As the season changes people are going to be more susceptible to getting the cold or flu.

The doctors are bringing out the flu vaccination. If that doesn’t fit in with your mindset of how you’d like to protect yourself this season, I’d just like you to know there are highly effective powerful immune boosters in the realm of natural medicine.

 

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If you want to get your Immune Boosting Cold and Flu Prevention Kit ready, no appointment necessary.

Just give me a call or send an email and you can either pick up from me or I can arrange to have the top immune boosting formulas delivered to you.

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Sometimes despite your best efforts at preventing infection through diet, exercise and supplementation, at some stage during autumn/ winter you may succumb to a cold or flu.

This can occur particularly if stress or life events get in the way of maintaining the healthy habits that help keep your immune system strong. The good news is that if you find yourself ‘under the weather’, there are measures you can take to get you back on your feet.

Going Viral
Both the common cold and influenza (flu) are caused by viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus. What many people may not realise is that antibiotics only target bacteria and are not able to kill the viruses responsible for colds and flu. Fortunately there are herbs and nutrients that can help manage these viral infections and keep your immune defences strong.

Herbal Heroes
A number of traditional herbs have been clinically shown to improve immune function and reduce symptoms of the common cold and flu. Some herbs can reduce both the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. And other herbs help maintain a healthy immune system and can help to relieve acute cold symptoms as well as recurrent coughs. If you are unwell with a respiratory virus, I can recommend a herbal formula that contains these immune-supporting heroes.

Fungi Force Field
Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in Asian cultures and are now known to have potent antiviral activity. Therapeutic mushrooms have been extensively studied and not only can they help reduce the length and severity of an acute cold, but they can help prevent future recurrences.

Getting Rid of the ‘Gunk’
Mucus and phlegm are signs that your immune system is hard at work, but the resulting congestion can lead to blocked sinuses and breathing difficulty. There are natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial remedies that may help to reduce the nasal and sinus congestion that accompanies upper respiratory tract infections. Mucus congestion can also cause irritating or chesty coughs. Liquorice is recognised in Western herbal medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. An extract of liquorice root can reduce irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes, helping to soothe dry coughs and relieve mild bronchitis.

The Lost Art of Convalescence
In this modern world you may feel obliged to ‘soldier on’ despite coughing, sneezing and operating at less than optimal capacity. Taking the time to rest and recuperate reduces the risk of spreading the infection to your colleagues and helps you to recover sooner. The lifestyle prescription when you are unwell is sleep, sleep and more sleep! Resist the temptation to check your work emails. Instead, focus your efforts on restoring your energy levels with warm, nourishing foods such as soups; drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost as you blow your nose repeatedly; and avoid mucus-promoting, inflammatory foods such as dairy and processed foods.

Fight Back and Stay Well
If a cold or flu finds its way to you this season and is stopping you from performing at your best, don’t despair – I can recommend a herbal or nutritional formula with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and immune-boosting power to support your convalescence and help get you back on top of your game again.