Open Source Apothecary At Home / Infection and immunity
Infection and immunity
Colds, flu, and the gap between what is sold for immunity and what the trials show
A short section, because the honest version is short. Most things sold for immune support have no evidence of reducing illness, and several have evidence of harm. Vitamin D and zinc do something specific and narrow; echinacea's trials are inconsistent; and the one intervention that reliably reduces the burden of respiratory infection is not a supplement at all. Read that page before spending money.
3 entries
"Immune support": what the trials actually show
Echinacea, elderberry and the rest have modest effects on cold duration. None of them boosts immunity.
guideAntibiotics and plant antimicrobials
Garlic, honey and tea tree all kill bacteria in a dish. None of them cures a systemic infection, and partial treatment selects resistance.
safetyInfluenza and when it is serious
Vaccination and, for high-risk people, antivirals. Elderberry is a modest adjunct and not a treatment for pneumonia.
remedy