Immune Support

Astragalus (Huang Qi)

For 2000 years, the roots of the Astragalus have been used to hasten wound healing and stimulate the immune system. Research reviews indicate that Astragalus may help improve the body's ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation. Much study has focused on Astragalus as a boost to the immune system. In 2003, Alternative Medicine Review reported that milk-vetch root (another name for Astragalus) "stimulates the immune system by increasing the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue, triggering immune cells to a heightened state."

Echinacea (Echinacea Angustifolia)

Used traditionally by Native Americans to treat infections and malignancies, Echinacea is now used extensively in Europe and America for treating and preventing upper respiratory tract infections. In keeping with our requirement for using only the best ingredients, Bema has chosen to use Polinacea™ (Indena, Italy), a standardized extract from Echinacea angustifolia, which is harvested once every 4 years, and costs 8-10 times more than from a cheaper source.

Bee Propolis

Nothing is quite like Bee Propolis, for it is arguably nature’s foremost “antibiotics.” Also known as "bee glue," propolis is the sticky resin  of tree buds and saliva secretions of worker bees used for coating the insides  of hives, giving an airtight, waterproof, anti-bacterial disease-free environment. The propolis used in Immune Support  is extracted in a cGMP facility in Vancouver, Canada.

American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius)

Over the centuries, ginseng, an "adaptogen," has acquired a name of mythic proportions  for its alleged ability to maintain youthfulness and extend life. It is commonly used to increase resistance to stress and restore homeostasis, enhance athletic performance, combat fatigue and viral infections,, boost immune function, ameliorate the symptoms of cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders, improve cognitive function, and for promoting general health and vitality.

Bema has chosen Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) from among several major species (Siberian, Korean, Japanese etc.) for its synergistic compatibility with the other 5 precious botanicals and herbs in Immune Support. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine understanding, Asian ginseng species is contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency with heat signs, heat excess, or in the absence of significant qi deficiency (Bensky and Gamble, 1993). American ginseng, on the other hand, is not contraindicated in such conditions, for it benefits the qi, generates fluids, and nourishes the yin in situations of yin deficiency with heat signs (Bensky and Gamble, 1993). The ginseng in Immune Support is also extracted right here in a British Columbia lab to ensure quality, purity, and right potency.