COVID-19: Nutraceutical and Botanical Recommendations
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or uniformly successful treatments for COVID-19. However, emerging research on several specific botanical and nutraceutical agents is promising, as such agents can improve the body’s ability to fight off and recover from the illness. Beneficial botanical and nutraceutical agents are listed below, along with dosing recommendations from your Functional Medicine practitioner. For more information on these recommendations, please consult your practitioner directly.
NUTRACEUTICAL OR BOTANICAL AGENTBENEFITSENHANCES IMMUNESYSTEMDECREASES VIRAL GROWTHREDUCES SYMPTOMS
Curcumin 500-1,000 mg, 2x dailyCurcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and decerase viral activity for COVID-19.nnnoQuercetinRegular: 1,000 mg orally, 2x dailyPhytosome: 500 mg, 2x dailyQuercetin is found in fruits and vegetables and has a wide range of benefits, including decreasing viral growth.nnnoZinc acetate, citrate, picolinate, or glycinate; zinc gluconate (as lozenge) 30-60 mg orally daily, in divded dosesA large body of research shows that zinc has strong anti-viral properites against many viruses.nnnoN-Acetylcysteine (NAC)600-900 mg, 2x dailyN-acetylcysteine promotes the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function. It also reduces the severity of the flu.nnoVitamin D5,000 IU orally, dailyVitamin D enhances immune system function, reduces viral growth, and can reduce upper respiratory infections.nnnoVitamin A10,000-25,000 IU, dailyVitamin A is anti-inflammatory, enhances immune function, and supports the lining of the respiratory tract.nnoVitamin C1-3 g orally, dailyVitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system. Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection.nnnVersion 5
NUTRACEUTICAL OR BOTANICAL AGENTBENEFITSENHANCES IMMUNESYSTEMDECREASES VIRAL GROWTHREDUCES SYMPTOMS
oMelatonin 5-20 mg, taken at bedtimeIn addition to promoting restful sleep, melatonin has been shown to reduce inflammation.nnoElderberry (Sambucus nigra) 500 mg orally, dailyElderberry is packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It has been used extensively in the prevention of influenza.nnoPalmitoylethanolamide (PEA)300 mg orally, 2x daily (prevention); 600-900 mg, 3x daily for 2 weeks (treatment)PEA is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to improve outcomes in acute respiratory disease and influenza.nnnoGreen tea or epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)4 cups daily (green tea)225 mg orally, daily (EGCG)In addition to reducing inflammation, green tea enhances the immune system and targets one of the processes involved in COVID-19 replication.nnnoResveratrol100-150 mg orally, 2x daily Resveratrol, a natural compound found in red grapes, has many beneficial health effects and has been shown in the lab to attack a relative of the COVID-19 virus.nnoBeta glucans250-500 mg dailyBeta glucans is both anti-inflammatory and enhances immune function while specifically benefitting those with upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses. nnno Medicinal mushrooms*Dosing instructions should be individualized to validated methods and research on specific mushroom genus and species.Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to support the immune system while having antioxidant and antiviral effects.nnoChinese skullcap(standardized to flavonoids: baicalin or baicalein)750-1500 mg daily*Given the variability of standardization, dosing instructions should be individualized to validated methods and research for specific standardized extracts.Chinese Skullcap enhances innate immune function, reduces viral growth, favorably regulates lung-specific inflammation and injury as well as may reduce symptoms.nnn
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
