Naturally Strong Boosting your Immune System with Herbal Remedies This Winter.

Mar 3

2 min read

Are you one of those people that dreads winter? Catch every bug going round? Do you come down with a stinking cold when the seasons change or when you stop for Christmas? If you are under stress or have a respiratory or auto-immune condition; then you are more susceptible to ill health. The good news is you can boost your immune system naturally to fight off winter nasties!

Herbal remedies taken daily for a month or more before and throughout winter can enhance the immune system. They can increase the production of white blood cells which attack invading bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Mental or physical stresses reduce our ability to fight off illness, so herbs that help us to relax are helpful. Adaptogenic herbs help regulate stress; herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum), Reishi, (Ganoderma lucidium) (not for those on blood thinners), and Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). Our native Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Angelica (angelica archangelica) are also great adaptogenic tonics.

Healthy lifestyle is key to good immune health. Good nutrition; eating whole, unprocessed foods with plenty of vegetables and fruits (especially red and black). Achieve a balance between work and fun! Exercise daily but also take time for relaxation. Take plenty of fluids and sleep. Feel good activities can boost our defences such as singing, yoga, tai chi creative pursuits like art, pottery or poetry.

What happens if I get a bug? Elderberry cordial or tea can reduce the duration and severity of colds if taken at the first sign of symptoms. It is rich in flavonoids that help prevent viruses from entering cells. Take Echinacea purpurea and vitamin C regularly, to help speed recovery. Take teas with ginger, lemon, liquorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra), and turmeric. Eat raw garlic! Add to foods at the end of cooking or blend into a yoghurt dip Ginger cordial is a warming comforting store cupboard standby. The traditional remedy for fever is Peppermint, Elderflower and Yarrow tea. Utilise warming and protective kitchen spices in your cooking and in a toddy to improve symptoms.