One of the best things you can do for your overall health is to boost your immune system. Having a strong immune system helps your body literally fight off infection, diseases and helps you recover faster.
While there are many products on the market, there are a few natural ways that can boost and strengthen your immune system in a shorter amount of time. Here are a few:
1. Elderberry
Elderberry is known as “nature’s flu shot” and is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost your
immune system, fight inflammation, and relieve nasal congestion. A study in Norway concluded that elderberry extract offers an efficient, safe, and cost-effective treatment for influenza.
2. Ginger
Ginger enhances immunity, breaks down toxins in the body due to it’s warming effect, helps cleanse the lymphatic system, and loosens mucus. Enjoy ginger tea as an energizing alternative to your daily coffee.
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3. Turmeric
Turmeric is known as a natural antibiotic and is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. It is antiviral, antifungal, and fights inflammation.
4. Astragalus
Astragalus is a prominent herb in Chinese medicine that contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Studies on astragalus suggest that the root can boost resistance to infectionTrusted Source and regulate the body’s immune responses.
5. Reishi
Known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’, reishi is an herbal immune tonic. Taken regularly, it can enhance and fine-tune the body’s immune response. It’s especially helpful as a daily remedy for those who have weak lungs or who frequently succumb to respiratory infections. Reishi can be purchased online or at local health food stores, cultivated at home, or gathered from the wild.
6. Angelica Root
Similar to astragalus, angelica root has been shown to modulate the immune system and treat respiratory ailments and cold symptoms.
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So what do you do with all this information? Make a drink? Well, in this case, we've created a highly concentrated mix that you can add to any drink to boost your immune system
Ingredients
1 tbsp. honey
1 oz. dried astragalus root
1 oz. dried angelica root
1/2 oz. dried chamomile
1 tsp. dried ginger
1 tsp. dried orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp. cardamom seeds
10 oz. ...alcohol yes, alcohol (recommended: 100 proof vodka)
Directions
Dissolve the honey in 2 teaspoons of boiling water. Let cool.
Combine the honey and the next 7 ingredients in a mason jar and pour alcohol on top.
Seal tightly and store the bitters in a cool, dark place.
Let the bitters infuse until the desired strength is reached, about 2-4 weeks. Shake the jars regularly (about once per day).
When ready, strain the bitters through a muslin cheesecloth or coffee filter. Store the strained bitters in an airtight container at room temperature.
To use: Mix this tonic into hot tea or take a few drops as is first thing when you wake up for protection during cold and flu season
3 Immune-Boosting Soups
Even though soup may not be considered a hearty meal all the time, it certainly warms the soul. And these three soup recipes not only do that, they also boost your immune system to fight off colds and flu (seriously)! See below for the recipes:
Soul Food Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 onion, fresh yellow or brown chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 quarts water (to enhance the flavor of your dish, use chicken broth in place of water)
4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced
Directions:
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is transparent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in water, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir in cabbage. Simmer until cabbage wilts, about 10 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes. Return to a boil, then simmer 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often.
Double Detox Soup
As a liquid, soup is already helping you flush waste from your body. When you choose detoxifying ingredients, such as the ones featured in the recipe below, you are really treating your body to an internal cleanse as well.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup anise
1/2 cup brussels sprouts
1/2 cup cabbage
1/2 cup Swiss chard
1 tsp cilantro...
(ingredients continued on next page)
...1 cup collards
1/4 cup dandelion
1 tsp fennel
1 tsp fresh garlic
1/2 tsp fresh ginger
1 cup kale
1/2 cup leeks
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup mustard greens
1/2 cup chopped radish
1/2 cup seaweed
1 tablespoon turmeric
1/2 cup chopped watercress
2 cups distilled water
Directions:
Simmer ingredients for 1 to 2 hours over a low flame
Strain to drink as a broth, or if you prefer, leave the cut vegetables in tact and enjoy a bowl
Eat immediately.
Feel Better Soup (It's called that for a good reason!)
Ingredients:
1 T coconut oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 lb shitake mushrooms
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp turmeric
12 cups...water
4 heads baby bok choy, bottoms chopped off
1/2 head kale, chopped
optional: 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Directions:
Chop off the bottom of the stem from your mushrooms and discard. Seperate stems from tops and slice tops and remaining stem if necessary, into large pieces. You will only discard the very bottom of the stems, not the full stems as they contain many nutritional benefits!
Heat up coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent.
Add in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add in celery and mushrooms and sautee for about 10 minutes or until mushrooms have wilted.
Add in spices (including ginger, if using) and water and bring to a boil.
Then let simmer, covered for 1 hour or as long as you want (the longer you leave, the better!)
Add bok choy and kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt.
Serve warm or store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
