With winter just around the corner, it’s time to plan ahead to ensure your immunity and respiratory health stay strong. It doesn’t matter whether you always tend to get sick over the winter months, have an ongoing respiratory complaint or just want to take a preventative approach. There are some important herbs and nutrients that really come into their own at this time of year to support respiratory tract and immune health. 1^st line of defence: Immune System Staying healthy during the colder winter months can be a challenge when you’re surrounded by sick family and friends or even just travelling to work on public transport. The immune system is your first line, surveillance system that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, constantly monitoring and protecting your state of internal and external health. A strong healthy immune system can quickly detect and destroy potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi or other substances that appear foreign or harmful. An unhealthy immune system is not able to mount an effective immune response, leaving you and your family more vulnerable to infections and illness generally. 2^nd line of defence: Respiratory Tract Both the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, sinuses and throat) and lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchial tubes and the lungs) can be affected during the cooler months with colds and flu, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Strengthening the lungs and supporting your respiratory tract generally will help to reduce the risk of developing respiratory difficulties. Many of the herbs and nutrients used to support respiratory tract health also have the added benefit of providing symptomatic relief for many respiratory conditions.

Our top 5 picks for immunity and respiratory health are:

1. Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey tail and Cordyceps are highly nutritious and all provide potent antiviral activity with a long traditional use in maintaining a strong healthy immune system. Reishi also provides antiallergy activity and Cordyceps helps to protect respiratory health. These medicinal mushrooms also help to relieve symptoms of colds, flu and mild upper respiratory tract infections.

2. Adhatoda One of the best-known herbs for many chronic respiratory complaints. Adhatoda dilates the bronchial tubes and reduces respiratory spasms to assist breathing and to relieve chest tightness, breathlessness, non-productive cough and wheezing. Adhatoda is an effective expectorant that helps to clear mucus from the respiratory tract, relieve coughs and reduce inflammation associated with allergic responses.

3. Elecampane Traditionally considered one of the best herbs for lung complaints, it also helps to strengthen the lungs and sustain the strength of those affected by chronic disorders of the respiratory tract.

4. Vitamin C Important for enhancing and balancing immune function. Low levels of vitamin C are linked to increased susceptibility for infections.

5. Vitamin D Essential for a healthy immune system that also enhances the activity and response of white blood cells during an infection. A significant number of Australians are considered deficient in vitamin D, particularly in winter.

Mr Vitamins recommends 

Herbs of Gold Products for Immunity and Respiratory Health

Find out more and shop online for these products below

• Lung Care
• Mushroom 5 Complex
• Vitamin D3 1000 
• Vitamin D3 Spray

For further advice and assistance you can always 'ask a Naturopath' at Mr Vitamins stores