Bare Health

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Supporting Immune Health...Naturally!

Don’t let Colds and Flu beat You!

Can you believe it? Winter is nearly here once again! Where does the time go? Let’s start with a positive though – we’ve seen some beautiful sunny autumn days this year and quite mild too. I’ve certainly enjoyed spending a little quality time with family and friends recently, going out for walks on crisp autumn days, taking in the fiery autumn displays as the trees start to turn, slowly shedding their golden leaves. Then, returning home after a long day out to healthy homemade soup, heart warming casseroles and having the time to relax for a few hours beside the fire. Cozy, toasty, well fed and relaxed! These things I love. Just like I love cold, sunny, frosty days and dare I say it ‘snowy’ walks in winter. I have grown up having a deep respect for and love of nature. However, I’m not opposed to staying in when the cold weather sets in, putting on my seasonal onesie, relaxing, resting, hibernating with loved ones, watching favourite films and then, of course there’s Christmas to celebrate too! It’s not all doom and gloom as the shorter days and long dark nights set in! OK – this is my perfect picture of autumn and winter, and sadly, I’m very aware that this ideal is often interrupted by our busy, daily lives and the associated stresses they bring. 

Although there is much to enjoy about autumn and winter, it does also bring with it a variety of seasonal ailments – not so enjoyable! Colds, the ‘dreaded’ flu and respiratory tract infections can all leave us feeling well below par with the added inconvenience of having to take time off from work to rest and recuperate. For many, a few days rest is all that’s needed and recovery is quick, but sometimes, more serious complications can arise. Germs, bugs & viruses, silently lurking in the background waiting for that chink to appear in our immune armour!

As the seasons change do you consider adding a little extra immune support for your health and wellbeing? A healthy functioning immune system is crucial to optimum health. Without its proper functioning and a strong defence mechanism we could not survive. Every day we are subject to the attacks of millions of germs, which can multiply and cause damage in the human body – but this is only if our body provides them with the breeding ground necessary due to a weakened immune defence. So what can weaken our first line of defence? Our modern lifestyles can be a major cause. Stress is a major factor, as is poor diet, smoking, alcohol and lack of regular exercise have been shown to negatively affect immunity and leave us vulnerable to attack.

Prevention is the key. Taking action to boost your immunity so it is strong enough to protect you when under threat from the invading winter viruses may just might stop that ‘sniffle’ from developing into anything of a more serious nature. A well balanced, nutritious diet containing lots of immune supporting foods, managing your stress levels, taking regular exercise whilst taking some valuable rest time when needed, including a good nights’ sleep. These are just a few ways of helping to maintain a healthy immune system. Have you considered ‘herbal remedies’ provided by nature itself? No? Then the latest research on a specific traditional herbal remedy may have you thinking again.

Sometimes, with even with the best preventative efforts, we still can contract a virus or infection. Many with colds and flu will often turn to self medication and conventional over the counter remedies containing paracetamol and ibuprofen for symptomatic relief. However, recent research has found that these may have the potential to increase the risk of complications and re consultation because of partial immune suppressive effects. Further research has shown that 20% of colds and flu infections can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis or sinusitis which are often treated with antibiotics due to a lack of therapeutic alternatives and with consequences for increasing bacterial resistance.

So what alternatives are there available to fill this gap? A recent conference at the Royal Society of Medicine has investigated the role of Echinacea and whether it could fill this important gap in the ‘therapeutic arsenal’ and provide a solution for the prevention of recurrent infections and complications arising from the common cold or flu. The conference also compared the efficacy of Echinacea with a standard synthetic agent recommended for the treatment of acute influenza infections.

Echinacea Purpurea or the ‘Purple Coneflower’ is a herb that flowers during the late Summer months. It is native to North America and Southern Canada. Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of cold and flu infections, reinforcing the immune system, and less commonly for wounds and skin conditions. Alfred Vogel, author of ‘The Nature Doctor’ founder of Bioforce Herbal Remedies was first shown this highly prized plant by a Native American called Black Elk, a medicine man from the Sioux Lakota tribe. Whilst on his travels, Vogel and Black Elk discovered they both shared a passion for nature and healing, especially a love of plants and their curative powers and practical uses. Vogel received a gift of Echinacea seeds from Black Elk which he planted back at his home in Switzerland, nurturing his first crop of Echinacea. Today all the plants used to make Echinaforce® , a traditionally Echinacea remedy, descend from those original seeds.

Over the years this herbal extract has gained in stature and is now the subject of many research studies. The findings from the recent conference at the Royal society of Medicine have highlighted important key points about Echinacea and concluded:

·         Fresh Echinacea extracts containing both the herb and the root have a wide antiviral                       potential and also support immune system function
·         Such extracts have important implications for the management of Respiratory Tract                         Infections
·         Echinacea may prevent initial and recurrent infections and the associated complications                 such as pneumonia or bronchitis
·         In those with weak immune systems – those under stress and smokers benefit most
·         It may help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections
·         Is a safe and effective influenza treatment
·         Can be taken alongside paracetamol and ibuprofen
·         Susceptible individuals can use Echinacea for long term treatment
·         Use products manufactured from ‘freshly harvested’ Echinacea Purpurea


An important point worth noting - 'The effects of Echinacea are dependent on the type of extract used'. For example the broad antiviral activity of the medicinal plant is only found in the parts of the herb growing above ground and if freshly harvested herbs are used as the starting material. Echinaforce® is a licensed herbal remedy that uses organicly cultivated, freshly harvested Echinacea. Research has shown that extracts taken from ‘fresh Echinacea’ contain almost three times more active constituents than their dried counterparts. Alfred Vogel strongly believed that it was the whole plant that contributed to its remedial effect, not an isolated chemical component. He states

“I myself am convinced that no such active substances will ever be discovered because it is not some specific chemical that can be credited with the medicinal effect, but the complex of vital substances contained in the plant as a whole” Alfred Vogel (The Nature Doctor)

So next time you get a chink in your immune armour and are in need of some additional immune support during the winter months, why not consider taking the fresh, extract of Echinacea? It might just help to ease your sneeze, get you back on your feet a little sooner and prevent further infection!

For more information on supporting your Immune health naturally, pop into Bare Health, Congleton, your local, independent, health store! Or alternatively visit us online at www.barehealth.co.uk




References are available on request.
The content contained within this article is for information purposes only. It does not replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek advice, if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment.