Introduction to Colds & Flu – Herbs, Honeys & Superfoods

It may sound strange, but colds can be a sign of good health, depending on how often you get them. 1-3 colds a year is a sign of a strong immune system capable of fighting off winter viruses. Less than one cold a year could signify your immune system is sluggish; more than three could mean impaired immunity, often due to stress.

During stress we are in emergency “fight or flight” mode, and often we cope well until the “emergency” is over. Hence many of us succumb to illnesses on holiday. Luckily there are plenty of natural ways to give our immune systems a boost.

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. If you are susceptible to colds it is sensible to avoid mucus-forming dairy produce, sugar, which weakens the immune system, and refined (white) foods (bread, pasta etc.). Equally, stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol rob the body of immune-boosting nutrients. Good immune-boosting foods contain antioxidants, Vitamin C and Zinc. They include broccoli, red peppers, garlic, ginger, nuts and seeds plus purple, red and orange fruits and wholegrains such as porridge oats and rye bread.

Both Echinacea and Vitamin C boost immunity but ensure you take good quality brands. Food state Vitamin C like Synergy’s Pure Radiance C contains all the vital helper nutrients that assist its absorption, making it preferable to synthetic Vitamin C. Alternatively, you can try Pukka’s Alma Fruit Tincture. Kiwiherb’s Echinacea Root Formula is practitioner-strength and organically grown. High Potency Propolis Tincture from Comvita is also an effective natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

To soothe the effects of colds and flu try Kiwiherbs Marshmallow and Mullein Syrup or Pukka’s Peppermint and Pipali, to ease chesty coughs; Pukka’s Trikatu or Ginger tinctures or capsules to help you warm up or Pukka’s Andrographis to help clear mucus.

Pure Planet’s Red Marine Algae contains Spirulina and together these algae help to boost immunity and fight viral infections that deplete energy levels. As with all natural remedies, it is worth experimenting to find the best one to suit you.

Reader Questions:

I’ve heard that Echinacea and Propolis are both good for immunity, but which one should I choose?

Echinacea and Propolis have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and recent trials have shown that both raise levels of the body’s “natural killer” cells – the immune cells that fight invading bugs and viruses. Both products are rich in antioxidants and may be used short-term to fight colds and flu, and long-term to raise general immunity. Propolis has the added bonus of helping the liver to detoxify, often helpful during the festive season! Both products are well tolerated, but if you have a bee allergy, it is preferable to use Echinacea, or Propolis if you have an allergy to any plant in the daisy family. However, as with all natural products, one is likely to suit you better than the other, so our advice is to try both and see which one works best for you.

If you suffer from any autoimmune disease, we recommend that you contact your GP before taking any immune-boosting products.

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