Kung Flu Fighting

My acupuncturist (who is from El Salvador, not China) in addition to having a background as a critical care neonatal nurse and later, a respiratory therapist, is well trained in herbal medicines.

Over the last two years, he's recommended several herbs for stress and sleep support.  But the ones he recommended last fall for my immune system I have to share as this is the FIRST year in many I did NOT get the flu.

They are Andrographis and Holy Basil

What is basil or holy basil? Basil is a very powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional medical treatments for thousands of years. It is often called holy basil or tulsi, and all the parts of the plant are beneficial in their own way. Basil leaves are used in many preparations, as is the essential oil of the herb. The small bushy basil shrub is native to India and it is an annual plant with lavender-colored flowers.

Is holy basil good for you? Holy basil is incredibly beneficial for human health, primarily due to the unique composition of its essential oil, containing eugenol, camphor, flavonoids, nerol, and various terpenes. This rich blend of organic compounds delivers a number of health benefits and can help relieve acne, asthma, inflammation, respiratory issues, and lower your chances of heart diseases and atherosclerosis.

Andrographis - this is one I had never heard of. Andrographis (andrographis paniculata) has a wide range of benefits, mostly related to immune system enhancing properties. In native India, traditional use has primarily included supporting the immune system. During the twentieth century use of andrographis spread outside India to Europe and beyond.

Andrographis as an immune support ingredient Many benefits of andrographis are related to the herb’s ability to restore normal balance in bacterial flora of the gut.* One important threat to wellness is gradual decline in liver function — andrographis offers significant liver support. It also enhances bile flow, which reduces hepatic (liver) stagnation, improves digestion and enhances detoxification of the body.

Two times a day, before a meal, I take one capsule (Himalaya Brand from Amazon) with 500 mg holy basil (powder) leaf and 160 mg of holy basil extract (leaf) along with one capsule (Solaray Brand from health food store) Andrographis (300 mg).

If there is a good risk of getting a cold/flu due to exposure or being run down, I add Echinacea, following the manufacturer's recommended daily dose based on the brand I have on hand.

Echinacea is a very popular herb, and people commonly take it to help combat flu and colds. It is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family - Asteraceae. It is also known as the American coneflower. We actually grow it in our garden and my husband makes a strong tincture with it and vodka to use if there is ever a natural disaster where we can't get our online orders of the product but need assistance in fighting illness or infection.

Echinacea is available over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies, health shops, and supermarkets as teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or pills.

Promoters of echinacea say that the herb encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, and some other illnesses, infections, and conditions.  Do note:  there is a caution to avoid it if you have a known allergy to ragweed.

I add Echnicacea only if I'm feeling like I'm coming down with a cold/flu or I'm taking care of someone with it and take it for just two weeks.  I may also add it for two weeks at the height of flu season.  (Echnicanis is more effective if you don't take long-term with some doctors stating long-term use can hinder not help your immune system by overstimulating it and suggest taking it just two week increments.)