Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus): Astragalus is one of the antiviral herbs that works by boosting the immune system.  Taken internally, either as a capsule, tincture , or by adding it to soup.  It is known to increase your body's defense against viruses.  It is best used as prevention, so taking it during flu season or before going places with large crowds of people. Avoid if you already have a fever. Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): In addition to being an antibacterial, antifungal , and antiviral herb, Cat's Claw is also known for boosting the immune system and increasing your body's protection against illness.  It can be taken as a tea, tincture , or capsule.  Do not use during pregnancy. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon): Cranberry is a potent defense against urinary tract infections due to its ability to make the bladder lining too "slippery" to adhere to.  Full of antioxidants, cranberry also has antiviral properties and prevents plaque formation on teeth.  It can be taken in a capsule or as a juice (make sure it is unsweetened). Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Elderberry is used as a remedy for viral infections like the flu and common cold. It stimulates circulation, causing sweating, effectively cleansing the body. Elderberry syrup is the common delivery method and 1 - 3 tablespoons can be taken per day during infection.  Leaves, roots, seeds , and berries of the raw plant contain cyanide-producing compounds and should not be consumed without cooking properly. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is another herb known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.  It is used to prevent and decrease the duration of the common cold.  It can be taken as a tea, in capsule form , or added to meals. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): An important volatile oil found in Lemon Balm contains antiviral properties.  Lemon Balm leaf makes a tasty tea that can also relieve an upset stomach and promote calm. May be unsafe to consume during pregnancy. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice is antiviral and antibacterial.  It is commonly used for gastric ulcers as it kills H. pylori (causes ulcers) without upsetting the stomach.  Steep these antiviral herbs as a tea and drink by itself or blended with other herbal teas.  Avoid during pregnancy. Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus): Mullein-infused oil is a great remedy for ear problems, including ear infections, especially when combined with garlic.  Use the Mullein flowers to create an infused oil. Olive Leaf (Olea europaea): As an antiviral herb; Olive Leaf is used to treat the flu, common cold , and herpes.  It can be taken as a tincture, capsule , or tea mixed with mint. Avoid during pregnancy. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): In addition to adding great flavor to food, Oregano also fights viruses and bacteria.  It is one of the best antiviral herbs available.  During an infection, Oregano essential oil can be taken in a capsule to speed healing.  If using Oregano essential oil topically, use a carrier oil to prevent irritation.

Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent proteins, which require vitamin K for carboxylation in order to function properly. Vitamin D is a cofactor in many metabolic functions, such as; protects fat cells from becoming insulin resistant, it lifts our moods, it can protect against prostate cancer, it modulates our immune system, and it increases the absorption of calcium . It’s found in fatty fish, dairy products, and eggs, but is mainly synthesized by the human skin when exposed to sunlight. In the liver, it is converted to 25(OH)D, the main circulating vitamin D metabolite, and this is what’s measured in your lab tests. From the liver, it goes to the kidneys and is converted to its full biological most active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D), also known as calcitriol . Osteocalcin , also known as bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, is a small non-collagenous protein hormone found in bone and dentin, first identified as a calcium-binding protein in chick bone. The synthesis of osteocalcin is vitamin K dependent. Vitamin K2, menaquinone, is mainly found in fermented dairy and produced by lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. It  has been described as a key element in the preservation of bone health , given that it plays an integral role in the gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin , and promotes the integration of calcium into the bone. It also maintains the coagulation function, so when antibiotics are overused, it destroys Vitamin K (easy bruising). Vitamins D and K in Diabetes It may improve insulin metabolism through an effect on upregulation of the insulin receptor genes, the regulation of insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cell, the enhancement of  β -cell proliferation, and suppression of parathyroid hormone (parathyroid function is releasing calcium from the bones=kidney stones). Chronic hyperglycemia as a consequence of decreased insulin sensitivity, which contributes to bone demineralization and could also be related to changes in serum levels of osteocalcin and insulin, particularly when coupled with a deficiency in the daily consumption of vitamins D3 and K2. Supplementation of vitamin K2 has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes development, that just 10 µg/day of K2 decreases diabetes risk by 7%. Taken together, animal and human studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone, diabetes, and cardiovascular health as supported by genetic, molecular, cellular, and some human studies. Take away Vitamin D and K work together, where vitamin K2 integrates calcium into the bones, vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium. Remember they are both “fat-soluble” vitamins so “less is more”. The best plan is to have both your Vitamin D and K checked before you dive in. Effect of supplementation with vitamins D3 and K2.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436967/ The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/

Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent proteins, which require vitamin K for carboxylation in order to function properly. Vitamin D is a cofactor in many metabolic functions, such as; protects fat cells from becoming insulin resistant, it lifts our moods, it can protect against prostate cancer, it modulates our immune system, and it increases the absorption of calcium . It’s found in fatty fish, dairy products, and eggs, but is mainly synthesized by the human skin when exposed to sunlight. In the liver , it is converted to 25(OH)D, the main circulating vitamin D metabolite, and this is what’s measured in your lab tests. From the liver , it goes to the kidneys and is converted to its full biological most active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D), also known as calcitriol . Osteocalcin , also known as bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, is a small non-collagenous protein hormone found in bone and dentin, first identified as a calcium-binding protein in chick bone. The synthesis of osteocalcin is vitamin K dependent.   Vitamin K2, menaquinone, is mainly found in fermented dairy and produced by lactic acid bacteria in the intestine. It  has been described as a key element in the preservation of bone health , given that it plays an integral role in the gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin , and promotes the integration of calcium into the bone. It also maintains the coagulation function, so when antibiotics are overused, it destroys Vitamin K (easy bruising). Vitamins D and K in Diabetes It may improve insulin metabolism through an effect on upregulation of the insulin receptor genes, the regulation of insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cell, the enhancement of  β -cell proliferation, and suppression of parathyroid hormone (parathyroid function is releasing calcium from the bones=kidney stones). Chronic hyperglycemia as a consequence of decreased insulin sensitivity, which contributes to bone demineralization and could also be related to changes in serum levels of osteocalcin and insulin, particularly when coupled with a deficiency in the daily consumption of vitamins D3 and K2. Supplementation of vitamin K2 has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes development, that just 10 µg/day of K2 decreases diabetes risk by 7%. Taken together, animal and human studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone, diabetes , and cardiovascular health as supported by genetic, molecular, cellular, and some human studies. Take away Vitamin D and K work together, where vitamin K2 integrates calcium into the bones, vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium. Remember they are both “ fat-soluble ” vitamins so “less is more”. The best plan is to have both your Vitamin D and K checked before you dive in. Effect of supplementation with vitamins D3 and K2.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436967/ The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/