It’s always a good idea to have a couple of things on hand, heading into the time of year when we are most prone to coming down with the ‘lurgy’. Here are some of our favourites to look for in the huge variety of products available from HealthPost.
Olive leaf (Olea europa)
A tree that has featured throughout history, the olive tree first known with edible fruits existing about 5000 years ago. Many parts of the tree have been used throughout this history – the fruits for food and oil, and the leaves for supporting the health of the body.
Oleuropein is one of the compounds found in olive leaf, and is helpful for the broad support it offers the immune system, specifically for supporting the body’s immune defence. Olive leaf can be taken for short periods if you suddenly find yourself feeling unwell, or for longer periods to help ward off the ‘evils’ over the winter season, and to strengthen the immune system.
Olive leaf is also helpful in supporting the cardiovascular system. Other nutrients that can be found in olive leaves include minerals like selenium, vitamin C, zinc, beta carotene, and various amino acids.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elder has been used as a traditional remedy for centuries, and it continues to show itself as a reliable friend during the season of ills, working fast to support recovery and support your wellbeing over winter, including supporting temperature balance. Elderberries contain minerals like iron, potassium, copper, and phosphorus, and vitamins A, B6, and C. The whole family can use Elderberry either during or before the onset of becoming unwell.
Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea or Echinacea Angustifolia)
The beautiful Echinacea flower, plant parts and the root are highly regarded for their ability to quickly support upper respiratory (nose and throat) immunity. Echinacea supports recovery from chills. The nutrients within Echinacea include copper, iron, fatty acids, Vitamins A, C and E.
The liquid products containing Echinacea can make your tongue feel very tingly, a positive thing indicating the active constituents present. If you don’t think you like the sound of this, then you could either blend into a smoothie or bit of juice, or consider the capsules available.
Garlic (Alium sativum)
We are probably all familiar with the use of garlic in cooking, and many of us might have included it in home remedies for all sorts of things. Garlic can contain Vitamins B1 and B5, calcium, iron, sulphur, and zinc. The phytochemical in garlic known for its specific support of the immune system is Alliin, which is converted to allicin once we chew it. Allicin is the active constituent which you can think of as a great defender.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
Native to India and Sri Lanka where it has traditionally been used for support for ills and chills, Andrographis can support our immune system to rapidly respond to an attack and supports a normal body temperature. Some research on Andrographis shows it can support normal healthy levels of immune cells in the blood. There are a range of products available, including for children in a sweet glycerine base, for ease of taking.
Astragalus (Astragalus racemosa)
Different to Andrographis, Astragalus root is wonderful support to take throughout the seasons to help a normal healthy immune system and to nourish the body in times of stress. In acute times of need, other plant helpers would be more appropriate than astragalus. Astragalus can be thought of as a shield, generally strengthening and supportive at a primary level of many body systems over a longer period and helping it adapt to stressors.
All of these beautiful herbs are included in many of the immune support products sold at HealthPost, in a variety of forms, from liquids, capsules, tablets, and chewables.
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