You have several ways to improve your immune system. There are herbs and other naturally derived substances, that can help you boost your immune system naturally.

The following are practical, and cost effective ways to boost your body’s natural defenses against viruses.

Chai Tea, Honey, and Fresh Ginger

Have you ever watched a movie in which an ancient medicine man, passes a sick person a bowl of steaming hot liquid to drink, as a form of medication?

When I see such a scenario, I think of Chai Tea.

Chai Tea is an ages old elixir that has many medicinal properties. It contains black tea, cardamom, ginger, black peppercorns, fennel, cinnamon, and cloves at a minimum. Some blends of Chai Tea also include star anise, and coriander seeds.

Chai Tea’s basic ingredients, alone, offer digestive health support, anti inflammatory benefits, antimicrobial benefits, and even pain relief. 

In order to give this drink a super boost, add in some Manuka honey, and a few slices of fresh ginger. It is a warm and spicy, delicious tea to drink daily, just because. All the immune boosting properties are just a bonus.

To enjoy this immune boosting brew:

-Bring 6-8 oz of water to a boil.

-Add Chai Tea bag and allow to brew for about 5 minutes.

-Stir in a heaping teaspoon full of Manuka honey. (If you don’t have Manuka honey available, use local honey)

-Peel and slice two 1/8 inch thin pieces of ginger root and drop directly into cup of tea.

-Optional* add a splash of milk or creamer, this is strictly for taste preference, but traditionally a splash of milk is added when serving Chai Tea.

Let cool to a consumable temperature, and enjoy!

You can drink this daily, morning and evening to support immune health, as well as digestive health.

Chai Tea has also been attributed to aiding weight loss, due to it’s ability to help speed digestion. Add Chai Tea to your daily regimen, you won’t be disappointed!

Vitamin C and Zinc

In order to function properly, our bodies need the necessary nutrients. Vitamin C in combination with Zinc, is the creme de la creme when it comes to getting our bodies defenses against colds, and other common viruses in tip top shape.

Please be aware that all dietary supplements are not created equally. While flavor is not its best attribute, Emergen-C brand powder drink mix is a personal favorite. After about an hour you can feel your body become more energized. 

What I like about that particular supplement is that I can tell a difference after taking it, but do your own research until you find the supplement that works best for you.

Realize that trying one brand with poor results, does not mean something won’t work, as quality among different products may vary, widely.

Keep looking until you find YOUR perfect match, as we are all differently, and wonderfully made! 

Astragalus

Astragalus is an herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and touted for its immune boosting benefits. The supplement can be found in the form of capsules, tincture, or dried root. 

If taking the capsule form of astragalus it is recommended that 250 mg – 500 mg doses, three to 4 times daily, if using the root  to make tea, 3-6 grams of the dried root per 12 oz of water is recommended three times daily. 

These are standard therapeutic doses, however so I would use the smaller of those doses if desired for preventative measures.

Astragalus is thought to be reasonably safe for humans, but do not take it if you are taking Lithium. Astragalus acts as a diuretic, and many cause the lithium levels in the body to get dangerously high. 

There is not much information about the effects of pregnant women or nursing mothers, taking astragalus, so avoiding it in either case is recommended.

Elderberry Syrup

Various parts of the elderberry tree have been used for centuries, in tradition medicine worldwide. Elderberry syrup can be made at home, but unless you are very experienced in plant identification, I would not recommend attempting it.

The elderberry plant can be toxic, however, the stem leaves and root may contain substantial amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which your body can convert into cyanide. Some of this cyanogenic glycoside, prunasin, is also found in the berry in smaller quantities.

Cooking elderberries does make them safe for consumption. If you are positive about the identity of your elderberry then making your own syrup is a great way to enjoy this home remedy.

For those that are not versed in plant taxonomy, there are commercial products available. 

Purchasing a commercial purchasing a commercially made product, also ensures more accurate dosing of the syrup. Taking elderberry daily during flu and cold season is a great way to help boost your natural defenses.

Keep Sickness At Bay

Boosting our body’s immune system is always a good idea. Regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet,getting enough rest, and good hygiene go a long way, at keeping our bodies in a fighting stance. 

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing. Keeping your hands clean with so many communal surfaces around, is a must. 

Be diligent in your fight against germs and sickness! And as always, Happy Healing!