The change of season is upon us but with that brings cold and flu season. Of course we are all a little more worried about getting the sniffles this year. Luckily there are many great herbs and vitamins that boost our immune system so we are better prepared to fight an infection that comes our way. Keep reading for some of my favourite solutions.
Immune Modulators vs Immune Stimulants - What’s the difference?
Both immune modulators and immune stimulants are important this time of year. Immune stimulants are herbs and vitamins that activate the immune systems response to fight something right then. Herbs such as echinacea and garlic are examples. Immune modulators are herbs and vitamins that boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cells to enhance the body's response to a stimulus that may come its way. Primed and ready let's say. Herbs and foods such as astragalus and medicinal mushrooms, as well as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D are all examples. Include these in your diet or as a supplement.
My Cold & Flu Go To’s:
Myers IVs - This is probably one of the best times to get a boost. High in vitamin C and B vitamins with added zinc for immune support. A 30 minute visit for a big boost.
Higher dose vitamins - We want to increase vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc especially when we are coming down with something. Some of my go-to supplements are a combo of many of these.
Immune herbs - Herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, andographis or elderberry for kids are all great immune supporting herbs. They can be found in a number of different immune supplements/tinctures/teas/syrups.
Immune Injection - Minimally invasion, safe for everyone, provides immune supportive herbs. Into the glut it goes! This is a quick in house treatment.
Probiotics such as The Cultured Coconut Kefir - I love this local product as it provides trillions of probiotics to help our gut health and ultimately our immune system. Prefer a capsule? There are great options available at the clinic.
Thieves oil - One of my favourite essential oil blends to diffuse in my room with antibacterial and soothing herbs. You will probably smell this in my office this time of year. :)
A. Vogel Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray - I love this product for any sore throat! You can find it at Superstore, health food stores or even Bulk Barn. So soothing and effective!
Immune Boosting Smoothie - This is a go-to in our house all year round to provide lots of vitamin C. Recipe here!
Medicinal Mushrooms - This could be a mushroom blend powder mixed in coffee, a liquid blend like THIS, or a homemade mushroom soup or “immune boosting soup” like THIS one, if you tend to get sick often. Some examples of medicinal mushrooms are reishi and ligustrum. Astagalus herb pairs very well with mushrooms.
Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation - Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of boiling water, place a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. This acts as a wonderful decongestant.
Wet Sock Treatment - Old remedy that really works to drain congestion from your head. Look it up!
Sleep & Rest- Always the best option! The quicker we allow ourselves to rest, the sooner we feel better.
What are your favourite ways to fight a cold? Let me know in the comments below!
In health & happiness,
Dr. Karen