In My (Holistic) Fall Medicine Cabinet

We are full swing into cold and flu season and I'm all about keeping our systems strong and building immunity before we get sick by layering in protection now. I am a firm believe in using safe and toxin free products and I use alternative products for most common ailments. These are a few of my favorite things...

Essential Oils

I love the doTerra brand line of products.

Oregano Oil is anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and works wonders for respiratory support. We use this if someone gets sick in our house, a few drops in water a few times a day.  This has stopped my husband's bronchitis dead in its tracks more than once! And, the OnGuard blend is formulated to support healthy immune function. It can be used on the bottom of feet daily as a preventative measure or it can be ingested or applied during an illness.  It is also safe to use on counter tops, as a non-toxic way to cleanse surfaces, or to purify the atmosphere by diffusing.

Turmeric – 1-2 capsules per day

Studies show that turmeric plays an important role in various aspects of strengthening the immune system. See my newsletter called This Food Has Over 600 Health Benefits...for more on this.

Ashwagandha – 1-2 capsules per day

A powerful immune-supporting adaptogen that helps you reboot from stress while also supporting a healthy immune response. Ashwagandha is perhaps my favorite herb for kids. It’s easy for kids to get run down from sleepovers, sports, tests, recitals and social stress without them even realizing it, and it all keeps coming at them 24/7.

Vitamin D3 – 4-5000 IU per day

This power vitamin (really a hormone precursor) can often reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place when taken properly. Only a blood test can help you figure out exactly how much you need to take, but for most adults, the daily dose is above 5,000 IU. The best way to get Vitamin D is from the sun, but in the winter, vitamin D levels plummet, and the immune system along with it. Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in the killer T cell response, and is therefore a major regulator of a healthy immune response. On average, the maintenance dose for children is 35 IU per pound of body weight and 5,000 IU per adult.

Zinc - up to 40mg per day

Zinc is my first choice for defense against the viruses that cause the common cold and garden-variety seasonal influenza (btw, this is one mineral most of us are deficient in). If you have IBS, take birth control pills, have been on a course of antibiotics recently, or take antacids regularly, chances are your body is low in zinc. A respected medical clearinghouse for medical studies from England shows that common cold sufferers have a better option than chicken soup! Reach for zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, grass-fed beef or lamb, broccoli, collards, mustard greens, and shrimp to boost your intake. And consider supplementing with 40 mg of zinc per day to bring your levels up, especially if you start to feel under the weather.

Vitamin C

Another powerhouse, Vitamin C packs a powerful punch against illness. There are even cases of people dying from influenza who made complete recoveries with high enough IV doses of Vitamin C. It is water soluble, and much more difficult to overdose on than Vitamin D. We keep Vitamin C around at all times. At first sign of illness, we take 500 mg every hour until bowel tolerance (you will know this when it happens!) and then reduce dose to half. If you use powder, it's is easy to add to a smoothie or applesauce and it really seems to help me bounce back more quickly.

Elderberry Syrup

This age old traditional remedy is packed with antioxidants, supports and strengthens the immune system and is known to shorten the duration of colds and flu. The flower and the berries are also known to relieve nasal congestion is also used by herbalists to soothe upset tummies and relieve gas. It has diuretic and detoxifying attributes and finally, it's high in Vitamin A and C and bioflavonoids, and can be taken as an immune tonic.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids

The "good fat" that supports brain health. Be sure to find one that suits your needs: Algae Omega comes from algae and is the choice of vegans and vegetarians. Fish Oil is suitable for omnivores, and must be of high quality. And for your kiddos, the Swirl-To-Go from Barleans is a great way to get the kids on board. Many mom's swear by it to keep their kids balanced and happy.

Multi-Vitamins

I try to add a multi-vitamin to my regime this time of year to help cope with seasonal stress and less sunlight. Multi’s also bolster my boys' nutrition when school begins. Using the highest quality supplement is key--make sure it's the gold standard and has been tested and doesn't have any fillers or preservatives.

Probiotics

A super smart choice right now that adds healthy bacteria to your digestive track and strengthens your immunity, preparing you for the busy fall and holiday season that’s on its way. Don’t miss out on this one, for you, your partner, and your kids. We all believe.