Seeing as the majority of New Year’s resolutions revolve around wellness, I decided to focus on the subject on the next few posts since we are all in the height of the cold and flu season.
During the month of December our family was sick for the holidays. UGH!!! Over the past few years we had managed to stay healthy even during the height of Covid-19. We only had minor ailments that lasted a few days, but this year was a whole different story! It started the week after Thanksgiving. My husband came down with a sinus infection which we both thought was an allergy since he suffers with that from time to time. But when I got the sinus infection , we knew it wasn’t an allergy! It drug on for three long weeks. I was so glad it was over but the week before Christmas our son came home sick. It was totally different than the dreaded sinus infection. He had more flu-like symptoms. I decided it might be a good idea to have everyone wear disposable gloves when in the kitchen since that is the common area in our home. But despite my efforts two days later my husband got sick and two days after that I got sick, GOOD GRIEF, I couldn’t believe this was happening. So I was like, “That’s It! It’s time to find a decent immunity booster, ASAP! Thanks goodness I never had the flu-like symptoms. I did manage to find a few products that I believe helped us heal faster the second time around. I want to share with you those products and a few web site references.
The first photo references the holistic medicines we used to treat our symptoms.
Sambucol Elderberry I have used for many years at the very first sign of a cold or flu. It does seem to lessen symptoms.
Listed below are the health benefits of Sambucol:
- Black elderberry is a natural source of vitamins C, E, and A.
- Elderberry eases cold and flu symptoms
- Elderberry contains the antioxidant, quercetin, known to support lung function
- Elderberry improves gut health
- The phytonutrients and polyphenols in elderberry help manage blood sugar
- Elderberry eases a sore throat
References for Black Elderberry:
- https://sambucolusa.com/pages/benefits-of-black-elderberry#:~:text=These%20little%20berries%20offer%20some,cranberries%2C%20blueberries%2C%20and%20pomegranates.
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-black-elderberry
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry#what-is-it
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/elderberry/#:~:text=Provides%20Cold%20and%20Flu%20Relief,found%20to%20possess%20immunostimulant%20properties.
Oil of oregano is what I use at the start of a sore throat. You can gargle with it or drink it. Oil of oregano is very strong and needs to be diluted with water. A few drops in a small glass of water will do ya.
Here are a list of health benefits of using oil of oregano:
- Antimicrobial (destroying bacteria or viruses)
- Antiviral (inhibits viruses & stops growth)
- Antifungal (stops fungal infections)
- Antioxidant (stimulates white blood cell count)
- Anti-inflammatory (improving respiratory function)
- Antidiabetic (decreases glucose levels)
- Antibacterial (inhibits bacterial infections)
References for Oil or Oregano:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324203#10-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses
- https://draxe.com/essential-oils/oregano-oil-benefits/
- https://www.joyoushealth.com/27595-blog-10-amazing-health-benefits-of-oil-of-oregano
For several years we have used Source Naturals Wellness Herbal Resistance liquid drops. This wellness liquid contains a combination of herbs designed to help support your immune system. Though I am not unhappy with this product, I do want to switch to another herbal liquid. I haven’t decided yet which immunity elixir I plan to try but until then here are the health benefits of Source Naturals Wellness Herbal Resistance:
- A nonalcoholic tincture
- Formulated with echinacea & goldenseal
- Natural immune booster
- Contains Yin Ciao, a valued Chinese herbal complex used to combat respiratory and infectious diseases
- Works at the cellular level to impact the immune system
- It is most effective in the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms
Resources for Source Naturals Wellness Herbal Resistance:
- https://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1347/
- https://www.iherb.com/pr/source-naturals-wellness-herbal-resistance-liquid-with-echinacea-coptis-yin-chiao-alcohol-free-4-fl-oz-118-28-ml/1496
Oscillococcinum was recommended to us years ago when our son was just a preschooler. That was almost 20 years ago. It is very good at reducing flu symptoms. It is a product everyone should have during the cold & flu season, after you read through the precautions, of course.
The health benefits are:
- Ease and shorten the duration of the flu
- Prevent respiratory tract infection
- Works best if taken within 24 hours of symptoms
- Safe for children 2 & up (gave to our son about that age)
References for Oscillococcinum:
- https://www.oscillo.com/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-oscillococcinum-89022
- https://boironusa.com/product/oscillo/
- https://moorewellness.life/natural-remedies%E2%80%A8-fight-colds/ (great reference)
- https://moorewellness.life/natural-remedies%e2%80%a8-fight-colds-2/
- https://knewhealth.com/immune-boosting-supplements-that-really-work/
The second photo is quercetin, a powerful antioxidant.
Quercetin was brought to my attention during the beginning of the pandemic. I didn’t know much about quercetin until then. It is a flavonoid found in fruits, herbs, vegetable, and nuts. It is more powerful than vitamin C. Although when taken with vitamin C and bromelain it enhances the absorption.
I did some research and these are the health benefits from taking 500-100mg of quercetin:
- Reduces chronic inflammation
- Rich in antioxidants
- Decreases the risk of respiratory infection
- Reduces the risk of viruses
- Helps with seasonal allergies
- Fights free radicals
- Possibly reduces cancer risk
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure
References for Quercetin:
- https://naturalfactors.com/blogs/natural-health/the-top-three-reasons-to-take-quercetin
- https://www.nutriadvanced.co.uk/news/supporting-immune-health-with-quercetin/
- https://www.nutriadvanced.co.uk/news/immune-health-dietary-lifestyle-supplement-dos/
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/quercetin/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20anti%2Dinflammatory,to%20autoimmune%20disorders%20like%20arthritis.
Third photo is our trio arsenal for immune boost, olive leaf extract, astragalus root, & NAC.
Other supplements our family has learned about recently are olive leaf extract, astragalus root, & NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine).
Olive leaf extract I learned about during the Covid pandemic at the same time I discovered quercetin. Olive leaf extract contain polyphenols that contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
The known health benefits are:
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant (5 times the antioxidant activity of vitamin C)
- Gastro protective
- Antiviral, particularly the influenza virus
- Alleviates sore throat
- Antiparasitic
- Stimulates the immune cells
- Neuroprotective
- Anticancer free radical fighter
- Helps treat type 2 diabetes
- Reduces cardiovascular risk
- Contains oleuropein a rich source of polyphenol that is antiviral, ant-inflammatory, & antimicrobial
- Skin health
- Weight management
References for Olive Leaf Extract:
- https://olivewellnessinstitute.org/article/can-olive-leaf-extract-help-support-your-immune-system/
- https://proteanutrition.com/2022/07/12/how-olive-leaf-extract-may-strengthen-the-immune-system/
- https://www.ameriden.com/blog/how-olive-leaf-extract-can-help-your-immune-health/
- https://genesisregenmed.com/olive-leaf-extract-a-simple-way-to-boost-our-immune-system/
- https://www.iherb.com/blog/benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract/308
Astragalus Root has come up in several of my searches for boosting immunity. It boosts immunity by increasing white blood cells that increase antibody production which builds up resistance to viruses and bacteria.
Astragalus root health benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Boosts immune system
- Prevents tumor growth
- Protects cardiovascular health
- Treats insulin resistance
- Antioxidants with anti-aging capabilities
- Aids in wound healing
- Antiviral
- Supports healthy cell cycles
- Can treat cold & flu
- Strengthens the lungs & respiratory system
- Boosts energy levels
- Protects against disease
- Improves digestion & absorption of nutrients
- Reduces stress & anxiety by lowering cortisol levels
- Protects kidney health
- Relieves seasonal allergies & asthma
Resources for astragalus root:
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/astragalus/
- https://www.mayway.com/articles/astragalus-and-immunity
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/astragalus-what-should-i-know-about-it-89410
NAC stands for N-Acetyl-Cysteine a sulfur-containing amino acid with many health benefits. It assists in replenishing the body with the most potent antioxidant called glutathione. By boosting glutathione levels , NAC protects the lungs and respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract from damage. NAC is a mucus modifying agent improving bronchial and lung function and oxygen saturation in the blood. Glutathione boosts the immune system to fight many ailments.
Here are the top health benefits to supplementing with NAC:
- Essential for making the powerful antioxidant glutathione
- Helps with detoxification to prevent or diminish kidney & liver damage
- Helps relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions
- Boosts brain health by regulating glutamate & replenishing glutathione
- May stabilize blood sugar by decreasing inflammation in fat cells
- May reduce heart disease by preventing oxidative damage
- Relieves symptoms of viral infections like, Covid-19
- Has antimicrobial properties
- Neutralizes free radicals
- Supports mitochondrial function
Resources for NAC:
- https://www.iherb.com/blog/why-nac-and-glutathione-are-important-for-immune-health-and-more/935
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327219#vs-l-cysteine
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/n-acetyl-cysteine-nac-supplement-benefits/
- https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/supplements/benefits-nac-supplements?psafe_param=1&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvNDp5YzlgwMVYktHAR30BwboEAMYASAAEgKqbPD_BwE
Fourth photo is the ingredients to our immune-boosting drink
Determined to find something to help us get back to normal after six weeks of back to back illnesses, I managed to concoct a “super drink” from a mixture of juices. It seemed to put a spring back in our step so much so that we will probably be drinking it through the cold and flu season from now on.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of pomegranate juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp. elderberry syrup
10 to 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract
Because pomegranate juice and grapefruit seed extract have a tart taste, I add orange juice to sweeten it and add the extra vitamin C. We use a 16 oz. cup or bottle for the mixture. Add water to fill the cup or bottle and drink it throughout the day. Each ingredient is packed full of antioxidants which stimulate the white blood cells that are essential in defending you against infections and maintaining your overall health.
Hopefully no more illnesses!
One last thing I would like to add is that I am not a medical professional, just a health-conscious consumer that loves to research and share what I learn for the benefit of others.
All the resources include possible side effects and precautions. So remember what works for one doesn’t always work for all.