If you travel for work, work with the public, or just need to live your life in general, below are our ideas for products that will help you fight illness. Please understand that there is no direct evidence that these products specifically fight the coronavirus, but rather that they have anti-viral or other immune-building action and promote respiratory health. As always, if you have serious health problems check with your doctor before using any of these products. Also make sure you have us check for medication interactions in the database we use, or ask your doctor if the use is compatible with your medications.
Zinc—This mineral is crucial to immune function. It also is part of the antioxidant system in the body, being a cofactor for SOD, one of the body’s antioxidants in the cell. Zinc can be taken in pill form, but is also available in lozenges.
Our take—It can help and is unlikely to hurt at doses of 30-50 mg, taken short term. Please take with food as zinc can cause stomach upset if taken by itself.
Echinacea Wellness—This formula combines Echinacea, andrographis, and pelargonium. Echinacea has anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. It has been used for centuries for the common cold, and more recently for viruses such as herpes and HPV. Andrographis has been found to have in vitro antiviral effects against avian influenza A and human influenza H1N1 and HIV. Pelargonium has antiviral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. It also has an affinity for the respiratory system.
Our take: this one has great antiviral action, is targeted to the respiratory system, and can aid you in resolving a virus. If we run out of this, the Echinacea Goldenseal by Gaia, Andrographis by Source Naturals, Esberitox, and others are good options.
Sambu or SambuGuard—Two elderberry-based syrups known to fight respiratory bugs. Elderberry and elder flower are two strong antiviral herbs that have been used to combat colds and flus for years. Elder flower is an antipyretic (fights fevers) and has strong antiviral properties. Elderberry may prevent viral replication. Since these are liquids, they directly touch the respiratory tissue, potentially stopping bugs before they manifest in the body.
Our take: This one has been used for centuries for respiratory illness. If we run out of this, other good options are the Elderberry syrup by Gaia or the elderberry-based Sambucus products.
Breathe—This product combines 3 medicinal mushrooms; chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. All of the medicinal mushrooms have strong immune-stimulating effects. Chaga has a very high antioxidant capacity, so is helpful with the damage that the inflammatory process causes. Reishi has immune-modulating effects, and helps the body react better to stress such as illness. Cordyceps has an affinity to the lung and kidneys and can fortify the lungs.
Our take: This product is excellent for strengthening the lungs and keeping illness at bay. Once illness has begun, it must be combined with herbs that have action against viruses.
Immuni-T—This one combines larch arabinogalactans, olive leaf extract, shilajit, echinacea, andrographis, and goldenseal. Larch arabinogalactan is a polysaccharide that stimulates several aspects of immune function. Olive leaf has broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects and is used to combat viruses, potentially preventing viral replication. Shilajit is a strong antioxidant that helps to buffer the effect of any excess inflammation. Goldenseal has antibacterial action and andrographis and echinacea’s effects are listed above.
Our take—This is a powerful immune builder and also has some antiviral effects.
Antioxidants—Serious cases of the virus have caused lung damage that appears to be related to the an excess inflammatory reaction. While inflammation is crucial to fighting disease, when the process gets out of control it can cause lasting damage to tissues. Many of the herbs recommended herein have antioxidant qualities, but it may also be wise to support the antioxidant systems in the body. Vitamins C, E, Zinc, Selenium, Alpha Lipoic Acid, NAC, glutathione, and others can be helpful.
Our take: NAC has a mucolytic effect on the lungs and glutathione is one of the body’s main detoxifying agents, so these may be the most valuable.
Myco Sheild Spray—A combination of medicinal mushrooms that are known to have antimicrobial effects. Agarikon, its first ingredient, has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Our take: Since the virus appears to be spread through droplets that enter the respiratory system, it makes sense to use protection that directly touches this part of the body.
Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray—Three powerful herbs with antimicrobial properties in spray form that can help with the first line of defense against the virus.
Our take—If you can handle the bitter taste, this one is a good bet. If you have more sensitive taste buds opt for the Throat Guardian, a propolis extract.
Good Samaritan Essential Oil Blend—A blend of germ-fighting essential oils like cinnamon, lemon, clove, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Use it in a carrier oil on your hands, diffuse it into your workspace, or put a dab around the nose for germ protection.
Our take: You’ll see this being diffused on our counter. We’re taking this precaution along with many others.
Please note that while we want you to have some ideas about ways to protect yourself, this list is by no means exhaustive. There are many different ways to do this. Also, we want to reiterate that none of these herbs or nutrients has been shown specifically to have action against Covid-19. If you have contracted the virus, please see your doctor. The virus can develop quickly and can cause lasting damage to the lungs if you have a severe case.
