By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
It’s that time of year again when we’re fielding many questions about what to take to prevent getting sick or to fight cold and flu symptoms. Getting immunized against the flu and pneumonia are always top of mind, but there is more that can be done. Those who have spoken to us before will likely know about the homeopathic preparations THYMULINE and INFLUENZINUM, but newer to the market are a couple of herbal preparations that have proven to be quite effective.
Many people are familiar with the use of ginseng and astragalus for helping support the function of the immune system. The scientists at Purica® have developed stabilized extracts of these herbs called Immunidiol™, which has potent immune-modulating effects. Immunidiol™ in Prevent has been shown to have anti-tumor, anti-stress, and anti-oxidant activities. It can increase the efficacy of chemotherapy while reducing the associated side effects. It has also been shown to increase the responsiveness of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the elderly. Prevent is taken to optimize the function of the immune system and not necessarily “boost” its activity and thus is safe for use in those who are immunocompromised whether it be due to illness or medication.
Whether you’ve already been feeling sick for a few days or a few weeks, PREVAIL is there to help you fight infections of the upper respiratory tract. PREVAIL is a combination of three herbs (honeysuckle, forsythia, and skullcap) historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Together, these ingredients have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and immune-boosting properties. Prevail is Health Canada- approved for fever, cold, coughing, and sore throat, but is effective in reducing the symptoms of other respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Benefits can be seen and felt with using this product for just one day and the best part is that you don’t necessarily have to start using it at the beginning of your illness. This is unlike most other natural cold and flu remedies where you have to start using it right when you get sick in order for the product to work. Unlike many other products on the market, Prevail has a PURIKIDZ formulation that can be used in children aged 3-9 years of age as well.
As always, make sure you check with your Integrative Healthcare Practitioner before starting any supplement to ensure its safe use, especially if you are taking other medications.
(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore. They would love to hear from you or meet you at one of their seminars. Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.)
***All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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