Allergy Relief

Let’s face it: seasonal allergies are the worst! While everyone is gearing up to hit the great outdoors, you’re stocking up on tissues. If your springtime routine includes sneezing, watery eyes, an itchy throat or congestion, you know how badly seasonal allergies can affect your life. Learn how to naturally manage your symptoms and breathe freely again! What are allergies? Allergies are an inflammatory response from the body. When you encounter something you are allergic to, such as pollen, your body recognizes it as an invader. As a result, your immune system releases antibodies specific to that allergen. These antibodies attach themselves to immune cells called mast cells that trigger the release of histamine. Histamine is the culprit behind your red itchy eyes, the sneezing, or the hives. The best supplements for natural allergy relief There are a number of natural remedies that can help stop sneezing fits. Using a combination of supplementation and food as medicine with some minor lifestyle adjustments, you can create a well-rounded holistic routine to get through your allergy season. Shop Natural Allergy Relief Spirulina for natural allergy relief Spirulina is a type of algae that is often highlighted for its protein and iron content. What many people don’t know is that spirulina can also help to relieve symptoms associated with hay fever. Human clinical studies have shown that spirulina relieves symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Shop Spirulina Bone Broth for natural allergy relief A cup of hot broth provides immediate sinus relief by helping clear a stuffy nose – but that is not all! Bone broth is packed with amino acids that help contribute to healing leaky gut, strengthening your immune system. Organika’s Bone Broth line offers a variety of delicious flavours for you to enjoy. Shop Bone Broth Turmeric for natural allergy relief Some herbs have incredible anti-inflammatory benefits, and turmeric is definitely a superstar in this category. Turmeric contains a flavonoid called curcumin, which is widely regarded as being excellent at combating inflammation. With Turmeric+, it’s quite easy to add a daily dose of curcumin, with added black pepper to help with absorption. Try mixing it into scrambled eggs or using it in your stir-fries. Shop Turmeric+ Bee Propolis for natural allergy relief Bee propolis is "bee glue" that bees use to keep their hive intact! Just like spirulina, bee propolis has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. Fantastic at fighting inflammation, it’s a natural go-to to soothe the scratchy throat that comes with one too many sneezing fits. Shop Bee Propolis Simple lifestyle tweaks to manage allergies Knowing what time of year seasonal allergens will peak in your area is key when preparing for allergy season. Making minor adjustments in your day-to-day life can help you to avoid contact with allergens during peak seasons. Try keeping your windows closed when possible during times when allergen levels are highest in the environment. Avoid outdoor activities on windier days. Wind can increase the number of airborne allergens increasing exposure. Allergens can follow you indoors on your skin, clothing, and hair. Wash pillowcases and linens often to reduce allergens. Try an indoor air purifier to help filter air, reducing allergens you are likely to breathe in your indoor space.

If there's one lesson to be learned from the past year, let it be this: health is a necessity, not a luxury. We want you to live your healthy best - and to support you in getting there. Whether you're new to the wellness world, or a wellness expert looking for new ways to stay healthy, let's dive right in and get to know our top natural immunity supplements and superfoods to help keep your immune system thriving! 1. Bee Propolis for Immunity How does bee propolis support immunity? Bee Propolis is a potent antimicrobial agent that bees use to protect their hives. We harnessed its power to create an immunity supporter that's second to none at fighting infections and inflammation, like sore throats. Locally sourced in the Okanagan Valley, BC, our liquid bee propolis has a unique antioxidant profile, for well-rounded protection. What are the benefits of bee propolis? Fights sore throat, canker sores and oral inflammations. Diverse source of antioxidants for potent immunity support. Easy to take liquid formula - especially for children and the elderly! Shop Bee Propolis 2. Reishi for Immunity How does reishi support immunity? The King of Mushrooms to the rescue! Reishi mushrooms have been traditionally used for immunity and stress support for at least four thousand years. As an adaptogen, reishi helps modulate and support the immune system, especially during times of increased stress. What are the benefits of reishi? Modulates and supports the immune system. Excellent source of antioxidants, to support immune function. Adaptogen, helping prevent mental and physical fatigue related to stress. Shop Reishi 3. Vitamin C for Immunity How does vitamin C support immunity? Well known for its role in helping your immune system combat attacks from colds and flus, vitamin C is also an important antioxidant for our body. Each Instant C Effervescent tablet provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C and dissolves quickly in water to make a refreshing beverage in three natural flavours: Orange, Raspberry or Peach Mango. What are the benefits of Instant C Effervescent? Helps immune system combat attacks from colds and flus. An antioxidant for protecting the body from oxidative damage. Important for collagen, connective tissue and cartilage formation. Check out our newest Immunity Instant C, D, Zinc Immunity in Peach and Watermelon. Shop Instant C 4. Zinc for Immunity How does zinc support immunity? Zinc is an essential trace mineral with many important roles in the body, such as ensuring normal functioning of the immune cells. Organika’s Chelated Zinc offers a potent yet well-tolerated dose of this vital mineral to help the body fend off infection without stomach discomfort. What are the benefits of zinc? Supports immune function. Helps maintain healthy skin. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Chelated formula for better absorption. Shop Chelated Zinc 5. Probiotics for Immunity How do probiotics support immunity? Did you know almost 70% of our entire immune system resides in the gut? Help the integrity of your gut health so your immune system can flourish with Organika’s Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder, a blend of four clinically proven probiotic strains and Actilight, a prebiotic fiber extracted from beetroot. What are the benefits of Probiotic + Prebiotic powder? Help support intestinal health and promote a balanced gut flora. Improve digestive discomfort due to mild functional bowel disorders. Provides 250 million CFUs + 2.5 grams prebiotic fibre per sachet. Shelf stable - no refrigeration required! Shop Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder 6. Quercetin for Immunity How does quercetin support immunity? Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely found in plant foods, has been studied particularly for its antiviral properties. Bromelain, when in combination with quercetin, helps to improve its absorption. What are the benefits of Quercetin with Bromelain? Studied for its antiviral, antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Includes the naturally occurring enzyme bromelain, which helps to decrease inflammation. Shop Quercetin with Bromelain 7. Spirulina for Immunity How does spirulina support immunity? Spirulina is an edible single-celled organism that contains all essential amino acids. It provides an excellent source of antioxidants and iron, helping support the immune system with much-needed nutrients for its healthy function. What are the benefits of spirulina? High in antioxidants, including beta-carotene. Vegan-friendly source of protein and iron. Shop Spirulina 8. Bone Broth for Immunity How does bone broth support immunity? Bone broth is a highly nutritious type of stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Add Organika's broth powders to your kitchen arsenal and support your immunity with a high protein, gut-healing, low sodium alternative to conventional bouillon. What are the benefits of bone broth? Heal and strengthen the gut (where roughly 70% of one’s immune tissue is found). Full of easy-to-digest nutrients, required to strengthen the immune system. Free from added hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals and pesticides. Shop Bone Broths 9. Black Cumin Seed Oil for Immunity How does black cumin seed oil support immunity? Traditional oils for the win! The medicinal benefits of black cumin seed are prized in Middle Eastern and African communities, where it has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments for centuries. What are the benefits of black cumin seed oil? Traditionally used to treat cough, bronchitis, fever, asthma and influenza. High in thymoquinone, a volatile oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A source of linoleic acid, studied for its balancing effects on the inflammatory response. Shop Black Cumin Seed Oil 10. Colostrum for Immunity How does colostrum support immunity? Build your immunity! Colostrum is a substance derived from cow’s milk. Chock-full of nutrients necessary for growth and development, colostrum has immunomodulating effects to support your immune function, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. What are the benefits of colostrum? Helps to support immune function within the throat and nasal passage. Sourced from free range, grass fed, added hormone-free grade A cows from the USA. Shop Colostrum 11. Vitamin D for Immunity How does Vitamin D support immunity? Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays many important roles in the body and immune health is one of them! It helps to elevate the work that your immune cells do to fight off viruses and bacteria; so particularly important to defend your health. What are the benefits of Vitamin D? Helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses Helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth Shop Vitamin D 12. Electrolytes for Immunity How do electrolytes support immunity? Hydration is important for immunity! Staying hydrated involves having a balance of electrolytes (specific essential minerals). A deficiency in these nutrients compromises your immune health (amongst other things). These nutrients include sodium, magnesium, and potassium. What are the benefits of electrolytes? Instant hydration to support during exercise, heat, travel or illness Play a role in various reactions throughout the body and needed for optimal health Shop Electrolytes

Bee propolis is a natural healing remedy that goes as far back as ancient Greece. The word propolis broken down stands for pro, meaning defence, and polis, meaning the city. Translated as ‘defence of the city’, this substances name describes how bees use propolis to protect their hives. Treatments with propolis include wound healing, reducing swelling/inflammation, and more! Many also use bee propolis for immunity support against certain types of bacteria, fungus and viruses. Antioxidant Ever hear of flavonoids? They are chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables and, yep, propolis (1)! They are a big part of the reason plants aid in keeping us healthy. Flavonoids protect us by acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants ‘mop up’ unstable compounds that can cause damage around the body, known as free radicals. When you fill your body with rich sources of antioxidants such as bee propolis, it will work to help get rid of these free radicals and prevent this damage from occurring. This antioxidant property is also what decreases inflammation. Inflammation is a natural distress response in the body. At times, inflammation can be uncomfortable (think swelling, heat and pain) and at other times it may not be overtly noticeable, but may still be causing irritation internally. Bee propolis has been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease the associated discomfort (2). Antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal Flavonoids also have promising antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bee propolis, in particular, has a complex combination of different types of flavonoids. These flavonoids work in balance together to produce these antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects (3). The way in which bee propolis can do this is by slowing down the ability of the virus, bacteria or fungus to replicate. When the replication process slows down, our immune system has a better opportunity to fight back, heal and repair. Bees use nature to create this amazing remedy, and due to different geographical origins, the ingredient list in each batch may vary slightly depending on where the bee is located and where it may have ventured to that particular day. Although slightly different, most, if not all bee propolis offers the amazing therapeutic effects listed above. When it comes to the long history, as well as the present use for bee propolis, the applications are truly endless. From oral wound healing, of things like canker sores, to treatment of allergies, propolis is copious in what it is capable of healing. Isn’t it amazing how much this one little insect contributes to our big world? Bee healthy, bee happy! Amy Wilson References Wagh VD. Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials. Advances in pharmacological sciences. 2013;2013. Campos JF, Santos UP, Rocha PD, Damião MJ, Balestieri JB, Cardoso CA, Paredes-Gamero EJ, Estevinho LM, de Picoli Souza K, Santos EL. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of propolis from the stingless bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Jataí). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015. Cushnie TT, Lamb AJ. Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids. International journal of antimicrobial agents. 2005 Nov 1;26(5):343-56.