As the weather gets colder, you may find yourself getting sniffly and under the weather. I don’t like to take over-the-counter cold medicine: it doesn’t work well for me, and putting all those chemicals into my body makes me nervous. So I started looking into natural ways to boost my immune system this cold and flu season, and the Internet delivered! Here are some herbs and spices to help you prevent and combat sickness this winter.
Echinaea
This pretty purple flower is a secret superfood. It contains polysaccharides, carbohydrate compounds that increase the body’s production of white blood cells. White blood cells fight off infection, so boosting these little soldiers is a surefire way to keep the cold at bay. Take this supplement as a tablet, an extract, or steep it in your morning tea.
Ginger
Ginger is a decongestant, pain reliever, and antihistamine, and nothing settles an upset stomach like ginger ale or ginger tea. You can sneak this delicious and versatile root into stir fry, chicken, sauces, and spritzers to up your dosage.
Andrographis
This exotic plant is a tiny miracle. It has been used for centuries to prevent influenza, soothe digestive issues, treat liver conditions, and alleviate fever and sore throats. The herb’s detoxifying properties cleanse the blood and strengthen the immune system to ward off infection. The leaves and stem are typically dried and steeped in tea, or you can find an extract to administer as a supplement.
Garlic
Garlic is known especially for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It fights ear, eye, and mouth infections, and boosts overall cardiovascular health. Not to mention it’s delicious! Crush before cooking into a huge variety of dishes to better release the flavor and benefits.
Honeysuckle Forsythia
This soothing plant is typically mixed with licorice root to treat respiratory distress. If you get that eternal winter cough or sinus congestion, seek out some honeysuckle and licorice root tea to soothe and clear your lungs.
Elderberry
Elderberries are packed with quercetin, an antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. A teaspoon of elderberry syrup can combat flu symptoms and help people with sinus pains or chronic fatigue find relief. Find this tart berry in tea or extract form.
Take your health into your own hands this winter and try your own combination of immune-boosting herbs and supplements.
