The Covid-19 pandemic has been an open forum for the discussion of the immune response, and many have been looking for answers in a world on lockdown. 

Elderberry

Elderberry flowers, leaves, and berries have been used in folk medicine as a treatment for influenza, various infections, sciatica, neuralgia, headache, toothache, and back pain. Additionally, it has been historically used as a diuretic, a laxative, and to induce vomiting. 

A study of 60 people suffering from flu who took elderberry syrup showed an improvement in symptoms within two to four days. Those in the control group (who had no remedy) did not report an improvement in health for at least seven to eight days.

Other studies showed that travelers using elderberry as a preventative measure reported that illnesses they encountered were shorter in duration and in intensity with the elderberry. A study of 64 people with the flu who were treated with elderberry lozenges showed improvement in their flu symptoms: fever, muscle aches, headache, and nasal congestion had improved after 24 hours of use.

Garlic

Garlic has been touted as a surefire immune system booster by many cultures for hundreds of years. The component of garlic which has been credited with the increased immune response is called alliin in raw whole garlic, and allicin in chopped or crushed garlic. The latter, allicin, is unstable by its nature and quickly converts to sulfur-based compounds. Garlic purists will swallow whole bulbs, and especially in Russia Eastern European countries will sometimes couple this practice with the use of sauna treatments to sweat out toxins through the skin.  

In the laboratory setting, garlic has in fact been shown to increase the action of some of the white blood cells of the body, increasing the immune response in the presence of diseases – such as in the common cold and influenza. It has been shown in studies to effectively prevent getting a cold, with daily users of garlic having a 63% lower risk of getting sick. Other studies showed that garlic users suffered from symptoms of illness for a shorter period of time. 

Zinc Lozenges

Zinc has become a popular remedy for shortening the life of a cold in the past decade. Zinc is a nutrient found throughout the human body that aids the immune system and also helps normal metabolic functioning. It is crucial in wound healing and also assists in normal taste and smell. 

Good dietary sources of zinc include chicken, red meat, and in breakfast cereals that have been fortified. Evidence strongly suggests the use of zinc lozenges taken within 24 hours after the onset of cold symptoms can help shorten the length of the common cold. 

The downside of zinc is that it can make certain medicines less effective, and can affect smell and taste adversely. The testing of intranasal zinc spray was linked to a significant loss of the sense of smell in test subjects: and in some cases, the loss of ability to smell was long-term or even permanent.

AHCC

AHCC is derived from shiitake and other mushrooms that feed on rotting hardwood trees in Asia. It has been shown to have significant positive effects on several aspects of an immune response, and in Japan is used as a common form of alternative medicine alongside chemotherapy for immune support during cancer treatment. There are very few side effects, and those are minor and generally short-acting. 

There are many interesting ideas out there for the use of alternative dietary supplements to boost immunity. With many people who have no health insurance, or inadequate health insurance, it is no wonder that many are looking for answers in foods and plants. There are many exciting developments in immune system support, and AHCC has been one of the primary dietary supplements that have been studied in the past decade, in light of its significant positive effect on immune system components.