Lowered immunity means that we have less resistance to viruses and infections, which can lead to colds, sore throats, coughs, fatigue and constantly feeling run down! Shortfalls in micro-nutrients found in the diet can certainly be a risk factor. Natural immunity can also be weakened by high levels of stress, lack of sleep, infrequent exercise, excessive consumption of highly processed foods and alcohol. On these dark and cold days, the good news is that quality nutritional support can make a big difference helping maintain and strengthen your natural defences.
Symptom specific: Coughs and Sore Throats
Mullein Leaf:
Classified in herbal traditions as both an expectorant (helping expel excess mucus) and a demulcent (helping soothe irritated mucous membranes), Mullein has been revered for its use in upper respiratory tract conditions such as coughs and sore throats.1 This botanical can be taken on its own (as an alcohol-free liquid extract) or within a blend of key herbs in a cough syrup including English Ivy, Plantain and Marshmallow.
Hero supplements to consider for the relief of cough symptoms:
v Mullein -X Multi-System Cough Syrup from Nature’s Answer is an all-natural Proprietary Extract blend of 7 key herbs in a base of pure honey. Mullein -X Kids Cough Syrup calls upon the Mullein-X Cough Syrup formula plus Black Elderberry and a delicious berry juice blend making it palatable for little ones. All natural and suitable from 2 years old. In addition, Mullein-X Throat Spray contains a soothing extract blend boasting herbs such as Licorice Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Sage Leaf, Olive Leaf & Ginger Root and may also be used in conjunction with Mullein-X cough syrup.
Cold and Viral Support
Black Elderberry (Sambucus):
Perhaps the most famous winter botanical, with research demonstrating antiviral activity against cold and flu viruses. Evidence shows that taking Black Elderberry preparations may reduce influenza-type symptoms when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Participants in clinical studies experienced a significant symptom reduction, by an average of 50%, within 2–4 days of treatment.2 Naturally rich in Vitamin C, it’s immune-supporting properties are attributed to its high content of antioxidant anthocyanins and polyphenol compounds.
Sambucus – Family Favourites:
v Nature’s Answer Sambucus Black Elderberry- Super Concentrated Extract is suitable for the whole family from 6 years old, providing 2,500mg of Black Elderberry per serving in an all-natural, deliciously sugar-free blend. Sambucus Kids Formula – suitable for children from 4 years old, is packed with Black Elderberry and infused with Echinacea and Astragalus.
Winter Wellness cupboard:
Astragalus: Used in Chinese herbal traditions for over 2000 years, is thought to strengthen the ‘Qi’ (the body’s life force) and protective energy. It is considered an ‘adaptogen’, helpful for restoring vitality after a cold or illness. Studies have shown that the polysaccharides found in astragalus have an immunomodulatory effect by promoting the activities of natural killer cells, macrophages and lymphocytes.3
Olive leaf: Extracts provide highly concentrated polyphenols including Oleuropein. Research suggests its constituents can modulate the immune system by boosting natural killer cells and supporting respiratory tract infections.4
Oregano oil: Used for centuries to support respiratory, immune, and intestinal health, oregano oil has been shown to contain bioactive compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, reported to possess natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Echinacea: Used for over 5000 years by Native Americans, Echinacea is a popular remedy for supporting and boosting the immune system. A meta-review estimated that taking Echinacea could potentially decrease the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and reduce its duration by around one and a half days.5
Nature’s Answer herbs are grown organically or wild-crafted, sustainably sourced directly from their natural wild habitat. These alcohol-free liquid extracts are highly concentrated- 5-10X more potent than regular tinctures. 
Shilajit: This Himalayan mineral-rich resin has long been used in Ayurvedic healing to support energy, mineral balance, immune function, and overall wellness. Trace offers Shilajit with 75% naturally occurring fulvic acid to give you a high potency supplement, formulated with a full spectrum of ionic trace minerals to support body-mineral balance. Choose from high potency capsules, natural resin paste, or delicious honey sticks that can be taken alone or easily mixed into a drink!
Foundation Must-Haves: The Essential Nutrients
These micronutrients play central roles in maintaining immune health:
Vitamin D3 Drops:
It’s official! Public health advice in the UK recommends supplementation of Vitamin D for everyone during autumn and winter months. At this time of year, the sun’s UV rays are too weak to activate manufacture in the skin- and we can’t get enough from diet alone. If you are looking for potent, highly absorbable Vitamin D supplements for optimal levels consider:
v Nature’s Answer Vitamin D-3 Drops suspended in Extra Virgin Olive Oil delivering a concentrated dose of 4000 IU per two-drop serving With Vitamin K2, TRACE Liquid Vitamin D3 + K2 drops supplies Vitamin D3 3720iu per 3 drops alongside Vitamin K as MK7 these liquid drops allow for flexible dosing. (There are so many servings in these little bottles they will last you over the whole Autumn and Winter!).
Zinc Complex:
As a critical trace mineral, Zinc plays a central role in the immune system, being needed for the normal development and function of natural killer cells and neutrophils. Found in foods such as seeds and seafood, when supplemented Zinc it is best taken with other nutrients such as Copper that work in synergy. Choose from liquid or capsules:
v Nature’s Answer Zinc Plus supplies 25mg Zinc per capsule with copper and Vitamin B6 for synergistic balance. TRACE Ionic Zinc provides highly absorbable liquid zinc and copper in a base of ConcenTrace a complex of 72 trace minerals naturally harvested from the pristine waters of Utah’s Great Salt Lake.
Vitamin C + Multi Drink Mixes:
Vitamin C contributes to normal immune function and needs to be consumed daily as it is not stored by the body. Found in raw fruit and veggies, supplements can be useful when demands are high:
v Ener-C Effervescent Multivitamin Drink Mix provides 1000mg of Vitamin C plus a host of other essential mineral and vitamins to get you thriving, with a variety of natural flavours to choose from in convenient sachets for deliciously refreshing drink. New effervescent drink mixes- Trace Power Pak contains 1200mg of Vitamin C along with a multi-nutrient complex supporting immunity and energy. Enhanced with ConcenTrace® a full spectrum of ionic trace minerals to support electrolytes, hydration, and body-mineral balance.
Advanced Herbal Defence Multi Formula:
v Source Naturals much loved Wellness Formula is a unique combination of high-potency Vitamin C, plus more than 30 other vitamins, minerals and time-tested herbs for daily wellness. Serving suggestion for wellness maintenance is 3 tablets daily, with flexible dosage in times of imbalance up to 15 tablets daily for 7 days.
*Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
References:
- Turker, A. U., & Gurel, E. (2005). Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 19(9), 733–739. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1653
- Harnett, J. et al. (2020). The effects of sambucus nigra berry on acute viral infections. Adv Integr Med;7(4):240-246. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32864330/
- Li CX et al. (2022) Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect. Arch Pharm Res; 45(6):367-389. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35713852/
- Magrone, T. et al. (2018) Olive Leaf Extracts Act as Modulators of the Human Immune Response. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets.;18(1):85-93. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29149822/
- Shah, S. A., et al. (2007). Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 7(7), 473–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70160-3
