Fighting Infections Fast for Back to School

It’s back to school time — which also means back to sickness, with colds and flus taking over the classroom and daycare seemingly the same week kids return after a summer of sunshine and fun. 

With the cold and flu season rapidly approaching, parents are on the hunt for remedies that don’t rely on antibiotics. As many as 71 percent of Canadians have used natural health products like vitamins and minerals, herbal products, and homeopathic medicines. Good thing too, since the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes antibiotic resistance as a global threat. 

According to WHO, one in five urinary tract infections caused by E. coli was not as responsive to standard antibiotics like ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, and fluoroquinolones as of 2020. This resistance can make it more challenging to treat common illnesses. And in Canada, 9.1 percent of antibiotics are used for respiratory infections in children — but recent estimates suggest that up to 50 percent of antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections in children and adults is likely unnecessary. 

The Difference Echinacea Makes

If our respiratory infections stop responding to antibiotics, we’re in big trouble. That’s why, when possible, more and more parents are turning to natural remedies, like Echinacea. Studies have shown that Echinacea contributes to reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Historically, it was used by Indigenous peoples medicinally for respiratory tract infections, tooth pain, and snakebite. These days, Echinacea can be used to stimulate the immune system and lower your risk of catching colds and other respiratory illnesses. It also has an antiviral effect (and antibiotics can’t touch viruses!). 

There are three types of Echinacea shown to have medicinal benefits, but the most widely researched to have proven antiviral activity is Echinacea purpurea, which also tastes the best, with a mildly sweet and sour taste. The other varieties can be considered bitter or pungent. Freshness also makes a difference — some studies show that products made with fresh echinacea contain the highest medicinal properties.

Echinacea contains phenolic compounds, a type of antioxidant that helps prevent stress and infections. Echinacea purpurea also contains alkylamides, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. These factors can help reduce the likelihood of catching a respiratory infection, but also diminish the duration of the illness should you land yourself with a cold. Essentially, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories work by reducing collateral damage during an immune response and help the body recover more efficiently. They create a healthier internal environment — which means a healthier you. 

Natural Remedies from A. Vogel

All of this is why A. Vogel uses fresh, organically-grown Echinacea purpurea in its Echinaforce line, harvested and processed within 24 hours. A 2021 study demonstrated that Echinaforce® Junior was effective in preventing respiratory infections and reducing the risk of nasty complications—like sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia—by 65 percent. The study also showed that Echinaforce® Junior reduced the need for antibiotics in children by a whopping 76 percent. 

A. Vogel is now introducing a new product in their Echinaforce lineup: Echinaforce Hot Remedy Junior. This soothing elderberry and Echinacea drink is clinically proven to fight infections fast, easing symptoms and shortening sick days — and we’re even sharing a handy popsicle recipe (see below) to make it even easier for little ones to swallow. 

They are also adding Sinus Junior to their lineup, in both tab and spray formats. Though it doesn’t contain any Echinacea, this alternative remedy for little noses can help keep them more comfortable while the Hot Remedy does its job. All of A. Vogel’s products are non-addictive, vegan and cruelty-free, making it even easier to rely on these products to keep your kiddos healthy this fall. 

This year, A. Vogel celebrates the 70th anniversary of Echinaforce, the trusted remedy made from freshly harvested Echinacea. As a company, they’ve proudly been around for more than 100 years, expanding from a small health food store front to the globally-recognized brand they are today. Turn to them this back-to-school season as an added measure of protection against respiratory illnesses. 

Immuno-Pop Recipe