Dreading the endless cold and flu cycle that comes with the cool-weather seasons? Try these 5 herbs and supplements to boost your immunity.
As ugg boots go on and soups become a daily staple it's time to turn our attention to what we can do to safeguard our immunity over Autumn and Winter.
Keeping fit and warm, drinking plenty of juice and taking vitamin C is a good start, but it is unlikely to do much in the fight to prevent a cold or flu.
Dietician Jaime Rose Chambers argues that: "In fact, the prevention of a cold and flu can often be impossible if you have a weakened or compromised immune system and if your diet, particularly intake of fruit and vegetables are inadequate."
But it's not all bad news. Chambers says there is strong scientific evidence to support the use of some herbs and substances in helping to prevent and reduce the severity and duration of a cold or flu.
Here she shares her top 5 cold and flu fighting supplements:
Astragalus root extract This Chinese herb has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body against disease. Recent studies have shown although the exact mechanisms are still unknown, astragalus shows some promise as an immune stimulator, having anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and may provide protection against a cold or flu. It is best taken not whilst you feel a cold coming on but consistently and whilst you're healthy, to help prevent sickness.
Panax Ginseng Plants need to protect themselves from invading pathogens and create substances to do so. These substances may also work with humans and ginseng is one of the most effective herbs. It can help with microbial clearing in the body and enhancing human resistance to illness through the immune system. Gingseng has been shown to have anti-bacterial effects, by blocking the initiation of infectious diseases such as the common cold.
Burdock (Arctium lappa) Burdock root, seed and leaf are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and are mostly found in combination with other herbs to treat sore throats and the common cold. It has shown to have anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Beta-glucans (from yeast) Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides. Recent studies have confirmed the oral intake of beta-glucans from yeast has an immune strengthening effect. Two studies showed that daily intake of beta-glucans from yeast reduced the incidence of the common cold during the cold season.
Nuzest
Finding an excellent quality supplement that has the perfect combination of these immune-protective substances is difficult to find, but Nuzest's Good Green Stuff' has covered you. It's unique in that it contains all four of these ingredients, plus many more to support general health. By taking Good Green Stuff daily as part of your routine, you are building up your immune defences so when cold season hits, you're less likely to get a cold or flu and if you do, it can help reduce the duration and the severity of it meaning less sick days, less time off work and more time feeling amazing!
*Just as with taking any medication or supplement, these herbs may have some contraindications so check with a qualified health practitioner before taking them, particularly if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or have an immune disorder.
More about Nuzest: For general nutritional support, Nuzest's Good Green Stuff is a super supplement that contains a full spectrum of non-synthetic, bioavailable nutrients. It also contains a range of herbs to support the nervous, immune and digestive system and the assist with liver detoxification pathways and brain cognition and memory. It also contains antioxidants from greens, fruits and vegetables for the 94.5% of the population who don't meet their daily fruit and vegetable requirements.
