By Isabelle Nunn, Head Nutritionist
Winter is usually the time when people experience colds, flu and other infections. We have so much to look forward to this Christmas, time with family and a well-earned break!
It is also the time to wrap up warm, nourish your body with nutritious meals, catch up on some essential sleep and support your immune system! Below our Head Nutritionist explains why she recommends these top 4 botanicals this winter.*
How to support your immune system?
As you may know, a drop in temperature as well as longer nights, can both have a negative effect on our immune system. The immune system is at its weakest for several reasons and that includes the lack of sun in the winter we experience, which actually increases our exposure to bacteria.
1) Keep stress to a minimum, as stress can impact on the function of our immune system, digestive health, sleep and nutrient status!
2) Plan meals ahead and vary your vegetables and fruit intakes
3) Unwind before bed, either with gentle stretches or soothing music and a good book. Plan time away from electronics and create a sleep environment that is calming. Supplement with Magnesium, Chamomile or Ashwagandha if anxiety and stress are at the root cause of your sleep troubles.
4) Manage your sugar levels, especially during this festive period. Avoid them in the evening and fit them in your main meal where possible, if there is no other option. The changes in insulin levels can impact on our mood and immune system.
4 Essential Botanicals Recommended by our Nutritionist
1) Mullein
Used over centuries, by multiple cultures, the leaves of the mullein plant have traditionally been used as a ‘respiratory aid’ for conditions like hayfever, asthma, irritable chronic bronchitis as well as upper respiratory tract infections.
The leaves owe their soothing and calming properties to the natural constituent, mucilage. Mucilage may help relieve the irritation and tightness that can be experienced with coughing. Research has also supported its use in loosening the chestiness, and supporting expectoration of bothersome ‘phelgm’.
The leaves are abundant in well-researched plant compounds, such as saponins and tannins, and also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C and Selenium support the normal function of the immune system.
Shop it: Mullein Leaf
2) Echinacea
The Echinacea plant contains natural compounds such as alkylamides, inulin, Vitamin C and polysaccharides. Research suggests that those play a role in common colds and flu-like illnesses. The anti-inflammatory effects of the compounds have shown to help shorten the duration of flu-like illnesses but also their frequency.
It is said that Echinacea may support the effectiveness of the immune system and making it more resilient in attacking bacteria and viruses.Using this method, it might provide an alternative to ‘antibiotics’
The plant is thought to help increase the ‘activity of the immune system’ and ‘increase the number of immune cells’ that would provide the body with the best tools to help eliminate pathogens and bacteria.
Nature’s Answer® uses Echinacea in a few of their remedies.They tend to combine two well-researched types of the plant, Echinacea purpurea and echinacea angustifolia.
Shop it: Echinacea Root
3) Elderberry
Naturally rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins, black Elderberries have always been very popular in their use for family immune remedies. The well-researched compounds including Vitamin C, contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
The antioxidants anthocyanins, bioflavonoids and polyphenols have shown to exert protection against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is at the root cause of illness.
How do Black Elderberries work?
1) Start at the first signs of a viral infection which often causes snuggles, coughs, splutters , sore throats and sometimes aches and pains.
2) Elderberry’s compounds are thought to help ‘inhibit several strains of some viruses, including the ‘flu virus’. Research has shown that black elderberries may help reduce the duration of the flu symptoms by increasing the antibody level to combat influenza and help the body fight off illness.
3) May help reduce inflammation which could explain why a pronounced effect was seen on aches, pains and fever associated with a bad cold.
Shop it: Sambucus Immune Defence
Providing the goodness of black elderberries, in a standardised extract, combined with other botanicals such as Astragalus, Echinacea purpurea and angustifolia plants . Each serving also provides a rich serving of Zinc and Vitamin C. The perfect remedy for the family, from the age of 6.
Explore our other Sambucus formulas here
4) Olive Leaf
Native to the Mediterranean region, olive leaves contain Oleopein®, a unique compound responsible for the attributes associated with olive oil. The leaves and the fruits of the olive tree produce the polyphenol, Oleopein.
Well-studied, it has been thought to support not only the immune system but a healthy heart too!
Like all alcohol-free herbal extracts from Nature’s Answer, the liquid extract contains the standardised botanical. This allows for a concentrated liquid extract of very high quality. It is also free from gluten, GMO’s, artificial additives and only contains the natural preservative from coconut glycerine.
Alcohol -free extracts are produced using Nature’s Answer cold Bio-chelated® proprietary extraction process, yielding a Holistically Balanced® Advanced Botanical Fingerprint® extract in the same synergistic ratios as in the plant.
Shop it: OleoPein Olive Leaf
Our portfolio at Kinetic also contains other great botanicals such as Pau D’arco, Oil of Oregano, and Astragalus you may want to consider.
Stay warm and well this winter!
*Any claims in this article are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. A food supplement is not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.
