This cold and flu season has been a doozy! For months, we’ve been combating not only colds and flus, but also Covid, RSV, early seasonal allergies, and sinus infections.
After a trying season and a variety of herb and supplement recommendations, it became clear which helped patients prevent getting sick, minimize symptoms, and bounce back the quickest!
This led me to putting together a convenient set of remedies to keep on hand in my medicine cabinet for the first sign of sniffles, headache, or a tickle in the throat. Below are a handful of my favorite products- Not to be taken all at once, but selected based on your condition.
Herbal Formulas:
Xanthium Nasal: helps to clear congestion from the sinuses and nasal passages. Many of the herbs in this formula have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. This makes it an excellent option for addressing seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and viruses affecting the upper respiratory system.
Allerfree: used to target allergy symptoms and a predisposition to getting sick frequently. This formula can be used as an alternative to over the counter antihistamines.
Antiviral tincture: can be used for immune support if you’re susceptible to getting sick frequently. This formula can be taken in low doses preventatively, or prescribed by your practitioner for specific types of viral infections when you begin showing symptoms.
Elderfire: made of a blend of elderberry glycerite combined with spicy herb, fruit, and vegetable infused vinegar. This tonic is excellent for supporting the digestive, circulatory, and immune systems. Can be taken during cold and flu season preventatively, as an herbal treatment at the first sign of symptoms, or enjoyed as a tasty salad dressing.
Homeopathics:
Homeopathic remedies are among my go-to options for both pediatric and sensitive patients. They are gentle, non-drowsy, and typically free from known drug interactions or side effects.
Oscillococcinum: used in the management of flu symptoms including body aches, fatigue, chills, and fever. When taken within the first 24 hours of onset, this medicine has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. (Ages 2+)
ColdCalm: used for common cold symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sneezing. (Ages 6 mo +)
Chestal: used for cough, throat irritation, chest congestion and to aid in loosening mucus. (Ages 4+)
SinusCalm: used in cases of common colds and environmental allergies causing sinus congestion, pressure, discomfort, and headaches. (Ages 6+)
AllergyCalm: used to provide relief from environmental allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes/ throat/ nose, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing (Ages 2+)
SleepCalm: used for relief from difficulty falling or staying asleep, dream disturbed sleep, and disrupted sleep patterns. (Ages 3+)
Supplements:
Candibactin-AR: this supplement contains a concentrated blend of herbal extracts and essential oils, including oregano, sage, lemon balm, and thyme. Each of these plants has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them especially effective in preventing or shortening the duration of respiratory illnesses. It’s one of my go-to supplements for travel! Be sure to take with food to avoid stomach upset.
I also recommend having an immune-specific multivitamin on hand. There are many quality brands we can suggest, but the key is to choose one that includes essential minerals like zinc and selenium, along with vitamins A, C, D, and B. These nutrients work together to support and strengthen the immune system.
Injections:
While these aren’t available to keep in your medicine cabinet, we do offer the option of acupuncture point injection therapy to assist in immune support. This method stimulates acupuncture points similarly to traditional acupuncture, but with the added benefits of the homeopathic medicine or nutraceutical vitamin that we use. Vitamin B12 and Engystol make a great combo, or can be used on their own—both specialize in supporting immunity.
Engystol: a type of homeopathic medicine that supports the body’s immune system and defense against viral infections. This is best used as a preventative immune boost or in the early stages of viral infection to help you heal more quickly.
Vitamin B12: boosts immunity by supporting healthy nerve function and red blood cell production, both essential for immune health. B12 additionally aids in white blood cell production, helping the body fight infections, while also preventing fatigue.
Remember, there is no single best remedy, as homeopathic medicines, herbs, and supplements all work differently for each individual based on their constitution and condition at the time. Be sure to consult with your practitioner before starting any of the above products to ensure you’re choosing the remedies that are right for your body.