Symptoms and relief

Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.

SELECT YOUR NEED

Throat

The generic term throat refers to the internal anatomical tract on the front side of the neck, formed by the pharynx, larynx and by the upper parts of the trachea and of the esophagus; the air we breathe and the food we ingest pass through this tract which, as can easily be understood considering its anatomical parts, does not present a bone structure in itself but is supported by the skeleton right behind the neck.

As regards muscles, the most important ones are the splenius and the sternocleidomastoid, both stretching between the bones of the head and the breastbone, covering the throat in the front. The tongue, too, located inside the oral cavity, plays an important role because of its action during deglutition, when food ingested passes through the throat. Important blood vessels are located close to the throat, such as the carotid artery, which brings oxygenated blood to the brain, and the jugular vein, taking blood low in oxygen towards the superior vena cava. These two blood vessels are essential to keep the body alive, since they nourish the brain: this is why the throat is one of the most vulnerable parts of animals, man included.

Part of the throat are also the vocal cords, the Adam’s apple, the epiglottis and the adenoids. The vocal cords, formed by thin membranes, are located in the larynx together with the tongue; together with teeth and palate they form the vocal apparatus. The Adam’s apple is a protrusion of the thyroid and larynx cartilages; its function is to protect the larynx. The adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and help protect the airways from bacterial infiltrations; they are located in the nasopharynx, i.e. the upper part of the throat. Finally, the epiglottis is a small membrane made of cartilage, located between the pharynx, the esophagus and the larynx. Owing to an involuntary reflex, it closes under the tongue’s pressure during deglutition and its function is to protect the larynx from food during deglutition.

There are several diseases that can affect the throat because, as already mentioned, it is formed by a varied structure: among pathologies affecting the larynx, diphtheria is worth mentioning, since it may spread from this part of the body and reach the heart, causing death. Luckily enough, this illness has been eradicated thanks to an antitoxin. Inflammations can affect either pharynx or larynx and they can be both viral and bacterial. Laryngitis and pharyngitis are no less serious, and the former can cause aphonia, or voicelessness. Certainly the worst disease of all is cancer, which can easily affect the larynx of heavy smokers and drinkers.

The throat is therefore a very sensitive organ, exposed more than other parts of the body to the risk of microbial infections, and it is therefore essential to take special care of this area using the appropriate natural remedies available.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the palatine tonsils. These are two small lymphatic organs situated in the oropharynx and are part of the complex immune system of the body. Together with the adenoids and the lingual tonsil, they form the so-called “Waldeyer ring”, first defence bulwark of the aero-digestive tract.

Their function is to trap germs coming from air inhaled and from food, as well as to produce antibodies for defensive purposes. Their activity in this sense continues until the age of 10 – 11. They therefore play an important role in the process of maturation of children’s immune system, enabling the organism to be exposed to antigenic stimuli of the environment so as to promote the production of antibodies. Tonsillitis takes place when the tonsils react with an inflammation and infection, instead of performing an immunological defensive action.

As a result of this situation, reddening and swelling generally follow. Whitish spots can also appear, called “bacterial plaques”. Submandibular lymph nodes swell, becoming painful and signalling that the organism has put forward an immune response. Catarrh may also be present. Tonsillitis can have bacterial or viral origin.

Should the problem appear frequently (4 – 5 times a year), the tonsils can turn into a source of potentially severe infections, affecting other organs as well. This is particularly the case when bacteria detectable by means of a pharyngeal swab happen to be of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This type of microorganism is particularly dangerous and can lead to the development of acute articular rheumatism (rheumatic fever), glomerulonephritis, as well as growth disorders in children. During childhood, tonsillitis can also cause repeated infections of the ear, dental anomalies and respiratory disorders during sleep.

Treatment of tonsillitis using conventional medicine

To solve this type of affection of the oral cavity, conventional medicine resorts to specific antibiotics acting against the microorganism causing infection of the tonsils, despite the difficulty in distinguishing a tonsillitis of viral origin from one of bacterial origin, based on symptoms only.

These medicines frequently lead to sensitization, besides causing the insurgence of problems related to bacterial resistance. Together with antibiotics, common decongestants in spray form are often administered, as well as chewable sweets, acting at local level in order to calm the unpleasant symptom of sore throat: these, however, do not act on the true causes of tonsillitis and offer only temporary relief.

That’s why it is important to be able to resort to valid alternatives in seeking treatment for tonsillitis, whatever its origin.

Nature can help you in case of tonsillitis

A natural and effective approach

To solve the problem of tonsillitis definitely, nature can be of great help once again, thanks to Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), the efficacy of which against bacteria and viruses involved in this particular affection of the oral cavity has been confirmed by numerous studies and applications.

GSE and tonsillitis

Grapefruit Seed Extract has broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy: in fact, it has been proven by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide that GSE is active against several viral strains, showing encouraging results. However, further research is necessary to establish its full potential.

In addition, results obtained regarding the efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) against over 800 bacterial strains, in particular against type A beta-hemolytic streptococcus causing tonsillitis, confirms GSE’s value not only for local but also for systemic use, in directly contrasting ongoing infections as well as improving the general efficiency of the organism’s defense system against any microbial attack.

A study published on the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” Vol.5 n° 3 of 1990, proves the efficacy of GSE, in different concentrations, towards pathogenic microorganisms; it also proves its “selectivity”, in that it does not have a significant, negative impact on physiological microbial flora, safeguarding the organism’s natural defences to avoid the development of bacterial resistance. GSE therefore represents an extremely valid and safe remedy against tonsillitis.

Given the above considerations, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an exceptionally effective approach against tonsillitis. The association with specific plant extracts enables to obtain a remedy through a mechanism of action that must include the following:

a systemic action that contrasts microbial proliferation, whether of bacterial or viral origin, while strengthening the organism’s natural defence system and preventing the insurgence of complications;
a “selective” cleansing action of the mucosa in the oral cavity and slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs in tissues, as well as a local defensive action, with a soothing effect on the mucosae while activating regenerative processes;
an aerosol therapy for “selective” cleansing action, drainage, expectoration and decongestion of the upper airways.

This approach, combined with a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, but not only), includes the use of natural remedies that are well known in folk tradition and the efficacy of which in providing a definitive solution has been confirmed by recent studies.

1 - A systemic action that contrasts microbial proliferation, whether of bacterial or viral origin, while strengthening the organism’s natural defence system and preventing the insurgence of complications;
Nature can help you with …

Grapefruit Seed Extract: acting as an extraordinary “selective cleanser”, it is effective against pathogens, while remaining harmless towards microbial flora of the mucosae, and enables reconstruction of beneficial flora, which represents the organism’s first line of defence against any external aggression, ensuring protection from infections.

Echinacea purpurea: by slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, it triggers a defensive mechanism against germs while activating a regenerative process of tissues at the same time. For this reason, preparations based on Echinacea are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions and in situations of infectious diseases in general.

Rhodiola: it increases resistance of the organism towards toxins; it increases the level of enzymes, of RNA and of proteins and can therefore reduce recovery time following fatigue or prolonged sicknesses.

Uncaria: powerfully effective in regulating the immune system. Its use leads to an increased resistance of the organism against infections and it improves the body’s response in case of illness.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): an Australian plant with widely known and proven antiviral properties, it is also effective against bacteria and fungi, as well as being a powerful stimulant of the immune system.

Swallowable tablets are the most suitable form for intake of these plant active constituents, to be taken at recommended doses, preferably before meals, for one month. For children, the drinkable version composed by the same ingredients is to be preferred.

As an alternative to these two solutions, both for adults and for children, it is also possible to resort to an innovative formulation in effervescent tablets, based on GSE at high concentrations together with Uncaria; the exclusively natural composition, the high concentration of active principles and the benefits of the effervescent formulation (allowing rapid dissolution and increased bioavailability), give the product a pleasant taste, making it also rapidly effective.

2 - “Selective” cleansing action of the mucosa in the oral cavity and slowing down of spread of pathogenic germs in tissues, as well as a local defensive action, with a soothing effect on the mucosae and activating regenerative processes

For this specific action, the approach includes two products for local action, the below-listed functional ingredients of which are contained in an oral spray and in tablets to dissolve in the mouth.

ORAL SPRAY

Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained with regard to the antimicrobial efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) confirm that GSE is beneficial also for local use. The synergy with specific plant extracts makes the formulation effective and safe to use.

Echinacea: by slowing down the spread of pathogenic germs, it triggers a defensive mechanism against germs while activating a regenerative process of tissues at the same time. For this reason, preparations based on Echinacea are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions and in situations of infectious diseases featuring high temperature, particularly when there is a tendency to develop chronicity and relapses.

Hedge Mustard: known as “the Singer’s Plant”, it has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and expectorant properties and is therefore useful in case of affections of the throat, whether acute or chronic.

Aloe vera: a plant with countless therapeutic virtues, in this formulation it is exploited for its beneficial action on the mucosae. A good cleanser, it also has soothing and cicatrizing effects, as well as repairing damaged tissues.

Fruit water: thanks to its important vitamin and trace elements supply, it completes and enriches the formulation.

The most suitable form for intake of these plant ingredients is a natural solution for oral nebulisation, with a practical eco spray bottle.

TABLETS TO DISSOLVE IN THE MOUTH

Nature can help you with…

Liquorice: it has an anti-inflammatory action, similar to cortisol; immunostimulant and antiviral because it promotes the production of interferon, which binds with the surface of cells, stimulating synthesis of intracellular proteins that block the transcription of viral DNA; moreover, interferon leads to the inactivation of macrophages and to an increased activity of natural “killer cells”.

In addition, in vitro experiments have also proven antimicrobial activity against streptococci, staphylococci and candida.

Raspberry: since it contains organic acids (malic, oxalic, tannic and tartaric) as well as pectins, it has anti-inflammatory properties that are very useful for all inflammations affecting the oral cavity.

Echinacea: a powerful immunostimulant, it stimulates immune agents in charge of fighting bacterial and fungal infections and contains antibiotic compounds. In addition, it inhibits hyaluronidase, i.e. the enzyme produced by aggressive bacteria to separate cells of the organism under attack, creating accessible gaps, and has cortisol-like, proven efficacy as an anti-inflammatory.

Astragalus: used in Chinese tradition to fight viral infections, several clinical studies prove its efficacy. Moreover, it stimulates several factors of the immune system, such as phagocytosis of monocytes and of macrophages, increasing production of interferon and activity of natural “killer cells”.

Ginger: it has an anti-inflammatory action as it inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes; moreover, it has analgesic and anesthetic effects thanks to the active constituent shogaol, which also features antibiotic properties.

Tablets to dissolve in the mouth, with natural flavourings (mint or citrus flavours) are the ideal means of intake for these ingredients.

Aerosol therapy for a “selective” cleansing action, drainage, expectoration and decongestion of the upper airways.
Nature can help you with…

Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained with regard to the antimicrobial efficacy of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) confirm GSE to be beneficial also in formulations suitable for aerosol therapy. The synergy with specific plant extracts makes the formulation effective and safe to use.

Drosera rutundifolia: it carries out a spasmolytic activity on smooth muscles, with an action similar to adrenalin that reduces spasms caused by histamine on the chain of bronchial rings; consequently, it relaxes the bronchi.

Enula bell: it has secretolytic properties, thanks to its sesquiterpene lactones in particular, and is markedly anti-inflammatory.

Dwarf pine: the extract obtained is a mixture of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as alfa and beta pinene, limonene, phellandrene, camphene and borneol: all these substances have antiseptic, balsamic and secretolytic properties, particularly aimed at the respiratory tract.

Thymus Serpyllum: its most significant action is as an expectorant and it is therefore successfully employed in the treatment of catarrh in the respiratory tract. Moreover, its proven bacteriostatic property, especially on Gram + bacteria, completes the antiseptic and secretolytic action on the respiratory organs.

Thymus: its essence includes, among its components, thymol (up to 55%) and other volatile compounds such as: geraniol, terpineol, cymene, linalool, camphene, borneol. It has antiseptic, balsamic and fluidifying properties.

Atomised sea water: sea water is the most complete mineral water because it contains all elements present in nature. Used for inhalation, it is beneficial in treating or preventing numerous affections and is a good remedy for all respiratory disorders.

The ideal medium for intake, whether adults or children, is a solution to nebulise with an aerosol device.

The association of the above-described active constituents, essential for a definitive solution of tonsillitis, can be further supported by specific remedies indicated in the following cases:

To restore balance of the intestinal flora and at the same time strengthen the organism’s natural defences: for adults, single use vials with patented proportioning cap based on probiotics (B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Uncaria and Morinda citrifolia (Noni); for children, single use vials with patented cap, based on probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria tormentosa.
To solve the problem of dry cough: GSE, Chestnut, Lavander, Marrubium and Poppy in a drinkable formulation.
To solve the problem of wet cough: GSE, Mullein, Enula, Helichrysum, Maidenhair in a drinkable formulation.