The mornings are getting lighter, it’s still cold but we know that Spring will soon be here. Both you and your customers may be feeling mentally, physically and emotionally drained, however we are all nearly at the end of it.
Over these last few winter months, illness and infection may have taken their toll on our immune systems and we might feel weakened and lethargic. Whilst we try our best to stay buoyant and healthy, it is common for our diet to drift from wholesome healthy goodness to comforting stodge on cold, wet winter days. This is also the time of year we might find our exercise and self-care regime, which we stuck to religiously for the first part of the year, waning. As we know, diet, exercise and self-care all work hand in hand to support your immune system, mood and overall wellbeing no matter what the weather is.
Winter is the time of year to harvest cosiness in all areas of life. Long warming suppers, walks wrapped up warm to face the element, warming drink in hand or reading a book by the fire. It is also OK to watch your favourite programs on Netflix. Simply do whatever it takes to help restore your energy levels after a long day of work, commuting or taking care of your loved ones.
We often find customers asking about energy and immune boosters around this time of year, to get them through the home straight into Spring! Here are our top remedies to recommend to your customers in order to nurture their immune system and help and them and their families flourish during this time of the year.
Nature’s Answer Olive Leaf extract
Native to the Mediterranean region, the Oleopein Olive Leaf comes from the olive tree. The unique polyphenol, oleopein along with flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds produced in the leaves and fruit are what give olive oil its wonderful health benefits.
Research shows that its compounds can help modulate the immune system while its antioxidants can help relieve ‘oxidative stress’ and therefore relieve the strain the immune system is put under. In other words, help support our defences to better deal with tiredness, viruses, infections and poor sleep amongst others. The olive leaf plant compounds have shown to also be rich in antimicrobial properties and help stimulate our white blood cells. This contributes to protecting us again from viral, bacterial and foodborne pathogens.
Nature’s Answer Oleopein Olive Leaf extract provides such a highly concentrated natural extract that it would be impossible to consume enough olive oil to match the number of healthy polyphenols in just one serving of it.
During the autumnal months, you might have spotted elderberries along country lanes, garden verges and woodlands. Elderberries, also known as Sambucus nigra are purple-black and a valuable resource of humans and wildlife alike. It is said that blue and black elderberries are the ones that possess ‘medicinal ‘ benefits. Traditionally known to help support the immune system and fight off colds and flu, Elderberries have natural amounts of vitamins A, B, C and natural flavonoids including quercetin.
Nature’s Answer Sambucus Black Elderberry Super Concentrated Extract
Provides you with all the ‘antioxidant’ power of the elderberry- the berry with twice as many antioxidants of blueberries and more antioxidants than blackberries, cranberries and goji berries. By using a unique extraction technique inspired by the company’s founder that captures and preserves the holistic balance of the elderberry, as well as their patented Advanced Botanical Fingerprint technology which verifies the quality and purity of every incoming botanical, Nature’s Answer formula maximises the elderberry’s natural health benefits.
Suitable for little ones over the age of 4, this is undoubtedly a must-have in the family home: alcohol free, entirely devoid of artificial sugars and sweeteners, and providing all the goodness of elderberries with none of the nasties. The sambucus is infused with astragalus and echinacea, both plants well revered for their support on increasing our defenses against invading microorganisms and strengthening our resistance, all while supporting a speedy recovery.
Nature’s Answer Sambucus Alcohol-Free extract spray
The Sambucus Extract Spray is a convenient spray with a wonderful blend of botanicals each bringing an additional dimension of soothing relief. It can be used along with the other Sambucus products where needed. Astralagus is known to build ‘Wei Chi’, where ‘Chi’ is the Chinese concept of life energy force. ‘Wei Chi’ is thought of as protection. Scientific studies have confirmed the positive benefits of astragalus on the immune system, with its ability to strengthen resistance of the immune system especially against viral infections. Echinacea is also well –researched on its immune stimulating properties by helping an increase in the activity of white cells, which are our main defense against invading microorganisms. Sage is naturally high in volatile oils rich in compounds such as flavonoids, camphor, cineole and tannins, all traditionally used for centuries as remedies for sore throats. Slippery elm is also soothing on irritated tissues due to the slippery substance it contains, referred to as mucilage. Propolis also has its place here, obtained from bee pollen and well revered for its relief on respiratory distress.
Nature’s Answer Mullein extract
The leaves of mullein have traditionally been used for respiratory remedies, particularly due to their natural content of plant compounds such as flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Revered for its soothing and relaxing properties, you will find it a wonderful agent in conditions such as hay fever, asthma, irritable chronic bronchitis or for an earache. In essence, making it ideal to keep in your remedy cabinet from February onwards. When experiencing chestiness and/or an inflammation of the mucus membranes, mullein is an ideal tonic, helping to reduce inflammation while also helping to stimulate the fluid production and promoting expectoration (i.e. helping you in getting rid of any bothersome phlegm)
For general immune and energy advice, we cannot reiterate enough that it is important to be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to restore and recover. This is particularly true if you have felt poorly and overwhelmed with the daily stresses of life during winter months and have found it hard to see things on the bright side.
