Optimal Seasonal Immunity and Viral Protection Protocol

Herbal recommendations for viral immunity:

Master Herbalist Steven Buhner has compiled a protocol to address virulent viral illnesses.  The tinctures and teas he recommends can be purchased here.  I also highly recommend reading his book “Herbal Antivirals.”

I have been making my own Elderberry syrup for my family for seasonal immunity.  I like the recipe available from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. This is incredibly easy and my kids actually like the way it tastes.  Adults should take 1 tablespoon twice per day for prevention and kids should take 1 teaspoon twice per day.  

Medicinal mushrooms, such as those sold by Host Defense, are well-established immune regulators to boost immunity.  Follow package instructions for dosing.  

Herbs that we are using at HHA to promote viral immunity and respiratory health include Astragalus, Calamus, Cat’s Claw, Chinese skullcap, Cinnamon, Devil’s club, Echinacea, Grindelia, Lemon Balm, Lomatium, Osha, Poke, Saint John’s Wort, Usnea.  Please work with your Naturopathic Doctor or Herbalist to determine the right blends for you.  

Nutrients for immune support:

Selenium – 400 – 800 mcg daily with food.

Zinc picolinate – 100-300 mg daily with food.  

Vitamin A – 25,000 IU most days.  100,000 IU daily for 7 days every 8 weeks as a high dose pulsed protocol.

Vitamin D – 5,000 – 10,000 IU most days. 50,000 IU daily for 7 days in a row every 8 weeks as a high-dose pulsed protocol.  

Fish oil or plant-based EFA’s – 3 capsules or 1 teaspoon with food daily.  

Specific dietary guidelines for optimal immunity:

  • Reduce or completely eliminate refined sugar.  Sugar is immune suppressive.  

  • Consider a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting to promote autophagy and strengthen immunity.  

  • Avoid processed foods.  Try to eat foods prepared at home with organically sourced, whole-food ingredients.  

  • Focus on optimal hydration by drinking plenty of clean, filtered water with electrolytes.  

Focus efforts on improving the foundations of good health:

  • Fresh air and time in nature

  • Regular exercise

  • Healthy diet

  • Restful sleep

  • Supportive relationships

  • Clean environment

  • Stress management

  • Spiritual connection

Does hygiene really work for viral protection?

Short answer – yes.  Frequent hand-washing — and use of hand sanitizers when hand-washing is not practical — help reduce disease transmission.  I also recommend that patients with weakened immune systems change their clothes as soon as they get home and wash clothing immediately.  Showering as soon as you get home also helps wash away viruses that may be attached to skin and hair.  Many viruses need to be attached to mucosal membranes for many hours before they can cause infection. Along these lines, I also recommend nasal rinses with saline, xylitol (X-LEAR), silver (ACS-nasal), propolis (Propol-IT).  I suggest patients use the sprays at least 3-4 times per day for prevention and up to every hour during acute illness or exposure. More frequently washing and changing bed sheets and towels can also help reduce infection risk.  

Masks are most effective when worn by sick patients to prevent transmission.  Healthy patients may not benefit from wearing masks.  The quality of mask dramatically impacts the effectiveness.  I advise patients to look for carbon-based masks with at least an N95 rating (or higher).  

How can I prepare my household ?

  • Be sure to find balanced, reputable sources for accurate information.  Read information distributed online with a critical eye for accuracy and relevance.  

  • Stay home if you have acute cold or flu symptoms.  

  • Incorporate healthy habits to promote optimal immunity – this includes time in nature, eating a healthy diet, maintaining good hydration, sleep hygiene, spiritual connection and stress management.  

  • Ensure that your nutrient status is well supported by eating a variety of healthy foods and supplementing with professional-grade nutrients when needed.

  • Implement an herbal and functional medicine protocol to support viral and respiratory immunity.

  • Keep a 4-week supply of food and dry goods in your home – be sure you have enough for everyone in the family, including pets.  Supplies at many stores in Western Washington are already low as the community is purchasing higher quantities of household supplies than normal.  

  • Keep a 30 -day supply of essential medications at home in case of an interruption in supply.

  • Identify child-care plans in case schools are cancelled for extended periods.

  • Discuss options for working remotely with your employer

  • Use essential oil diffusers and natural anti-microbial agents to clean surfaces in the home and car frequently.  

  • Use air filters in the home – most will help to reduce pathogens and particulates, some (like Molekule) also destroy microbes.

     Remember – the body’s inherent ability to defend against invasive pathogens is truly remarkable.  We come into contact with potentially life-threatening infectious diseases every day.  Most of the time, we will have no conscious awareness of the interaction between these bugs and our mighty immune defenses.  Empower yourself to take charge of your health and make positive changes at this time for your family.