Tag: immune-support
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Liquorice Monograph
Powerful anti-inflammatory and demulcent supporting digestive and respiratory health. Soothes ulcers, reduces coughs, supports adrenal function. Sweet-tasting traditional medicine. CRITICAL: Causes high blood pressure, potassium depletion with prolonged use. Short-term only. Contraindicated in hypertension, heart/kidney disease, pregnancy. DGL safer for long-term digestive use.
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Nasturtium Monograph
Edible flower with antimicrobial and respiratory support. All parts edible—flowers, leaves, seeds. Peppery taste indicates mustard oil content. Supports immune function and respiratory health. Easy to grow, prolific self-seeder. Adds beauty and medicine to gardens. Free food and medicine growing abundantly in many NZ gardens.
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Oregano Monograph
Powerful antimicrobial herb supporting immune and respiratory health. Volatile oils provide strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. Traditional Mediterranean cooking and medicine. Fresh or dried herb makes strong medicinal tea. Essential oil highly concentrated. Culinary herb delivering significant medicinal benefits. Easy to grow in NZ gardens.
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Hibiscus Monograph
Tart, refreshing flower supporting cardiovascular and immune health. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Supports healthy blood pressure. Beautiful ruby-red tea enjoyed hot or iced. Cooling properties benefit hot conditions. Delicious medicine making health support enjoyable. Popular throughout tropics for wellness and refreshment.
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Dong Quai Monograph
Dong quai is Traditional Chinese Medicine’s premier blood tonic, used for over 2,000 years to nourish blood, regulate menstruation, and support women’s vitality. The root addresses anaemia, menstrual irregularities, and supports cardiovascular health through its unique phthalides and blood-building compounds. Critical contraindications include pregnancy and anticoagulant medications.
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Asian Ginseng Monograph
Asian ginseng is the ultimate adaptogenic tonic, building vitality, stress resilience, and cognitive function through ginsenosides that modulate the HPA axis. Used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for qi deficiency, chronic fatigue, immune support, and healthy ageing. Quality varies enormously; choose sustainably cultivated sources carefully.
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Mānuka Monograph
Iconic NZ tree with powerful antimicrobial honey. Honey supports wound healing, digestive health, and immune function. Leaves traditionally used in rongoā as tea and topical preparation. Essential oil highly antimicrobial. Famous globally for honey. Important cultural and economic plant. Conservation important due to commercial pressure.
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Elecampane Monograph
Elecampane is a powerful expectorant for chronic respiratory conditions with thick, difficult-to-expectorate mucus. The aromatic root contains alantolactone and inulin, providing antimicrobial effects against respiratory bacteria and fungi whilst relaxing bronchial spasms. Valuable for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, whooping cough, and smoker’s cough. Prebiotic digestive support.
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Yarrow Monograph
Versatile wound herb with multiple applications. Stops bleeding, reduces inflammation, and supports wound healing. Traditional fever remedy. Bitter digestive tonic. Cold and flu support. Common naturalised plant in NZ. Powerful medicine for first aid, digestion, and immunity. Essential addition to herbal first aid kit.
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Garlic Monograph
Potent antimicrobial bulb supporting immune and cardiovascular health. Allicin provides antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol. Crush and let sit 10 minutes to activate compounds. Raw most medicinal. Kitchen medicine offering daily immune support with meals.