“Do you immunize your children?”
“Sure I do, every day…”
There are many remedies that fit into everyday life that boost the immune system and assist in keeping the body healthy and strong during the winter months. Like all-natural remedies, immune support is most effective when done as part of a holistic approach.
A wonderful proverb states “depart from evil and do good” the first place to start is, of course, staying away from the things that weaken the immune system, processed or sugary food for example. The next is to include many varied immune-boosting behaviors, foods, and remedies.
Behaviors would include:
Getting enough good quality sleep.
Being physically active.
Getting some sun, when weather permits.
In the immune-boosting foods we can list many herbs, spices, and vegetables that support a healthy immune system and incorporate them into your life in many ways:
Interestingly many of the white herbs and vegetables have immune-supporting benefits, that is they support the function of the white blood cells. Herbs and vegetables such as garlic, ginger, onion, white cabbage, parsnips, turnips, etc. Therefore adding these to your family's diets this time of year will effortlessly strengthen you and yours. Sauerkraut with garlic and daikon radish is a great way to get the immune-boosting properties along with a good dose of probiotics.
Winter spice blends: another easy way to boost the immune system is to make up a few jars of spice blends using herbs and spices that are beneficial such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, garlic, cloves. For example:
Savory cooking spice blend:
1 Tbsp ginger
1 Tbsp garlic
1 Tbsp turmeric
½ Tbsp cinnamon
½ Tsp cardamom
½ Tsp black pepper
Great to add to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, fresh vegetable salads and even to create a spiced herb bread
Sweet or savory blend:
¼ cup cinnamon
3 Tbsp cardamom
3 Tbsp ginger
This blend can be added to all of the above in addition to spicing up coffee, hot cocoa, cookies, pancakes and more.
Herbal tea blends: Try a delicious golden tea with ½ Tsp each turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon in hot water with a touch of honey and some milk. Or a lighter herbal tea blend such as 1 part mint, 1 part lemon balm and one part chamomile. Mix up a large amount in a jar for ease of use.
There are also many great natural herbal remedies that strengthen the immune system:
Herbal syrups such as olive leaf syrup or elderberry syrup. Take a couple of spoonfuls daily as a part of this holistic immune support or sweeten your herbal teas with these syrups.
Massage oils: use a light-infused oil and some essential oils to create a massage serum and add a message to your nighttime routine. Our kids love to fall asleep while I massage their feet and hands.
Oxymel or fire cider: infuse a probiotic vinegar with warming herbs: garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, hot pepper, turmeric. This remedy is very powerful. A spoonful a day is a great way to knock down any budding sickness.
What strategies do you use to stay healthy during this time of year? Leave a comment below to share your ideas.