My top tips for winter wellness
Echinacea
Clinical trials have shown Echinacea to be useful in both preventing as well as treating bacterial and viral infections including colds and flu. However, trials involving low doses of Echinacea products, or products with very low levels of Alkylamides have failed to achieve beneficial outcomes and resulted in much adverse publicity for Echinacea in general. As with other medicines, it is crucial to take sufficient doses of herbal remedies that provide effective amounts of the active plant-chemicals in order to produce a therapeutic effect.
Use 1.5-3.5 grams
Olive Leaf
The extract has also been shown to inhibit a number of bacteria and viruses, which has lead to increased interest in its use a tonic for the immune system. This research supports one of the many traditional uses of the herb in which a strong tea, made by boiling the leaves, was used as a treatment for fevers.
Elderberry
Fantastic for upper respiratory conditions and coughs that just wont budge! Elderberry – its botanical name Sambucus Nigeris – works by inhibiting the virus ability to enter cells, restricting the viral infection and causing an improvement in symptoms of the flu.
Also brilliant for reducing a high fever.
Adrographis
Enhances the immune system by helping the body produce more white blood cells which help the body fight infection. Also helps the lymphatic system. Particularly good for anything chesty or stubborn colds and flus/infections that keep coming back, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid this one.
Use 400mg a day twice a day for up to 10 days
Astragalus
A potent immune booster great for persistent infections. Improves natural killer cells to help fight infection, and strengthens the body against colds and flus ( so really great to take as a preventative or if you feel a little run down/susceptible to getting a cold or flu). Also, particularly good if you have candida, herpes or lupus.
Use 500mg 2-3 times a day.