Ever been caught in the clutches of a nasty cold or a relentless flu, wishing for a quick remedy? We've all been there. While there's no instant cure for the common cold, there are supplements that can help speed up recovery and support your body while it fights back.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Which supplements are most effective against colds & flu
- How they work in your body
- When and how to take them for best results
Cold & Flu Vitamin Guide
Ginger
This root has been recognized for centuries for its cold and flu relief properties. And it’s no wonder ginger tea is a go-to, easy home remedy to soothe symptoms. Ginger has over 400 different compounds, and gingerol is one of the most important. Gingerol is linked to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.1
Studies show that ginger can prevent viruses from overstaying their welcome.1 Not only does it prevent viruses from entering and replicating, but it can also influence the immune system to be more vigilant.1
How to take Ginger when you're sick
One quick and easy way of incorporating this root while you’re already sick is with ginger tea. Another easy way is with Jamieson’s Ginger, as it’s traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve bronchitis as well as coughs and colds.
Garlic
Another herbal staple that helps fight off colds & the flu is garlic. Research has indicated that allicin, found in garlic, helps block viruses from entering cells and replicating.3 This herbal supplement also does a great job at strengthening the immune system – especially fighting cells like macrophages and antibiotic-producing B-cells, enabling them to work more effectively and fight off unwanted viruses.3
How to get more garlic in your diet
For an added immune boost during the fall and winter season, try adding more garlic into your diet. Not a fan? Try supplementing with Jamieson’s Odourless Garlic, for the benefits of garlic without the smell or aftertaste.
Oregano
Not only delicious on your favorite pasta, oregano also boasts strong antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Carvacrol, a key compound in oregano oil, has strong antimicrobial actions and works by damaging bacteria so they’re rendered ineffective.4
Jamieson has made it easy to get these antimicrobial benefits with its Oregano Oil plus Vitamin D and E. This supplement helps maintain immune function and helps reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections and colds in those with a vitamin D deficiency.
Elderberry
Another must-have for treating colds & the flu is elderberry. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and anthocyanins, elderberry boosts antibacterial and antiviral activities as well.5
Research shows that those who supplement with elderberry experience fewer symptoms and spend fewer days having a cold.5 Based on the research, some health experts find elderberry a safer alternative to prescription drugs for common colds.6
A delicious way to benefit from elderberry is with Jamieson’s Elderberry Gummies with immune-fighting echinacea and ginger. They help relieve cold and flus symptoms, like coughs and sore throats, and are a family favourite that can be enjoyed by both adults and children!
Cold Fighter
Looking for an all-in-one solution? Jamieson’s Cold Fighter combines vitamin C, zinc, and immune-supporting herbs like echinacea and ginger to help fight early signs of cold and flu symptoms.
Echinacea is another herb that positively 7 influences the immune system and helps reduce the incidence of colds.8 Vitamin C and zinc support immune cells so they can work more effectively. Jamieson’s Cold Fighter is an expertly formulated supplement that helps fight early signs of cold and flu symptoms and can help shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
Recap: What to take for Cold & Flu
While there are no instant cold-remedies, you can take supplements to help fight symptoms of cold and flu more effectively:
- Ginger & Garlic → great natural antivirals
- Oregano & Elderberry → support immune defenses and shorten duration
- Cold Fighter → convenient all-in-one option
Being prepared with these 5 supplements ensures you can support your immune system and recover faster during cold & flu season.
References:
- Jafarzadeh, A., Jafarzadeh, S., & Nemati, M. (2021). Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 8(4), 267–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2021.10.001
- West, H. (2021, September 28). How garlic fights colds and the flu. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-fights-colds-and-flu
- Rouf, R., Uddin, S. J., Sarker, D. K., Islam, M. T., Ali, E. S., Shilpi, J. A., Nahar, L., Tiralongo, E., & Sarker, S. D. (2020). Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Trends in food science & technology, 104, 219–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.08.006
- Wijesundara, N. M., Lee, S. F., Cheng, Z., Davidson, R., & Rupasinghe, H. P. (2021). Carvacrol exhibits rapid bactericidal activity against streptococcus pyogenes through cell membrane damage. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79713-0
- Wieland, L. S., Piechotta, V., Feinberg, T., Ludeman, E., Hutton, B., Kanji, S., Seely, D., & Garritty, C. (2021). Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 21(1), 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L., & Dunne, E. (2019). Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 42, 361–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- Dobrange, E., Peshev, D., Loedolff, B., & Van den Ende, W. (2019). Fructansas immunomodulatory and antiviral agents: The case of echinacea. Biomolecules, 9(10), 615. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9100615
- Rondanelli, M., Miccono, A., Lamburghini, S., Avanzato, I., Riva, A., Allegrini, P., Faliva, M. A., Peroni, G., Nichetti, M., & Perna, S. (2018). Self-care for common colds: The pivotal role of Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5813095
