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Staying healthy is always important and one was to do this is building a stronger immunity. Now, more than ever is the time that we need to boost our immunity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here is a list of safe and natural herbs that can help boost your immunity.
Herbs to Help Boost Immunity
Sometimes you will find that you are under the weather, or have a weakened immune system, especially when the weather changes.
Thankfully, there are a few powerhouse herbs that can help boost your immunity, help relieve symptoms or shorten the length of the symptoms of respiratory conditions that you may get during these times.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, contains antioxidant and antibiotic properties that help combat respiratory infections. It also has many other uses including:
- Keeping diabetes in check
- A powerful germicide
- Contains detoxifying agents
- Helps keep skin clean and clear
- Can help reduce stress and pressure
- Is rich in Vitamin C and Zinc
- Has been known to help protect against some types of cancer
The best way to use holy basil is to simply chew a few fresh leaves first thing in the morning.
Another way is to use it in a warm drink twice a day. Just add a few fresh leaves or a small amount of dried leaves and infuse them in water. Add a slice of lemon or a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice before consuming.
Turmeric
Containing the compound curcumin, this spice has many anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties. Its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also help in protecting and healing you from a variety of other diseases and infections such as:
- Increasing the production of white blood cells
- Helping to boost metabolism
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Helping to detoxify the body
Turmeric can be used in powdered form in many dishes, or in a mixed into a warm milk drink before going to bed. Using black pepper with turmeric helps to enhance the absorption of curcumin.
Note: Turmeric should not be taken in high doses by anyone that is taking blood thinning medication.
Check out these ways to use turmeric.
It is easy to grow your own turmeric in a pot or in your backyard garden.
Ginger
Ginger is a key component in Ayurveda. This go-to herb is great for those times when you are battling a sore throat and respiratory infections.
It boosts immunity, its antimicrobial and antibiotic, and also improves the digestive system and can help clear up congestion.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that have be known to provide relief from medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Fresh ginger can be purchased from the grocery store, or you can grow your own in pots at home. A great way to use it is to finely chop it up and let it sit in a hot cup of water along with a slice of lemon. A dash of raw honey can also be added.
Ginger is also one of the main ingredients in these honey, lemon and ginger cough drops. It can also be added to kombucha.
Neem Leaves
Though they have a reputation for a unique bitter taste, this magical herb is amazing when it comes to helping support a healthy immune system, aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. These leaves:
- Contain detoxifying agents that can help purify the blood
- They can increase your appetite if struggling with a low-appetite
- They have been found to be beneficial for gums
- With their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. properties, they can help protect against diseases
- They have been known to give relief from gastrointestinal issues
- Can also help fight plaque build-up
Neem leaves can be consumed by infusing a few leaves in about two glass of boiling water. Let the leaves sit for a few minutes before removing them. Add a few drops of honey to help remove the bitter taste. Consume twice a day.
The leaves can also be chewed, that is if you can handle the bitter taste.
Note: Do not use neem leaves if you have had an organ transplant. It may also lower blood sugar levels, so don’t use for at least 2 weeks before, during or for a few weeks after surgery.
Cinnamon
Most people have cinnamon in their pantry. It contains cinnamaldehyde, which helps to fight infections, as well as relive and treat respiratory tract infections.
With its antimicrobial properties, it has also be suggested that it can help fight bad breath and tooth decay.
Cinnamon works well in baking, savoury dishes, curries and middle eastern dishes. Try infusing honey with cinnamon for a versatile product that you can use in baking, help with healing and relief from some health issues and more.
Rosemary
This easy to grow herb is a member of the mint family. Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it is said to help combat infection while boosting the immune system. It is also known as the herb of remembrance, being recommended for memory recall.
This versatile shrub is often used as a potpourri to freshen the air and used in disinfectants and hair rinses.
For more rosemary resources, check these out:
- Tips for Growing and Harvesting Rosemary
- Rosemary Cultivation and Culinary Uses
- Rosemary Salve
- Lemon Rosemary Sugar Scrub
- Rosemary Salt
- Lavender Rosemary Soap
- Tallow Stick with Rosemary and Lemon Balm
Thyme
This amazing herb is known to help prevent viral and fungal infections and relieving symptoms of respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, allergies, colds and the flu.
Thyme contains thymol, which helps to eliminate phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract, which aid in helping you breathe easier. It also contains Vitamin C which helps strengthen the immune system.
This herb is another one that is easy to grow.
Brew it into a tea and sip it, with a little honey if needed, to help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that is so gentle, but so amazing for your health. It is a natural aid that helps fight against bacteria that may be in the ear canal, helping to promote good ear health.
Not only does it help boost your immune system, but it is also a natural antibiotic. Taken when you have a cold, it helps to decrease the duration and the severity of the cold.
It has also be known to help:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Prevent the formation of blood clots
- Reduce the build up of plaque
- Prevent certain cancers
- Slow down the growth of tumors
The best way to use this powerful antibiotic for healing purposes is to chop it up finely or mince it, then let it sit for around 10 minutes. Once the constituents have been activated, swallow the small pieces, with water if needed, without chewing. Do not take more than 2 cloves per day as you don’t want to overdose on garlic as this may cause issues such as internal bleeding.
With its many uses in recipes and as a natural way to promote better health, it is easy to see why garlic has been such a favourite throughout the ages.
For more garlic resources, check these out:
- Growing and Storing Garlic
- Homemade Minced Garlic
- Homemade Garlic Powder from Dehydrated Garlic
- Garlic Braised Dandelion Greens
- Homemade Garlic Mullein Ear Oil
- Garlic Salve for Colds and the Flu
- Garlic Bread Seasoning
- Homemade Garlic Powder
- Garlic Aioli Recipe
- Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
- Honey Fermented Garlic
- Herb and Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Echinacea
Echinacea has been used throughout the centuries as a cure-all herb, fighting everything from the common cold to wounds, burns, and systemic infections.
Because it stimulates the immune system and can cause what is called autoimmune aggression, people with tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, leukaemia, AIDS/HIV, or other autoimmune diseases should avoid echinacea or only take it under the supervision of a medical professional.
This caution also applies to anyone taking immune suppressing drugs for the purpose of an organ transplant.
Echinacea is safe for everyone else, including children, and shows virtually no side effects. Echinacea may be safe during pregnancy, but pregnant women should consult with their health care providers before using it.
Echinacea is most commonly taken in a capsule or tablet form but is also available as a liquid, dried to use in atea or in the form of creams or salves. Echinacea is not a one-dose remedy, and once started, should be taken regularly for at least seven to 10 days.
While these herbs (and there are plenty of others as well) can help boost your immunity, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using them, especially if you are taking medication, or already have other health conditions.
The post Herbs to Help Boost Immunity appeared first on Simple Living. Creative Learning.
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