By Brittney Sounart, RH, Clinical EFT Practitioner

It’s been an interesting few weeks. I’ve felt so many emotions in all of this uncertainty and change in my life. Worry, unsettled, distanced, empowered and grateful are some of the emotions I’ve been experiencing. As all these emotions have surfaced I continued to do what gives me the most hope and that is to empower myself about this Covid virus by keeping myself, my family and my customers healthy and safe.

I want to share with you and summarize the research I have sifted through to make this simple for all of you to be empowered with your health. Remember viruses are not going away. They will continue to change. This is why it is so hard to make vaccinations to pin point which virus will hit us each flu season. Here are some of the things all of us can do and tools I have done for years with my family so as to limit the amount of colds and flus in my household and to treat viruses we have had.

Top 8 Suggestions for Immune Support and Strengthen the Body’s Natural Immune System

Get you ZZZZZ’s- Getting sleep is vital to keep your immune system strong and healthy! Getting to sleep before 11am and waking up by 8am will reduce the feeling of grogginess and support your circadian rhythm. Support better sleep if feeling overwhelmed with tea’s like Deep Relaxation, Sleep Times tea, Sleep Nights Tincture by Wish Garden or Deep Sleep by Herbs Etc., CBD oil by CV Sciences
Reduce Sugar intake. Eating sugar reduces your immune function for 12 hours after having just a few Tablespoons of sugar.
Move your Body- Keep your body moving to support lymphatic system, reducing stress levels and up-lifting your spirit and therefore supporting all your happy hormones!
Take Vitamin D3-During the flu season take between 2000-5000IU of vitamin D3. Optimal vitamin D levels are immune-modulating From Paul Bergner’s, Herbalist: Vitamin D essential for production of immunocompetence proteins in the immune cells of the respiratory tract (discovery in 2004) • Vitamin D stimulates immuno-modulatory cytokines, putting a brake on cytokine “storm” • Respiratory viral or bacterial infections are proposed as part of the profile of vitamin D deficiency syndrome.

Take Zinc is known for the important role it plays in immune response and immune health. “It enhances both innate and adaptive immunity, is vital for immune cell function, and is crucial for the formation and modulation of inflammatory processes. Research shows that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus was inhibited by zinc in Vero-E6 cells. Moreover, zinc salts were shown to inhibit respiratory syncytial virus, even while zinc was incubated with HEp-2 cells only before infection, and then removed.2” (Donald Yance, RH) https://www.donnieyance.com/zinc-the-most-important-nutrient-for-immunity/

One of my favorite ways to take zinc during the cold/flu season is with elderberry/zinc lozenges found at Desert Sage.

Strengthen Immune System with Herbs and Mushrooms: Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Cordycepts, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail), Astragalus are strong immune builders and strengtheners to our overall vitality and Chi. They have a regulating effect on the immune system and play a vital role in overall health. They can be taken for long periods of time to increase overall health. Note: Do not take Astragalus during an acute infections and fever as it could increase the fever. Brittney’s favorite formulas are Host Defense Mushroom blends like Breathe, My Community, Staments 7 and Deep Health by Herbs Etc. (contains mushrooms and Astragalus with other adaptogens to regulate stress response)
Elderberry - I have been giving my girls elderberry extract for years during the cold/flu season to reduce the chances of them getting sick. I have seen a significant reduction of them getting the flu and if they do get sick it has reduced the length of the cold or flu. Studies have shown that elderberries have a regulatory effect on immune response and inflammation and shortens the duration of the flu. “Elderberries are well known as supportive agents against common cold and influenza.13 In studies, elderberry extract has demonstrated an ability to inhibit herpes virus and HIV in cell culture.14 The H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavonoids compare favorably to the known anti-influenza activities of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and amantadine.1”

(Donald Yance, RH) https://www.donnieyance.com/the-truth-about-elderberry-sambucus-nigra/

Reduce Stress Levels- Stress lowers overall immune function. Using meditation or tapping can be an excellent way to reduce cortisol and support the nervous system. I also love using herbal remedies like adaptogens and nervines to support our body’s stress response. Brittney’s favorite formulas: Peaceful Times Tea, Stress ReLeaf by Herbs Etc. Adrena Soothe or Adrena Nourish by Herb Pharm, Anxiety Soother by Herb Pharm, CBD oil by CV Sciences

Brittney’s Favorite Herbs and Supplements to Keep our Immune System’s Strong and Prevent Colds/Flus

Mushroom Blends (Stament’s 7, My Community, Cordchi, Deep Health by Herb’s Etc)Zinc/
Elderberry Lozenges by Zand
Immune Boost Tea by Desert Sage Herbs-contains Astragalus and Elderberries
Stress Support-Peaceful Times Tea by Desert Sage Herbs, Stress ReLeaf by Herbs Etc. Adrena Soothe or Adrena Nourish by Herb Pharm, CBD oil by CV Sciences
Sleep Support- Deep Relaxation or Sleep Times Tea by Desert Sage Herbs, Deep Sleep by Herbs Etc, Sleepy Nights by Wish G