The Immune Boost: Remedies for the Common Cold & Others
I don't know about you, but I’ve surely noticed all the sniffling and coughing around me lately. Depending on where you’re from, mild viral outbreaks of the “common cold” can be prevalent this time of the year. As the holidays approach, people start to mingle (with their masks off now), it just adds fuel to the fire. Even if it’s not happening in your area, we all need a boost when we start feeling a bit “off”.
DO make sure to seek medical care if you think you may have strep throat, the flu, COVID-19 or a more severe illness/complication such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Not that giving your immune system an extra boost wouldn’t help, so you’re definitely welcome to do so. But, if you begin antibiotics or your flu turns into pneumonia, well, the truth is, they won’t do you much good.
As a reminder, this is not medical advice, and I don’t know your medical history. Many supplements can interact with common medications and may cause harm if used with certain conditions. Please use with caution.
Onto the fun stuff:
Echinacea: Derived from a beautiful purple flower, this supplement is known for supporting the overall immune system and is loved by many. Evidence has shown that it can reduce the risk of infection (respiratory infection to be exact), and may even help shorten the duration of cold-like signs and symptoms. As a result, it works best when taken at the first onset of symptoms. Those who suffer from allergies such as ragweed should not use echinacea. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, echinacea is generally considered safe.
Elderberry: You may have heard of this one. Elderberry reclaimed its fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. Products were sold out in store and online, chewables, lozenges, tea, pills, you name it. And for good reason. Elderberry is an antioxidant and very high in Vitamin C. With fame comes some downsides, however. Researchers have tried to re-enact the previous studies showing its effectiveness in reducing cold and flu symptoms and their duration, arguing that it had no effect. But previous data insists otherwise. Ultimately, it’s up to you, and while I wouldn’t count on it to cure your ailments per se, I can say with certainty that I personally have had milder colds if I take elderberry at symptom onset.
Oregano Oil: Oregano oil, the consumable form! (please, make sure that you buy this one, not the essential oil), is a natural antibacterial and antiviral. Naturally (no pun intended), it helps fight these infections. You can take capsules or you can get the liquid form, and ingest a couple of drops mixed in water or tea to help soothe a sore throat & give your immune system an “edge”. Do keep in mind that there have been some concerns about sensitivity in some people with allergies to other herbs, those with bleeding disorders, or certain chronic conditions/medications such as diabetes. It also carries the risk of “reversing” its benefits & causing more adverse effects with long-term or high-dose use, so the general recommendation is to limit use to acute exacerbations versus taking it as a “preventative” agent.
Propolis (& honey): Many, when they hear “propolis”, hesitate for a moment, as the term bears a certain familiarity with it. That’s because it’s what bee hives are made from. So, to start, if you are allergic to bees, or honey, do not use propolis. If you are in the clear, keep on reading. It comes in many forms, powder, capsules, drops, even as a nasal spray. Some swear by it, and I can understand why. Propolis has been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken by mouth to yield these benefits, or applied topically to the skin, as a cream or ointment, for sores, burns, and scrapes. If you are suffer from eczema or herpes, which can both definitely flare up during a cold, this one’s for you. Honey, on the other hand, is such a well-known remedy, but for some reason, still not widely used. Not only does it also have topical applications & use for some conditions, but beyond putting it in your tea, consuming raw, local honey, unaltered (& not heated), provides a multitude of immune-boosting & other benefits. Don’t believe me? Google it. Otherwise you’ll be scrolling all day.
Zinc: This is another one that gained popularity during the times of out-of-stock toilet paper, Clorox wipes, and thermometers (thanks COVID!). You could practically say it was in equal demand. All because there was some speculation on its effectiveness in helping treat or prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms. Since then, many studies have been done, and although evidence is inconclusive as to whether or not it really made a difference, it still carries that possibility. It’s similar to elderberry, boosting the immune system, if taken at the first sign of illness, and potentially reducing the length and severity of symptoms. Zinc lozenges are also very helpful in soothing & coating a sore throat while allowing absorption.
Others: There are several other agents that have been used and regarded as having benefit in fighting the common cold and other minor respiratory illnesses. These include but are not limited to eucalyptus essential oil (inhaled/diffused)- great for congestion!, ginger, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics.
Oh, almost forgot, you may have also heard of oscillococcinum, aka “bird liver (& heart)”. It sounds awful but has built quite the reputation in relieving flu symptoms if taken early in the course of the disease. And for those of you who have not (heard of it), don’t worry, it comes as small, sweet pellets that dissolve in your mouth. Yum. No but really, they work. Just don’t think about the whole duck heart/liver thing. Most of these speak for themselves, so while it’s not necessary to overload your body with all of these at once, why not add some ginger to your tea or have a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice when you feel like you’re coming down with something? Soak up the sun, & nourish your body with the nutrients it needs while it’s doing the hard work and keeping you safe
Comments