I love winter! Outdoor fire pits, winter fashion, turning on the slow cooker at every possible opportunity and hot chocolates…..the list goes on. Unfortunately, winter is also the season of sneezing, body aches, raw and sore throats and hacking coughs. Bacteria and viruses that can cause colds and flu are all around us, and at this time of year, sadly it’s near impossible to avoid being exposed to them. On average, we suffer between 2 to 4 colds each year, which can be caused by more than 200 viruses [1]. The body becomes more vulnerable to pick up bacterial and viral infections when the immune system is weak. A healthy and robust immune system will do its best to fight off invaders, however many environmental factors such as stress, toxicity, over the counter and pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and a poor diet high in sugars, caffeine and additives can compromise our immunity and make us far more susceptible to illness. Whilst the symptoms are usually mild and 1 option is to ‘soldier on’ through them, herbal and nutritional support can help reduce the duration and severity of these symptoms to support a faster return to your amazing self. This cold and flu season we’ve put together a specialised winter essentials pack, crammed full of powerful nutrients and therapeutic herbs to supply you with an arsenal of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immune-boosters, to help your body both prevent, or recover from infection.

Our specialty pack includes;

Elderberry

The berries of the elder tree contain antiviron, which can reduce our viral load together with a powerhouse of antioxidant flavonoids to ensure a speedy recovery. Elderberry may also act as an expectorant which can specifically target upper respiratory congestion and associated fever.

Echinacea

Echinacea is 1 of the most heavily researched herbs available, particularly for colds and flu. Echinacea boosts production of a substance called interferon which helps to kill viruses. The active ingredient within the Echinacea plant, the alkylamides may prevent bacteria penetrating the skin. 1 study found that echinacea reduced the duration of the common cold by almost 2 days [2].

Olive Leaf

The main active ingredient in Olive Leaf is oleuropein; a powerful antiviral which may destroy a viruses’cell walls. It may also work it’s magic through inhibiting the growth of specific enzymes and amino acids a virus needs to grow and replicate.

Andrographis

This herb is definitely 1 of my absolute personal favourites! Traditionally, Andrographis is known as the ‘king of bitters’ and in this capacity it is prescribed for any challenges with digestion, including increasing appetite, reducing bloating, as well as supporting the liver and gall bladder. However, it’s benefits do not stop there. When taken at the 1^st sign of cold, flu or fever, this incredible herb can help reduce symptoms and provide relief of mild upper respiratory infections.

Vitamin C

100’s of studies have shown us that vitamin C really help battle cold and flu. As with Echinacea, vitamin C improves immunity by increasing the production of interferon which may help to inhibit viruses taking hold. Literature also supports the use of vitamin C in reducing the duration of time we may suffer with symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc is crucial for the proper function of immune cells as it increases production of our white blood cells that help to fight infection in the body.  Like vitamin C, may also reduce the duration and severity of symptoms; particularly if taken at the first sign of infection. We don’t have a capacity to store zinc in the body, so it’s crucial to maintain supply through diet, and/or supplementation. Zinc may be hazardous if taken in large amounts for a long period of time. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for more information. So, there you have it; All the essential nutrients and therapeutic herbs to supply you with an arsenal of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immune-boosters, to help your body both prevent, or recover from infection this cold & flu season. To buy the Winter Cold & Flu Prevention Pack – Click Here Healthdirect. Colds and flu statistics. Viewed 15 April 2019, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu-statistics Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis 2007;7(7):473-480.