Much confusion exists around the applications of therapeutic silver. Widespread criticism regarding colloidal silver is rampant on the internet. Google searches are packed with claims about its ineffective and even toxic uses. While these claims are debated, a lot of basic science is omitted from the conclusions, leaving readers vulnerable to misinformation. As is often the case on the internet, information can be convincingly misleading. Our goal is to make sure industry and ego bias are not the basis for this misinformation.

What is colloidal silver?

Colloidal silver is a liquid of very small silver particles suspended in “colloid” for even distribution. Elemental silver has a +1 charge. Many times when placed in the colloid solutions, the charge on the silver becomes neutral. This is an important distinction when assessing therapeutic value. Some colloidal silver forms are in solutions that have been able to stabilize and maintain that positive charge. This charge, solution, and absorbability of the silver is where the microbial-balancing and immune-supportive quality exists. The absorbable silver creates action to limit microbial overgrowths, which supports overall immune health.

When reading reports about ineffective results, there are two main questions: 1) What is the charge of the solution studied, and 2) What type of solution is it? A pure water solution containing the positively charged silver will have a different therapeutic value than a neutral, non-aqueous solution. Without these answers, the claim that all colloidal silvers are ineffective is misguided.

What is nanoparticle silver?

Colloidal silver is actually not the most widely-used silver therapy. Nanoparticle silver is a popular, proven treatment whereby the value is not in the charge of the silver but rather the small particle size. How big is a nanoparticle, you say? It would take 6,000-8,000 nanoparticles to make up the diameter of just one mature human red blood cell, which is 6-8 micrometers!

The silver nanoparticles’ ability to create a coating is what can disrupt and kill microbes, almost a literal and figurative “silver lining.” The Journal of Nanobiotechnology* reports nanoparticle silver arrests the growth and multiplication of bacteria and fungi by binding to the actual cells. Because the nanoparticles are smaller than microorganisms, they inhibit cell growth and replication and rupture the bacterial and fungal cells, killing pathogens and reducing infection.

Silver nanoparticles are very effective at killing microbes and have a low-toxicity to human tissue. Also, because nanoparticles have a high surface area, the actual concentration used in the dosing is low, requiring only a minimal, nontoxic amount of silver for therapies.
 

With so many negative colloidal silver claims on the web, understanding and trusting any silver protocol is difficult. The forms, types, and chemistry of the silver therapy matters. We urge you to use critical thinking when evaluating articles on the web and work with an informed practitioner to determine the right therapy for you. Use silver therapies under careful provider guidance.

Importantly, Peoples Rx researches the validity and quality of every product in the store and has trained staff who are knowledgeable about the latest research and safe therapeutic applications. We want you to know that when you shop at Peoples, you’re in good hands!
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

 
 
*Siddiqi, K.S., Husen, A. & Rao, R.A.K. A review on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their biocidal properties. J Nanobiotechnol 16, 14 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0334-5.

We have been fielding a lot of questions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic about “the elderberry controversy.” There have been several warnings circulating about the potential catastrophic effects of taking elderberry extracts with COVID-19. The concern is that elderberry extracts may cause a fatal “cytokine storm” in patients affected by COVID-19.
 

What is a cytokine storm?

The immune system is like a team made up of a lot of different specialists. There are more than a dozen different types of immune cells, each one in charge of different aspects of immune function. They communicate using molecules called cytokines. There are LOTS of different cytokines (think: letters in the alphabet that are used to make words or phrases). When we contract a virus, a specific set of cytokines are released and they tell the virus-killing specialist cells to mobilize and swing into action. In most circumstances, this is how our body wins the battle against a virus, so an increase in those cytokines is usually a very good thing.

If the infection is severe, sometimes this cytokine signal gets stuck in a self-perpetuating loop. It keeps increasing, causing more and more of an immune response. If the immune response gets out of control, it can cause damage to our own healthy cells, sometimes on a large and dangerous scale. This is called a cytokine storm.

In the case of COVID-19, when people develop difficulty breathing and fluid build up, it is due to a cytokine storm. The huge excess of cytokines make the virus-killing cells too aggressive, and they end up damaging lung cells in addition to killing the virus. This can be fatal in some people. Just to clarify, the cytokines that can cause this deadly storm are the SAME cytokines** that are essential for us to have an immune response to the virus at all.

So, some “antiviral” cytokine signal = good
Way too much of that same cytokine signal = bad
 

How does this relate to elderberry extract?

Elderberry extract produces a small increase in the exact same antiviral cytokines* that we need to fight off things like respiratory viruses.
 

So, is elderberry safe or not?

It really is a matter of scale. Elderberry extract can produce a 2-6x increase in these cytokines. For the sake of perspective, running a marathon can produce a 100x increase in these same cytokines. A cytokine storm produced by a virus that is severe enough to start causing dangerous respiratory distress is more like a 1000x increase. Taking this into consideration, the elderberry is not really the problem in this scenario.

For mild illness or early stages of illness in an otherwise healthy person, elderberry is theoretically a safe and effective choice for immune support. BUT once a virus-induced cytokine storm has started, adding elderberry would not be helpful, and could add to the already growing storm.
 

In summary

Elderberry by itself does not cause cytokine storms.

In otherwise healthy people, elderberry extract should be a safe and effective choice for immune support.

In people with underlying health conditions who already have immune imbalances or lung issues (autoimmune, COPD, pneumonia), elderberry might not be the best choice.

If you become infected with COVID-19 and develop lung symptoms, you should immediately STOP taking elderberry for immune support, and contact your healthcare provider.

There are many other herbs and nutrients that can be used to optimize and balance immune function. Elderberry is not our only option!

 
You can schedule a telehealth appointment with me by calling the Peoples Wellness Center at 512-219-8600. I, as well as the other Peoples Naturopathic Doctors, am also offering discounted mini consultations focusing specifically on immune support. Appointments can be over the phone or via video conference, and all appointments are safe and confidential.
 
**The cytokines that start the immune response and are also increased by elderberry, echinacea, and beta-glucan concentrates are: Interleukin-1b, TNF-alpha, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-8.
 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

As we all know, COVID-19 has led to unique opportunities and innovation out of desperation amid basic supply shortages. With disinfectant cleaners and hand sanitizers hard to come by over the last four months, many companies have started producing products not in their normal lineup of offerings in order to meet demands.

The CDC says that washing hands with plain soap and water for 20 seconds is still the best way to prevent the spread of infections. If soap and water are not readily available, they recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 

FDA sanitizer recalls

While there is evidence to support sanitizer having effectiveness with as low as 60% alcohol content, not all brands are created equal. The FDA just released safety information on hand sanitizers, in particular a list of recalled brands due to potential presence of undeclared Methanol (wood alcohol).

“The FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), but have tested positive for methanol contamination.

The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations, and death.

Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects.”

See the FDA’s full statement, as well as the list of recalled sanitizers here. The list is being updated daily.

Our wellness department is currently able to keep a few sanitizer brands in stock, none of which appear on the FDA recall list. You can trust that Peoples’ selection of sanitizers is effective and safe for you and your family to use. What’s more, if your sanitizer is over-drying, you can check with our knowledgeable wellness team for creams and supplements to help retain and restore moisture to your hands.
 

Peoples has your hands covered

In an unprecedented move, earlier this year the FDA granted compounding pharmacies permission to compound high quality hand sanitizer for purchase without a prescription! Typically, any item that is compounded requires a prescription per government regulation.

This unique opportunity allows Peoples to compound our own safe and effective hand sanitizer, which we quickly began making batches of. We started donating sanitizer to first responders in the Austin area back in April, and are prepared to make and sell it to the public should the shortage of sanitizer on shelves continue. Being a compounding pharmacy, Peoples has higher standards we are required to comply with, and we’re able to use the highest quality, FDA-approved chemicals in the industry.
 

Does your sanitizer smell like tequila?

Distilleries were also granted permission to make hand sanitizer. Many local distilleries like Tito’s, Deep Eddy, and Dripping Springs stepped up to the task and began making sanitizer when the city’s shelter-in-place orders first took effect. And thank goodness, because our first responders and medical staff on the frontlines of COVID-19 needed it desperately!

But yes, many of the sanitizers currently being produced do have a foul scent. They smell like vodka, tequila, or rum, have a watery or thin consistency, and are extremely drying to your hands. Don’t be alarmed though, as smell or consistency doesn’t necessarily change the effectiveness of a sanitizer. Once again, just be sure to check the FDA’s recall list before purchasing sanitizer.

Thank you for choosing Peoples Rx for your wellness and compounding needs. We appreciate you and are here to help!

Jenni Kroplin has been in pharmacy compounding, marketing, and education for 6 years, and is the Educational Outreach Director for Peoples Rx. She is passionate about educating and advocating for compounding, and actively participates in continuing education courses with PCCA for the latest innovations and updates in compounding.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Staying home during a global pandemic is a great time to work on boosting your immune system, if you weren’t already! While having a strong immune system is indeed important during something like the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s actually significant all the time. At any age, year-round, no matter your health status.

How To Boost Your Immune System Now

Of course there are tons of supplements and vitamins out there that can help with immunity (we’ll touch on that below), but there are other ways to work on your immune system that involve the things you already do every day to be and stay healthy.

Get up and exercise
Getting a daily dose of exercise is obviously good for your overall health, but did you know it can better your immune system too? The lymphatic system, an off-shoot of your veins, is the highway for your immune cells. The best way to get blood and lymph pumping is to exercise. This helps get immune cells where they need to go and helps relieve stagnation in inflamed tissue. In early stages of infection, any movement actually stimulates the immune system.

And we don’t mean you have to train for a marathon or become a powerlifter, either. If your gym is closed or you’re not the gym type, just focus on moving your body and raising your heart rate. Take a brisk neighborhood walk with the family and/or dog, have a living room dance party, search Youtube for bodyweight workout plans, do yoga! Set up a home “gym” with canned food, milk jugs filled with water, and that jump rope you once upon a time stashed in the junk closet.

Focus on nutrition
Ah yes, eating “clean.” The thing so many of us strive to do day in and day out. What many people don’t realize is how important diet is to the immune system. Poor nutrition creates inflammation that weakens the immune system, congests the liver, and potentially feeds pathogens. Gluten, dairy, and sugar are the opposite of superfoods. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common inflammatory foods, creating mucous, inflammation, and tissue damage when ingested.

Get some sleep
We all know that the standard eight hours every night is best, but it’s especially necessary to build and keep a strong immune system. When you get into a deep sleep, your body secretes growth hormone, something that helped you grow from childhood. As an adult, growth hormone repairs tissue. You cannot properly heal from injury or inflammation if you don’t sleep.

Quit those bad habits
We know a lot of people have traded smoking for vaping in the last few years, but it’s not any better for our overall health. And even though you often hear that a little nightly red wine is good for heart health, it’s important to remember that any alcohol isn’t great for the body. Alcohol, in any way, shape, or form is toxic to the liver, digestive system, pancreas, and kidneys. These are also main immune and detox organs that need support during infections.

When supplements can help
As hard as we work to be as healthy as possible, sometimes you need a little supplementation help, and that’s ok! Three basic supplements for the immune system are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. Upper respiratory viral infections have a classic history with Vitamin C. Even 2,000-5,000 mg per day has been shown to shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections. Vitamin D is an immune supporter, and even people with adequate sun exposure can have low-levels of vitamin D. 2,000-5,000 IUs is a helpful, non-toxic dose to support your body during infections. Zinc is an immune activator that also inhibits the spread of bacteria and viruses. Peoples Rx has a wide array of these basic supplements, as well as specialized formulas for your specific needs.
 
While doing all of these simultaneously are the best case scenario for your body and immune system, know that every little bit helps. Just like maintaining a healthy weight, cutting out a specific food group or habit, and sticking to an exercise routine, building a strong immune system is an ongoing, lifelong journey!

If you feel like you could use some immune support, our practitioners at Peoples Wellness Center and other Peoples Rx locations are currently scheduling virtual, discounted mini-consults focusing on the immune system. Schedule your telehealth appointment today by calling 512-219-8600.
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Our doors may be closed to foot traffic, but as you know, we are OPEN for service! When placing your curbside pickup or mail-out order with us over the phone, don’t forget to shop our supplement and grocery departments.

Many of the brands in our stores are local and/or small businesses, so knock out two birds with one stone: stocking your pantry with fun, healthier options and supporting small biz!
 

Add delicious groceries to your pickup order

Honey Mama’s honey cocoa bars
Olipop sparkling tonic
Healing Home Foods raw crackers & graham bites
Kate’s Real Food organic energy bars
Blue Mountain Organics organic, sprouted, raw nuts
Bubba’s Fine Foods banana chips
Nate’s Raw Harvest mixed nuts
Rockit Snacks pumpkin seeds
Soozy’s Grain-Free donuts (South Lamar only)
Sambazon acai bites (South Lamar only)
 

Support small and local brands

Harper & Soul nut blends
Culina coconut yogurt
Credo Foods plant-based dips
Fuel Your Soul energy bites
Oye kombucha
Transform Fitness protein bites
Upriver Cacao nitro cacao drinks
Kosmic Kombucha (including the yummy Peoples Wellpower flavor!)
Element Kombucha
Ladybird Provisions butter coffee bombs
Snack Jack plant-based jackfruit jerky
Siete grain-free tortilla chips
Farmhouse Culture kraut chips
 

Don’t forget your immune support!

Biogenesis CompliVir, Immune Balancing Complex, Monolaurin, Pulmonary Factors
BioStar Botanical Berricade
Designs for Health Immunitone Plus
New Chapter Fermented Zinc Complex
NuMedica Immune Support Program, ImmunoMed 3-6
Peoples Rx (Neurogistics) Immune Support 2
Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw
Xymogen OliveDefense, XcellentA 3000
Elderberry capsules, liquid, lozenges
Colloidal Silver gel, liquid, spray
Vitamin A, C, D, select zinc options
ClearLungs
Deep Lung Liquid
 

Cleaning and household products

Aunt Fannie’s cleaning vinegar and microcosmic probiotic hand soap
Handzies Wipes soap and water handwipes
Pranarom hand purifier
Stream2Sea hand sanitizer
 

May promos

Acure 15% off all facial care
CV Sciences 15% off select CBD gummies and lotions
Designs For Health 15% off Twice Daily Multi
Gaia Herbs 30% off select products like adrenals, Ashwagandha, Calm ASAP, hemp, sleep, & more
HempFusion 25% off all CBD products
Himalaya Herbs 20% off select products like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, StressCare, and more
MyChelle 25% off all products
New Chapter 20% off select products like multivitamins, hair/skin/nails, Wholemega, elderberry, & more
Nordic Naturals 20% off select omega products
Probulin 25% off Women’s Health Probiotic

 
 
These aren’t comprehensive lists, so ask for suggestions if you aren’t quite finding what you’re looking for. To place your order, call your nearest Peoples location and speak to a Wellness employee. See you curbside!

North Lamar 512-459-9090
South Lamar 512-444-8866
Westlake 512-327-8877
Lakeline 512-219-9499

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

COVID-19 has arrived in Austin and we are officially under a shelter-in-place order from the City.

Like we previously said, don’t panic. Don’t hoard. Look out for friends, family, neighbors, and strangers. Don’t spread unconfirmed, mis-information. Try to help others stay calm.

Avoid taking more than what is suggested on the label of anti-inflammatory supplements (stick to taking them as directed on labels), and avoid taking supplements or herbal formulas with antiviral** properties before you are actually ill. Basic health support (sleep, exercise, proper hand washing, healthy diet, low sugar, and anything you can do to keep anxiety low) is very important. Keep taking your basic supplements like Vitamin C, Zinc, Astragalus, and Mushrooms, which have immune-boosting properties. If you ended up with a lifetime supply of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, face masks, or herbs with antiviral properties, be willing to share.
 
Get your information from trusted sources.
Since a great way to calm the sense of anxiety is to have a plan, we wanted to share some trusted resources with you. Twitter feeds and Facebook posts are not the best way to get factual information, and it is proven that going down the Facebook rabbit hole increases anxiety and stress hormones (not to mention the EMF radiation you are getting from your phone). Put the phone down. Go for a walk in this beautiful spring weather!
 
Try to limit your coronavirus information updates to these reliable sources:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and their reports updated daily

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and their updates on testing in the U.S.

Texas Health and Human Services

City of Austin
 
Testing updates
The U.S. in general, and Texas in particular, are still lagging behind in the availability of test kits and streamlined testing procedures. This situation is improving.

That said, testing is now available and being done by doctor offices, clinics, hospitals, as well as the Public Health Department. Clinics are probably more nimble than the Health Department. Samples MUST be taken by a doctor or clinic staff and tests must be ordered by a doctor.

The news outlets have reported several “drive through” testing centers that recently opened. These exist, but they are test sites for pre-screened patients to receive testing without entering the facility where they could potentially spread the virus. There is no “self-service” or “on-demand” testing available at this time.
 
In order to be tested at one of these sites you must:

• Open a patient portal account with the facility running the test site.
• Take the free, online questionnaire to see if you might qualify for testing.
• Visit with a staff clinicians via telehealth screening (Examples include Baylor Scott & White or Ascension).

 
Testing criteria
You must meet certain screening criteria to be tested. The screening criteria are slightly different depending on the lab running the test. It is still much more likely that respiratory illness symptoms are due to other infectious agents rather than COVID-19. Most guidelines also require that you are tested for other things (like the flu, pneumonia, and other common illnesses) before you are tested for COVID-19.

Most hospitals and clinics will be following the CDC recommendations for who to test.

• Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in order to inform decisions related to infection control.
• Other symptomatic individuals such as older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for poor outcomes (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).
• Any persons including healthcare personnel, who within 14 days of symptom onset had close contact with a suspect or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient, or who have a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of their symptom onset.

In addition to the above criteria, Austin Public Health is limiting testing to individuals who have symptoms as well as strong reason to suspect exposure.
 
If you feel sick
The general symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and/or difficulty breathing/sense of constriction or tightness in chest.

If you have symptoms and have reason to suspect you could have been exposed:

CALL your primary care doctor if you have one.

If you do not have a doctor or insurance:

• CALL an urgent care, walk-in clinic, or emergency room, and inquire about testing. You can also call the Ascension Texas hotline at 1-833-919-1680 to talk to a triage nurse.
• CALL 2-1-1 for information on low-cost or no-cost providers
• CALL CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. They can provide over the phone triage and help point you in the right direction.

STAY HOME

• Have food and medicine delivered to your door
• Take antiviral cold/flu supplements
• If you indeed have the flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19 strongly consider taking
  NAC and/or Mucinex to help keep the phlegm thin

**Antiviral supplements are herbs and nutrients that support the part of our immune systems that fight viruses. These supplements do not kill viruses directly.

 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

With the recent case of coronavirus in San Antonio hitting so close to home for us here in Austin, we at Peoples Rx know that the panic is spreading, and we’re here to say, first of all….don’t panic!

Check out the basic DOs and DON’Ts below, and consider them your first line of defense against the virus for you and your family. We’ve got immune-boosting suggestions, what steps to take if you start feeling ill, how to protect yourself if you have to travel, and more.
 

THE DON’Ts

Don’t panic.
Cortisol and other stress hormones are some of the most powerful immune suppressors. Currently, the statistics on coronavirus are less concerning than an average flu year.

• A smaller percentage of people are getting sick from coronavirus than with the flu.
• A smaller percentage of people who get sick are seriously ill than with the flu.
• Of the people who get sick, the percent of fatalities has varied from 0.7% in some areas to as high as 6% in areas of the first outbreak (where no precautions were yet available).
• At this time most of the outbreaks have centered around healthcare facilities where large numbers of immune-challenged people were living in close quarters.
• With the vigorous precautions being taken globally (quarantines, travel limitations, etc.), it is likely that the virus will not spread as aggressively as the flu virus (since we don’t quarantine flu victims every year).
• Try not to see the quarantines and public announcements as a sign that this virus is dire, but that positive global action is being taken to slow the spread of a new virus as we learn about it.

Don’t freak out if you can’t get surgical masks or hand sanitizer.
If you are not in direct contact with people who are sick (like working in a hospital or with quarantined people), and if you are not immune compromised, then you don’t really need a mask at this time. Facilities that make them are upping production. More are coming. Masks are MORE to stop you from spreading what you have, rather than for protecting you from others.

Don’t adopt a “save yourself” attitude.
Hoarding protective equipment, supplements, and supplies at the expense of others will only increase the spread of the virus, and thus your own risk. Communicable diseases are best addressed with coordinated community action.

Don’t megadose on Vitamin D, Vitamin A, turmeric, CBD, or fish oil.
While having adequate amounts of these is important in immune function, long-term high dosing can actually shift the immune system away from fighting viruses.

Don’t take high doses of antiviral herbs before early signs of sickness.
Taking these too early can shift the balance of the immune system, and lessen the “immune surge” that you want when you are first exposed to a virus.

Don’t eat a lot of sugar, drink a lot of coffee or alcohol, or smoke (anything).

Don’t take any unnecessary steroid medications (minimize over-the-counter steroid creams or nasal sprays if possible). If you are on a prescription steroid for a serious illness do NOT stop taking it, but do consider discussing the risk/benefit with your doctor.
 

THE DOs

Follow common sense precautions you would follow during any cold and flu season. This virus works the same way.

• Get plenty of rest.
• Get outside in the sun and move/exercise.
• Cough and sneeze into your bent elbow (not hands), and ask others to do the same.
• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes after touching public items such as doors, carts, tables, chairs, etc.
• Use hand sanitizer (essential oil, silver, or alcohol based will all help).

Keep your stress levels low (exercise, dance, socialize, meditate, etc.).

Laugh as much as possible! Laughter increases white blood cell count and immune function.

Look out for your neighbors, friends, and your community. Share what supplies you have with others who might be at a higher risk of exposure or falling ill.

Eat plenty of healthy foods, including organic greens from the broccoli family (broccoli, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens), as well as mushrooms.

• Greens like these provide folate which supports many regulatory systems in the body, including production of immune cells.
• These foods also contain sulforaphane which is crucial to optimized immune function.
• All mushrooms are immune enhancing, but shiitakes are particularly potent and delicious!
• Enhance your greens and mushrooms with ginger and garlic.

Make sure your Vitamin D levels are normal (between 60-100).

Consider investing in a high-quality air filter.

• IQ Air filters were used in Asia to slow down and help control the spread of SARS.
• More info from me on air filters and air quality here.

THE DOs (if exposed or feeling ill)

• Go into a voluntary home quarantine, alert your employers, work from home if possible.
• Alert all people you’d recently been around who you might have exposed.
• Call your doctor’s office for advice on getting tested and which healthcare facilities are the best to go to should you become gravely ill.
• Have groceries, food, and medicines delivered to your home. Avoid physical contact with delivery personnel to minimize their exposure.

Supplement Support

Immune basics

• Vitamin C (1000-5000mg per day)
• Zinc (15-30mg per day)
• Probiotics

Leveled-up immunity

• Mushroom extracts
• Mycommunity
• Turkey Tail
• Shiitake
• Astragalus
• Jade Windscreen
• ImmunoPRP or other colostrum products
• Elderberry syrup (1-3 teaspoons daily)
• Elderberry zinc lozenges
• Beta Glucans
• Whole Body Defense
• Immune Balancing Complex
• Kick Ass Immune
• Th1 Support + Innate Immune (1 capsule of each per day)

Post exposure
Early symptoms of coronavirus are fever, fatigue, aches, and dry cough. If you have a sore throat and/or a runny nose, it is probably a regular cold. Deploy these anti-viral herbs and high-dose nutrients:

• Vitamin C: 1000mg every few hours until loose stools, then stop
• Vitamin A: 50-100,000 IU per day for 4 days (not safe during pregnancy)
• Vitamin D: 30-50,000 IU per day for 4 days
• NAC: 600mg, 2 times a day (especially if you are experiencing a lot of mucus)
• Peoples Rx Immune Support Packs: 1 pack, 2-4 times a day
• Antiviral combination products like Viracid, Complivir, Kick Ass Immune, Innate Immune plus Th1 Support,Gan Mao Ling
• Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray
• Lactoferrin
• Serious Cough
• Pulmonary Factors
• Ivy Calm
• V Clear
• UMKA
• Th1 Support + Innate Immune (2 capsules, 2 times a day for 5 days)
• Immuno-Shield

If you have to travel by plane

• When masks are available again, consider wearing one. Remember these are more for protecting others from anything you might have rather than for protecting you, though they do help protect you some.
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Consider applying a thin layer of herbal salve in your nose. This can be nearly anything, even lip balm will do in a pinch. The salve offers an additional physical barrier to infection. Any herbs or essential oils would also help.
• Use AirBorne (fizzy tabs or lozenges) and/or elderberry zinc lozenges.
• Pick 1-3 of the leveled-up immune items listed above.

 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Elderberry/Sambucus spp

As soon as the weather gets cooler, most people want to do all they can to keep from getting sick. Thankfully, Elderberry syrup has made its way into our lives as a winter staple. You can easily find many Elderberry options at Peoples–syrup, lozenges, gummies, capsules–but what exactly is it, where does it come from, and how does it help us?

Elder is a tree or shrub native to Europe, with a history of use that dates back thousands of years and is still one of the most popular remedies in European folk medicine. The berries and flowers are most commonly used, and there are many folk recipes for Elderberry wines, medicinal beers, jams, and more!

Elder flowers are commonly used in teas for upper respiratory affections. They are soothing to irritated mucous membranes and act as an expectorant and relaxant. They can also be used when there is a fever present as they are a diaphoretic, which means they help to encourage perspiration and release heat. Rich in quercetin and rutin, they are also useful for inflammation due to allergies.

Elderberries are most famous for their efficacy in shortening the duration of the flu, which many clinical trials have proven. Studies have also shown that the berries have a direct effect on viruses by inhibiting their reproduction. These flavonoid-rich berries can also help decrease oxidative stress, strengthen the eyes, and protect from inflammatory damage. They are an important antioxidant, containing anthocyanin, vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, and so much more. Elderberries are a deep acting immune tonic that can be taken every day throughout cold and flu season.

We offer many different brands of elderberry syrup at all Peoples locations. While the syrup from Gaia is a highly concentrated form, I prefer our Texas-made Cassie Green Elderberry syrup because you get an additional benefit from the added honey. There are also sugar-free syrup options available as well as tinctures, capsules, and gummies. A bonus to Elderberry syrup is that it tastes delicious! It’s not to be missed this season!

Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

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