Herbs for Winter Wellness

There are some basic lifestyle factors that can weaken your immune system and make it more susceptible to viruses. These include: Eating foods with low nutritional value on a regular basis. Not getting enough sleep, being under stress, not taking regular physical exercise If you recognise any of these as habits in your daily life, make it a priority to change them. Simple lifestyle improvements, such as a better diet and daily exercise, will prevent you from being out of action the minute someone sneezes in your direction. Also, taking herbs that have clinical evidence proving their antiviral and antibacterial properties will also help to boost your immune system and prevent illness.

Top Five Herbs for Winter Wellness

1. Olive Leaf Extract (Olea europaea) with a history of use in Mediterranean countries dating way back to biblical times, Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) is emerging as a beneficial herb for the immune system. OLE’s active constituents have anti-oxidant effects that are two and a half times more powerful than vitamins C and E. The constituent that is thought to have the most benefits is oleuropein, with studies showing it to have antimicrobial activity against a number of viruses, bacteria and fungi. Because OLE has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect (similar to the way antibiotics work), it can be used to treat common bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis and bronchitis, and even fungal conditions, such as tinea and thrush. In some cases OLE can help with longstanding conditions where other treatments have failed. As well as liquid form, OLE is also available in capsules. The recommended dose is 2.94 g of Olive Leaf Extract daily for prevention and up to 8.82 g when you first notice signs of infection.

2. Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) this plant root consists of panaxosides and ginsenosides that regulate the immune system and protect the body from all kinds of stresses. It also has the ability to stimulate the body’s regeneration process, therefore helping to boost the immune system and improve overall health and vitality. Because of its ability to warm the body, Korean Ginseng is often used in conjunction with other remedies to treat colds, coughs and fevers. When used as a general tonic, it helps to overcome illness and exhaustion by assisting the adrenal glands. Like other varieties of Ginseng, it is also helpful in reducing stress and overcoming tension. In Japan and China, Korean Ginseng is widely used to fight fatigue and to enhance immune resistance. This is because it has both anti-oxidant and anti-stress activities. Research shows that Korean Ginseng also has a beneficial effect on the body’s cardiovascular and hormonal system. The recommended dose is 1.64 g of Korean Ginseng daily.

3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Echinacea is one herb that is well known for its ability to prevent illness and reduce the duration of colds and flu. It was on the US national list of official plant drugs until the 1940s, and was produced by pharmaceutical companies until it fell out of favour with the arrival of the pharmaceutical form of antibiotics. Clinical studies support the use of Echinacea for upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, sinusitis, flu-like viruses and throat infections. This herb appears to work best when used to treat symptoms in the early stages of infection. The recommended dose is 1.64 g of Echinacea daily.

4. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus ) this traditional Chinese herb has adaptogenic properties, so is best suited for enhancing the body’s immune system during convalescence following illness. It should not be taken during the acute phase of illness (when your symptoms are at their worst) as it may aggravate the infection. Astragalus is a useful herb to take if you are still experiencing fatigue while recovering from illness. The recommended dose is 4.05 g of Astragalus daily to be taken for two to three weeks after illness to aid recovery.

5. Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) this native North American plant root has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Considered to be a broad-spectrum herb, Golden Seal is extremely popular and very much in demand as a herbal remedy. It is more expensive than some other immune stimulating herbs because it is difficult to cultivate and therefore rare. Golden Seal has superior mucous membrane toning effects, which means it can help reduce runny noses and rattling coughs. Golden Seal also has antibiotic properties so, when taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or fl u, it may help to prevent further symptoms from developing. The recommended dose is 2.1 g of Golden Seal daily while infection is present.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au