Stimulants Vs Immune Stimulants

[YoloGx]

This is kind of a continuation about my question concerning green tea as a stimulant and its safety for those with overstimulated immune system, as for instance those of us that have celiac.

So far I am now convinced that green tea is safe since although it is a nervous system stimulant (given its caffeine), it does not stimulate the immune system.

Similarly I am wondering if yerba mate might be safe for us too. Although its on the "no" list, I have read the following which indicates that yerba mate is simply a nervous system stimulant, and actually is of benefit for those who have over active immune sytems. Please read the following quote and let me know what you think and what if any other info you might have on this subject (as well as coffee and chocolate etc.). The quote is from Open Original Shared Link

Claims

One popular claim is that Yerba Mate aids in the treatment of allergies and asthma (e.g., retailer Guayaki). These claims are supported by both its historical use and medical research.

"The Mediterranean diet is rich in sources of polyphenols, so it's intriguing that Mediterranean-diet countries have lower rates of allergies, asthma and other inflammatory diseases than Western-diet countries like the United States, Canada and England. Open Original Shared Link No surprise, Yerba Mate is loaded with Polyphenols (Kawakami, A. Kabayashi 1991).

Yerba Mate stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. In turn, they suppress overactive immune system responses to allergens, suppress inflammation, and creates more oxygen flow by opening the respiratory passages.

"Herbs and plant products [including Yerba Mate] are extremely helpful for asthma. Michael Heinrich, at the Center for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, in London, discovered that a key target for asthma (as well as arthritis) is the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) transduction pathway, which activates many inflammatory cytokines. Some well-known plant chemicals that target NF-kappaB include several phenolics such as curcumin (in curcumin), and flavonoids, such as silybin (in milk thistle)" (Bremner and Heinrich 2002).

Laboratory tests confirm that "flavonoid rich beverages [Yerba Mate] could represent an alternative coadjuvant in treatment. In this regard, our studies suggest that Ilex paraguariensis extracts [Yerba Mate via the Traditional Method] are more effective than either green tea or red wines." (Bixby, Spieler, Menini, Gugliuccit, Life Sciences, 2005, #77 pgs 345-358)

Yerba Mate, consumed in the Traditional Method, aids with Allergies and Asthma.

As I read more, the more I wonder... If it is good against allergies, is it good for us??

Bea

[YoloGx]

This is kind of a continuation about my question concerning green tea as a stimulant and its safety for those with overstimulated immune system, as for instance those of us that have celiac.

So far I am now convinced that green tea is safe since although it is a nervous system stimulant (given its caffeine), it does not stimulate the immune system.

Similarly I am wondering if yerba mate might be safe for us too. Although its on the "no" list, I have read the following which indicates that yerba mate is simply a nervous system stimulant, and actually is of benefit for those who have over active immune sytems. Please read the following quote and let me know what you think and what if any other info you might have on this subject (as well as coffee and chocolate etc.). The quote is from Open Original Shared Link

Claims

One popular claim is that Yerba Mate aids in the treatment of allergies and asthma (e.g., retailer Guayaki). These claims are supported by both its historical use and medical research.

"The Mediterranean diet is rich in sources of polyphenols, so it's intriguing that Mediterranean-diet countries have lower rates of allergies, asthma and other inflammatory diseases than Western-diet countries like the United States, Canada and England. Open Original Shared Link No surprise, Yerba Mate is loaded with Polyphenols (Kawakami, A. Kabayashi 1991).

Yerba Mate stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. In turn, they suppress overactive immune system responses to allergens, suppress inflammation, and creates more oxygen flow by opening the respiratory passages.

"Herbs and plant products [including Yerba Mate] are extremely helpful for asthma. Michael Heinrich, at the Center for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, in London, discovered that a key target for asthma (as well as arthritis) is the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) transduction pathway, which activates many inflammatory cytokines. Some well-known plant chemicals that target NF-kappaB include several phenolics such as curcumin (in curcumin), and flavonoids, such as silybin (in milk thistle)" (Bremner and Heinrich 2002).

Laboratory tests confirm that "flavonoid rich beverages [Yerba Mate] could represent an alternative coadjuvant in treatment. In this regard, our studies suggest that Ilex paraguariensis extracts [Yerba Mate via the Traditional Method] are more effective than either green tea or red wines." (Bixby, Spieler, Menini, Gugliuccit, Life Sciences, 2005, #77 pgs 345-358)

Yerba Mate, consumed in the Traditional Method, aids with Allergies and Asthma.

As I read more, the more I wonder... If it is good against allergies, is it good for us??

Bea

I am truly trying to figure out what constitutes an immune stimulant vs a nervous system stimulant. Yerba Mate for instance is a nervous system stimulant as well as a muscle stimulant. ?? I could use help here. I have read testimonials saying people with celiac and lupus have been helped by yerba mate.