Every year the CDC ( Center for Disease Control ) the provides a forecast on the upcoming flu season along with the availability of flu shots. This year we are hearing about new and deadlier versions of the flu called Aviary or " Bird Flu" appearing in nations around the globe. President Bush has called the possibility of a Bird Flu pandemic one of the greatest threats to our nation and has been urging US companies and citizens to prepare for a possible outbreak.

On October 27th, 2005, the US Senate moved to appropriate $8 Billion dollars on preparations in case a World Wide epidemic is sparked.

A healthy and strong immune system is the best defense against the cold and flu that is so prevalent during the winter season.

Winterize is the only product on the market to contain the following combination of herbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Beta Glucan

Beta-glucan is a fiber-type complex sugar (polysaccharide) derived from the cell wall of baker's yeast, oat and barley fiber, and many medicinal mushrooms, such as maitake. The two primary uses of beta-glucan are to enhance the immune system and to lower blood cholesterol levels. Numerous experimental studies in test tubes and animals have shown beta-glucan to activate white blood cells. The research indicates that beta-1,3-glucan, in particular, is very effective at activating white blood cells known as macrophages and neutrophils. These cells provide one of the immune system's first lines of defense against foreign invaders.

Syrian Oregano

With a stronger taste and aroma than other types of oregano, Syrian Oregano is considered by many to have been the plant referred to as Hyssop in the Bible, an herb used for purification in ancient times.

Echinacea

Resembling a black-eyed Susan, echinacea or purple coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous to the central plains where it grows on road banks, prairies, fields and in dry, open woods. It is also called snake root because it grows from a thick black root that Indians used to treat snake bites.

Herbalists consider Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a native American medicinal plant introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases, wounds, and for sore, inflamed eyes. Its roots are bright yellow, thus the name. Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

Numerous references to Goldenseal began to appear in medical writings as far back as 1820 as a strong tea for indigestion. Today it is used to treat symptoms of the cold and flu and as an astringent, antibacterial remedy for the mucous membranes of the body.

The active ingredients in Goldenseal are the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. Similar in action, they destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. These alkaloids can also reduce gastric inflammation and relieve congestion. Goldenseal works wonders in combination with Echinacea particularly at the onset of cold and flu symptoms, especially coughs and sore throats.

Garlic Juice Powder

Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body. The alliin is a sulphur containing amino acid, and makes garlic and effective antibiotic. Garlic is the only antibiotic that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the same time, protect the body from the toxins that are causing the infection. The forefather of antibiotic medicine, Louis Pasteur, acknowledged garlic to be as effective as penicillin. Garlic, though, does things other antibiotics can't do: it doesn't just kill bacteria, it's also antifungal and antiviral, which makes it effective for any type of infection.

Elderberry

The American elder (canadensis) , also known as Elderberry, is small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America. The European elder (nigra) grows to 30 feet, is found throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, and has been naturalized in the United States. The tree has been called "the medicine chest of the common people.

The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat, influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.

Peppermint Leaf

This great tasting aromatic herb, and its close relatives in the mint family, are used as teas and soup, stuffing, meat, salad and dessert seasoning all over the world. Peppermint, combined with Elderberry has been a suggested combination to take at the onset of a cold or mild influenza.

Onion Juice Powder

The common garden onion is one of the oldest and most versatile herbal remedies. Probably native to Southwest Asia, onions are now found in all parts of the world. Traditionally onion preparations have been especially effective in the treatment of colds and congestion. Taken internally, onion may be helpful for indigestion and circulatory diseases.

Horseradish

Strong and pungent, Horseradish is widely used as a condiment with beef and during the Jewish Seder. Horseradish also contains expectorant properties and has been added to cough syrup over the ages.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is present in virtually every cell of the body. Over the past 10 years Zinc has been increasingly used for supplementing diets during the cold and flu season.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid is found in an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Used to prevent scurvy and other conditions, British sailors were known to pack barrels of limes for ocean voyages to prevent scurvy and thus earning them the nickname " Limeys". Increased vitamin C supplementation is often recommended during Winter months when fresh fruits are not in season or less plentiful.