contra-indication is hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Since the botanical component is so dilute, a reaction is very unlikely. Grape alcohol is used as a preservative, so the essences may be unsuitable for those sensitive to alcohol.

Bach Flower Essences are not used to treat physical disease, but rather the emotional state of the patient. They can be used to help restore fear and anxiety, anger, grief, and many other emotions. Common sense and numerous research studies have shown how stress can have a negative impact on the immune system. Anything that we do to to reduce or relieve stress, including use of Bach Flower Essences, has the potential to positively affect our immune system and thus aid in maintaining physical health.

History of the Bach Flower Essences

The Bach Flower Essences were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, a Welsh physician practicing medicine in the early 1900’s. Trained in convention allopathic medicine, Dr. Bach observed that his patients’ recovery seemed to have as much to do with their emotional health as it did with any physical condition.

Dr. Bach’s area of expertise was bacteriology, but as he became more intrigued with the emotions of his patients, he started to study the work of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathic medicine. Homeopathic medicine emphasizes treating the “whole” patient including their emotions and mental state, rather than focusing exclusively on physical symptoms. As a result of his research, Dr. Bach developed seven nosodes to treat intestinal disease. A nosode is a homeopathic remedy made from a pathological specimen. The Bach nosodes are made from bacteria found in the bowels. As Dr. Bach began to use the nosodes with his patients, he observed that he could select the appropriate curative nosode for his patients based solely on their emotional state.

Tips on Using Rescue Remedy

Bach Rescue Remedy, the most well known of the Bach Flower Essences, is a combination flower essences formula created specifically for addressing stress in emergency or crisis situations. The essences used in this formula help with trauma and shock (Star of Bethlehem), terror and panic (Rock Rose), hysteria or loss of control (Cherry Plum), impatience and agitation (Impatiens), and faintness and stunned feelings (Clemantis). It is usually only used for acute or emergency situations, but can be used for treating chronic conditions, when appropriate. It can help after an accident or in any situation that causes extreme anxiety, nervousness, or terror. Rescue Remedy often has an immediate calming effect, and is safe, gentle, and non toxic. It may be taken as often as needed without fear of overdosing.

Treating Pets with Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy is not, however, a magic, instantaneous, solution for long standing behavioral problems. While it can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety of a timid animal, it will not make them into a gregarious, “gotta love everybody” dog. Nor will Rescue Remedy remove your pet’s natural instincts, although it can help your pet to adapt those instincts to its environment.

Feature Blog: Digestive Health During Seasonal Transitions

Smiley face stomach

by Erin Stokes, ND, Medical Director at FoodState®

Autumn is the season of harvest, as well as a time of transition. We see evidence of this transition everywhere, as the days become shorter and the nights grow longer. Leaves change color and fall from the trees, and animals prepare for the upcoming winter by gathering food.

What are humans doing to adapt to the seasonal change? Usually, not much.

At this time of year, our bodies need more sleep (but we often don’t get it), and it’s also an ideal time to focus on optimizing digestive function. Between 60-80% of immune cells are located in and around the gastrointestinal tract. So, it stands to reason that a healthy GI tract is an excellent way to prepare ahead of time for winter’s immune challenges.

It’s a concept called seasonal therapeutics. No matter which season it is, there is always an emphasis on being proactive to get ahead of seasonal challenges.

Here are a few ways to support your patient’s digestive and overall health during the fall season:

  1. Avoid individual food allergens and high glycemic load carbohydrates. Focus instead on whole foods with a strong emphasis on increasing vegetable intake. This is a good time of year to help people identify those food allergens and sensitivities. Food allergens can be identified with an elimination diet, or alternatively, some prefer to selectively eliminate the most common offenders one at a time, such as gluten or dairy.
  2. Support a healthy inflammatory response in the GI tract with herbs such as tumeric root, boswelia serrate, and ginger root.
  3. Depending in the individual, consider proactively increasing frequency and/or potency of probiotics when moving into the Autumn months. Some individuals may need additional immune support as the seasons transition. One way to improve digestive and immune support is with probiotics.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Posted with permission from Innate Response™

Tackle Cold and Flu Season

Cold and Flu

 

As the temperature starts to drop, so does your immune system. From cold temperatures and holiday stresses to being stuck inside all day and night with everyone’s germs, that chill in the air can spell sickness for you and your family. Silver has been used for centuries for its antibacterial and anti-viral properties, and Sovereign Silver is a high-quality colloidal silver supplement with a fine particle size that allows for maximum absorption. With many different sizes to choose from, you can protect you and your family from the common cold and other harmful bacteria and viruses.

Travelling for the holidays? Try the Sovereign Silver Fine Mist Spray to protect yourself from the germs that circulate through the airport and plane. Its convenient 2 oz. size is even TSA approved! Try the 2 oz. Dropper Bottle as well, which is great for general immune support in a convenient carry-on size. If you’ve got a sinus infection from all of the dry, heated air inside, the Vertical Mist Spray is great for moistening nasal passages while killing bacteria and viruses.

If a nasty cold or flu is making its way around your family, knock it out at the first sneeze with the extra-large 32 oz. Family Size Bottle. Because silver’s half-life in your lymphatic system is only 15 minutes, it’s necessary to take a dose of Sovereign Silver every 15 minutes for 3-5 hours so that your immune system can regain the upper hand and fight off any infection quickly and effectively. The recommended dosage of Sovereign Silver is 1 tsp for a 100 lb. individual, and an additional teaspoon for each additional 40 lbs. This extra-large bottle size means that you can take the recommended dosage without having to worry about running out.

For cuts, scrapes or burns, the First Aid Gel is an invaluable addition to any first aid kit. This soothing gel works in four different ways to help your wounds heal fast by reducing pain, calming inflammation, fighting infection and promoting healing of the skin.

Allergy Season: Effective Relief for Irritating Symptoms.

fall road

 

Allergies can create some pretty uncomfortable symptoms for many people in September and October. We are reminded of this once again as we have already begun to see the runny nose, scratchy throats and bronchial inflammation  in those close to us.

The power of integrative and natural medicine techniques is often realized in the use of several well placed modalities at one time and seasonal allergies is one of those situations.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can be successfully remedied through the power of contemporary homeopathy and highly effective nutritional combinations.

Our favorites in the homeopathy arena are the Allergy Regional Formulas by SafeCareRx and Allergiplex by UNDA. The Allergy Regional Southern Formula by SafeCare Rx is the most indicated here in the Southeast offers attenuations of specific plant antigens as well as symptom relief through classical homeopathic remedies. For other parts of the US please see our region specific formulas.

These formulas can excel in helping you to manage their symptoms without the side effects of medications.

By adding well designed and effective nutritional and herbal support such as Innate Response’s Allergy Response or DaVinci Labs Aller DMG you can add another dimension of support. DMG adds broad precursor based methylation support for immune modulation that supports MTHF, SAMe, Glutathione and more. DMG helps to modulate the immune system as well as having nervous and cardiovascular system effects.

Systemic Proteolytic Enzyme support can also be added to help degrade circulating immune complexes especially in the lungs with Anova Health’s Serrapeptase Complete which incorporates a preferred time release delivery system.

Serrapeptase is indicated whenever there is a build up of mucous in the lungs. If you tend to produce mucous in general,remember that grain and dairy products can create mucous in many individuals. By eliminating dairy and grains for a few days and then re-introducing them into your diet again you can determine whether you may want to dramatically reduce or eliminate these foods.

HMF Fit for School Probiotic Supplement for Kid’s Back to School

hmffitforschool

What do YOU reach for when when it comes to children’s immune support?

Genestra’s HMF Fit for School probiotic supplement for kids includes a combination of probiotics and Vitamin C that helps to support upper respiratory tract health and immune function in children. HMF Fit For School is available in a fun and easy-to-take chewable tablet in our delicious blackcurrant flavor.

GENESTRA BRANDS HMF Fit for School includes a combination of research-driven probiotic strains and vitamin C that helps to support upper respiratory tract health and immune function in children. In a recent clinical trial, 57 schoolchildren were randomized to receive either a placebo tablet or HMF Fit for School’s probiotic formula plus 50 mg of vitamin C daily for 6 months. Children in the probiotic plus vitamin C group had a significant improvement in upper respiratory immune health: supplementation helped moderate cytokine levels, including interferon gamma (IFN-γ).1 These results are consistent with other studies that have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis help maintain upper respiratory tract health.2 HMF Fit for School also includes additional support for cellular immunity with 1000 IU of vitamin D per serving.*

Children’s Immune Support Formula*
• Supports upper respiratory tract health1*
• May help promote immune function in children1*
• Includes 12.5 billion CFU of proprietary probiotic strains
• Provides 50 mg of the antioxidant nutrient vitamin C and 1000 IU of vitamin D per serving
• Chewable tablets with a delicious natural blackcurrant flavor

References:
1. Garaiova I, Muchová J, Nagyová Z, Wang D, Li JV, Országhová Z et al. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2014; 174: 1–7
2. King S, Glanville J, Sanders ME, Fitzgerald A, and Varley D. British Journal of Nutrition. 2014; 112(1): 41-54.

Key Ingredients: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CUL 34), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL 20), Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-21), Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60), Vitamin C, Vitamin D

Our NEW ProMed Whey Complete

What do YOU reach for when when it comes to protein supplementation?

Whey protein is a complete protein that is fast and easy to digest and is now being used by bodybuilders, athletes, casual exercisers and those desiring the benefits of an increased level of efficient protein, immune support and glutathione levels.

Anova Health is excited to announce our new MedPro Whey Complete offering you and the highest quality and minimally processed whey from NEW Zealand grass fed cows. MedPro Whey Complete delivers an exceptional quality product with amazing benefits at an affordable cost. MedPro Whey Complete is now available in three great tasting flavors including Vanilla, Chocolate and Berry and is on sale at 10% off for the month of September.
MedPro Whey Complete has additional health benefits with the addition of Fibersol-2 which has been proven to improve blood lipid and sugar levels for additional glycemic and fat control beyond ordinary food fibers.
Whey protein is a “complete protein” that is fast and easy to digest. Whenever we eat a protein source, our body uses the 20 amino acids (which are the individual components of “protein”) to repair our bones, muscles, organs and virtually every body part and tissue in the human body. When a source of protein has all 9 essential amino acids, which are amino acids your body needs to get from food, that food is said to be a complete protein. Foods like meats, dairy, eggs and rare grain proteins such as quinoa are complete proteins. On the other hand, most vegetables, rice and starches are not complete proteins because they are missing one or more of the essential amino acids. Not only do foods have different amino acid profiles, but the rate at which the protein is absorbed by your body can vary. Of the different measures of protein absorption, one of the most popular is Biological Value (BV). Whey protein just so happens to have the highest score possible with a Biological Value of 100. This means that whey protein contains all the amino acids needed to make a complete protein and is very easily digested by your body.While no supplement can replace a diet of whole, natural, unprocessed foods, whey protein can be useful for people with a very busy, on-the-go lifestyle as a supplement to their normal diet. The benefits of a high-quality whey protein supplement range from purely aesthetic to health preserving.

Here is a small list of 10 benefits that have been associated with whey protein supplementation:

Weight Loss
Assists in increasing in muscle mass
Increase in glutathione levels (your body’s main water-based anti-oxidant)
Decrease in HIV symptoms
Assist in maintenance of already health triglyceride levels
Assist in maintenance of already healthy total cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good cholesterol)
Increase in immune system function form naturally occurring immunoglobulins
Support for sports performance and injury repair
Decreased recovery time and symptoms of over-training
Nutritional support in wasting disease conditions such as HIV and cancer.

Be ready for your patient’s needs and stock up now and save 10% on MedPro Whey Complete. Order online or call us at 864-408-8320.

Guest Post: 10 Best Foods For Your Immune System

Want to give your immune system a boost? Don’t go to the pharmacy and buy a “pick me up”, but instead head to your local grocery store and roam the produce aisle!

the 10 best foods for immune system

You’ll find that most of the best foods for immune system can be found nestled among the lettuce, tomatoes, and apples in your supermarket!

Want to know what the best types of food for immune system health are? Read on to find out more…

THE BEST FOODS FOR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Here is a list of the best foods for immune system health:

Sauerkraut

sauerkraft is among best foods for immune system

Sauerkraut is more than just delicious on your hot dog or wienerschnitzel, it’s also one of the healthiest foods for your immune system! It is fermented, meaning that there are a lot of bacteria making their home in the pickled cabbage.

This bacteria is the same as the bacteria living in your gut, so they act as reinforcement for the beneficial organisms that handle your digestion and immune function. By boosting the beneficial bacteria, you increase your body’s ability to deal with the pathogens that are ingested via your food.

Kombucha

kombucha tea is among best foods for immune system

Kombucha is a type of tea that is made by fermenting tea leaves. The fermentation process causes bacteria to thrive in the tea, and that tea is rich in digestive enzymes that do wonders for your intestinal health. It can aid in digestion, detoxify your liver, reduce joint pain, and improve your immune function effectively.

The beauty of kombucha tea: you can easily make your own with any normal green or black tea, some sugar, and a packet of kombucha starter (similar to the way yeast is used to make bread).

Mushrooms

mashrooms are among best foods for immune system

Who doesn’t love mushrooms? They make a delicious addition to soup and other meals, but they’re also loaded with digestive enzymes and special compounds that can boost your body’s ability to fight off infection and disease.

There are even some mushrooms that can help to fight cancer, so it’s time to add more reishi, maitake, and shiitake mushrooms to your diet!

Kefir

kefir is among best foods for immune system

This fermented drink is made from coconut water, grains, milk, and water, and you’ll find that the beverage is loaded with the healthy probiotics that improve immune function.

The yeasts in the kefir are known to hunt down and destroy harmful yeasts in your body, detoxify your liver, strengthen your immune system, and even recolonize your intestines with the healthy bacteria your body needs.

Apple Cider Vinegar

apple cider vinegar is among best foods for immune system

ACV is made from fermented apples, and you’ll find that it’s one of the healthiest superfoods on the planet. Not only will it help to boost fat burning and weight loss, but it can help to promote a healthy pH balance in your body, detox your liver, and fight infections.

Apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that aid in digestion, stimulate your lymphatic system, deal with heartburn, and boost you overall immune health. It’s one of the most widely available foods on this list, and it’s one of the healthiest!

Green Superfoods

best foods for immune system

There are a number of green foods considered “superfoods”, such as spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, kale, and chlorella. All of these green foods are rich in antioxidants, which can help to naturally detoxify your body while simultaneously improving your immune function.

The more antioxidants you consume, the less risk there is of oxidative stress slowing down your body and suppressing your immunity.

Vitamin-Rich Foods

best foods for immune system

The more vitamins a food contains, the better it will be for your immune system!

  • Vitamin A enhances your immunity on a cellular level and reduces your rate of infections, so eat more orange foods (pumpkin, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes) to get more beta carotene.
  • Vitamin C increases phagocyte effectiveness and boosts your body’s ability to protect your cells, so eat more citrus fruits and broccoli.
  • Vitamin E is needed for the production of antibodies, so eat more avocadoes and coconuts.
  • B vitamins are needed for enhanced cellular immunity, lymphocyte production, and reduced infection rates, so eat more whole grains.

Colored Veggies

best foods for immune system

The more color the better!

Dark purple cabbage, beets, carrots, dark leafy greens, yellow and red bell peppers, and red tomatoes all contain carotenes, which protect your thymus gland. This gland manufactures the T-cells that protect your body, along with many other important immune functions.

By eating more colored veggies, you give your thymus the protection it needs! These are some of the best foods for immune system!

Aromatic Veggies

best foods for immune system

Garlic and onions (including shallots and spring onions) are more than just delicious, but they’re also very important for your immune health. They contain antiseptic properties, and can help to fight off infections.

Garlic even has anti-cancer properties, so it’s a good idea to add more of these aromatic veggies to your meals in order to boost your immune and overall health!

Barley/Oats

best foods for immune system

These two grains are some of the best for your health, as they are loaded with beta-glucan, a special type of fiber that can fight off pathogens and detoxify your body effectively.

Some studies suggest that these two grains are even more effective than taking Echinacea! Animals who eat oats and barley (for the beta-glucan) are far less likely to contract disease, so it stands to reason that the same is true in humans!

If you were wondering what type of food you should be adding to your diet, now you know! It’s time to add these 10 amazing foods to improve immune system function to your life, and you’ll find that you’ll be much healthier as a result.

BONUS: THE WORST TYPES OF FOOD FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Now that you know what you SHOULD be eating, here are the foods to avoid in order to have a healthy immune system:

  • Refined sugars (leading to obesity, heart disease, and reduced immune function)
  • White flour/grains (promote high blood sugar, dampen immune cell production)
  • Processed junk food (cause your immune system to attack healthy tissue)
  • Gluten-rich food (can lead to internal inflammation and immune system disruptions
  • GM corn and soy (can cause inflammation in the stomach, reducing digestion and absorption)

These are the worst types of foods to be eating for your immune system, so it’s best to stay as far away from them as possible.

This post republished with permission from the Well Wisdom Blog.

Beat Cramps With ENDURE

 

DA72XC Low section of woman running on treadmill in fitness center

When it comes to maximizing your performance during intense physical activity, energy, stamina and endurance are crucial. Your ability to effectively re-hydrate and replace your body with lost electrolytes is essential to performing at your best. If you don’t, fatigue, dehydration and—worst of all— cramping will set in, causing decreased energy and stamina.

Whether we call them cramps, stitches, or just a pain in the butt, muscle contractions can strike without warning, putting a serious damper on any workout or practice. But what’s to blame for these uncomfortable muscle troubles?

It seems no one’s completely safe from muscle cramps, which commonly attack the calf muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps, arms, and abs. In a perfect world, muscle fibers shorten and lengthen back up when they contract; a cramp occurs when the muscle fibers stay shortened, causing tension and that familiar pain.

Muscle spasms can also happen off the court, creeping in when we least expect it. Cramps can occur up to six hours after exercise so we may not be safe even after hitting the showers. And don’t rule out the notorious charley horse, which often attacks the leg muscles in the middle of the night.

When it comes to cramping, scientists aren’t 100% sure of the causes, but a loss of electrolytes and dehydration is the most common hypothesis, so it’s important to hydrate effectively and replenish lost minerals after intense physical activity. Our favorite electrolyte product is ENDURE from Trace Minerals Research. It contains Utah Sea Minerals and a plethora of other naturally occurring trace minerals to help replenish your body’s stores of potassium, sodium and magnesium—an essential electrolyte that naturally relaxes muscles to prevent cramping.

Staying hydrated during intense physical activity is a battle in itself because drinking too much water or sweet sports drinks can cause bloating or stomach aches. ENDURE can be added to plain water as an electrolyte booster with no carbs, sugars or calories for effective and efficient hydration that leads to enhanced performance.

 

 

Exciting NEW Line: DaVinci Labs

Horizon Health Shop has partnered with DaVinci Labs of Vermont to offer some really exciting, well-established and NEW offerings from this excellent company.

One of our favorite formulas is their Behavior Balance, which is particularly helpful in supporting those with ADD, Autism and other brain oxidation complexes. Neuro DMG for brain support and Immuno DMG for immune challenges are also very effective products.

With over 135 products for humans and animals, Davinci offers its expertise in liposomal delivery systems, including its Liposomal Vitamin C product, and Micronized DHEA in a variety of strengths to accommodate proper dosing for men and women. DaVinci also recently introduced a wonderful liposomal DHEA Spray.

Essential New Line From Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are an oft-overlooked key to a major part of some of our health puzzles. Mother nature provides important trace minerals in the soils used to grow the plants that humans eat, which we then synthesize and utilize.

As well as providing the foundational building blocks of bone and tissue, minerals also power the energy systems and enzyme systems of the body.

Perhaps the best summary concerning the lack of trace minerals in our soils is by Dr. William A. Albrecht, Chairman of the Department of Soils at the University of Missouri, who said:

“A declining soil fertility, due to a lack of organic material, major elements, and trace minerals, is responsible for poor crops and in turn for pathological conditions in animals fed deficient foods from such soils, and that mankind is no exception.”

I encourage you to check out www.remineralize.org to learn more, or get involved in the long-term solution.

Until American soils are re-mineralized, Horizon Health Shop is proud to announce our partnership with Trace Minerals Research products, the #1 choice for mineral replacement today. You can trust Trace Mineral Research for high-quality re-mineralization and electrolyte-replacement products due to metabolic needs, or perspiration from work, sports and the effects of summer heat.

Here are a few more quotes that expose the extent and depth of this problem:

In 1977, Dr. Walter Mertz of the U.S. Department of Agriculture told Congress, “In the future, we will not be able to rely anymore on our premise that the consumption of a varied balanced diet will provide all the essential trace elements, because such a diet will be very difficult to obtain for millions of people.”

Dr. Linus Pauling the two-time Nobel Prize winner states that: “You can trace every sickness, every disease, and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

The Doctor’s Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia states that, “Mineral insufficiency and trace elements insufficiency are more likely to occur than are vitamin insufficiency states. Because of differing geologic conditions, minerals and trace elements may be scarce in the soils of certain regions and rich in those of other regions. Thus, you can live in some areas, eat a perfectly ‘balanced’ diet and still develop mineral deficiencies or trace element deficiencies that can only be averted through dietary change or supplementation.”

Dr. Charles Northen, MD, reports that, “In the absence of minerals, vitamins have no function. Lacking vitamins, the system can make use of the minerals, but lacking minerals vitamins are useless.”

Gaylord Hauser, from his book, Diet Does It, concurs by stating, “Minerals are certainly as important to us as vitamins, yet minerals are overlooked, neglected and their value underestimated.”

Suffice it to say that many of the “organic foods available today are still depleted in minerals.

If your patients are fatigued and unhealthy in general, mineral or essential electrolyte deficiency could be a big cause more so than vitamin deficiency.

Trace Mineral Research offers a large variety of mineral products for general support with its flagship Concentrace™, a blend of 72 trace elements that can be added to drinks; Power Pak, great-tasting rehydration powders in 9 flavors; and a complete line of ActivJoint formulas.