The winter months, when it’s cold and damp, can be a time when you are more vulnerable to bugs.

Winter ills and chills come from inhaled viruses that can irritate your airways. This can lead to swelling and a tightening of the airways, which can make it harder to breathe. Your body responds by trying to trap the inhaled winter bugs by producing more mucous – a bit like sticky fly paper. Although very effective, if too much mucous is produced, this can lead to congestion.

This makes having natural solutions on hand to keep your family well important.  There are many herbs around with an affinity for the respiratory system and ivy leaf is one of the timeless herbs known to support the airways.  

Records show that ivy leaf was used by the ancient Greeks, even by Hippocrates, who is now known as the father of modern medicine. Over the years ivy leaf has been used for many things, but more recently it is to support respiratory health.

Now a well-researched herb, science shows that one of the most important active chemicals in ivy leaf is alpha-hederin.  This has been shown to work with receptors in the lungs to support easy breathing.  It enables your body to support its airways in several different ways.

1.       Supports moisture in the lungs – ivy leaf supports the airways in their release of a substance called surfactant. This is a liquid that mixes with mucous to help it be less thick and sticky.   Think of washing up liquid breaking up the grease and oil on your dishes to clean them.  In the case of lungs, the liquefying of mucous helps to make mucous easier to expectorate from the lungs.  This helps ease congestion, but surfactant also has a moistening effect, which can help with irritation in the airways.   

2.       Relaxes the airways - alpha-hederin in ivy supports the relaxation of smooth muscle such as those found in the bronchioles of the lung.  This means if the airways are tight and congested, they become more relaxed, so breathing is easier.

3.       Antimicrobial – like many plants, ivy has antibacterial actions that naturally help the plant from insects. This can also be helpful to you to support bacterial balance in the airways.

All of this makes ivy a great herb to support the airways when we are struggling with congestion, to support relaxed breathing and to help move mucous off the chest. It can also provide support for dry, irritated airways.

Clinicians Prospan® Bronchial Syrup is a patented extract of ivy leaf, which is supported by 18 pieces of research on over 65,000 people. This has demonstrated its support for respiratory health, for soothing the throat and clearing the airways. Prospan® is suitable for use in infants, small children, and adults, making it a great product for all the family!

Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to a balanced diet. Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited, Auckland.