What We Know About the New COVID-19 Variant BA.2

Since the onset of the pandemic well over two years ago, several variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been identified. Variants of COVID-19 – and all RNA viruses, for that matter – occur when there is a mutation in the virus’s genetic makeup. They are a common and an expected part of a virus’s natural cycle. For example, the influenza (flu) virus mutates roughly every year. Last summer, the COVID-19 Delta variant spread through the world at a mind-boggling speed....

Elderberry Benefits for Immune System Health

Before modern medicine was invented, our ancestors were herbalists. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greek, Romans, and Native Americans all used plant materials at different points in history for medicinal purposes. In fact, archeological evidence shows that the earliest uses of herbal medicine, or “phytomedicine,” as some people call it, date back to the Paleolithic age, some 60,000 years ago. One of the most popular medicinal plants at the forefront of ancient and modern herbalism is the elderberry. More than 2,000 years...

Natural Alternatives for Optimizing Immune Function

Our immune systems work around the clock protecting us from infection and disease. Feeling ill is never a good experience. Whether it be a seasonal cold, an ear infection, thousands of other potential ailments, we feel discomfort, a lack of energy, and even pain. The good news is that our immune system exists specifically to help keep our cells and organs properly functioning so that we feel well, stay healthy and live longer. It is the built-in first line of...