By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Turkey Tail Enthusiast
It feels like summer has only just left us, but at Cambridge Naturals, our eyes are already on fall and winter. Here in New England, we rarely know what to expect from the weather - only that it will be unpredictable. Long experience has taught us, however, that winter brings with it cold and flu season, and its accompanying sniffles, coughs, and sneezes. Couple that with a global pandemic now in its fourth year, and it spells an extra-special focus on caring for our immune systems. Here's a guide to the most common ingredients you'll find in immune supporting formulas.
Elderberry (sambucus nigra) is one of the most commonly-used immune boosters, and for good reason. It's loaded with beneficial phytochemicals like quercetin, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, all of which stimulate the body's immune system. It's also, unlike many other remedies, tasty: you can take it as a syrup, lozenge, or tea (as well as in the more traditional capsules and tinctures). The flowers of the elder plant also make a delicious addition to teas!
Echinacea (e. angustifolia and e. purpurea) is a type of plant in the daisy family which has a long history of medicinal use by Indigenous American communities. All parts of it are used for their immune-system stimulating properties. You'll find it as an ingredient in teas, capsules, and tinctures. (It's also commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its large purple flowers -- I recently found some growing outside my local library!)
Often paired with Echinacea, Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) is another native North American plant, known for its bright-yellow, strongly-scented roots. Because it takes 4-5 years to reach maturity and is difficult to cultivate, it is often overharvested in the wild and is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It shows promise as a natural antibacterial, but many supplement companies have been reducing their use of it in their formulas due to its endangered nature.
If medicinal mushrooms are more your style, Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor) is definitely something you'll want to acquaint yourself with. Packed with antioxidants, studies have shown it stimulates the production of monocytes (a type of cell that fights infection). It comes in a variety of forms and is easy to add to your wellness routine. If you're still curious about Turkey Tail, you can also check out my previous exploration of it for Cambridge Naturals here.
Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins, and for a good reason. For centuries, Vitamin-C loaded citrus fruits were eaten by sailors on long voyages to prevent scurvy, and the scientist who isolated it won a Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery. It's present in delicious fruits like oranges, lemons, and pomegranates, as well as bell peppers and tomatoes. It's also a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that any excess is quickly excreted from your body through urine. Because of that, it has a very low toxicity level. It often comes in citrus-flavored chewables, but you can also find it in capsules, drink powders, and even liquid form!
Zinc is well-known for its role in immune health, prostate health, and wound healing. It's primarily found in animal products like beef and chicken, although also present in many types of nuts and seeds. If you aren't getting enough of it in your diet, it's easy enough to supplement it with capsules or lozenges. (Some people do find the lozenges make them nauseous, so if that's your experience, consider trying a lower dose, a capsule formulation, or taking it on a full stomach.)
Immune Boosters are formulations of herbs and minerals that, combined, serve to bolster the immune system during cold and flu season. My personal favorite is Source Naturals Wellness Formula, which blends ingredients like Vitamin D-3, andrographis, garlic, and mullein for a wide-reaching spectrum of immune boosters.
There are so many incredible ways to support your immune system when cold and flu season sets in, and we've got tons of products to help you out at Cambridge Naturals. Check out our full stock of immune health care HERE!