Natural Support for Colds & Flus

Tis the season of colds and flus! Bolster your immune system in the final months of winter by turning to natural immune boosters to ward of illness and gentle remedies to ease an array of symptoms. 

These days, it’s common to lean on pain killers and over-the-counter medicine at the first sign of an illness. However, these products come at a cost. Conventional cold medicine contains fillers, artificial food colouring, and preservatives, and comes with a whole host of potential side effects. With frequent use, these drugs can wreak havoc on the gut, depleting important stomach acid and leading to gastrointestinal damage. They also increase your risk of organ damage, and potential allergic reactions. 

One of the biggest problems with pharmaceuticals used to treat colds and flus is that these products aren’t actually supporting the body’s natural ability to heal — they’re simply masking the symptoms. This means, you’ll often need to rely on consistently dosing these medications in order to keep symptoms at bay.

Alternatively, high quality vitamins and minerals, natural health supplements, traditional herbs, and a nourishing, whole-foods diet can work wonders to support a resilient immune system — and aid in a speedy recovery when you do get sick. 

Today on the blog, we’re sharing our favourite supplements for cold and flu season, and natural ways to support a strong immune system. 

GENERAL IMMUNE SUPPORT 

Harmonic Arts Medicinal Mushrooms — Medicinal mushrooms rebalance the body and support immune system intelligence. We recommend the “5 mushroom blend” to receive the full spectrum of each mushroom’s benefits! 

Vitamin D — Vitamin D modulates the immune system and helps fight off bacteria and viruses. It’s one of the most important vitamins for immune health, yet many people are deficient. Aside from going outside and exposing yourself to sunshine on a daily basis (especially in the winter time!), we recommend regular supplementation of Prairie Naturals vitamin D in either liquid and tablet form. 

Cod liver oil — Research shows supplementing vitamin A alongside vitamin D enhances the beneficial effects of both nutrients. Cod liver oil naturally contains a perfect balance of these two nutrients, alongside anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. 

Harmonic Arts Bee pollen — Bee pollen contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and compounds that decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Sprinkle the pollen on oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, toast, and more! 

AOR -- Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids — We love this high-dose vitamin c paired with citrus bioflavonoids to enhance potency and absorbability. 

Ki (Martin and pleasant) Immune Defence Tablets — A natural herbal medicine formulation to boost white blood cells and reduce free radicals

A whole foods diet — most importantly of all, eating a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and bioavailable vitamins and minerals from vegetables, fruits, and tubers, nuts, seeds, and legumes, clean sources of animal protein, fiber-rich whole grains, and minimally processed dairy is key to a healthy immune system. 

TREATING COLDS & FLUS

Avoid immune-depressing foods — refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and processed foods increase inflammation in the body, while replacing the spot of nutrient dense foods with empty calories. 

Incorporate immune-enhancing foods — Bone broth, garlic, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits, wild berries, and homemade chicken soup are excellent remedies for any illness 

Traditional Medicinal Teas — Traditional Medicinals crafts herbal tea blends containing medicinal doses to support a variety of ailments. We love their ‘Breathe Easy’ ‘Echinacea Plus’, ‘Ginger Aid’ and ‘Cold Care’ blends 

Nin Jiom Cough Syrup — made with honey, herbs, fruits, and flowers, this lovely syrup is pure and potent. Perfect for treating coughs, and safe for the whole family. 

Botanica Oregano Oil — oregano oil is an age-old remedy for bolstering the immune system and fighting off infection at the first signs of illness. 

Botanica Olive Leaf Throat Spray — Soothe sore throats and coughs with olive leaf, a powerful antioxidant to fight free radical damage. 

Harmonic Arts Elderberry Syrup — A herbalist’s must have come winter time! Elderberries have been traditionally used to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flus. 

Harmonic Arts Cough Syrup — A herbal blend of elecampane, osha, mullein, and coltsfoot to ease coughs and clear the lungs 

Provita Nigella Black Cumin Oil — This powerful oil is derived from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant, and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, chronic pain, airway disorders, inflammation, infection, and digestive imbalances. 

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey — Raw Manuka honey is one of the most effective (and delicious!) ways to soothe a sore throat. We love this pure, unpasteurized monkey honey for it’s superfood benefits and antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Can Prev Zinc — Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in keeping the immune system strong, along with preventing the common cold virus from multiplying, promoting wound healing, and supporting natural detoxification. Can Prev Zinc offers a therapeutic dose in the most readily absorbable formulation.

Curcumin — known as ‘nature’s ibuprofen’, curcumin, the most potent extract found in the turmeric plant, has a powerful influence on inflammation. Studies show curcumin supplementation is just as effective, or potentially even more effective, at reducing inflammation. and relieving pain and stiffness then ibuprofen. A medicine cabinet essential!