HERBAL RELEASE The immune system is the army that protects us from invaders. It extends throughout the body and protects us from bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. When the immune system is healthy, we are healthy. An important but often unconsidered part of the immune system is the lymphatic system. AIM Herbal Release™ helps support this vital part of the immune system. The lymphatic system The lymphatic system consists of the lymphoid organs, which are spread throughout the body. These are the bone marrow, thymus, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and spleen, as well as the adenoids and tonsils. The lymphatic system and lymphoid organs get their name because they are involved with the growth, development, and deployment of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are the key to the immune system. The lymphatic system plays the central role in building immune response. It enables the body to rid itself of bacteria and viruses, filters foreign substances and cell debris from the blood, and produces lymphocytes. It removes toxins that originated in the environment and toxic waste products that our cells produce as part of their metabolism. If these toxins are not removed, they can build up in the blood and eventually poison us. Bone marrow Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of all the bones in the body. It produces both red and white blood cells. The white blood cells created in the bone marrow can be further divided into two types: lymphocytes and phagocytes. These two types of white blood cells are the immune system’s front-line fighters. The bone marrow also houses the lymphocytes known as B cells until they reach maturity. B cells fight disease by secreting antibodies into the body fluid. These antibodies fight bacteria and viruses. Thymus The thymus is located near the top of the lungs and behind the breastbone. It is a key to immune response. Lymphocytes known as T cells get their name from the thymus because after the bone marrow produces them, they are passed on to the thymus, which fosters their development. T cells both regulate immune response and attack infected or malignant body cells. The thymus also acts as the central clearing house of immune response, passing lymphocytes into the lymphatic system, which transports them to where they are needed. Lymphatic vessels The lymphatic vessels are the arteries that carry white blood cells throughout the body. White cells also can travel in the blood, but the lymphatic vessels are better equipped to transport the waste materials that the white blood cells pick up. Like small creeks that empty into larger and larger rivers, the lymphatic vessels feed into larger and larger channels. At the base of the neck they merge and their contents are discharged into the bloodstream, which carries the waste to the kidneys for processing and removal from the body. Lymph nodes and spleen Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped stopping points that are spread throughout the body. They are “wait stations” for white blood cells to congregate until they are needed to fight an invading pathogen. Clumps of lymphoid tissue are found in most parts of the body, especially in the linings of the digestive tract and the airways and lungs—all the places where pathogens can enter the body. These lymphatic tissues include the tonsils, adenoids, and appendix. The spleen also contains special compartments where white blood cells gather and work. All told, the lymphatic system is composed of literally hundreds of miles of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. It is the key to the elimination of waste products generated throughout the body the body. Dead cells, one of the major components of this waste, collect in the lymph nodes, where they are passed on the bloodstream, which in turn delivers them to the lungs, kidneys, colon, and skin for elimination from the body. Together, all of the organs that make up the lymphatic system work to protect us from disease and illness. Today, with the explosion in popularity of alterative medicine, many of us are aware of how herbs may be used for specific purposes. We all know that Aloe Vera is used for skin care, that soy and black cohosh support menopause, and that gingko biloba may improve memory. The 11 herbs in AIM Herbal Release™ also work together for a specific purpose, although it is not a purpose well-known to most. They work together to promote lymphatic health. How to use AIM Herbal Release™ Take 2 to 3 capsules per day. Take with other AIM products or with meals based on personal preference. You may take more or less depending on your needs. Pregnant or nursing women and those with serious health concerns should consult a health practitioner before using AIM Herbal Release™. Close tightly after opening and store in a cool, dry, dark place (70-75 ºF; 20.1-23.8 ºC) Do not refrigerate. Q & A What is the lymphatic system and why is it important? The lymphatic system consists of the bone marrow, thymus, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and spleen, as well as the adenoids and tonsils. These organs are necessary for the removal of waste from the body and the function of the immune system. What is AIM Herbal Release™? AIM Herbal Release™ is a herbal lymphatic cleanser. It may also help with bowl regularity. Should I take AIM Herbal Release™ daily? The needs of each individual vary. Some people believe it is useful to take AIM Herbal Release™ daily for a short period of time (for instance, one month). Others use it regularly as part of their overall health maintenance program. However, AIM Herbal Release™ should be used daily during the period of supplementation that you choose to use it (as opposed to taking it twice a week or just whenever you feel like using it). There is no problem with daily use of AIM Herbal Release™ from a safety point of view. May I take AIM Herbal Release™ with other AIM products? Yes, you may. Many members take it with AIM Herbal Fiberblend® to get complete detoxification effects. What is the difference between AIM Herbal Release™ and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®? As noted, AIM Herbal Release™ is a lymphatic cleanser. It specifically targets immune system health. AIM Herbal Fiberblend® provides overall detoxification and is also a good source of fiber. As noted above, many members take AIM Herbal Release with AIM Herbal Fiberblend® to achieve comprehensive detoxification. Are there any side effects? Some people have experienced cramping. If this is the case, take AAIM Herbal Release™ with meals or with AIM Herbal Fiberblend®. The herbs in AIM Herbal Release Each herb in AIM Herbal Release™ was carefully selected for its ability to work with the lymphatic system to produce a positive cell environment. In doing so, AIM Herbal Release™ provides benefits not currently available in any other herbal formulation. Barberry root bark Affects: Liver, spleen, digestive tract, blood Barberry may help with enlarged spleen. One constitute, berberine, may have antibiotic properties. According to Michael Castleman in The Healing Herbs, barberry may also stimulate the immune system and may activate macrophages. Other sources state that it helps bile flow. Boldo Leaves Affects: liver, stomach Boldo is an evergreen shrub that grows in the Andes Mountains. It is said to help with gallbladder problems. One constitute, ascaridole, is said to function as a vermifuge, which expels intestinal worms. Buckthorn bank Affects: liver, gallbladder, intestines, blood Buckthorn is a depurative, which promotes the excretion and removal of waste material. It is also a mild laxative, due to its anthraquinone content, and is said to aid bile production. Burdock root Affects: blood, kidneys, liver Burdock root has a long history as a detoxifier. In herbal Medications, A.W. and L.R. Priest note that burdock can be used “to remove accumulated waste products” It is also known to help with lymphatic congestion. Cascara sagrada Affects; colon, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas Cascara sagrada, like buckthorn root, contains anthroquinone and is a mild laxative. It s also a general tonic that promotes well-being in all body systems. Chickweed Affects: blood, liver, kidneys, bladder Chickweed boasts many folk remedies, and is said to be good for the blood and joints. Dandelion root Affects: liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines, blood Dandelion has a distinguished history as a detoxifier. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, in A Textbook of Natural Medicine, call it a fine remedy for a toxic liver. The Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad and David Frawley, in The Yoga of Herbs, say dandelion is also good for the lymph glands, and Santillo, in Natural Healing with Herbs, classifies it as a lymphatic, which cleanses the lymphatic system. Echinacea Affects: blood, lymph, kidneys Echinacea was used by Native Americans, and today, it is recognized as an aid to the immune system. Echinacea contains echinacoside, a natural antibiotic, which is probably responsible for antibiotic properties. Studies in Europe have shown that Echinacea increases production of T cells. Sontillo classifies it as lymphatic, which cleanses the lymphatic system. Licorice root Affects: lings, stomach, intestines, spleen, liver Licorice is well-known as a powerful herb. According to a report in Microbiology and Immunology, licorice may stimulate cell production of interferon. Asian studies and studies published in the Plant Medica (1984:50) has shown it to be helpful for the liver. Parsley Affects: kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver gallbladder From the 1850’s to 1926, parsley was recognized by the United States Pharmacopoeia as a laxative and diuretic. Today, it is more commonly used as a breath freshener. Sarsaparilla Affects: blood, skin, circulation, intestines Sarsaparilla, according to Pizzorno and Murray in A Textbook of Natural Medicine, has been used in Europe since the sixteenth century as a blood purifier. Sarsaparilla is also said to bind to endotoxins and escort them out of the body. If endotoxins remain in the body they can contribute to a number of health related problems. Suggested Reading Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: The Rodale Press, 1991. ( The New Healing Herbs, 2001.) Dobelis, Inge, Ed. Magic and Medicine of Plants. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 1986. HerbalGram. Quarterly magazine available from the Herb Research Foundation. Up-to-date science and research on herbs. Phone: 512-926-4900. Fax: 512-926-2345. Lust, John. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974. (Updated 2001.) Ody, Penelope. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1993. Pizzorno, Joseph, and Michael Murray. A Textbook of Natural Medicine. Seattle, WA: John Bastyr College Publications, 1985. (2^nd  edition, 1999.) Santillo, Humbart, N.D. Natural Healing with Herbs. Prescott, AZ: The Hohm Press, 1984. (10th edition, 1993.) Websites www.all-natural.com/herbindx.html (Herbal Reference Library) www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html (A Modern Herbal) Benefits & Features Benefits Helps maintain immuno health Helps maintain a healthy lymphatic system Cleanses lymphatic system; great for detoxification Functions as an antiparasitic Features More than seven years of safe and beneficial use by AIM members 487.5 mg of herbs per capsule Combines 11 cleansing herbs 120-count capsules Vegetable capsule AIM Herbal Release™ is an Immuno Health product. The complete Immuno Health line consists of AIM Proancynol™ 2000 and AIM Herbal Release™. Use these products to help yourself maintain immuno-respiratory health.