“Seasonal flu is now a pandemic that lasts for years and years because you’ve got so many people that it’s jumping back between northern and southern hemispheres and moving itself around the world. By the time it gets back to where it started, it’s changed sufficiently so that people are no longer immune.” ~Nathan Wolfe
We’ve seen a lot of immune illness coming through our doors in the last couple of weeks. There is no reason to ever have a cough, cold or flu that hangs on for three days or more. Nature has so much to offer us in terms of speeding through any illness, even more serious infections. Most people are familiar with old favorites like Echinacea, Elderberry, and Oscillococinnum. What we want to share with you here are some lesser known but extremely effective products to protect from and get rid of immune illness.
And Here Are Some of Our Favorites
Before you get something is a great time to think about your immune system, particularly if you typically pick up a lot of the bugs that go around. Certain professions, like teachers or health care workers, may also want to boost immunity going in to the sick season. Here are our favorites for boosting immunity: Vitamin D-I would be remiss if I did not mention Vitamin D when taking about immunity. It falls under the “boring but important” category.
Vitamin D is a great immune modulator and therefore boosts immunity, as well as aids in tempering autoimmune illness. For those with difficulty absorbing Vitamin D (i.e. you cannot get your levels to go up) this emulsified D liquid is my first choice. Get 2000 IUs in just one drop!
Vitamin C plays a vital role in many immune mechanisms. It is recommended for immune health and can be taken in higher quantities if you are ill. We love this one as it is strictly food, from acerola berry. Just mix with water. It is much easier on the stomach than ascorbic acid and is very well absorbed. We love it!
Stamets 7 is a combination of 7 different mushrooms: Royal Sun Blazei, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Mesima. The polysaccharide content in mushrooms account for their immune building effects. Each mushroom offers different protection, so this combination is good for protection against cold, flu, and coughs, and even more chronic conditions like asthma and allergies.
Agarikon mushroom has been found to be one of the most potent anti-viral substances on earth. The Department of Health and Human Services, under Project BioShield, tested Agarikon along with numerous other substances in the hopes of protecting the public in the event of bio-terrorism. It was found to be in the top 10 for its anti-viral activity, showing activity against such serious viruses as cowpox, swine and bird flus, herpes I & II, certain strains of tuberculosis and even smallpox. Great for fighting common cold and flu, shingles, herpes, mono, and other viruses.
Propolis is a resin that bees use to protect their hives. This resin is high in anti- bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. This propolis product contains a patented extract of propolis that concentrates the flavanols, the active component, that has activity against pathogens. Use this product as a daily immune boost or higher quantities when there is a challenge to the immune system.
The above are by no means a catch-all and we have great tried-and true formulas like the Wellness Formula that are great for kicking colds and flus. Vita Biotic by Eclectic Institute is great for illness that has hung on and you just can’t seems to shake. For those who prefer not to take herbs because of drug interactions, we also have lots of homeopathic options available.
