Colds & Flu: A Guide to Immune Enhancing Herbal Supplements

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Important Notice: The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health, and the proper use of dietary supplements. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, nor a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you have a medical problem, you should seek medical help. Products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate disease.

For a reference chart, showing all of the pertinent Phyto-Tech immune-related herbal supplements, click here.

To listen to an mp3 audio interview with Mitch Coven, from The Willner Window radio program, which aired on WOR on December 2, 2012, click here.

This is the time of year when we are especially concerned with our immune system. Colds, flu, coughs–we want to prevent these conditions and, if we do succumb, we want to shorten their duration and severity.
There are many things we can do. We can try to avoid exposure to pathogens. We can eat healthy, avoid temperature extremes and too much stress. But these measures, and others, often fall short. Some of us get colds and/or the flu every season, sometimes more than once, while other’s seem to have an inherent resistance.
We all have some degree of inherent resistance. Our immune system is designed to protect us from these infections when working properly. Repeated, or chronic infections, including mild cases of colds and flu, can be signs of a weakened or compromised immune system.
In this short article, I am going to list some of my favorite “herbal remedies” for enhancing immune function. Choosing herbal supplements, when so many choices are available, can be daunting. I will break them down into categories, such as “prevention,” “treatment,” and specific health conditions. (Please note that my use of the terms “prevention” and “treatment” are not intended to imply medical actions. Only drugs, as per the FDA regulations, can be said to cure, treat, prevent or otherwise mitigate disease. I am using the terms only to clarify the nature of their effect on the immune system).
I will provide several choices, when appropriate, and you choose the supplements that seem best for you. In general, I will list combination products first, and then single herbs afterwards. For more information on each supplement, please refer to the more detailed information provided in the Phyto-Tech™ Product Reference Guide. Indexes located on pages 5 and 110.

“Prevention”

These herbal supplements are designed to enhance or optimize immune system function, supporting your body’s ability to fight off infections. Such products often contain adaptogenic herbs and non-specific immune enhancing action.

Immune Complex

"Supports healthy immune system function, especially on a long-term and preventive basis."
"Contains: Fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root, Astragalus Root,  Red Root, Suma Root, Licorice Root, Eleuthero Root."
1 fl oz - 57003

Mushroom Extract Complex

"Dual Extraction Blend; A powerful combination of immune enhancing, adaptogenic mushroom extracts."
"Contains: Shiitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Fresh Ashwagandha Root, Licorice Root,"
1 fl oz - 57002

Astragalus Root

"As a long term tonic, Astragalus helps boost deep immunity and resistance."
"Astragalus membranaceus, 333 mg/ml, certified organic."
1 fl oz - 56949 (as above, in Veggie Caps)
Astragalus membranaceus 460 mg
90 Veg Caps - 60340

Reishi Mushroom 1:3

A powerful adaptogenic herb with proven immune enhancing activity.
"Contains Red Reishi Mushroom, 250 mg/ml (30 drops)."
1 fl oz - 57063

“Treatment”

Immune Acute Complex

"A blend of herbs that are thought to exert a direct, stimulating effect on immune function.  The formula designed for treatment, rather than prevention"
"Contains: Astragalus Root 50 mg, Maitake Mushroom 50 mg, Shiitake Mushroom 50 mg, Fresh Echinacea angusifolia Root 75 mg, Forsythia Fruit 45 mg, Honeysuckle Flower 46 mg, Isatis Root 45 mg, Licorice Root 13 mg, Colloidal Silver 15 ppm, 0.05 ml, Garlic Bulb 13 mg, Beta-Glucan 5 mg, Eucalyptus Oil 0.6 mg, Menthol Crystals 1.5 mg,"
1 fl oz - 57728

Echina Acute Cmplex

"Designed for “acute” immune support, i.e. when an infection is imminent or active. A broad spectrum anti-infective, immune support formula."
"Phyto-Tech™ Echina Acute Complex Herbal Liquid contains: Echinacea angustifolia Root, Goldenseal Root, Yerba Mansa Root, Oregon Grape Root, Licorice Root, Red Root, Myrrh Gum, Wild Indigo Root"
1 fl oz - 56946
Alcohol Free - 1 fl oz - 56974
60 Liquid Filled Veg Caps - 57093

Ginger Immune Tonic

A Blend of Ginger and other Immune Modulating Herbs
"Each 1/2 Teaspoon contains Ginger Root 271 mg, Elderberry Fruit 90 mg, Fresh Ginger Root 44 mg, Fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root 27 mg and Vitamin C 60 mg, in a base of vegetable glycerine, honey, purified water. Each serving is equivalent to 6,000 mg of fresh Ginger. All herbs are certified organic."
4 fl oz - 57012

Oregano Oil 70

" It provides immediate, broad spectrum immune support and anti-microbial action. It also helps regulate candida."
"Guaranteed true Wild Oregano, from Turkey. Steam distilled for highest purity and potency. standardized to not less than 70% Carvacrol"
1 fl oz - 56939
60 Liquid Filled Veggie Caps - 57047
120 Liq Filled Veggie Caps - 57046

Echinacea Triple 1:2.1

"A blend of three forms of Echinacea, helpful to those with colds, flu, immune deficiency and infections."
"Phyto-Tech Echinacea Triple contains fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root, fresh Echinacea purpurea flowers, dry Echinacea angustifolia root, fresh Ginger root,"
1 fl oz - 56994
Alcohol Free: 1 fl oz - 57052

Common Cold

In addition to those previously mentioned,

Immune Acute Complex,

Echina Acute Complex,

Ginger Immune Tonic,

and Oregano O il 70,

consider the following:

Pelargonium

"Pelargonium sidoides, also known as umckaloabo, is a member of the Geranium family; of benefit to those suffering from bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, or colds."
Each serving (one teaspoonful or 5 ml) contains the following: Selectively Imported Pelargonium sidoides Root 1X 500 mg
4 fl oz Cherry Flavor - 57729

Respiratory Complex

"A blend of antimicrobial, decongestant, bronchopulmonary healing herbs."
"Liquid, regular and alcohol free, similar to caps (see below), but with no Oregano Oil."
1 fl oz - 56955
Alcohol Free: 1 fl oz - 57027
Child Friendly: 1 fl oz - 56956
60 Liquid Filled Veg Caps - 57089
"Liq Caps contain Fresh Osha Root, Fresh Yerba Santa Leaf, Lomatium Root, Garlic Bulb, Mullein Leaf, Thyme Herb, Licorice Root, Oregon Grape Root, Echinacea purpurea Flowering Tops, Wild Cherry Bark, Ginger Root, Oregano Oil."

Osha Root 1:1/5

Phyto-Tech Osha Root is considered by many Herbalists to be the best American herb for lung and throat infections. It is especially beneficial for infections where one is already congested and inflammed.
"Contains Fresh Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri),"
1 fl oz - 56965

Mushroom Extract Complex

"Dual Extraction Blend; A powerful combination of immune enhancing, adaptogenic mushroom extracts."
"Contains: Shiitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Fresh Ashwagandha Root, Licorice Root,"
1 fl oz - 57002

Sinus Decongest

"A blend of herbs that exert an immediate, dramatic effect on the sinus area. These herbs are pungent and aromatic, producing vapors that open and dilate the sinus passageways."
"Contains: Horseradish Root Fresh, Spilanthes Herb Fresh, Echinacea angustifolia Root, Elderberry, Peppermint Oil, Olive Leaf, Horehound Herb, Garlic, Licorice Root, Cayenne Fruit, Boneset Herb, Osha Root Fresh, Andrographis Herb, Onion, Yarrow Herb, Goldenseal Root, Wild Cherry Bark, Water Pure Deionized, Alcohol Pure Grain, Glycerin Vegetable, Honey."
1 fl oz - 56941

Throat Spray

"A soothing, healing spray for sore and irritated throats. Alcohol Free."
"Contains: Fresh Osha Root, Echinacea angustifolia Root, Propolis, Thyme Herb, Fresh Spilanthes Flower, Fresh Ginger Root, Licorice Root, Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerin, Deionized Water, Organic Honey, Natural Flavors (Raspberry and Mint)"
1 fl oz - 56957

Ginger Cough Tonic

A blend of Ginger and other herbs especially useful for soothing coughs
"Each 1/2 teaspoon provides Ginger Root 268 mg, Fresh Osha Root 100 mg, Fresh Ginger Root 43 mg, Wild Cherry Bark 33 mg, Licorice Root 33 mg in a base of Vegetable Glycerine, Hoeny, Purified Water. Each serving is equivalent to 6,000 mg of fresh Ginger. Herbs are certified organic or wild harvested."
4 fl oz - 56985

Echinacea Goldenseal

"Each Phyto-Tech Echinacea Goldenseal Veg capsule contains the following: Echinacea angustifolia Root, 150 mg; Echinacea purpurea Herb, 100 mg; Echinacea purpurea Root, 100 mg; Goldenseal Root, 100 mg. 100% Vegetarian. Certified Organic"
90 Veg Caps - 60125

Flu (Influenza)

In addition to those previously mentioned,
Immune Acute Complex,
Echina Acute Complex,
Ginger Immune Tonic,
and Oregano Oil 70,
consider the following:

Elderberry

Recent research shows this herb may be especially effective for those with influenza virus infections
Phyto-Tech™ Elderberry 1:2 contains 500 mg of certified organic Elderberry berries in each 30 drops.
1 fl oz - 57026

5 Echinacea 1:2.1

"A combination of five different forms of Echinacea, thought by some to maximize the effects through a more diverse blend of active constituents."
"Phyto-Tech™ 5 Echinacea 1:2.1 contains Echinacea purpurea Herb, Echinacea purpurea Root, Echinacea angustifolia Root, Fresh Echinacea purpurea Flower, Fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root Non GMO Soy Lecithin, Modified Vegetable Cellulose (capsule) and Coconut Oil.  Certified Organic."
60 Liquid Filled Veg Caps - 57090

Mushroom Extract Complex

"Dual Extraction Blend; A powerful combination of immune enhancing, adaptogenic mushroom extracts."
"Contains: Shiitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Fresh Ashwagandha Root, Licorice Root,"
1 fl oz - 57002

Cough, Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion

Whatever the underlying cause, certain supplements already mentioned can be valuable when these symptoms present themselves.
Sinus Decongest
Respiratory Complex
Throat Spray
Ginger Cough Tonic

For those who have an interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the product Phyto-Tech™ Cough Complex, described below, should be of interest.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cough Complex

A traditional Chinese formula for immediate respiratory system support; relieves coughs and congestion.
"Phyto-Tech™ Cough Complex contains the following herbs: Houttuynia Herb, Poria Cocus, Platycodon Root, Skullcap Root, Bitter Orange Fruit, Fritillaria Bulb, White Mulberry Root Bark, Tangerine Peel, Licorice Root, Pinellia Root, Ginger Root."
1 fl oz  - 57036

Yin Chiao Plus

"A traditional Chinese Liquid Herbal Formula, traditionally used at the first sign of the common cold or flu. Can also be helpful as a preventive measure after suspected exposure to cold or flu."
"Containss: Isatis indigota Root, Ilex asprella Root, Chrysanthemum morifolium Flower, Forsythia suspensa Fruit, Lonicera japonica Flower, Lophatherum gracile Herb, Pueraria lobata Root, Schizonepeta tenuifolia Herb, Grain Alcohol, Deionized Water"
1 fl oz - 56993

Miscellaneous

There are other immune stimulating and immune modulating herbs, and many others with anti-microbial properties.

Silver Colloid Complex

"A combination containing Colloidal Silver 15ppm, Olive Leaf, and Wild Oregano Oil"
"Phyto-Tech™ Silver Colloid Complex contains the following: Colloidal silver 15ppm, Olive Leaf, Wild Oregano Oil (70% Carvacrol), Deionized Water, Pure Grain Alcohol, Non-GMO Soy Lecithin"
1 fl oz - 56972
Spray: 1 fl oz  - 57021

Olive Leaf 1:2

"Increasingly recognized for its value as an immune system stimulant, antimicrobial agent, hypoglycemic agent and antihypertensive."
" Contains Olive Leaf (Olea europaea), 250 mg/ml,"
1 fl oz - 56958

Goldenseal Root 1:5

"Used by Native Americans for colds, flu, sore throat and intestinal problems."
Each Phyto-Tech Goldenseal Veg cap contains 250 mg of certified organic Goldenseal Root.
1 fl oz  - 56950
250 mg Veggie Caps, 60 - 60128

Echinacea Root 1:2

Contains 500 mg of certified organic Fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root per 30 drops.
1 fl oz - 56945
2 fl oz - 56980
Alcohol Free: 1 fl oz - 56968
90 Veg Caps - 60129
Contains 420 mg of certified organic Echinacea Root (Echinacea angustifolia).

For Children

Stay Well Complex

Child Friendly. A great family immune booster for use at the first sign of cold or flu. The addition of Elderberry and Vitamin C to two forms of Echinacea enhances efficacy.
"Contains Fresh Echinacea angustifolia Root, Fresh Echinacea purpurea Flower, Elderberry Berry, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 20 mg./ml., Vegetable Glycerin, Pure Water, Honey."
1 fl oz - 56976