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Echinacea - Echinacea helps stimulate the immune system -- it may help protect against the common cold. It may also help build resistance to other types of infection. Two important recent German studies found that taking echinacea orally was effective in relieving flu symptoms and reducing the duration of colds.
Elderberry - Elderberry contains flavonoids and quercetin. Flavonoids are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to laboratory research, an extract from the leaves, combined with St. John’s wort and soapwort, inhibits the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. A double-blind study in humans determined that an extract of elderberries is an effective treatment for influenza. Animal studies have shown the flowers to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus fights microbes, especially effective against Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep infection. Used in antiseptic mouthwashes and liniments, and used in treating colds and coughs.
Garlic - Garlic fights microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. It has been traditionally used in treating coughs, colds, chronic bronchitis, fever and flu. Garlic has antitumor properties, too. Garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol while increasing the level of the so called good cholesterol HDL (high density lipo-proteins).
Ginger - Ginger aids in fighting of digestive orders and is great for the circulatory system. Ginger is often used in conjunction with Cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper soothes indigestion and reduces inflammation and discomfort caused by the common cold.
Ginkgo - Ginkgo is an antioxidant that promotes blood flow and fights free radicals in the brain. Thus, it appears to improve short-term memory loss, headache, depression and other neurological disorders. Recent studies of ginkgo extract show that it increases blood flow to the brain and lower extramities.
Ginseng - Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng increases physical and mental endurance. It helps the body adjust to stressful situations. It normalizes body functions, reduces cholestrol, increases energy, enhances sexual desire, and inhibits canerous growth.
Golden Seal - Golden Seal has been used as an exteral to treat wounds, sores and skin diseases (eczema.) Its an anti-inflammatory that soothes irritated mucous membranes. It also aids in indigestion and constipation.
Green tea - Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the active constituents are polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green tea’s roles in promoting good health. Research demonstrates that green tea mildly guards against cardiovascular disease in many ways. Green tea lowers total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), reduces platelet aggregation, and lowers blood pressure. However, not all studies have found that green tea intake lowers lipid levels. It is unlcear if green tea is effective as an antioxidant. While some studies show that green tea is an antioxidant in humans, others have not been able to confirm that it protects LDL cholesterol from damage. This is important because oxidation of LDL cholesterol is thought to be important in causing or accelerating atherosclerosis. The polyphenols in green tea have also been shown to lessen the risk of cancers of several sites, stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have antibacterial properties—even against the bacteria that cause dental plaque One study found that intake of 10 cups or more of green tea per day improved blood test results indicating protection against liver damage. Further studies are needed to determine if taking green tea helps those with liver diseases.