Boosting Your Immune System
Boosting your immune system is a hot topic this time of year. We are all trying to avoid the sickness going around.
Right?
Here are a few herbal tidbits to help you give colds and flu the boot.
- Echinacea promotes and increase of white blood cells, making your immune system stronger. This is an amazing herb and is often combined with goldenseal (which fights infection). You can be sure you have a good echinacea tincture if it makes your tongue numb. This comes in handy when you have a sore throat because the numbness caused by the echinacea tincture will soothe your throat while the herb goes to work on your immune system.
- Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help boost your immune system. Some studies have shown that curcumin can change a variety of aspects of the way immune cells function and signal each other. In addition, the curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic is nature’s antibiotic. Studies have shown allicin released in freshly cut garlic displays antimicrobial activity against bacteria, including drug resistant strains of e-coli. The nice thing about garlic is that unlike pharmaceuticals, it works to strengthen the body against more than just bacteria. It can be effective to help with viruses, fungal problems and parasites as well.
- Elderberries are packed with an antioxidant called quercetin. This has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Elderberries are a great choice to combat flu symptoms.
In addition to these great herbs, remember to avoid mucus-forming foods like sugar, dairy products and processed foods.
- Melanie Skelton, Master Herbalist