Let’s face it – winter can be miserable. As much as we might enjoy skiing and skating, it brings just too much misery – from snowstorms and frostbite, to colds, flu and even depression through the long dark nights.

We can’t control the weather, but we can take steps to make ourselves healthier in the winter. It starts with our general health, maintaining a good diet and regular exercise, particularly out in the fresh air. Small but regular doses of Vitamin C also help keep our immune system strong so we can fight off invading germs.

There has been a lot of confusing information in recent years about the herb Echinacea and its impact on preventing and fighting colds and flu. What’s made the stories confusing is that they usually don’t recognize that not all Echinacea is created equal. Some types are more effective than others and it is also vital to ensure that it is taken at a proper dosage to generate maximum benefit. The top of the line for Echinacea products is Echinaforce from A. Vogel. That’s because it is made of 95% fresh, organic Echinacea purpurea herb and 5% fresh, organic Echinacea purpurea root, and also has the research behind it to back up its efficacy and non-toxicity.

A study of Echinaforce by Dr. Jim Hudson at the University of British Columbia showed that even at high dilution it has a potent virus-killing activity against human influenza viruses (which cause flu), the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores) and respiratory syncytial virus (responsible for many lower respiratory infections, especially in children). His study also found Echinaforce can kill several bacteria associated with cold symptoms and can reverse the inflammatory effect of the chemicals induced by many respiratory viruses.

The difference between Echinaforce and other Echinacea products is both the research that has been done on it and the fact that it is made from fresh, not dried, plants, therefore leaving more of the active ingredients available to benefit you all winter.

For winter cold and flu prevention, start taking it in October and by the time the sun warms up in March you might be wondering why you still have so many boxes of un-used tissues around the house! And, as you enjoy your good health, chances are your skiing and skating skills might have improved as well.

Josée Fortin is an accredited naturopath based in Ottawa.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, November 2009