Cold and Flu Tea: Try ShieldsUp!

It’s that time of year: it’s cold and flu season. All-natural cold and flu tea can help.

This time of year, everyone seems to be sick — friends, family, neighbors, coworkers … During cold and flu season, it can be challenging for several reasons:

1. Viral Spread: Cold and flu viruses are highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. This makes it difficult to prevent the spread of these viruses, especially in crowded places like schools, offices, and public transportation.
2. Variability of Viruses: There are many different strains of cold and flu viruses, and they can mutate over time, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and fight them effectively. This variability also means that people can get sick multiple times during the season, as they may be exposed to different strains.
3. Seasonal Factors: Cold and flu viruses tend to thrive in colder, drier air, which is why cold and flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter months. In addition, people tend to spend more time indoors during these months, which can increase the risk of virus transmission.
4. Symptom Similarity: The symptoms of colds and flu can be similar, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, fatigue, and fever. This can make it difficult for people to differentiate between the two illnesses, leading to delays in seeking appropriate treatment.
5. Impact on Health Care Systems: Cold and flu season can place a significant strain on healthcare systems, as hospitals and clinics may become overwhelmed with patients seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses. This can lead to longer wait times, increased healthcare costs, and challenges in providing adequate care to all patients.

ShieldsUp! Kits: Cold and Flu Tea

You’ve probably done everything you’re told to do. You’re trying to prioritize sleep, drink your OJ in the morning, exercise, and steer clear of others who are sick. And yet … it’s near impossible to avoid every possible disease vector.

Linden Botanicals created our proprietary  ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kits so they would provide the necessary ingredients to support your immune system as it fights off invading pathogens.

This 20-day formula is a proprietary collection of 5 healthy herbal extracts and 1 amino acid: Cistus incanus, Phyllanthus niruri, Rosa rugosa, Agarikon mushroom, Torilis japonica, and L-lysine.

This collection of herbal supplements is designed to:

• Support your immune defenses
• Inhibit the lifecycle of common viruses
• Help fight colds, flus, coughs, and invading pathogens
• Bolster the respiratory tract
• Protect against free radical damage
• Protect against overactive immune response inflammation

What Cold and Flu Tea Herbals Are in ShieldsUp! Kits?

ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kits from Linden Botanicals are a proprietary cold and flu tea collection of six powerful supplements. No other kits in the world contain these exact six extracts—each one carefully chosen for its proven ability to strengthen the body’s defenses and promote overall wellness.

Cistus incanus

Cistus incanus is often considered one of the most effective natural remedies for cold and flu season. Backed by modern scientific research, it has demonstrated the ability to shorten the duration of respiratory infections, ease sore throats, and reduce congestion. Its polyphenol-rich profile gives it strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, helping the body defend itself against seasonal threats before they take hold.

Beyond its role in respiratory health, Cistus incanus is also prized for its antioxidant power. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, it helps reduce oxidative stress—a key factor in overall immune resilience, cellular health, and even healthy aging. Regular use may also support cardiovascular wellness and metabolic balance, making it a versatile addition to a daily wellness routine.

Linden Botanicals customers around the world report that Cistus incanus has become their go-to daily tonic. They often highlight its soothing effect on the throat, its ability to keep seasonal bugs at bay, and its mild, clean, slightly floral taste that makes it easy to enjoy as a tea. Unlike many bitter or medicinal herbal teas, Cistus incanus offers immune support that’s as enjoyable to drink as it is beneficial to the body.

Why It Matters: Seasonal sniffles, sore throats, and lingering colds can knock you off your game. Cistus incanus cold and flu tea helps your body fight back—while giving you a daily immune tonic that tastes great.

Phyllanthus niruri

Phyllanthus niruri has earned global recognition as a true botanical powerhouse. Widely known by the names Chanca Piedra and Stone Breaker, this remarkable plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems across South America, India, and Southeast Asia. Its reputation stems from its ability to strengthen the immune system while providing targeted support for the kidneys, urinary tract, and liver.

One of its most well-known uses is in helping to naturally break down kidney stones and encourage their smooth passage. By relaxing the urinary tract and reducing the risk of mineral buildup, Phyllanthus niruri supports long-term urinary health and comfort. Its liver-protective qualities are equally impressive, offering detoxification support, improved bile flow, and a natural defense against liver stress caused by toxins or illness.

Modern scientific studies confirm what traditional healers have long known: Phyllanthus niruri possesses antiviral, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These wide-ranging benefits mean it can play an important role in protecting the body against infections, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall vitality. Some researchers even suggest that no other plant offers as broad a spectrum of health benefits.

For Linden Botanicals customers, Phyllanthus niruri is a trusted cold and flu tea that supports daily wellness. Whether they’re looking to strengthen their immune defenses, maintain kidney and liver health, or simply add a world-renowned adaptogenic herb to their routine, this extract delivers reliable results. In fact, we believe it offers more health benefits than any other plant in the world.

Why It Matters: From urinary discomfort to overworked livers, everyday toxins and stressors can take their toll. Phyllanthus niruri supports detox, kidney health, and immune strength—helping you feel balanced and resilient.

Rosa rugosa

Our Rosa rugosa herbal extract (also called Rose Hips) has long been celebrated as one of nature’s richest sources of vitamin C. Our extract is standardized to 20% vitamin C, ensuring consistent potency and reliable immune support with every serving. Vitamin C is critical to the body’s ability to fend off colds and flu, making Rosa rugosa an essential ally during seasonal challenges.

The benefits of Rose Hips extend far beyond immune defense. Vitamin C plays a central role in collagen production, the protein that keeps skin firm, elastic, and youthful. By stimulating collagen synthesis, Rosa rugosa helps improve skin tone, texture, and overall vibrancy. Its antioxidant compounds also help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that contributes to premature aging and chronic inflammation.

In addition, Rose Hips are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in joint comfort and mobility. This makes them not only powerful cold and flu tea support but also great support for overall wellness and healthy aging.

Customers appreciate Rosa rugosa for its natural balance of potency and gentleness. It’s a soothing, effective extract that helps the body stay strong, resilient, and radiant—inside and out.

Why It Matters: Your skin, joints, and immune system all rely on vitamin C. With Rosa rugosa, you get a natural source of this vital nutrient to help defend against colds and keep skin glowing.

Agarikon Mushroom (Laricifomes officinalis)

Agarikon mushroom (also called Laricifomes officinalis) is one of the most legendary medicinal fungi in the world. Once treasured in ancient Greek medicine and highly valued by Indigenous cultures in North America and Europe, Agarikon was traditionally sought after for its ability to combat infections and strengthen the body’s defenses. Often referred to as the “elixir of long life,” it has been prized as much for its remarkable health benefits.

Modern research is beginning to validate what healers have known for generations. Agarikon is rich in bioactive compounds, including triterpenes and chlorinated coumarins, which contribute to its powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Early studies suggest it may offer immune-modulating effects—helping to balance and strengthen the immune system’s response to pathogens while reducing unnecessary inflammation. This makes it a promising cold and flu tea for protecting respiratory health and maintaining overall wellness, especially during cold and flu season.

Beyond immune support, Agarikon’s unique compounds are being investigated for their potential against a wide range of microbial threats, sparking renewed scientific interest in this ancient remedy. Though rare in the wild today, Agarikon continues to stand out as one of the most intriguing natural options for fortifying health.

For Linden Botanicals customers, Agarikon provides not only tradition-backed immune support but also a connection to one of the most storied and respected medicinal mushrooms in history.

Why It Matters: Seasonal bugs and respiratory challenges can make it hard to stay healthy. Agarikon’s ancient antimicrobial properties support strong lungs and immune defenses when you need them most.

Torilis japonica

Torilis japonica, commonly known as Japanese hedge parsley, is a lesser-known but highly valuable herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is particularly celebrated for its ability to help the body maintain a healthy inflammation response—an essential factor in overall immune strength and long-term wellness.

With its natural anti-inflammatory properties, Torilis japonica may help ease joint stiffness and discomfort, making it an appealing option for those seeking support for mobility and daily comfort. Its gentle diuretic qualities also promote fluid balance in the body, which may assist in reducing bloating, puffiness, and water retention.

In addition to supporting joint and fluid health, Torilis japonica has been used traditionally to encourage urinary tract wellness. By helping to soothe irritation and promote normal urinary function, it offers a natural way to ease urinary discomfort and support overall kidney and bladder health.

Though less well-known than some of the other botanicals in the ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kit, Torilis japonica plays an important complementary role. By balancing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems, it helps create a stronger foundation for resilience during times of stress and seasonal illness.

Why It Matters: Stiff joints, bloating, and urinary irritation are common frustrations. Torilis japonica helps balance inflammation, ease discomfort, and support natural detox processes for everyday relief.

L-lysine

Finally, L-lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it on its own—it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. While best known for supporting protein synthesis, tissue repair, and calcium absorption, L-lysine also plays a vital role in immune health and makes a great addition to a cold and flu tea.

One of its most important benefits is its ability to help inhibit viral replication. Research suggests that L-lysine interferes with the activity of certain viruses, including those responsible for cold sores and other common viral conditions. By blocking viral pathways and limiting their spread, L-lysine provides valuable protection when the immune system is under strain.

In addition, L-lysine appears to influence the body’s stress response by blocking specific receptors tied to anxiety and cortisol release. Since physical and emotional stress can significantly weaken immune defenses, this dual action—calming stress while bolstering immunity—makes L-lysine especially valuable during times of seasonal illness or high stress.

For overall wellness, L-lysine also supports collagen formation, wound healing, and healthy skin, further adding to its versatility. Within the ShieldsUp! Immune Support Kit, it serves as a powerful complement to the herbal extracts, providing targeted antiviral and stress-buffering benefits that round out the kit’s immune-strengthening formula.

Why It Matters: Stress and viral exposure can weaken your body’s defenses. L-lysine helps block viral replication and supports calm resilience—keeping you stronger through busy, stressful seasons.

Does ShieldsUp! Provide a Cold and Flu Tea Cure?

Your immune system does a pretty good job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes a germ invades and makes you sick. Sometimes that germ is novel, and your body has no innate immunity to it.

An anti viral tea aims to help the immune system in its day-to-day defense against disease. Well-chosen herbal supplements may be able to help your immune system function optimally. For example, Rosa rugosa provides an excellent source of Vitamin C, which can contribute to the effectiveness of the body’s immune response.

Numerous scientific studies indicate that Cistus incanus and Phyllanthus niruri can help protect the body against infection and disease. Phyllanthus niruri is an immunomodulator that can help quell an overactive immune response. Cistus incanus provides immune system support by interfering with viral binding strategies.

Both Cistus incanus and Phyllanthus niruri provide significant immune herbal support. Nonetheless, these all-natural herbals are not “immune boosting” agents, and they’re not providing a cure. To that end, be wary of anyone selling herbal “cures” for what ails you.

Try ShieldsUp!

ShieldsUp! Kits contain 20 days of support. Each of the herbal supplements in ShieldsUp! is packaged individually so you can choose how best to support your immune health. You can take all of the extracts together as one cold and flu tea, or you can try them out individually.

Kits come with a scoop. Mix one scoop twice a day into warm water, juice, or a smoothie. You could also mix one scoop of herbal mixture with one teaspoon honey, add the mixture to warm water, and drink it as a tea.

ShieldsUp! kits are the most economical way to try all six supplements. To learn more about the six supplements included in ShieldsUp! Kits, a good place to start is with the ShieldsUp! FAQ.

Buy ShieldsUp!