This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
During these crazy “Rona” times we are in, we need to make sure we keep our immune system strong. I wanted to share a few herbs and vitamins that I love to take to help keep my immune system strong. Viruses are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses. Plenty of rest, fluids, and home remedies can help relieve symptoms. Many herbalists keep their arsenal stocked and ready. But, what if you find you don’t have the herbs you need? What if the herbs you need are not readily available in your area? Once symptoms hit, you don’t have time to order online. You want relief and you want it fast. Luckily, there are plenty of herbs you can buy at your local supermarket to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flu. And, if taken early and often, it is possible to prevent an illness from worsening and turning into bronchitis or pneumonia.
Below, I am explaining all of the herbs and vitamins below and I also and linking the product if you want to purchase it.
Elderberry: The berries and flowers of elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They can help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. Some experts recommend elderberry to help prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms.
I have elderberry syrup that I take in the morning in a glass of syrup. Get it here.
Fresh Garlic & Lemon Tea: Everyday, I make a hot cup of fresh garlic and lemon tea. I loveeee it! I cut pieces of the fresh garlic and put it in boiling water. Let it boil and then let it sit in the pot for about 5 minutes. Then drink! Benefits include:
Improves immune health, prevents and helps with cancer, weight loss, boosts energy, fights infections, reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, disinfect wounds, improves exercise performance, treats stomach ulcers, helps with nausea, treatment for atherosclerosis.
Zinc: Zinc is vital for many aspects of health and has been associated with a variety of benefits- may improve immune function, may promote blood sugar control, helps fight acne, may improve heart health and slows macular degeneration
I have zinc drops that I put in juice or tea. Get them here.
Tumeric Pills: While tumeric is a flavorsome spice that is nutritious to consume, it has also traditionally been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments, and liver conditions. The benefits are: anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, improving liver function, possibly reducing the risk of cancer, digestion,
Turmeric adds flavor to food, which explains its presence in curry powder. However, turmeric can also play an important role in digesting that food.
The spice can contribute to healthy digestion as a result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar: I love to pour two tablespoons of ACV with the mother in a glass of water! I drink this every morning with my breakfast. There are many benefits of ACV: high in healthful substances, can help kill harmful bacteria, may help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes, may aid in weight loss, improves heart health in animals and may boost skin health.
Irish Sea Moss: Irish moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that our bodies need, along with Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. It is especially rich in calcium and iodine, as well as containing potassium iodide and potassium bromide, selenium, zinc, and natural silica. Not only is it very beneficial to the bones, joints, and skin, helping to maintain bone strength and skin elasticity, it can also be applied topically to moisten and nourish the skin and hair.
Oregano Oil: I love oregano oil. Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup and bronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn and bloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions. Thanks to the high levels of carvacrol, oregano oil may help fight certain types of bacteria. Oregano oil also appears to be a potent antifungal agent thanks to high levels of thymol.
Licorice Root: There are more than 300 different compounds in licorice, some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Some clinical studies investigating the potential benefits of licorice have had promising results, particularly in the following areas: skin inflammation and infection, stomach discomfort and ulcers, hepatitis C, tooth decay, sore throat.
Black Seed Oil: Black seed is a plant. People have used the seed to make medicine for over 2000 years. It was even discovered in the tomb of King Tut. Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, and intestinal worms. It has also been used for “pink eye, pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites. Today, black seed is used for treating digestive tract conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation and hemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu, swine flu, and congestion. Other uses include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, treating cancer and boosting the immune system.
I have also been doing respiratory steams. I love them! I use oranges, lemons, limes, cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, bay leaves, essential oils. Sometimes I add other random herbs to the pot. I let them heat up, then I take the pot off the fire and inhale the steam. It also makes your house smell AMAZING!
For more on respiratory steams, check out The Hood Healer’s page on instagram page. She does the most appealing respiratory steam treatments on herself. They are excellent for keeping your breathing passages open & clear, free of phlegm and mucus. Check her out and try it!
