Boost immunity and fight cold and flu - the natural way.

In Canada, where we spend a good six months of the year freezing our butts off, cold and flu season is always right around the corner. So let’s talk about naturally boosting our immune systems.

Conventional treatment of these ailments often turns to over-the-counter, big brand remedies for symptoms like runny noses, coughing, and aches and pain. This relief may make you more comfortable short-term; but suppressing your natural immune system responses may actually prolong your illness. Plus, self-medication with these products can have adverse effects. 

Think of your body as a high-end European sports car. Got it? Good. Now ask yourself: ‘Am I a mechanic?’ (We’re guessing probably not). But there are a few things you can do to help boost your immune system and prevent cold and flus from getting you down.

You can work with a naturopathic doctor or another qualified, licensed health care provider. This can help you understand the important role some symptoms (like fever and mucus secretions), play in your immune system’s defence of your body.

Simple home remedies can do wonders to speed recovery. Take rest, for example - it’s vital. A healthy immune system needs to be well-rested, so if you get sick, take a day or two off right at the beginning.

Vitamins C & A - aka orange foods like carrots and, uh, oranges - and zinc all play important roles in infection and inflammation in your body. Making a ginger root and cinnamon tea with lemon and a little honey is not only warm and soothing; research has also shown it to have anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseant, and antimicrobial properties.

For building immunity and feeling less run-down, focus on herbs like Echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and turkey tail. Naturally, you’ll find these in potent doses in Harrington’s No. 7 for the Immune System, and other powerful herbs in No. 3 for Cold and Flu.

So now that you’re ready to combat cold and flu season, get outside and enjoy the crisp weather!