Originally published December 11 2007
Super Immunity Tonic Recipe for Upcoming Cold and Flu Season
by Leslee Dru Browning
(NaturalNews) The body's immune system kills germs and impurities that typically cause fevers and infections. By improving the body's natural resistance it increases the body's capacity to withstand bacterial and/or viral invasion. Fevers and illnesses of all kinds from flus and colds to typhoid, tuberculosis, malaria, cancers and meningitis can be successfully treated and/or prevented by a healthy immune system.
Several herbs in this formula are known for their proven ability to both enhance and strengthen the human immune system. This formula also provides effective blood purification and detoxification.
It's difficult to overestimate the importance of maintaining a healthy supply of blood for proper functioning of the body's immune system. The blood performs vital functions which oftentimes become overtaxed during stress, fatigue, overwork, and during exposure to viruses plus acute and chronic cellular diseases. Likewise, many ailments and diseases are the result of impurities and toxins in the bloodstream. The blood is the primary target for effective medical intervention and prevention.
The Super Immunity formula could properly be called "alternative", meaning that it gradually changes the properties of the blood from unhealthy to healthy, thereby strengthening the body's ability to ward off contagious diseases.
Browning's Super Immunity is antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and provides the body with a strong resistance to most illnesses and contains the following ingredients:
Astragalus: The main constituents include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace elements. Research shows it stimulates the immune system in many ways. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow, lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells. It also proffers heart protecting effects, including protection against oxidative damage.
Barberry: Contains berberine that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, helps regulate the digestive processes. The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It is also good for hepatitis, colic, and jaundice. Antiseptic, fevers, inflammatory conditions, blood purifier, diarrhea and sore throat.
Cat's Claw: Contains powerful antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, which help fight against free radical damage, protect collagen, and reduce swelling & inflammation. It is considered beneficial not only for the immune system, but for the digestive and structural systems as well. It has a pronounced effect on the ability of white blood cells to engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms and foreign matter. Cat's claw has also been shown to increase the production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes, thus blocking the advance of many viral illnesses. Protects the body from viruses and virus caused cancers, general cancers, auto-immune disorders.
Codonopsis: "Poor Man's Ginseng", it builds both red and white blood cells. It is rich in immune stimulating polysaccharides which are beneficial to every one. It is useful in supporting the immune systems of people with cancer. It also has interferon-inducing activity that may be of importance in many immune deficiency conditions, including HIV protection & infection.
Dandelion Root: It stimulates macrophage action. It is known to be an excellent blood cleanser, specifically for the liver and pancreas. It acts by straining and filtering toxins & wastes from the bloodstream and its beneficial effects on liver complaints have been well documented by both Asian practitioners and American physicians.
Donq Quai aka Chinese Angelica: It increases the absorption of oxygen by the liver and purifies the blood, therefore nourishing the brain, heart, and spleen. It is a blood tonic, promoting its production of both red and white blood cells, used in treating anemia, headache, venous problems, low immunity, and problems of peripheral blood flow. This herb has shown to act against Vitamin E deficiency. It can prevent experimental coronary atherosclerosis, and prevents lipid deposits in arteries. Anti-tumor action of Dong Quai has been observed in several studies. As a superior blood tonic it was used to ward off plagues. Used for bronchitis and pleurisy, colds, fever or the flu. It has 12 anti-inflammatory constituents, ten antispasmodic (muscle relaxant) constituents, and five anodyne (pain-relieving) ones.
Eleuthero: Has a beneficial effect on the heart and circulation. It has been shown to increase energy & stamina, help the body resist viral infections, environmental toxins, radiation, and chemotherapy. It increases immuno-competent cells - particularly T cells and natural killer cells numbers. It is used for boosting the immune system of cancer patients, treating arrhythmias and other heart diseases, diabetes, and for its antimicrobial action.
Fenugreek: Excellent for clearing the body of toxins and mucus. It is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen, and is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine
Fo-Ti: It nourishes the blood, improving physical and mental health. Fo-Ti research has investigated this herb's role in strong immune function, red blood cell formation, and antibacterial action. It is anti-toxic, anti-swelling and tranquilizing as well as being useful for liver and spleen weakness, vertigo, scrofula, and cancer.
Plantain: Anti-microbial action, particularly against staphylococcus infections. It acts as a gentle expectorant while also soothing inflamed & sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis due to its demulcent actions to clear catarrhal congestion and at the same time soothe and protect damaged & sore tissues. Clears toxic waste from the body.
Rosehips: Contains Vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamins E and K, polyphenols, Bioflavonoids, tannin, pectin, and vanillin & used for general debility.
Sarsaparilla: Blood tonic, it is especially good for removing heavy metals if taken properly; it contains calcium, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, B-complex and vitamins A, C, and D.
Schizandra: Recent research studies have indicated numerous biological activities, including: anti-bacterial, mild stimulant, liver protective, anti-depressant, antioxidant, adaptogen and cardiac tonic. It is recommended for the lungs, liver and kidneys. As a kidney treatment it is used for night sweats, insomnia, thirst, physical exhaustion and fatigue
Turmeric: Helps to stabilize the body's microflora, it sensitizes the body's cortisol receptor sites, and its anti-inflammatory properties are considered at least equal to those of cortisones. It protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. It protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. It prevents blood platelet aggregation and is excellent for those exposed to toxic chemicals. Curcumin in Turmeric possesses liver protective characteristics, assists in detoxifying the body of dangerous carcinogens, stimulates the gall-bladder, and acts as a free-radical scavenger.
The dried herbal ingredient amounts you will need to make Browning's Super Immunity Tonic:
(Whole herbs are easier to strain than powdered herbs – you can use either)
6 oz. Astragalus Root (A. membranaceus)
2 oz. Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
4 oz. Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
2 oz. Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)
2 oz. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
4 oz. Donq Quai aka Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis)
3 oz. Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
2 oz. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
2 oz. Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
1 ½ oz. Plantain Leaf (Plantago major)
2 oz. Rosehips (Rosa canina)
1 ½ oz. Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax medica or Smilax ornata)
1 ½ oz. Schizandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)
2 oz. Turmeric Root (curcuma longa)
What cooking tools and other ingredients you will need:
2 stainless steel or glass 16 quart pots with lids. One pot for cooking and one for straining liquid into after cooking.
A large strainer.
A candy or water thermometer.
Cheesecloth.
3 gallons of distilled water
16 oz of vegetable glycerin
60 oz of honey
Citric acid
For bottling you can use regular canning jars. If using pint jars you will need about 10 to 12 jars. If using quart jars you will need about 6 to 8 jars.
You can cut recipe in ½ for a smaller batch.
In pot add:
In 1 pot add all of the herbs and cover with 3 gallons of distilled water. Stir. Cover pot with lid and simmer for about 6 hours. After simmering for 6 hours turn heat down to warm/low heat to steep (not boil) the herbs like you would a cup of tea. Steep overnight.
The next morning/day strain the liquid from the herbs by laying a couple of layers of cheesecloth over your strainer. Strain liquid into a clean container then heat herbal liquid and bring to a boil for 15 minutes to kill any bacteria. Compost the strained herbs in your garden.
Then add:
16 oz of vegetable glycerin,
60 oz honey
3 tablespoons of citric acid
Stir and let the mixture mingle for 15 minutes or so. When ready to bottle, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the liquid. You want the temperature at 190* to prevent any bacteria from growing in the tonics. Maintain this heat temperature throughout bottling.
While waiting for your liquid to reach the accurate bottling temperature, prepare your canning jars. Sterilize jars and lids.
Once your bottles are sterilized and your herbal liquid is at the right temperature, add the tonic liquid to the hot jars. Fill to ½" from top of jar and cap. Let cool overnight. Check to make sure all the jars are sealed properly then store them. Tonics can be stored for 8 months.
Once you open a jar of tonic for use, you must Refrigerate it. The tonic will last for 2 months in the refrigerator once it has been opened. Sediment in the bottom of the jars is normal. Give the jar a little shake or stir to mix the sediment before taking.
How much to take:
Adult Folklore Dosage: Prevention 1 teaspoon 1 or 2 times a day. Serious Illnesses 1 teaspoon up to 4 times a day. Refrigerate after opening
DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.
About the author
Leslee Dru Browning is a 6th generation Medical Herbalist & Nutritionist from the ancestral line of Patty Bartlett Sessions; Pioneer Mid-Wife & Herbalist. Leslee practiced Medical Herbalism and Nutritional Healing for over 25 years and specialized in Cancer Wellness along with Chronic Illness. She now devotes her career to teaching people, through her writing, about Natural Healing from An Herbal Perspective.
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