Immune and Respiratory Support for Cold and Flu season.

It is a big ask, but I hope you are adapting to our changing world. I want to let you all know, I am experienced in how you can support your immune and respiratory health as well as your nervous system and stress response.

 A strong and healthy immune system may fend off pathogenic viruses and bacteria before they take hold and make you unwell. And if you do happen to come down with something, a robust immune system may lessen the severity of symptoms or shorten their duration.

 We are always exposed to viruses and bacteria. They are actually important so our immune system can mount an immune response, whereby strengthening our immune system.

The below mentioned herbs, can be supplied as tablets, capsules or tinctures (liquid herbs) to suit your individual needs.

These herbs have been traditionally used for these effects for centuries.

Andrographis is a popular Ayurveda medicinal herb with numerous pharmacological effects ranging from antiviral, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, to anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects including antithrombotic (reduces clots in veins), hypotensive, and anti-atheroscelerotic (reduces plaque in arteries) properties. Needless to say, it is a favourite of mine. Clients are often reported to note a significant improvement in their digestive and gut health after taking Andrographis. This makes absolute sense as has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel conditions. Andrographis can also help with acne as it draws out chronic toxicity.

Licorice is a herb which covers so many aspects of immune health. It has been shown to be both antiviral and antibacterial. Its demulcent action helps to sooth a cough and it has adaptogenic properties enabling it to enhance your ability to handle stress by reducing cortisol production and supporting the adrenals.

Please note we do avoid using licorice with hypertension unless it is in the degycerrized form.

Astragalus is considered one of the most important immune tonics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it’s used to help reduce the frequency of colds and flu. It appears to increase resistance to infection and colds and flu and increases recovery time. It has been shown to be helpful with hepatitis, Aids, cancer recovery, chronic fatigue, supports those with history of colds and flu and those who require bronchial, cardiac, kidney and circulation support.

Similarly, Siberian ginseng is used to address lowered resistance to colds and flu in traditional Western herbal medicine, and both herbs have been shown to support healthy immune cell function. Historically it has been used as a convalescence tonic for chronic health conditions to strengthen the immune system.

Fatigue, stress and reduced immune health often occur side by side. In addition to their immune-supporting properties, Astragalus and Siberian ginseng are regarded as having anti-fatigue actions and are used to raise vitality in traditional herbal medicine.

Siberian ginseng also supports the body’s natural resistance to stress, as does the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Schisandra. Schisandra additionally supports digestion as it stimulates the five tastes and is both liver regenerative and supportive. St Marys thistle also has liver supportive actions. Both these liver supportive herbs need to be dosed away from and checked with any medications.

Echinacea angustifolia and purpura is an immune enhancing herb we use for short periods in acute infections. Having said this, it can be used in chronic lymphatic infections for its many properties, namely lymphatic, anti-inflammatory and vulnerary (wound healing)

Cats claw is another immune supportive herb which has antioxidant properties and has been reported to enhance circulation, reduce heart rate and cholesterol and improve response to viral and respiratory infections.  I use it in people who report regular cold and flu, indicating they require immune support. It has mainly been used in Lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cordyceps is an immune enhancing herb which has been reported to speed up spleen regeneration as well as improving uptake of oxygen to the heart and brain. There are many reports of cordyceps enhancing endurance and performance.

Reishi is a beautiful adaptogen, relieving fatigue and enhancing immunity in many ways. It has been reported to be antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to help with depression, anxiety and insomnia. Reishi is reported as a heart tonic, to help balance blood sugar and to enhance and protect the liver.

Shitake also stimulates immunity, increasing interferon, T-cells and macrophages which engulf infection. It has been known to be useful in stomach cancer and has been shown to have antiviral activity.

From all these amazing herbs, after assessing your health history, we make a decision based on your individual strengths and weakness which herbs are most suited to support you.

I also look at if you require herbs to support your sinuses, such as Eyebright, Golden rod or Elderflower to reduce mucous and heal the mucous membranes of the sinuses. You may require anti-allergy herbs for hay-fever such as Albizzia and Baical scullcap.

I also have herbs to support the bronchioles such as Pelargonium, Mullein, Elecampane and Thyme.

Finally, lung supportive herbs include Verbascum thapsis, Euphorbia, Grindelia and Inula helenium.

Additional to this, I often use a berberine based herb for its antibacterial and mucous membrane restorative actions. These include Barberry, Oregon Grape, Coptis, Burr Marigold or Golden Seal.

There are a wealth of herbs to select from, which is why a unique tailored tincture based on your presentation is highly recommended.

The following nutrients are sometimes recommended:

·       Zinc- up to 50 grams daily.

·       Vitamin C- 1g, two to 3 times daily.

·       Vitamin D - up to 4000 IU daily.

·       Probiotics- specifically Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri & Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Making some of these herbs and mushrooms a part of your daily routine — not just during cold and flu season, but year-round — can go a long way toward supporting a strong and healthy immune system. Don’t forget to add in ample sleep, regular exercise, stress management, and an overall healthy diet to optimize your odds of avoiding the sniffles (or worse!) altogether.

We can be beautifully supported during these times. I see the sliver lining in this support as my clients reporting “they feel wonderful” as the process equates to doing a gentle cleanse. As a result, people report “renewed energy and vitality” and “can’t believe how soft their skin and hair has become”