Flu Fighter to the Rescue

THE INSPIRATION & DEVELOPMENT

Our company exists to help empower people to find wellness through tea. The pain and stress of the current pandemic have pushed us into working twice as hard and to think outside the box as to how we can help our colleagues, our customers, our loved ones and ourselves. Half our company is still working 7 days a week in our warehouse in Louisville, Colorado to produce and ship tea products. Those of us not essential to the day-to-day production and fulfillment have taken this time at home to dig deeper and get even more inspired about tea to support wellness in the current environment.

The result of our efforts is a Flu Fighter caffeine-free herbal tea, based on a combination of herbs for flu prevention included in a December 2019 study published in Military Medical Journal on the diagnosis and treatment of 2019-nCoV. [1] Our formula,  based on a review of current research, has deep roots in traditional medicine. It includes Astragalus, Honeysuckle, Licorice, Orange Peel, Tangerine Peel, Mulberry Leaf, Dandelion, Red Root, and Ginger. The specific functions of these antiviral herbs are detailed and referenced below.

Flu Fighter is aromatically grounding, and sweet and nourishing and in its taste. Many of the herbs in this tea were used in combination to brew wellness soups for convalescing and building general strength in ancient times. We intend for this tea to support flu prevention - in combination with social distancing, good personal hygiene, sound diet, ample exercise and rest. Drinking tea cannot cure any virus, including flu or coronaviruses. Taking measures and precautions to maintain wellness, such as social distancing and proper hygiene, is always preferable to subjecting our bodies to the fight of treatment after the onset of an illness. 

PLEASE NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information is for educational purposes only.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INGREDIENTS

Astragalus is best known for its traditional use as a tonic to support Chi, the conceptual strength and vitality “shield” which serves as a primary defense against threats to the body. This is a fundamental herb in traditional medicine and is often included in recipes for soups used for convalescence and general strengthening of the system. This active ingredient is Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) which has been researched for its immune-enhancing and antiviral qualities. [2] [3] 

Honeysuckle is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs and is traditionally used for viral and bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, including colds, flu, and pneumonia. [4] 

Licorice has also been used in natural herbal practices for centuries. It contains nearly 300 different flavonoid antioxidants, including several metabolites, (glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin) touted for their antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties. It has been studied for its natural action and potential in inhibiting the replication of SARS-associated viruses. [5] [6] [7] [8] 

Mulberry Leaf has been traditionally used to help slow the breakdown of sugars during digestion, supporting healthy blood sugar levels. Studies have suggested that they could be a promising natural therapeutic option for modulating cardiometabolic risks, including diabetes. [9] 

Dandelion Root has been used in Native American traditional medicine to promote healthy digestion in the liver and as a natural detoxification substance. It is also touted for its effectiveness to assist with hormone imbalance, stomach problems, fever, and flu.  [10] [11] 

Red Root has been used traditionally for its "cold" (yin energy) character, and thus used for ailments related to internal heat, notably for fever. It has a bitter and astringent bite in its taste, and after the Boston Tea Party, it was used as a substitute for tea. Red Root has also been used as a natural mouthwash, and as a cleansing diuretic, in promoting the elimination of toxins. [12] 

Ginger has a history in many forms of alternative medicine. Botanically speaking, it is closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Its unique fragrance and flavor come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. his main bioactive agent in ginger has been researched extensively for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has been used traditionally to support a wide range of functions, including digestion, reducing nausea, and in the support against common colds and influenza. Recent studies have focused on its potential for natural prevention and inhibition of these ailments. [13] [14] 

Tangerine and Orange citrus peels contain a high amount of Vitamin C as well as beta carotene, both powerful antioxidants. They are frequently used to stimulate appetite, promote good digestion, and support liver health.

REFERENCES:

[1] Ying-Hui Jin, et al. A rapid advice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infected pneumonia, Military Medical Research volume 7, Article number: 4 (2020).

[2] Ping Liu, et al. Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic. Aging and Disease 2017 Dec; 8(6): 868–886.

[3] Block KI, Mead MN, Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integrative Cancer Therapies 2003 Sep;2(3):247-67.

[4] Baiyu Lu, et al. Phytochemical Content, Health Benefits, and Toxicology of Common Edible Flowers: A Review (2000–2015). Dietary Phytochemicals: Nutrition and Health (ISPMF2015)

[5] Liqiang Wang, et al. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2015 Jul; 5(4): 310–315.

[6] Fukuchi K, et al. Antiviral and Antitumor Activity of Licorice Root Extracts. In Vivo 2016 11-12;30(6):777-785.

[7] Feng Yeh c, et al. Water extract of licorice had anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2013 Jul 9;148(2):466-73.

[8] J Cinatl et al, Glycyrrhizin, an active component of liquorice roots, and replication of SARS-associated coronavirus. The Lancet 2003 Jun 14;361(9374):2045-6.

[9] Thanchanit Thaipitakwong et al. Mulberry leaves and their potential effects against cardiometabolic risks: a review of chemical compositions, biological properties and clinical efficacy. Pharmaceutical Biology 2018; 56(1): 109–118.

[10] He W et al, Anti-influenza virus effect of aqueous extracts from dandelion. Virology Journal 2011 Dec 14;8:538.

[11] Han H et al, Inhibitory effect of aqueous Dandelion extract on HIV-1 replication and reverse transcriptase activity. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011 Nov 14;11:112.

[12]  He R et al, Next-generation sequencing-based transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the common reed, Phragmites australis (Poaceae), reveals genes involved in invasiveness and rhizome specificity. American Journal of Botany 2012 Feb;99(2):232-47.

[13] Wang S et al, Biological properties of 6-gingerol: a brief review. Natural Product Communications 2014 Jul;9(7):1027-30.

[14] Chang JS et al, Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2013 Jan 9;145(1):146-51.