Let’s talk about several natural remedies and herbs that our family has found effective in both preventing and fighting illness and boosting the immune system. Everyone struggles with the occasional cold or flu, and though medications are routinely used, there is an increasing interest and need for natural remedies to aid these illnesses. In this post we will discuss home remedies, vitamins, herbs for a healthy immune system, and lifestyle factors that we routinely use to combat sickness and support wellness.
Prevention is Key
“An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” This quote rings true when it comes to illness. It is much better to prevent getting sick than to try to get better. It is optimal to do all we can to keep from getting sick in the first place and avoid the pain and inconvenience of coming down with sickness.
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is your defense against germs, viruses, and pathogens. When your immune system is strong, it will do a much better job of protecting you than if it is weak. It is vital to keep your immune system strong all the time, but especially during times when sickness is going around. Winter is prime time for many people to get sick due to less sun exposure and fresh air, extra sugar during the holidays, etc. Taking care to keep your body healthy especially during this time is important.
Some of the top ways we have found to boost our immune system includes staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious food and minimal sugar, exercising, and taking vitamins and herbs.
Our favorite herbs for a healthy immune system include elderberry and echinacea, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Another important but often overlooked factor is to limit exposure to others who are sick.
Immune Boosting Vitamins
When it comes to preventing and addressing illness, vitamins are wonderful allies. These simple additions to your daily routine, especially when trying to boost your immune system, make a big difference. Some of our favorites include vitamin C, vitamin D and Omega 3 fish oil. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for your body when it comes to fighting sickness and boosting the immune system. Vitamin D is vital for so many body functions, but particularly for healthy immune function. Omega 3s found in fish oil are also incredibly protective to our bodies.
Nourishing foods are another benefit during illness. Real bone broth, made into soup or a hot drink, is a powerhouse of nutrients that is both soothing and nourishing.
Illness Fighting Herbs
There are many herbs that are helpful for both preventing and combating illness. Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites.
Elderberries are a well-known immune boosting herb and are consumed in teas, tinctures, syrups and various other preparations. Elderberries are antiviral and antibacterial and contain significant levels of vitamins A and C.
Echinacea is used to both stimulate and modulate the immune system, making it a great ally for preventing and fighting illness. Its antimicrobial properties help to kill pathogens and bacteria, and it also supports the lymphatic system. Echinacea is best taken at the onset of illness or infection.
Garlic is a powerful herb and superfood that stimulates the immune system, kills bacteria, combats inflammation and promotes better blood circulation. It is best to consume fresh garlic as it contains the most potent medicinal properties. We crush a garlic clove and let it sit for several minutes to release the powerful compound, allicin. Then we eat it in a bite of bread or with a drizzle of honey to mask the taste. When heated, garlic loses many of its beneficial properties, so it is best taken fresh or dried.
Ginger has an amazing array of benefits including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and blood circulatory properties. It is also known to make fevers more productive and ease nausea.
Yarrow is used to tone tissues in the body, including the respiratory system. Like ginger, it is a diaphoretic which means it helps warm up the body in order to sweat out toxins. This action also makes fevers more productive. Yarrow has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Note: Do not take yarrow during pregnancy.
Illness Fighting Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is our best friend in times of illness. Not only is it a great way to take herbs, but it is also soothing and relaxing. Herbal teas can be made with any combination of herbs and are a primary way that we take herbs when we are sick. Since herbal tea does not typically contain caffeine, it is also a great way to stay hydrated. By adding a spoonful of honey to a mug of hot tea, it is a wonderful aid for sore throats.
When our family gets sick, we find ourselves using herbal tea blends that support both immunity and respiratory conditions. That is why we created our own tea blends with organic herbs that we know to be specifically suited for these needs.
Illness Fighting Tinctures
Tinctures are herbal preparations made with alcohol to extract the herbal properties and make them shelf stable. Tinctures are highly bioavailable to the body, making them quickly absorbed and utilized. They are also more potent and concentrated than other herbal preparations and can therefore be taken in smaller doses. Tincture formulas with various combinations of herbs are very helpful and convenient when it comes to addressing certain ailments.
Super Duper Tonic (Recipe from Be Your Own Doctor by Rachel Weaver)
This potent tonic uses several strong herbs along with apple cider vinegar to make a powerful blend to quickly knock out sickness. When taken at the onset of illness, it often keeps sickness from taking hold in the body. During acute illness, it should be taken often until symptoms disappear.
Combine equal parts of fresh onion, ginger, garlic, horseradish, turmeric and cayenne (or jalepeno pepper) in a quart jar. Cover herbs with apple cider vinegar. Shake well, and set in a cool, dark place. Shake tonic a few times a week and strain out herbs after 4 weeks. This tonic lasts for up to one year.
Suggested Use: Take one spoonful as needed. I find that the apple cider vinegar cuts some of the pungent and spicy flavor. This tonic can be taken as is or mixed with a splash of water.
Sleep
Don’t underestimate the power of sleep! Sleep gives your body the chance to recover, reset, and rebuild from daily stressors. Lack of sleep is a huge factor and contributor to sickness. Sleep is important for overall health and is especially important during sickness. Sometimes sickness is a way of alerting your body that it needs more rest.
Move Your Lymphatic System
Our lymphatic system is an amazing part of our body’s defense system and transports pathogens and bacteria to where they can be killed in the body. The lymphatic system does not have an automatic pump like our heart that pumps our blood. Instead, it needs to be regularly stimulated by movement. A classic way to move your lymph system is to bounce on a rebounder.
Exercise
For overall health and vitality, it is important to get regular exercise to encourage blood circulation, strong muscles, good lung capacity, and flexibility. Getting fresh air and sunlight while you exercise is even better. As part of your immune boosting strategy, make sure to incorporate exercise into your daily life.
Combat Illness
While there are many natural remedies available for preventing and addressing illness, these are the herbal strategies that we use. It is wise to employ multiple strategies at the same time to overwhelm the offending sickness and promote health in your body. To sum it all up, keep your immune system strong, prevent getting sick, and attack illness with multiple strategies. Your body will thank you!
~Hannah
