Acupuncture for Immune Function

Acupuncture has gained popularity recently for its benefits in improving immune system function. This holistic approach involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. While acupuncture is commonly known for its effectiveness in pain management, it also offers numerous advantages for boosting the immune system.

One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce stress levels. Stress has a significant impact on the immune system, weakening its response to pathogens and increasing the risk of illness. Acupuncture helps to regulate the body's stress response by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety, allowing the immune system to function optimally!

Furthermore, acupuncture has been found to enhance the production of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in defending the body against viruses and cancer cells. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture increased the activity of natural killer cells, suggesting its potential to improve immune system function.

In addition to boosting immune cell production, acupuncture also improves circulation. The flow of blood and lymphatic fluid is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, as it helps transport immune cells and nutrients throughout the body. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, blood circulation is enhanced, allowing immune cells to reach their destinations more efficiently.

Moreover, acupuncture has been shown to regulate inflammation, a key factor in immune system function. Chronic inflammation can impair immune responses and lead to various health conditions. Research published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology demonstrated that acupuncture can modulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced immune response.

In addition to the benefits above, acupuncture has been known to also assist with other things that may contribute to improved immune function:

Balancing Energy Flow (Qi): According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture helps balance the flow of vital energy, or "Qi," through the body's meridians. When Qi flows smoothly, it is believed to support overall health, including immune function.

Stimulating Lymphatic Flow: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the immune response by filtering out toxins and waste products. Acupuncture may help stimulate lymphatic flow, aiding in the removal of these substances.

Improving Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Acupuncture may help improve sleep patterns and address conditions like insomnia or sleep disturbances that can weaken the immune system.

Supporting Organ Function: Acupuncture is believed to influence the function of specific organs, which can indirectly impact immune health. For example, the spleen is considered important for immune function in traditional Chinese medicine, and acupuncture may be used to support its function.

It is important to note that acupuncture should not be considered a standalone treatment for immune system disorders or diseases. It is most effective as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. Consulting with a qualified acupuncturist and healthcare professional is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to immune system support while supporting your specific needs and goals.

Book an appointment HERE with one of our highly qualified Acupuncturists today!


References:

1. National Library of Medicine: Acupuncture and Immunity

2. National Library of Medicine: The Global Coherence Initiative: Creating a Coherent Planetary Standing Wave

Palo Santo translates to “holy wood” and is closely related to frankincense and myrrh, which also produce healthy, antioxidant-rich oils. Palo Santo is often used for the beneficial properties of its essential oils, and can be burned directly similar to incense. When burned, the aromatic wood offers notes of pine, cedar, and citrus that are grounding and rejuvenating. 

Palo Santo offers healing benefits whether used as an essential oil, or burned as incense.  Some of these surprising benefits include: 

  1. Calming and relaxing 

The scent of Palo Santo helps to promote a shift in energy. The pleasant, grounding aroma triggers the brain’s olfactory system, stimulating a relaxation response and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. The scent of Palo Santo releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin while releasing endorphins that also reduce pain. 

  1. Relieves inflammation and oxidative stress, increases immunity

With a rich supply of terpenes and antioxidants, Palo Santo has become known for protecting against oxidative stress. It also helps to increase circulation, easing pain and stimulating immune function.

  1. Works well as a bug repellant

With a complex chemical composition, including Limonene-a substance found in citrus peels, Palo Santo naturally wards off insects. 

  1. Purifies the air

High in resin content, when Palo Santo is burned, it helps to purify the air by removing negative ions. This is why it is commonly burned to remove negative energy and purify spaces and objects.

Palo Santo is native to South America and has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in spiritual and healing practices.

Although you can purchase Palo Santo essential oil products or buy shavings that have been shaped into a cone for an easier burn, I really prefer to light a small piece of Palo Santo when setting an intention or attempting to lift the vibe of a room. Palo Santo is easy to light. Using a lit candle or lighter, hold the stick to the flame until the tip is fully lit and creates its own flame.  Allow it to burn for approximately one minute. Allow the wood to naturally extinguish itself, and wave the stick gently, while the aromatic smoke fills your space with an incredible scent and positive energy. When you’re done with your stick, rest it on a fireproof surface (a metal bowl with a little sand in the bottom is perfect!). 

Not only will the uplifting scent of Palo Santo help to improve your mood and invoke feelings of calm, the benefits of this remarkable wood for both your body and the space around it are plentiful. With single pieces of Palo Santo wood available at Raja Goods, we invite you to give the art of smudging a try so you can enjoy these surprising benefits. We also offer beautiful stones and crystals to compliment and enhance your incense experience!

Evil Bone Water (EBW) is one of our best sellers in the clinic for many very good reasons!

According to the classical name, Zheng Gu Shui, (Zhèng Gǔ Shuǐ; 正骨水) the formula is called “Mend the Bones Water”, highlighting its use for soothing pain and speeding the healing of fractured and bruised bones. But wait…

There’s more:

  • Random bruise? Watch it fade faster and with less pain with a daily spritz or two of EBW; even those frustrating bruises on the hands and arms that plague our elderly patients. 
  • Nausea in early pregnancy? Many of our mothers-to-be swear by a spritz of EBW on the wrists (ala perfume) to soothe a queasy belly—even in severe cases. (This has also helped patients with post-chemo nausea)
  • Speaking of pregnancy—post-partum aches, episiotomy sites, and post-epidural pain have all responded well to EBW—and it’s safe in all stages of pregnancy.
  • Chest congestion? Move over store-bought “vapor rubs”! A liberal application of EBW to the chest helps open airways (we love to spritz some on our palms and inhale to clear stubborn nasal passages).
  • Speaking of noses—Several patients credit a gentle application of EBW with a cotton swab below each nostril with helping to return their post-COVID sense of smell to normal.
  • Ouch! Got a cut? If you don’t mind a brief sting, EBW disinfects and speeds the healing of minor cuts—and actually somewhat numbs the cut after application. This stuff makes paper cuts no big deal!
  • Burned yourself on that hot stove? Take the sting out and help it heal with some EBW if you don’t have some of our Shiunko burn cream on hand. Note: If it’s a serious burn see your provider first!
  • Arthritis? Apply liberally for best results.
  • Muscle aches? EBW isn’t just for the bones; it soothes sore muscles as well.
  • Sprain an ankle? Yup, you guessed it—lots of EBW.
  • Headaches? Tension headaches fade faster with a spritz of EBW to the back of the neck, and temporal headaches can be soothed with a little rubbed into the temples in many cases.
  • Neuropathy? Yes, that too—any kind of body pain is alleviated by EBW.

I have all of these!!! Can I bathe in it?  

  • Yes, actually—several of our patients and staff who have taken a tumble added 2 TBSP EBW to a warm tub along with Epsom salts and soaked away the soreness. Please note—test EBW on your skin first before jumping into this remedy. For focused pain, it does work best to apply it directly where the pain is.

Is it just for humans?

  • It is safe for dogs, horses, and even chickens (but not recommended for our feline friends). I have used it on multiple horse wounds, a tendon strain, a partially detached chick beak (which reattached and healed quickly), as well as to quickly dry up the sebaceous cysts my dog is prone to—so they don’t fester and result in another vet trip to remove them. He much prefers this over soaking in the medicated shampoo the vet prescribed, and it works better and is easier for me!  Once again, the highly aromatic herbs in EBW are not suitable for use on cats but you can use it around cats safely. 

It sounds great! What’s the downside?

  • Do not use it near your favorite white or light-colored fabric—it will most likely stain!
  • Do not rub your eyes after applying to (or with) your hands—you will not go blind or damage your eyes, but you will probably cry a bit.
  • If using in sensitive areas—use a cotton swab and always test a small area first. If the sensation is too intense, flush with lukewarm water. You can dilute it in water in a separate bottle to reach an acceptable level of sensation when using for episiotomy sites or similar injuries.
  • If you have sensitive skin, patch test a small amount with a cotton swab on the arm and wait 24 hours to see how you react.

Ok, so it’s not quite 101 ways, but Evil Bone Water is a wonderfully useful topical to have in your first aid kit. I keep a bottle in every car, at the barn, in my husband's shop (he’s a mechanic) and the patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Several buy it by the case to share with their friends and family! So on the “List of things I wouldn’t want to be on a deserted island without”, this one is definitely in the top 5!

Evil Bone Water is available for purchase in our clinic, and online here!

Have an Evil Bone Water success story? We’d love to hear about it!

As the days get shorter, the promise of cooler fall days greets us each morning. After a summer of unprecedented heat and humidity, the changing season brings with it the promise of colds and cases of the flu. During this transition of seasons— how do we keep ourselves healthy? 

  1. First and foremost, be vigilant about washing your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds and drying them using a towel whenever possible. Try to avoid touching your eyes or mouth unless your hands have been recently washed. Cover coughs with a tissue and dispose of it immediately. Hand sanitizers are not nearly as effective as soap and water—so do not rely on them for protection.
  1. Adequate rest is key to immune health—set consistent hours for sleep and try to get at least 8 hours per day. If you are struggling with sleep, odds are we can help!
  1. Stress management—all of us have some level of stress and we need some stress for optimal health; but when it becomes overwhelming and we feel anxious, that’s bad for our health1. Some studies estimate that chronic stress is at the root of over 80% of all diseases! 
High-quality products make a difference!

For those of you that have access to good quality herbal products like those we carry in-house including Mediherb, Honey Gardens, and our Chinese Medicine suppliers, there are some herbal remedies that may help boost the immune system. For children or those with more sensitive constitutions, Elderberry syrup is a good place to start and we’ve even found some easy-to-take elderberry gummies that work well. There was some concern that elderberry could increase the risk of a cytokine storm with Covid initially in 2020, but further research has shown that to be unlikely and it is considered generally safe for any respiratory infection2. Mediherb has an outstanding Echinacea extract which works very well when taken daily before you get sick. They also carry something called Andrographis Complex which contains a combination of immune-boosting herbs including echinacea (but it’s not recommended for long-term use and is more suitable for a “boost” before you travel or at the first sign of illness or exposure). 

For those who don't have access to quality herbs, Vitamin C, either as a supplement or from teas like hibiscus and rose hips, or foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes and cruciferous veggies, can be helpful. I also recommend Lysine to boost the immune system against viruses. Lysine can also be very effective at shortening the duration of cold sores that may emerge this time of year. Supplemental Vitamin D can also be helpful and we recommend a liquid form from Metagenics that's easy to take and readily absorbed by the body. Be sure to get your D levels checked at your annual physical!

As far as Chinese herbal formulas, it's important to check with an experienced herbalist before taking them. Yu Ping Feng San (aka Jade Windscreen Decoction) can be very helpful for those that have weak immune systems. Herbal formulas like Microgard which regulate the microbiome in the gut may help improve immune function as well. We will cover what kind of herbs to take if you find yourself with a bug in a future article—so stay tuned!

Nasal solutions to the rescue!

Lastly, nasal rinsing with buffered saline solution can rinse out any viruses before they have a chance to pass through the mucous membranes. This is also a helpful practice during allergy season to keep pollen and dust out of your nasal passages. We recommend the Nasopure bottles for ease of use and safety or the Xlear Nasal Spray with xylitol for those times when you don’t have time to do a full nasal rinse.

For even more high-quality recommendations, please visit our Fullscript Immune-Boosting Store!

If you take any prescription medications, it is important to check with your healthcare providers before adding any herbal remedies or supplements to your routine.  


1 Salleh MR. Life event, stress and illness. Malays J Med Sci. 2008 Oct;15(4):9-18. PMID: 22589633; PMCID: PMC3341916.

2 Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, Kanji S, Seely D, Garritty C. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7;21(1):112. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5. PMID: 33827515; PMCID: PMC8026097.



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Each year as the days get short and colder, how to stay well comes to the front of many people's minds. Here is a summary of my favorite winter wellness practices:

1.) Supplement Vitamin D: Because of where we live, it is impossible to get vitamin D from the sun right now. Even on those rare warm sunny days—the angle of the sun at our latitude makes it a poor source of natural vitamin D. There is so much research out there on the topic, and admittedly, it can be confusing because the study results are mixed, but over and over again when looking at hospitalizations due to infections—low vitamin D levels seem to be prevalent among those who end up in the hospital. In the absence of any research showing a risk of vitamin D supplementation—especially when you check it to be sure you are in the normal ranges, I fall on the side of supporting supplemental D and personally prefer the liquid supplements for ease of use and ability of the body to utilize them. Metagenics has a great liquid product with a slightly minty taste or for those who need or prefer a Vegan Source—Pure Encapsulations has an excellent option.  There are foods that are high in D as well including: cold-water fish like salmon, herring and sardines, egg yolks, and mushrooms. Cod liver oil is another great source of vitamin D and I love the quality of the Standard Process products.

Speaking of sunlight, or lack of it, this is a time of year when many people struggle with mood changes. Full-spectrum lights, even just a desk sized one can give a huge boost in mood to those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder or even just minor mood drops with the long, dark nights. People who work late shifts also can benefit from these lights throughout the year to offset the lack of sunlight they may struggle with due to trying to get enough sleep.

2) Stay Active: Exercise is so important to immune function—so as the weather gets cold and it's harder to get outside, find ways to be more active. This is a great time of year to try a class like yoga, tai chi, dance or even working with a personal trainer. Don't know where to start? Give us a call and we can recommend one of our classes, or help connect you with some of the great trainers in the area. Just 20-30 minutes per day of exercise has tons of benefits and will help with all aspects of your health. 

3) Use immune boosting herbs like elderberry, echinacea or andrographis for those times when you will be around a lot of people, are under additional stress, or the kids come home with a cold. I prefer elderberry for kids and for adults on medications because it is safe with most medications, gentle for kids and easy to get in gummies that are easy to take.  Echinacea is great for adults, especially those who tend to get respiratory infections. Some people have been told to take it once they get sick, but research shows it is most effective taken as a preventative.  This is an herb where quality of production is really important. Real echinacea will make your tongue tingle if you take a tincture or hold the capsule in your mouth for a little bit.  If your tongue doesn't tingle, it's not the real deal.  For this reason we love MediHerb's products.  Andrographis is another powerhouse and is often combined with Echinacea as in MediHerb's Andrographis Complex. This is my favorite for personal use, but it's important to note that if you do take this one for more than a week or two at a time you should add a little supplemental zinc because andrographis does increase the rate at which your body uses zinc.

Teas are another option for adding some herbal vitality to your diet but in general will be a lower dosage and more gentle option. These are great for people taking medications, kids, and those who are more sensitive in general to the effects of herbs or medications. Elderberry is the most tasty tea option, but there are some blends with echinacea that are palatable, if not "yummy" to drink (remember that tongue tingle—it's a very unique sensation!). Buddha Teas makes some great winter blends with elderberry, hibiscus (naturally high in C and antioxidants).

Those are my main vitamins and herbs for prevention—I don't typically recommend taking zinc or vitamin C daily because most people get enough of those with a healthy diet from food and generally only need extra when they are sick. If you are taking prescription meds, I do recommend reaching out to us to be sure your prescriptions are safe with any supplements you want to take. Part of our training as herbalists includes understanding the pharmacology of the herbs so we can be aware of potential interactions. 

If you have a fullscript account with us, you can find the links to order the products I mentioned here: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/rajawellness-immune-boosting-protocol

 If you don't have an account you can use that same link to create one.

Yours in Wellness,

Jenny-Marie

This flu season is giving everyone a lot to worry about. In addition to the usual concerns over the flu, there is that other virus flaring...yup, you know the one. The good news is the same protective measures apply for both viruses, and in fact, other viral bugs as well.

First and foremost, be vigilant about washing your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds and drying them using a towel whenever possible. Try to avoid touching your eyes or mouth unless your hands have been recently washed. Cover coughs with a tissue and dispose of it immediately. Hand sanitizers are not nearly as effective as soap and water - so do not exclusively rely on them for protection.

For those of you that have access to good quality herbal products like those we carry in house, including Mediherb, Gaia, and our Chinese medicine suppliers, there are some herbal remedies that may help build resistance to viruses. For children or those with more sensitive constitutions, Elderberry syrup is a good place to start.

For prevention, I recommend elderberry OR echinacea OR andrographis complex (better if you have ragweed allergies than echinacea). NOTE: if taking Andrographis, be sure to supplement zinc as well. Mediherb has an outstanding Echinacea extract which works very well when taken daily before you get sick. They also carry Andrographis Complex with a combination of immune boosting herbs. Yu Ping Feng San (aka Jade Windscreen Decoction) can be very helpful for those that have weak immune systems. Herbal formulas like Microgard which regulate the microbiome in the gut may help improve immune function as well.

These formulas are available in our online store, as well as in-office.

For those who don't have access to quality herbs or if you want to add an extra layer of protection you can also include Vitamin C, D and zinc. Foods like hibiscus and rose hips can be helpful as sources of vitamin C. I also recommend Lysine to boost the immune system against viruses. Lysine can also be very effective at shortening the duration of cold sores that may emerge this time of year. Supplemental vitamin D can be helpful and we recommend a liquid form from Metagenics that's easy to take and readily absorbed by the body. If you are sick, you definitely need to be sure you are supplementing C, D, and zinc to replace what your body is using.

***If you take any prescription medications, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before adding any herbal remedies or supplements to your routine.***

My preferred protocol if I’m feeling under the weather or think I’ve been exposed is:

  • Liquid Zinc from Pure Encapsulations (15mcg/day)
  • Cataplex C, Cataplex F and Calcium Lactate from Standard Process (taken as directed on the bottle)
  • Metagenic Liquid D - 2 drops (2000 IU) 2x per day
  • Lysine (1000mg) 2x per day
  • Plus the appropriate herbal formula - Gan Mao Ling Wan, V- Defense 2 or Release Pearls are all good general anti-viral blends, but, if you don’t see relief within 24 hrs of taking it, contact the office for a more precise herbal formulation for your needs. It is ok to take a 1 ½ times the recommended dose for severe symptoms.

Lastly, nasal rinsing with buffered saline solution can rinse out any viruses before they have a chance to pass through the mucous membranes (remember NEVER use plain tap water to rinse nasal cavities). This is also a helpful practice during allergy season to keep pollen and dust out of your nasal passages. We recommend the Nasopure bottles for ease of use and safety.

In Summary:

For Prevention: Echinacea (it should make your tongue tingle or it’s not the real stuff) ORElderberry ORAndrographis ComplexPlus: Vitamin C, D and zinc

If Actively Sick:

  1. Stop the echinacea or elderberry or andrographis complex and
  2. add Gan Mao Ling Wan OR Release Pearls OR V-Defense 2 at 1 1/2 x the recommended dose. Contact us if you have not improved within 24 hrs.
  3. Optional: Add calcium lactate, Cataplex F and Lysine to inhibit viral reproduction.

***With Chinese herbal formulas, it's important to check with an experienced herbalist before taking them. ***

We offer free 15 min consults to help make sure you get the most appropriate formula for your needs. Book an appointment today!

Hi, Jenny-Marie here at Raja Wellness and today I’m going to address a question we hear frequently in our clinic: “What vitamins should I take to keep my immune system healthy?”

Now like anything else that pertains to nutrition and herbal medicine, the answer is, “That depends”. There really isn’t a one-size fits all vitamin because we are all unique bodies with a number of factors that will influence our needs. Age, gender, exercise habits, stress-levels, type of work, and where you live can greatly influence what your body needs. However, there are a couple of key vitamins that are generally going to be safe for most people and help your immune system to function at its best.

One product that I recommend to most people is something called Catalyn by Standard Process. This product was developed to offset the nutritional gaps in most people’s diets that started to happen when eating organ meats - like liver and kidneys - fell out of favor in our culture. Liver and kidney are full of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Folate, heme iron (the kind you body can easily use), copper and choline. All of these contribute to your health and B6 in particular has many important functions in supporting the immune system. The best option would be to include liver in your diet and I have a surprisingly tasty recipe from my Grandmother that you can find here. For those people who don’t want to do that, Catalyn is a great option. It does contain animal products and is not appropriate for anyone with an alpha gal allergy or those who don’t want to consume animal products- for them, a product called Floradix is a plant-based liquid supplement that is a good alternative.

Depending on where you live, vitamin D may be in short supply - those of us at higher latitudes have less time during the year when the sun is high enough in the sky for us to get adequate sunlight to trigger our bodies’ production of vitamin D. Others may not be as efficient at producing it; things like stress and diet may actually deplete your natural levels of vitamin D. This is an easy test to get via bloodwork from your physician to check your levels and be sure you aren’t getting too much or too little. If you do need a little extra, I prefer the liquid forms of vitamin D for ease of absorption. Metagenics makes a great liquid D with 1000 IU’s in each drop and has a refreshing subtle minty taste. Again, this is not going to be a good supplement for any one with an alpha gal allergy, or who is avoiding products derived from animal sources. However, we do carry a liquid vitamin D that is derived from lichen (which is a symbiotic association of algae and fungi) by Pure Encapsulations.

Next is Vitamin C, which if you eat plenty of dark leafy greens, bell peppers and citrus - you should get enough from your diet. However, in times of stress, your body may need more of this than you can easily get from food, and there is some evidence that higher doses may help your body fight off invaders. Vitamin C has a short half-life in the body and if you get too much of it can cause diarrhea as the body dumps the excess. I like using lower doses of pure ascorbic acid in a loose form myself so I can take more frequent, smaller doses when needed. However, a 500mg capsule gives good dosing options to people. There are buffered forms of ascorbic acid available and these work better for some people than the pure ascorbic acid. Buffered forms of vitamin C work by binding ascorbic acid with minerals to reduce stomach upset. As long as the capsules are vegetarian - Vitamin C is generally safe for those with alpha gal allergies or who avoid animal products.

Lastly is calcium, which we all know is good for the bones - but it also plays an important role in our immune system and defending against viruses in particular. For this purpose, I like Calcium Lactate from Standard Process which comes in a form your body can use very, very quickly. Again, not suitable for those with alpha gal allergies or who avoid animal products - but Pure Encapsulations has a vegan Calcium-D-Glucarate that is a good alternative option. Tofu is also an excellent vegan source of calcium and p lants high in calcium include black-eyed peas and dark leafy greens.

So as always, these are general recommendations and we welcome any questions and can offer virtual consults if needed to address your specific concerns. Be sure to review any changes in your supplements with your doctor.

This flu season is giving everyone a lot to worry about. In addition to the usual concerns over the flu, there is that other virus flaring...yup, you know the one. The good news is the same protective measures apply for both viruses, and in fact, other viral bugs as well.

First and foremost, be vigilant about washing your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds and drying them using a towel whenever possible. Try to avoid touching your eyes or mouth unless your hands have been recently washed. Cover coughs with a tissue and dispose of it immediately. Hand sanitizers are not nearly as effective as soap and water - so do not exclusively rely on them for protection.

For those of you that have access to good quality herbal products like those we carry in house, including Mediherb, Gaia, and our Chinese medicine suppliers, there are some herbal remedies that may help build resistance to viruses. For children or those with more sensitive constitutions, Elderberry syrup is a good place to start.

For prevention, I recommend elderberry OR echinacea OR andrographis complex (better if you have ragweed allergies than echinacea). NOTE: if taking Andrographis, be sure to supplement zinc as well. Mediherb has an outstanding Echinacea extract which works very well when taken daily before you get sick. They also carry Andrographis Complex with a combination of immune boosting herbs. Yu Ping Feng San (aka Jade Windscreen Decoction) can be very helpful for those that have weak immune systems. Herbal formulas like Microgard which regulate the microbiome in the gut may help improve immune function as well.

These formulas are available in our online store, as well as in-office.

For those who don't have access to quality herbs or if you want to add an extra layer of protection you can also include Vitamin C, D and zinc. Foods like hibiscus and rose hips can be helpful as sources of vitamin C. I also recommend Lysine to boost the immune system against viruses. Lysine can also be very effective at shortening the duration of cold sores that may emerge this time of year. Supplemental vitamin D can be helpful and we recommend a liquid form from Metagenics that's easy to take and readily absorbed by the body. If you are sick, you definitely need to be sure you are supplementing C, D, and zinc to replace what your body is using.

***If you take any prescription medications, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before adding any herbal remedies or supplements to your routine.***

My preferred protocol if I’m feeling under the weather or think I’ve been exposed is:

  • Liquid Zinc from Pure Encapsulations (15mcg/day)
  • Cataplex C, Cataplex F and Calcium Lactate from Standard Process (taken as directed on the bottle)
  • Metagenic Liquid D - 2 drops (2000 IU) 2x per day
  • Lysine (1000mg) 2x per day
  • Plus the appropriate herbal formula - Gan Mao Ling Wan, V- Defense 2 or Release Pearls are all good general anti-viral blends, but, if you don’t see relief within 24 hrs of taking it, contact the office for a more precise herbal formulation for your needs. It is ok to take a 1 ½ times the recommended dose for severe symptoms.

Lastly, nasal rinsing with buffered saline solution can rinse out any viruses before they have a chance to pass through the mucous membranes (remember NEVER use plain tap water to rinse nasal cavities). This is also a helpful practice during allergy season to keep pollen and dust out of your nasal passages. We recommend the Nasopure bottles for ease of use and safety.

In Summary:

For Prevention: Echinacea (it should make your tongue tingle or it’s not the real stuff) ORElderberry ORAndrographis ComplexPlus: Vitamin C, D and zinc

If Actively Sick:

  1. Stop the echinacea or elderberry or andrographis complex and
  2. add Gan Mao Ling Wan OR Release Pearls OR V-Defense 2 at 1 1/2 x the recommended dose. Contact us if you have not improved within 24 hrs.
  3. Optional: Add calcium lactate, Cataplex F and Lysine to inhibit viral reproduction.

***With Chinese herbal formulas, it's important to check with an experienced herbalist before taking them. ***

We offer free 15 min consults to help make sure you get the most appropriate formula for your needs. Book an appointment today!

The products and statements made about specific products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Any testimonials on this web site are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results.
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