Every day we hear about the new ‘superbug’ that doesn’t respond to antibiotics. A competent immune system means that we are more likely to be able to resist germs and experience less sick days. Natural treatments to help prevent and treat common illnesses (eg. cold and flu) are easy to use and have low side effects.

Over 200 different viruses cause influenza and influenza-like illness (fever, headaches, aches and pains, coughs, runny nose). Without doing lab testing, it is very difficult for doctors to determine the difference between the two. Both last for days and rarely lead to death or serious illness.

Most experts believe that flu viruses are spread by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

There are numerous things we can do to help protect ourselves from getting sick: exercise, getting enough sleep, washing our hands frequently, eating a healthy diet. One of nature’s greatest gifts that can also be helpful is medicinal herbs, like Echinacea. When herbal teas have been studied, they found that people who drank 5 cups of black tea a day for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink.

Echinacea, whether used in a liquid or capsular form, has been shown to relieve the symptoms of a cold, as well as reducing the length of time that one experiences symptoms of a cold. There are different thoughts on when to use Echinacea most effectively, but most practitioners will suggest at the first signs of a cold. The other additional benefit of using Echinacea is it is very safe for most people, including children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The main contraindication is for those who have an allergy to the Asteracea (daisy) family, or those who have an autoimmune condition.

• Ingredient: Echinacea purpurea 550mg(10:1) – 5500mg per capsule
• Recommended Use: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve cold symptoms.
• Recommended Dose: 1 capsule daily. Take at the first sign of infection.