With the schooling year starting in just weeks I created this guide to help you navigate the extensive & overwhelming world of immune-boosting and illness-busting natural remedies. (All remedies I swear by myself!)

As a conventionally trained pediatrician, I started on my journey of holistic medicine when I noticed a pattern that was becoming a serious problem…

Every tiny cold that came my way always progressed into a full blown bacterial illness requiring antibiotics.  The same was true for my young daughter. 

I would ask, ‘How can a pediatrician not know how to keep her and her child healthy?’  I found myself frustrated and confused, but also determined!

The next few years were spent extensively studying nutritional, functional, and integrative medicine.  I am grateful to say that it was this hard work that allowed for my daughter and me to reverse our symptoms and discover long-term wellness.  

The remedies, herbs, supplements, teas, steams, packs, oils, and salves are the products I personally use and love.  I share these with the patients of my holistic pediatric practice, Blossom Pediatrics.  And now I want to share them with you!

Although this holistic knowledge is always powerful & transformative, its importance has reached new heights as a result of COVID-19.  With fall fast approaching and many of our communities reopening, we need to protect & boost our families immune systems now more than ever.  Believe it or not: this makes the difference between mild or no illness and severe illness or hospitalization.  

Here are the criteria for each remedy to make the list:

1. It does not just cover symptoms (band-aid solutions), it must help treat the root cause

2. It supports the body’s natural healing (healing itself)

3. It does not cause harm (i.e.- free of chemicals or preservatives)

4. It is made mindfully

5. It is evidence based (i.e.- subject to double blind placebo controlled high quality studies that back the ingredients)

Hot Tips:

 

The most important immune-boosters and illness-busters are as follows:

1.  Eating local, organic, seasonal, colorful (phytonutrients), fresh and real foods.  This means avoiding sugars and processed foods. Sugars are especially dangerous because the power of macrophages (the first line of defense against invaders) decreases by 50% for up to 5 hours after eating sugar

2.  Eating plenty of probiotic rich foods

3. Getting the right amount of consistent high quality sleep

4. Holding gratitude for our amazing bodies, even for a few minutes a day, physically decreases stress which allows our bodies to fight invaders (instead of fighting ourselves).

5. Getting fresh air, sunshine, nature, and exercise:  All proven to boost the immune system (and happiness)

 

The Mind, The Heart, and The Immune System:

There are so many ways to affect the immune system, in both positive and negative ways.

There is tremendous knowledge and evidence-based information on which foods, medicinal herbs, and homeopathic formulations can boost the immune system. We hear so much about helping the immune system flourish by staying hydrated, maintaining a diverse and healthy gut flora, and decreasing toxic overload. 

But what about mindset? Only recently, conventional and holistic medical communities have started to focus on how mindset can affect immunity.  

Affect and emotion are two essential parts of the process of an organism's interaction with any stimuli. Similar to affect, the immune response is the tool the body uses to interact with its external environment.

 Thanks to the emotional and immunological response, we learn to distinguish between what we like and what we do not like, to counteract a broad range of challenges, and to adjust to the environment we are living in. Most living beings use both systems to adjust to their external environments, and  both can either protect us or prove to be quite detrimental if in disarray.   

A large body of both clinical and experimental evidence has shown that the emotional and immunological systems share more than a similarity of functions. They mirror each other in a dynamic and symbiotic relationship, continuously changing and adjusting. 

Unlike genetic mutations or inherited predisposition to diseases that cannot be modified, we can exploit these systems to bring about the desired immunological changes. 

Little-known fact: There is copious evidence that training the immune system through stress reduction can be achieved through what is sometimes referred to as “mind-body” medicine, ultimately normalizing the immune system and reducing overactive inflammation.  

HeartMath Institute’s ‘Freeze Frame’ exercise was used to measure immediate changes to the immune system. In these studies, immune-system functioning, as measured by the IgA level, saw an immediate 41% increase when subjects were asked to intentionally feel care and compassion for five minutes using this technique. After one hour, IgA levels returned to normal, but slowly increased over the next six hours. This is a significantly potent immune boost.

A Simple and Surprising Tool To Superpower The Immune System:

The Heartmath Freeze-Frame exercise is fast and simple. This one-minute technique allows a major shift in perception and can be simplified for younger children. More than positive thinking, it creates a definitive, heartfelt shift in how we view a situation, an individual, or ourselves. 

When under stress:

1. Shift your awareness out of your head and focus on the area around your heart. Keep your attention there for at least 10 seconds. Continue to breathe normally. 

2. Recall a positive time or feeling you had in your life, and attempt to re-experience the emotion of it. Remember, try to not simply visualize it, but rather to fully feel it. 

3. Ask a question from the heart: "What can I do in this situation to make it different/better?" or "What can I do to minimize my stress?" 

4. Listen to the response and feeling that comes from your heart. 

You may hear nothing, but perhaps you feel calmer. You may receive verification of something you already know, or you may experience a complete perspective shift, seeing the crisis in a more balanced way. Although we may not have control over the event, we do have control over our perception of it and our reaction to it. 

This is one of many mindful tools for all ages that can powerfully and positively improve immune system functioning. From yoga and meditation to creative expressions of art, song, and dance, to journaling your gratitude and visualizations, there is no limitation of resources. Adopting mindful moments in everyday life is a vital tool for boosting your child’s immune system, and super-powering their health! 

Take These Steps Now To Prevent Illness In the Fall & Winter:

1. Herbs for Immunity Boost-- Plant Extracts, Syrups, and Elixirs  (Pick one potent immune boost below, to be taken immediately when you feel an infection or cold coming on)

Raven Crest Botanicals Immune Boost: 

Ingredients: purple coneflower root (Echinacea purpurea), barberry root (Berberis), osha root (Ligusticum porteri), spilanthes flowers (Spilanthes acmellia), boneset leaf and flower (Eupatorium perfoliatum) & organic cane alcohol. 

Raven Crest Botanicals’ Immune Booster is a tincture blend of potent antibiotic, anti-viral and fever reducing herbs.

Suggested Use: 

 It is best taken in frequent and high doses immediately when you feel an infection or cold coming on. 1-2 teaspoons in a little water every 3-4 hours. It is less of a preventative remedy and geared more towards fighting an acute infection. 

For children: Use 1/2 the dose heated up in 1/2 cup of herbal tea to help steam off some of the alcohol. 

Raven Crest Botanicals Garlic Syrup: 

Garlic syrup is a powerful lung and heart tonic with a serious kick. Fresh organic garlic and fennel seeds join organic apple cider vinegar and local raw honey for an immune stimulating dance. Garlic has a great affinity to the lungs and is the perfect ally for the cold and flu season. 

Ingredients: Organic garlic • fennel seeds • organic raw apple cider vinegar • raw local honey 

Suggested Use:

As a preventative, the recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon daily. It can also be a healthy addition to salad dressing! 

If you feel a cold coming on or are suffering from a stubborn or chronic cough, take 1 tablespoon 2-3 times daily. 

Herb-Pharm Kids Lemon Balm Calm: Calming and anti-viral staple 

Suggested Use:

Add drops to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 5 times per day. Best taken between meals. Consult a physician for use with children younger than one year old.

25-49 lbs: 5 drops per dose

50-74 lbs: 10 drops per dose

75-99 lbs: 15 drops per dose

100+ lbs: 20 drops per dose

Ortho Molecular Products Imu-Max:

 A recent study found that a preparation of echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C remarkably reduced the episodes of illness and fever when given daily during a 12-week winter period. 

Suggested Use:

1 tsp 2x/day for children ages 1-3 years and 1.5 tsp 2x/day for children ages 4-5 years. (A word of caution: echinacea should not be used daily for very prolonged periods, and should not be used in individuals with autoimmune disease without professional guidance). 

Herb Pharm Kids Immune Avenger: 

Immune system active responder.* Early onset superhero.* 

z Organic extract blend: 257 mg / 1,029 mg Echinacea root 

z Black Elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra) 

z Hyssop flowering herb (Hyssopus officinalis) 

z Meadowsweet flowering herb (Filipendula ulmaria) 

z Thyme flowering herb (Thymus vulgaris) 

z Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale)

z Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia) 

z Horseradish root (Armoracia rusticana) 

Suggested Use:

Add drops to 2 oz. of water or juice, 3 to 5 times per day. 

25-49 lbs: 10 drops 

50-74 lbs: 20 drops 

75-99 lbs: 30 drops 

100+ lbs: 40 drops 

Consult a physician for use with children younger than one year old. Best taken between meals. 

2. Herbal Preventatives:

 (My family be using all of the herbal immune supporters below)

Black Elderberry Syrup:

Black Elderberries have been recognized for centuries throughout Europe for their immune supportive properties, preventing invasion from viruses and bacteria, and improving cough. A great tasting support for a child’s immune system that also includes Vitamin C from Acerola Cherry Extract and Acacia Honey. 

Ingredients:

Gaia Herbs, Kids, Black Elderberry Syrup, Alcohol-Free Formula 

Suggested Use:

Age 1-2 use 1/4 teaspoon, age 3-5 use 1/2 teaspoon, age 6 and above use 1 teaspoon. Take once daily for general immune support. Take 2 times daily for acute use. 

Homemade Ginger Immune Blast:

Blend 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon raw organic local honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, half a lemon, 1 inch turmeric root and warm water in a blender, drink hot! 

Additional Immune Support:

Increase Vitamin C rich foods - One of the most potent, evidenced based antioxidants to free radicals and extremely powerful in preventing severe illness.  

Little-known fact: It is not often that we have Vitamins on formula in a hospital setting but Vitamin C protocols are used in conventional medicine to prevent death in severely ill COVID patients.  

High vitamin C foods include mango, cantaloupe, pineapple, citrus, berries, guavas, kiwifruit, papayas, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts,  asparagus, watercress, bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, and snow peas. 

 

Supplements:

Metagenics Ultra-Potent C Chewables:

These provide support for immune health and antioxidant protection, vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen and connective tissue. 

Suggested Use:

Children 2 to 7 years: One tablet daily. 

Children over 7 and adults: One tablet one to two times daily or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. 

Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Vitamin C: https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/all-products/vitamin-c/

Increase Glutathione through foods to support detox, reduce oxidative stress, and mop up free radicals.  This is especially important in the fall when we need as many ‘Natural Killer’ cells as possible as a first line line of defense.  These are especially important if you ever use Acetaminophen or Tylenol as they deplete glutathione. Depleted glutathione causes prolonged viral illness and viral shedding (so you are sicker and contagious longer).

Glutathione Rich Foods:

Cruciferous Veggies (Kale, Bok Choy, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Radish, Watercress, Collard Greens, Cauliflower)

Mushrooms, Garlic, Onions, Asparagus, Spinach

Quicksilver Liposomal Glutathione https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/all-products/liposomal-glutathione/

2. Herbal Preventatives:

 (My family be using all of the herbal immune supporters below)

 Black Elderberry Syrup:

Black Elderberries have been recognized for centuries throughout Europe for their immune supportive properties, preventing invasion from viruses and bacteria, and improving cough. A great tasting support for a child’s immune system that also includes Vitamin C from Acerola Cherry Extract and Acacia Honey. 

Ingredients:

Gaia Herbs, Kids, Black Elderberry Syrup, Alcohol-Free Formula 

Suggested Use:

Age 1-2 use 1/4 teaspoon, age 3-5 use 1/2 teaspoon, age 6 and above use 1 teaspoon. Take once daily for general immune support. Take 2 times daily for acute use. 

Homemade Ginger Immune Blast:

Blend 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon raw organic local honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, half a lemon, 1 inch turmeric root and warm water in a blender, drink hot! 

Additional Immune Support:

Increase Vitamin C rich foods - One of the most potent, evidenced based antioxidants to free radicals and extremely powerful in preventing severe illness.  

Little-known fact: It is not often that we have Vitamins on formula in a hospital setting but Vitamin C protocols are used in conventional medicine to prevent death in severely ill COVID patients.  

High vitamin C foods include mango, cantaloupe, pineapple, citrus, berries, guavas, kiwifruit, papayas, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts,  asparagus, watercress, bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, and snow peas. 

 

Supplements:

Metagenics Ultra-Potent C Chewables:

These provide support for immune health and antioxidant protection, vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen and connective tissue. 

Suggested Use:

Children 2 to 7 years: One tablet daily. 

Children over 7 and adults: One tablet one to two times daily or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. 

Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Vitamin C: https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/all-products/vitamin-c/

Increase Glutathione through foods to support detox, reduce oxidative stress, and mop up free radicals.  This is especially important in the fall when we need as many ‘Natural Killer’ cells as possible as a first line line of defense.  These are especially important if you ever use Acetaminophen or Tylenol as they deplete glutathione. Depleted glutathione causes prolonged viral illness and viral shedding (so you are sicker and contagious longer).

Glutathione Rich Foods:

Cruciferous Veggies (Kale, Bok Choy, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Radish, Watercress, Collard Greens, Cauliflower)

Mushrooms, Garlic, Onions, Asparagus, Spinach

Quicksilver Liposomal Glutathione https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/all-products/liposomal-glutathione/

Zinc: Inhibits replication of most fall-time viruses.

Trace Minerals Ionic Zinc:

 https://www.traceminerals.com 

OR 

DaVinci Labs Immuni-Z chewable tablets https://www.davincilabs.com/immuni-z-60.html

Dosing:

0-1 year: 4-5 mg daily

1-3 years: 5-10 mg daily

4-12 years 10-25 mg daily

13-18 years: 25-35 mg daily

19+ years 25-40 mg daily

Vitamin D & A:

I am preaching to everyone I meet that the MOST IMPORTANT supplement now is Vitamin D!  

Little-known fact: The best way to naturally boost vitamin D is SUNSHINE. 

I prescribe sunshine (exposure on skin without sunscreen for at least 20 minutes a day before 10am or after 4pm).  If this is not possible or if you’re living in the northern hemisphere in the fall (less sunshine available), start supplementing NOW with one of the most natural forms of vitamin D that is in the most natural ratio with vitamin A, a potent antioxidant. This supplement is Cod Liver Oil.  

My favorite brands are:

Rosita https://www.rositausa.com/products/extra-virgin-cod-liver-oil-liquid?variant=33305954713644 

Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil

https://www.greenpasture.org/fermented-cod-liver-oil-capsules/

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: 

Get your EPA and DHA by way of wild caught fatty fish or flaxseed to support a healthy immune response and reduce inflammation (which also optimizes brain power).

My fav: Nordic Naturals ProOmega 2000 Junior or ProOmega CRP

https://www.nordicnaturals.com/consumers/ultimate-omega-junior

 

RAW HONEY: (AKA- your natural immunity shot) 

• Exceptional high concentration of enzymes for energy

• Amylase digests food

• Bee Pollen contains high levels of minerals and vitamins

Effects of Raw Honey Use:

• Reduces allergy symptoms of runny nose and sneezing

• Fights Infection- decreases cough (more effective than steroids or cough medicine!)

• Topically it heals wounds and prevents skin infections 

• Glycemic control for children with metabolic syndrome 

• Detoxifies liver and kidneys from toxins such as cadmium, Tylenol, and melamine.

How to choose the right honey:

• Supermarket honey= commercial honey= pasteurized honey (this process destroys enzymes that heal and activate other enzymes)

Choose honey that is:

1. Raw and unfiltered= from a humane and pesticide free local apiary 

2. Granulated or crystallized= propolis resin that reinforces hive and prevents bacteria and fungal overgrowth to hive

3. Cloudy, particles, and flecks= bee pollen

4. Darker= more antioxidants 

 

 

JUICING, Fresh, Raw, Juicing!:

We know that no one can eat a pound of carrots at once (or wants to)- but all the nutrients can be consumed in one cup of freshly juiced carrots!  

Plus, when we consume all that fiber from the whole carrots, it can prevent nutrient absorption

Fav Combos:

• Carrot - Apple - Celery - Beetroot

• Spinach - Lettuce - Parsley- Dill - Carrot - Beet Tops + Tomato + Lemon

• Cabbage - Apple - Celery

Hot Tip: 

Make your juice like this: 50% Tasty (fruit) + 50% less tasty (more veg).  Mix with water if the taste is overwhelming at first.

When to juice?  

On an empty Stomach , 20-25 minutes before food AND 2-2.5 hrs post meals

Super Power Your Gut Flora:

Add fermented food to your family’s diet, which have natural and real probiotics

• Yogurt (avoid dairy if child struggles with lots of phlegm or mucus)

• Kefir 

• Kombucha

• Kvass

• Sauerkraut

• Real pickles & pickled vegetables, home-made

• Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar

• Miso

• Natto

• Tempeh

• Kimchi

If you or your little one need extra broad spectrum probiotic support, consider a supplement (although no supplement can replace the live healing activity of fermented foods)

 

• Age: < 2 years ~ 10-20 billion cfu mixed flora

• Age > 2 years ~ 20-50 billion cfu mixed flora

My Favs:

Klaire Children’s Chewable Probiotic

Klaire Therbiotic Complete powder and caps

Klaire Infant formula (under 2)

https://klaire.com/v775-12-ther-bioticr-complete

BONUS: IMMUNE BOOSTING MUSHROOM MAGIC

 

Raven Crest Immune Education:

A powerful blend of medicinal mushrooms and herbs that support immunity and strengthen the nervous system to help prevent infections. 

Ingredients: astragalus (Astragalus spp.), reisje mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), turkey tail mushroom (Tramxetes versicolor), codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula), rose (Rosea spp.), oats milky tops (Avena sativa) & organic cane alcohol.

Suggested Use: Take 1 teaspoon three times daily in a little hot water. 

https://ravencrestbotanicals.com/collections/immunity/products/immune-education

So, there you have it- my top Immune-Boosters & Illness-Busters to keep your family safe and healthy this fall. Remember, these remedies are all totally natural and powerfully potent. At first glance, these options may seem drastically different from what you would expect to be prescribed in a traditional doctors office, but remember our focus is on solutions that actually treat the root cause of a symptom, rather than just cover it up. These remedies are backed by extensive research and have been proven safe and effective by millions of people throughout the world. I can’t wait for you to try them all!

Here’s to your & your family’s wellness!

With Love,

Dr. Nelli Gluzman

Holistic Pediatrician & Blossom Pediatrics Founder

Join Dr Gluzman on Facebook live on Have a nanny need a nanny LLC business page

Wednesday September , 2nd @ 11am

P.S.- I would love to hear your personal immune boosting experience after trying out this list of greatness! 

Tell me which were your favorite or most effective remedies?  Email me at DrGluzman@BlossomPediatrics.com or find me on social media @Dr_Gluzman

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