Combating Cold and Flu Naturally
On the road to whole body wellness, prevention is a gift we can give to our future selves. Since cold and flu ailments are so common, people tend to focus more on prevention with this than they do major life threatening diseases. For this reason, we have split our recommendations for combating Cold and Flu Naturally into two categories: one for Immune System Builders, and one for Cold and Flu Symptom Relief. Please note that most immune system builders can be combined with relief remedies, or used in higher more frequent dosages for an enhanced effect. This list is designed to highlight the benefits and identify the differences between our most popular remedies; please speak to a Freshlife Wellness Coach for specific questions or additional information.
Immune System Builders:
Freshlife Vitamin C- Not only does it boost the body’s defenses against cold and flu, helping with prevention, Vitamin C can also shorten the duration and ease severity of symptoms. Many of our customers will take 1,000mg every other hour until symptoms disappear (titrated to bowel tolerance). We offer a wide variety for Vitamin C supplements, from liquid to powder, to buffered and non-buffered capsules, tablets, and chewables.
Freshlife Zinc- This essential mineral is truly a super hero! Its supporting actions in the body include helping with production of male hormones, supporting gastrointestinal health, mood, immune system function, restorative sleep, sense of taste and smell, and it has shown long term benefits for anyone suffering from recurring respiratory system ailments.
Freshlife Immune Support- This has been a long standing “go to” formula for our regulars for over 20 years! Why do we love it? It’s loaded with immune boosting mushrooms like Maitake and Reishi, along with echinacea, astragalus, Vitamin C and Zinc. Freshlife Immune Support helps to get your defenses up and eliminate pathogens before they get a foothold!
Freshlife Bulk** Echinacea- Probably the most highly studied and well known immune system booster, Echinacea* can be used as a long term immune system tonic, or at higher doses to ward off cold or flu at first onset of symptoms. Our full-spectrum extract supports the immune system on several levels, boosting white blood cell and natural killer cell count, reducing inflammation, preventing tissue necrosis and promoting tissue regeneration to name a few.
*Despite popular belief Echinacea has not been proven to hyper-stimulate the immune system and does not aggravate auto-immune disorders.
*Not recommended for those highly allergic to the Asteraceae (ragweed) family.
Freshlife Astragalus- This herb provides deep immune support, as well as improving the health of the blood/cardiovascular system, and liver. It is great tonic for individuals suffering from adrenal stress, as well as anyone with low immune system function who is continually getting ill. It also offers a double benefit for people who suffer from seasonal allergies, as it may reduce allergy symptoms if taken six months in advance of the season!
Freshlife Bulk** Elderberry Syrup- One of nature’s most effective remedies for the flu, multiple studies have shown it reduces the severity and duration of the common flu. Providing a concentrated source of anthocyanins and flavonoids, two types of powerful antioxidants, Elderberry Syrup is also high in vitamins A and C. A great immune system booster for anyone suffering from poor night vision, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides as it has also been known to provide benefits in these particular areas. It may be taken long term to boost one’s resistance to illness. Our organic sugar-free Elderberry Syrup is diabetic safe and naturally sweetened with vegetable glycerine.
Freshlife Olive Leaf- Useful in the treatment of symptoms and prevention of viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Olive leaf also works to reduce cholesterol and helps to lower elevated blood sugar levels. Because of its wide range of benefits, it is a favorite among teachers, flight attendants and anyone working in health care who is exposed to sick people frequently.
Sovereign Silver- Who says medicine has to taste bad?! Sovereign Silver has a wide variety of uses in the body, including the prevention and treatment of symptoms of cold and flu. It is virtually tasteless and the easiest thing to incorporate into your family’s daily routine since the invention of cereal!
Cold and Flu Symptom Relief:
Freshlife CongestEase- This formula is a powerhouse for combating viral or bacterial infections in the sinuses or respiratory tract. A great remedy for anyone suffering from asthma or recurrent lung congestion, it acts as an expectorant that works famously on non-productive or spastic coughs. CongestEase also works to support clearing of the lungs for smokers, boosts oxygen intake for athletes, and reduces altitude sickness. Plus, you get the power of a highly absorbable concentrated liquid, in a capsule form!
Freshlife Bulk** SinusBlaster- This has been a hands down, long time customer favorite. Always in high demand, we order it in bulk!* This remedy is perfect for sufferers of sinus headaches or infections. It is a stealth anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It even has been used to reduce snoring, help with altitude sickness, and improve athletic performance by boosting oxygen uptake. Loaded with mucous clearing, cold fighting herbal allies, 15 drops of this mixture a few times a day will leave you feeling like new in no time!
Freshlife Oregano Oil- For a persistent or stubborn infection we recommend upping your game with Oregano Oil, an extremely powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic extract. Our extracts are guaranteed to be 100% true sustainably wildcrafted and steam distilled for purity.
*When taking the liquid extract we recommend mixing 2-3 drops with a spoonful of organic flax or olive oil, and caution that it can produce a strong warming sensation. Keep away from eyes, ears and genitals. Not for use with young children or infants.
SinuCare- Botanical extracts from eucalyptus and myrtle soothe the mucous membranes and clear the sinus and respiratory passages for swift relief. This non-drowsy, non-GMO formula is also well known for helping individuals with night time breathing problems, due to asthma or allergies, get a better night’s sleep.
Enzyme Defense- Our list simply wouldn’t be complete without including this unique formula. Enzymes are a powerful aid for the breakdown and proper digestion of our food, but did you know there are also specialized enzymes that, when taken on an empty stomach, work to breakdown and destroy pathogenic microbes, and mucous buildup? If you are one of those people who seem to try everything with little to no results, this remedy won’t let you down!
Acute Cold and Flu (ACF)- If you are impressed with everything on this list and simply can’t decide, ACF has pretty much got it all and then some! ACF is a must have for those who simply cannot get sick. Everyone reports it tastes terrible, but it works like a charm! Whether you have an important meeting or vacation coming up, ACF will ensure you are feeling better ASAP.
Homeopathic Remedies- We carry a vast selection of homeopathic remedies for cold and flu symptoms which are widely sought out for their track record of safety, efficacy, and lack of drug interactions. Homeopathy works on the premise that “like cures like”. Remedies come in either liquids or tablets that easily dissolve under your tongue and work in the body on a cellular level. Homeopathic remedies must be administered frequently at low doses in order to be effective.
Don’t forget to check out our line up of cough syrups, lozenges and throat sprays for your comfort. Your body will thank you!
Diet and Lifestyle
- Practice regular hand washing
- Get adequate rest every night
- Far-Infared Sauna- 3x’s/ week work up to 40 min sessions. Heating up the body’s core temperature is a great way to kill off pathogens. Unless you are already experiencing symptoms of a fever, the far-infrared sauna is a great way to not only prevent cold and flu, but also to fight it.
- Stay hydrated, whether you feel thirsty or not; strive to drink half your weight in ounces of filtered or pure spring water daily
- Exercise regularly (if you are experiencing acute symptoms remember rest is always the best medicine)
- Practice meditation and deep breathing
- Decrease intake of sugar, simple carbohydrates, processed foods, caffeine and alcohol
- If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, we recommend experimenting with including the following in your diet to your tolerance:
Bone broth
Chicken soup made with bone broth
Extra garlic
Hot herbal tea with honey
Fermented foods
Fresh squeezed citrus juices
Fresh green juices
Plain yogurt and berries
Oatmeal with roasted apples and cinnamon
** Not familiar with our bulk liquid supplements? We offer a variety of our most popular Freshlife brand liquids in bulk to help save you money, and reduce waste. Sold by the ounce (4oz max), bring a clean bottle from home or choose to purchase one of our brown glass bottles.
Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this handout should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. It is intended for educational purpose only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this handout. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. For more information or recommendations tailored to your specific needs, please schedule a Nutritional Consultation with a Freshlife Wellness Coach.
*This material may not be reproduced without permission.