During seasonal shifts, times of stress, and while traveling we can become more susceptible to colds, flus, & other respiratory illnesses. Supporting the body with herbs that improve immune function during these times can reduce the severity of cold & flu symptoms, and may help entirely prevent getting sick.
This tincture blend combines three potent immune boosting herbs that have been long appreciated for their ability to bolster the body’s resiliency to help it fight off infections.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has immune modulating and antimicrobial properties against bacteria that cause some respiratory illnesses. Studies have shown that while elderberry may not entirely prevent a cold, it can have a significant effect on symptom severity and duration — helping to reduce the intensity of respiratory symptoms and the length of time that one is sick (Tiralongo et al., 2016).
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is widely used and appreciated for its immune-modulating effects. Herbalist and medical doctor, Aviva Romm states “Echinacea has been shown to support the immune system, prevent the frequency of upper respiratory infections and bronchitis, and also prevent secondary infections, so preventing infections from turning into more entrenched bacterial infections” (2022). *Note: while other varieties of echinacea are used medicinally, studies have shown that Echinacea purpurea has the strongest immune boosting effects (Zhai et al., 2007).
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb used commonly in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat colds. Studies show that it is an effective immunoregulator and can be useful for improving immune response to help prevent illness (Qin et al., 2012).
Ingredients:
- 1 part elderberry tincture
- 1 part echinacea tincture
- 1/2 part astralagus tincture
Directions:
Blend tinctures in a dropper bottle. Cap & shake well to combine.
This tincture blend is certainly no substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but when used in conjunction with proper diet, sufficient sleep, stress reduction practices, and appropriate hygiene, it can be effective in helping you stay healthy during seasonal shifts, cold & flu season, periods of travel, and other times when you are more likely to become ill.
References
Qin, Q., Niu, J., Wang, Z., Xu, W., Qiao, Z., and Gu, Y. (2012). Astragalus membranaceus Extract Activates Immune Response in Macrophages via Heparanase. Molecules, 17(6): 7232–7240. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6268577/#__ffn_sectitle
Romm, Aviva. (2022). “Immune Boosting Tips for Kids.” https://avivaromm.com/natural-immune-boosting-tips-for-kids/
Tiralongo, E., Wee, S.S., and Lea, R.A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 8(4): 182. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/#__ffn_sectitle
Zhai, Z., Liu, Y., Wu, L., Senchina, D.S., Wurtele, E.S., P.A., Kohut, M.L. and Cunnick, J.E. (2007). Journal of Medicinal Food, 10(3): 423–434. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.257
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