Armaforce, BioCeuticals
$41.25
Keep your defences strong through the cooler months.
Heading into cold and flu season? Did you know echinacea is a native North American coneflower that has been used in traditional herbal medicine for generations? It may help support immune function.
Echinacea is a daisy-like purple coneflower native to North America. Traditional healers used it for generations, and it became one of the best-known herbs in Western herbal medicine. People often reach for it in cooler months, when they want extra support for their body's natural defences. Echinacea preparations may use the root, the leaf and flower, or the whole plant, and each part brings a slightly different mix of beneficial compounds.
Delivery: Ships from Australia. Usually arrives in 3 to 7 business days.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support the body's natural defences
- Traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of the common cold
- May help support the immune system during the cooler months
- Traditionally used to help relieve sore throat symptoms
- May help reduce the duration of mild cold symptoms
- Contains natural plant antioxidants
What people commonly use it for
- Mild cold and flu symptoms (Some clinical studies suggest benefit; results vary by preparation)
- Sore or scratchy throat (Traditional use, with some supporting studies)
- Run-down feeling in winter (Traditional use)
- Seasonal sniffles and stuffy nose (Early research only; results are mixed)
- Support during travel and busy periods (Traditional use)
Suggested to use alongside
- Vitamin C: Everyday immune support
- Zinc: Essential for normal immune function
- Elderberry: Traditional immune herb
The science behind it
Echinacea contains several groups of active compounds, including alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives such as cichoric acid and echinacoside, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Which ones dominate depends on the species (Echinacea purpurea, angustifolia or pallida) and on the plant part used.
Laboratory and human studies show that echinacea extracts can influence immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and the release of signalling proteins called cytokines. Alkylamides appear to interact with cannabinoid type 2 receptors on immune cells, which may help explain these effects.
Why results differ. Echinacea products are not interchangeable. Fresh-pressed juice, dried root, alcohol tinctures and standardised extracts can have very different chemistry. This is one reason clinical trials have produced mixed results. A Cochrane review (2014) found that some preparations may offer a small benefit, while others did not (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews).
Absorption. Alkylamides are absorbed quickly from the gut, and tingling on the tongue is a classic sign of a quality alkylamide-rich extract. Echinacea is generally taken in short courses rather than continuously, in line with traditional practice. Because the tablets, teas, tinctures and juices differ so much, it helps to choose a product made from a well-identified species and plant part, and to follow the directions on the label.
Product details & ingredients
- Form: Chewable tablets
ArmaForce® ImmunoBurst contains standardised echinacea which is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine (WHM) for immune system support to fight illness and to relieve symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections. Echinacea has been used traditionally in WHM to relieve symptoms of common colds and flu, including nasal congestion and mild fever. A lemon honeycomb flavoured oral liquid in a chewable burstlet capsule.
Warnings
Keep Out Of Reach Of Children.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Contains soya bean products and sulfites.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: Bioceuticals Armaforce Immunoburst 30/60 Chewable Capsules
Common questions
What is echinacea good for?
It is traditionally used to support the body's natural defences and to help relieve mild cold symptoms. It is most often taken when you feel a cold coming on.
When is the best time to take echinacea?
Many people start at the first sign of feeling run down and continue for the length of the cold season or a short course. Check the label for how long to take it.
Can I take echinacea every day?
Traditionally it is used in shorter courses. If you want longer-term use, speak to your healthcare professional.
Which part of echinacea is best?
Roots and aerial parts both contain useful compounds. Many products combine them, and the best choice depends on the extract and its quality.
Does echinacea cause a tingling sensation?
Yes, liquid forms in particular can make the tongue tingle. This is due to alkylamides and is harmless.
Can I take echinacea with vitamin C or zinc?
These are often combined in cold season formulas. If you take regular medicines, check with your pharmacist first.
Safety
Avoid echinacea if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds). It may interact with immunosuppressant medicines, so people with autoimmune conditions should seek advice. Check with a healthcare professional before use in pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children.
About BioCeuticals
BioCeuticals is a specialist supplier we are happy to stock alongside the big names.
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