Winter gets a bad rap, it’s the season where people tend to pick up bad habits and fall victim to the common cold or flu. Whether you’re into flu vaccinations or not, there are plenty of other ways to gain immunity this winter. There are four major immunity herbs that work in varying ways to give you the most thorough protection.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that is best taken at the first sign of illness. As it stimulates your immune system, taking Echinacea when your immune system is already worn out may be counterproductive.
Astragalus
Astragalus also stimulates the immune system however it is more widely known for its strengthening properties. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and inhibits free radical production, great for strengthening your immune system.
Andrographis
Andrographis is a fantastic herb for flushing out and relieving the symptoms that you may already have, including upper respiratory infections, fever and sore throat.
Elderberry
Elderberry has the ability to deactivate the flu virus, relieve sinus pain and naturally boost immunity. It works by attacking the virus and reducing bronchial inflammation. And if you’re a tea drinker, Elderberry is the way to go, it brews a delicious tea whilst fighting your cold.
The other herbs can also be brewed as tea, however, you would have to have the courage of a lion or a palette from hell to tangle with those. Luckily they can all be found in other forms. All of these herbs can be found in tablet form at a pharmacy or health store. Health stores will also usually stock a powder form of the raw herb that you can use in smoothies or mix into water for a highly concentrated, quick boost.
The Simple Approach
If this is all too much and you’re just starting out your immunity conquest, perhaps a more familiar approach would be better. Daily vitamins that contribute to boosting your immune system are vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. A great natural source of vitamin C is found in kiwi fruit but there’s a catch…you have to eat the skin. Trust me, it’s not as bad as you think. Kiwi fruit contains a much larger amount of vitamin C than an orange. Zinc is also a great natural way to boost the immune system and can be found in tablet form or naturally in pumpkin seeds, oysters and lean beef. It should be said that herbs work on people in different ways, so find the herbs that make your body sing. Stay warm, stay cosy and stay healthy this winter.
*Consult your healthcare professional and follow recommended supplement dosage information before taking any natural herbs
This article was written by freelance writer, Lachlan Cornell
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