It is possible to protect yourself from a sore throat, cough, headache and other cold symptoms with herbal medicine
Winter brings cold weather, which often causes seasonal ailments
Cold weather brings the classic symptoms of a cold: sore throat, followed by cough, a feeling of changes in body temperature, headache, all typical symptoms at this time of year. Because they are so common, it is important to take care of your body and protect your respiratory tract — preferably before symptoms arise.
Prevent seasonal ailments with plant-based ingredients
The ideal approach is prevention, providing the metabolism with direct, natural support from plant ingredients to help prevent these seasonal discomforts and recover as quickly as possible. The organs most at risk at this time of year are the respiratory tract and the immune system.
The respiratory system
The main purpose of our respiratory system is to take in the oxygen we need to live and expel carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during metabolic processes. The respiratory system is a complex structure with several functional parts, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles, and finally the alveolar ducts within the lungs. Functionally, it can be broadly divided into two parts:
- the upper airways;
- the lower airways.
The upper airways include the nose, the pharynx and the larynx. Their main task is to filter, humidify and warm the air we breathe in. Detecting smells through the olfactory bulbs in the nose is another essential function performed in this anatomical region. The upper airways are also where the voice originates, an important tool for communication.
The lower airways include the trachea and the bronchi, which branch into bronchioles and end in the alveolar ducts. The alveoli are tiny spherical structures where oxygen exchange actually takes place as we breathe in and where CO2 and certain volatile metabolites are expelled from the body when we breathe out. A well-oxygenated body has more vitality, functions better and stays healthier.
Defence mechanisms of the respiratory system
The respiratory system has important defence mechanisms that help maintain proper function and support the well-being of body and mind. Although its main role is exchanging oxygen and CO2, it is also equipped to fight and expel anything that accidentally enters it. Because of its function, it is exposed to bacteria and viruses and other external substances such as pollen, and is therefore equipped with defence systems to help combat them. Tiny cellular projections called cilia, characterised by their typical whip-like movement, line the respiratory tract from the larynx to the bronchioles. Specialised cells in this area also release glycoproteins together with mineral salts, creating a viscous layer over much of the surface. The movement of the cilia through this layer helps expel particles that enter the airways and are considered irritants and potentially harmful.
Finally, given its position and exposure to the outside world, the immune system is particularly active in the respiratory tract. This area contains cells involved in both the non-specific and specific immune response. These cells are recruited when external substances invade by epithelial cells — the upper layer of cells lining the respiratory tract — which release various pro-inflammatory factors and antimicrobial peptides. Effective communication between these two systems is essential for a fast and efficient defence against potential pathogens.
The vocal cords
One distinctive human ability is the ability to express ourselves articulately. Our voice is important not only for communicating our thoughts but also for conveying emotions. Consider the speeches that have inspired people and changed the course of history, and the impact the voice can have on our lives and those around us becomes clear. The right words, spoken in the right tone, can inspire, motivate or discourage listeners. The sound of our voice is produced by the oscillation of the air we exhale. This oscillation results from the movement of the vocal cords and the resonance of sound within the pharynx, mouth and nasal cavities. This is how the sound that characterises each person’s voice is created. For many people, the vocal apparatus is vital to doing their job well. Think of managers and teachers who frequently give presentations, singers and actors who use their voice as their main working tool, as well as shopkeepers who communicate with customers every day.
Preventing and finding relief from winter ailments with the MIRABILUS range
The NATURALSALUS MIRABILUS range provides valuable support for coping with winter while keeping the body’s natural defences strong. The MIRABILUS respiratory range (RS) consists of five products with different functions and formulas designed to address different symptoms affecting different areas of the body.
Products in the MIRABILUS range
The MIRABILUS range includes RS1 SULFOSIN the mucus-thinning capsule syrup, RS2 MIRABILUS GOLA administered as a spray, RS4 MIRABILUS PETTORALIS, a syrup suitable for colds and dry coughs, RS5 MIRABILUS PROFUNDUM a syrup suitable for bronchitis, mucus and productive coughs, IS3 MIRABILUS IMMUNO PLUS. Especially useful at the first signs of seasonal ailments and for prevention, RS3 MIRABILUS VOX for aphonia and dysphonia.
RS1 SULFOSIN, also known as the capsule syrup, contains Polygala, which has an expectorant and mucus-thinning effect. It also contains several essential oils, including garlic, a natural ingredient used since ancient times with mucolytic and antiseptic properties; eucalyptus and Scots pine, natural antiseptics that reduce inflammation and have a balm-like effect on the respiratory tract, andniaouli oil, which provides an antibacterialeffect. Finally, sulforaphane, an active ingredient derived from broccoli sprouts, has significant antioxidant properties , and is valuable in this product because it works synergistically with garlic, increasing its mucus-thinning and expectorant effects. Together, these ingredients help decongest and clear the upper respiratory tract. This product helps prevent sinusitis and provides relief during symptoms. Its formula is particularly suitable for people who experience blocked ears associated with sinus problems.
For more targeted relief in cases of pharyngitis, laryngitis or tonsillitis NATURALSALUS has developed RS2 MIRABILUS GOLA , administered as a spray. This product containsechinacea and propolis, which stimulate natural defences, Italian honey, which has asoothing and anti-inflammatory effect, and grapefruit seeds, which have antimicrobial action. In addition, the soothing and decongestant effect of tea tree essential oils and mint helps counter inflammation.
For the deeper airways, the product designed for this purpose is RS4 MIRABILUS PETTORALIS. This syrup, suitable for colds and dry coughs, contains Tolu balsam, which helps remove bronchial sputum, licorice and ribwort plantain, which soothe and decongest the mucous membrane, and marshmallow juice from marshmallow, which reduces inflammation and irritation. The presence of propolis andniaouli oil, known for their antimicrobial activity, provides further support. Finally, sulforaphanehelps the immune system respond to pathogens of microbial or viral origin.
For an even deeper action, the syrup RS5 MIRABILUS PROFUNDUMis recommended. This syrup, suitable for bronchitis, mucus and productive coughs, contains white horehound, which has mucus-thinning and mucolytic effects, eucalyptus and hyssop, which have balsamic and expectorant properties with strong antibacterial and antispasmodic activity. It also contains pine essential oils and thyme known for their balsamic and expectorant effects, as well as their antimicrobialaction.
Finally, to stimulate the body’s natural defences, NATURALSALUS developed IS3 MIRABILUS IMMUNO PLUS. Especially useful at the first signs of seasonal ailments or preventively, this product is a syrup based on echinacea, which stimulates natural defences and shortens recovery time; it also supplies plenty of natural vitamin C thanks to acerola and rosehip, along with elderberry fruits and astragalus, plants known to stimulate the body’s natural defences, and lapacho, which stimulates the immune system and also has antimicrobial action. The addition of ginger, with its stimulating effect, is intended to improve the absorption of the other compounds. This product is ideal for helping the immune system prepare for periods of intense stress, such as seasonal changes.
dysphonia or o aphonia during winter or wants to care for the organ that makes our way of expressing ourselves unique, NATURALSALUS offers the natural product RS3 MIRABILUS VOX. The key ingredients in this distinctive syrup includehedge mustard, known for its balsamic and decongestant action, Polygala and ginger, which stimulates immune defences; essential oils of niaouli,marshmallow andechinacea. This product is designed to provide support for the vocal cords and is therefore also suitable for people who use their voice professionally, such as singers and presenters, both to help prevent the symptoms listed above and to improve work performance.
S. W. ClarkeD. Pavia, Lung Mucus Production and Mucociliary Clearance: Methods of Assessment. Methods in Clinical Pharmacology—Respiratory System pp 85-94. Eleni Papadaki, Maria Velegraki, The Immunology of the Respiratory System. Pneumon, October – December 2007: Volume 20, Issue 4.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-echinacea-purpurea-l-moench-herba-recens_en.pdf Robert H. Brown, corresponding author Curt Reynolds, Allison Brooker, Paul Talalay, and Jed W. Fahey, Sulforaphane improves the bronchoprotective response in asthmatics through Nrf2-mediated gene pathways. Respir Res. 2015; 16(1): 106. Published online 2015 Sep 15. doi: 10.1186/s12931-015-0253-z https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/draft-assessment-report-eucalyptus-globulus-labill-folium_en.pdf Inés Mármol, Cristina Sánchez-de-Diego, Nerea Jiménez-Moreno, Carmen Ancín-Azpilicueta, and María Jesús Rodríguez-Yoldi, Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Jun; 18(6): 1137. Published online 2017 May 25. doi: 10.3390/ijms18061137
