Powerful Natural Immune Booster

Its Cold and Flu Season – how will you protect yourself? 

So here we are once more, at the beginning of the ”cold and flu” season, only this year has an added feeling of doom and gloom as many of us worry about the new kid on the block, who may or may not have more of a punch than our regular bad boys.
However whether you are worried about “the virus” or just want to keep your immune system strong to fend off any lurgies, there are many natural remedies that will really help boost your immunity.

A few of my favourites are:
• Colloidal silver (should be at least 25ppm for best effects)
• Thieves oil (a blend of 5 essential oils all known for their immune boosting effects)
• Oil of oregano (not the essential oil – this is different and can be used internally)
• Echinacea (best used at the first sign of symptoms)
I keep a good supply of these things in my natural apothecary, to ensure we are always prepared.

However one great remedy I want to share with you today is olive leaf extract.
Long used in traditional medicine, olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree and has a variety of health benefits. Research shows oleuropein, the main component in olive leaf extract, has antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory , and immune-stimulating properties.

Let me start by telling you about some its fantastic benefits:
• Immune system boost – Olive leaf extract contains a high level of anti-oxidants, and has been shown to guard against the influenza virus. It’s also rich in anti-microbial properties helping to protect against other viruses, fungal infection and bacterial infections too!
• Lowers Blood Pressure – studies have shown it to be as effective as some hypertension medication, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system
• Reduces cholesterol – a study on animals showed daily supplementation improved the triglyceride levels in the blood, further reducing risk from heart disease.
• Regulates diabetes type 2 – helps with the digestion and absorption of starches, and maintains blood sugar levels
• Improves cognitive function – protects against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, strokes and brain injuries, and generally helps improve cognitive performance.
• Pain relief – Hydroxytyrosol, a compound found in olive leaves,
has anti-inflammatory properties making it an effective remedy from pain – particularly chronic or long term pain.
• Herpes and cold sores – both viruses can be treated very effectively by applying a drop topically to the area on a ball of cotton wool. It anti-viral and anti-microbial properties stop the virus from spreading to nearby cells.
• Reduces risk of cancer – The component, called Oleuropein, has antioxidant and anti-angiogenic properties, thus preventing advanced tumor cells from multiplying and moving.
• Helps arthritis – due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Considerations:

If taking BP medication its best to avoid or consult with your GP

Avoid during pregnancy – not enough research has been done on the effects during pregnancy, to date.

If taking blood thinners please avoid or consult with your GP first.

It can irritate the stomach if too much is taken at once. Start with small does and work up if your stomach is sensitive.

Do not use for young children under 2 years.

Doses: Conversion 1 ml=1000mg; 1ml=20drops (approx.)

• Adults (maintenance): 20 drops (1ml or 1000mg) in same amount of warm water twice daily. For children 2-5 use quarter of the dose and aged 6-12 years use half the dose.

• Adults disease prevention: 60-80 drops twice daily

• Adults acute illness: 150 drops twice daily

Recipe:

If you are lucky enough to have an olive tree nearby, its super simple to make this great remedy. You can also buy olive leaves and make it yourself too. This recipe is for a 1:3 strength ratio.

You will need:

• 50gms of fresh olive leaves

• 150ml of 40% proof triple distilled alcohol

• Glass jar

Wash the leaves in filtered water and allow to dry. When dry, pack them into the jar and cover with alcohol. If necessary add a little more to make sure all the leaves are covered.

Seal the jar and leave for 4-6 weeks in a dark closet.

Shake the jar occasionally to make sure the leaves are still covered.

After the 4-6 week period, strain the leaves out and pour the tincture into dropper bottles for ease of use.

To use:

Add the tincture to hot water and drink when cool enough. The warm water will make the alcohol evaporate. Use a ratio of 1 to 1. 1 part hot water, to 1 part tincture. E.g. 40 drops in 2ml of hot water.