So, you’re sick. You don’t have time for this – you have deadlines to meet, errands to run, and kids to take care of. If you’re like many, you’ll pop cold & flu tablets to get you by and get some extra rest and sleep if possible. These are all good choices, but you could actually speed up your recovery process, or even prevent the onset of a cold, if you choose the right herbal supplements. It’s not just a gimmick.
With the right formulations using science-backed ingredients, they can be very effective. For Founder Yen and resident naturopath, Martine, one of their go-to products are herbal supplements.
Products such as Ethical Nutrients’ Immune Defence, BioCeuticals’ Armaforce and Oriental Botanicals’ Viraforce are all formulated with ingredients that can make a significant improvement to your recovery, including:
- reducing the severity and duration of colds
- prevent a more serious infection
- prevent the onset of colds if taken early enough.
Typically these immune booster combos contain ingredients like andrographis, echinacea, olive leaf, vitamin C and zinc, to name a few. What do these strange sounding ingredients actually do?
- Andrographis and echinacea are proven to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections – think sore throats, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and coughing.
- Andrographis also protects the immune system on a deeper level, and echinacea is considered a superficial immune system protector.
- Olive leaf helps relieve mild fevers.
- Vitamin C supports the immune system.
- Zinc protects mucous membranes and reduces duration of cold.
You could take these at the first signs of a cold, during the height of it, or even at the tail end. Some of these products are very potent so they are suggested for acute symptoms, not as prevention. You’ll be surprised how many people already make it a part of their winter armoury, you can add it to yours too.
These types of products are not always suitable for everyone (we wouldn’t want you to be taking it if you have a compromised liver or respiratory issues). Come in store and ask us which ones are best for you and how you should be taking them.
