Finally with December 21st the winter has officially begun, we have faced the long Christmas marathon and the New Year's Eve dinner, meanwhile the TV newsletters have announced the arrival of the new flu strain that accompanies our winters like every year. Advice on vaccines especially for elderly people and heart patients has now entered our modus vivendi.

The vaccination topic is extremely complex and the schools of thought are too crowded with "soloni", so in this context we do not put our mouths, also because it is not our responsibility. However, we can resort to effective natural remedies to enhance our defense system and act in prevention and some phytotherapics that disinfect the airways, counteract cooling and seasonal fatigue, and we do not underestimate the melancholy of winter, which some people live in a more intense than others.

Natural supplements to prevent winter ailments

By now it is clear we must remember our immune system all year round and not just during the season changes. If we are not allergic subjects, with histamine reactive problems we can consider ourselves already very lucky because we have the possibility to activate a series of defensive barriers against possible winter disturbances, above all from cooling or viral.

• Echinacea : it's easy to say echinacea! There are several varieties, phytotherapy uses echinacea angustifolia, purpurea and pallida, in their phytocomplex. The active ingredients of this wonderful plant characterize it among the quintessential immunostimulant remedies . It stimulates our immune system to react to pathogens that can attack us in the cold season. Echinacea is also a powerful antiviral thanks to its ability to inhibit the degradation of hyaluronic acid: it therefore enhances the function of preventing the permeability of some viruses via the connective tissue. The purpurea variety has the ability to stimulate the production of interleukins and interferons, so the macrofage cells are alerted to absorb and destroy pathogens. Characteristic of the variety angustifolia is echinacoside, a substance capable of counteracting influenza, intestinal and mucosal viruses such as herpes.

• Rosa Canina : The dog rose is an important remedy that provides vitamin C, essential for preserving our physical and mental well-being, but also for vitamin B1 and B2. It carries out antioxidant activity and is indicated in case of vitamin C deficiency, in states of stress, cold, flu syndrome and can be taken safely even during pregnancy. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, useful also in case of joint pains. We regularly take infusions of rose hip, it is a pleasant drink that strengthens our immune system.

• Acerola : another remedy that provides vitamin C and immunostimulant properties is Acerola. This cherry-like is also rich in carotenoids and polyphenols, with antioxidant properties : useful in states of convalescence to accelerate recovery times, but also to promote cardiovascular well-being, as it balances the levels of glucose and triglycerides in the blood and stimulates production of good cholesterol…. and in winter our food is often rich in animal protein!

Natural supplements to combat winter disorders

• Propolis : propolis now we know it is considered a natural antibiotic that can help us counter classic respiratory infections of the winter season. Colds, coughs, flu are fields of action of propolis-based remedies: disinfectant and fluidifying fluids of the mucus, chewable tablets to soothe burning and redness of the throat, hydro-alcoholic sprays, dry extract of propolis to be taken to fight pathogens, in short it is You can choose the formulation that best suits our needs. This resinous substance processed by bees is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, salicylic acid, chlorogenic and caffeic acid, balsams, pollens. Propolis plays an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral action, so if we are not allergic to bee products we must keep this precious remedy at hand.

• Elderberry : flowers and leaves of this wonderful plant are rich in active ingredients very useful in winter in case of colds and fever. Elderberry brings vitamins A, B and C, flavonoids, triterpenes and tannins. Elderberry infusions help detoxify the body because this plant increases body sweating, it also acts as a useful vasodilator to counteract blockages from airway mucus, cough, asthma, colds. This remedy also helps the peripheral circulation, improving its flow, therefore useful in winter for all those who suffer from chilblains in the hands and feet.

• Pine buds: mountain pine buds are rich in aromatic and balsamic oils. They can be used in infusion to exploit their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, in case of breathing difficulties due to excess mucus or sinusitis. The pine melts the catarri, frees the bronchi and disinfects.