My Natural Health Blog

We have seen some wild days up and down the country this winter, which is why it is important to keep your immune system at full capacity.  Even the healthiest of us can be challenged during the colder months therefore it is useful to know what to reach for in times of need.

The Herbal medicine cabinet is brimming with plants that are protective and supportive for the immune system.

As the proverb goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’

Much like the ‘apple-a-day’ concept, it can be useful to add a herbal immunity shot to your regime. It is important to help boost our second line of defence, which involves mobilising our white blood cells to attack invaders. The root of the Echinacea plant is known to do exactly that. Containing high levels of alkylamides, it activates and enhances the immune activity in the body. A liquid form of Echinacea of provides excellent bio-availability, but be sure to remember that  any high-quality product provides a guaranteed tongue-tingle sensation, so  it is best diluted in a small amount of water or juice!

Another herbal ally in the winter months is Olive leaf - providing antibacterial and anti-viral activity to stop those bugs in their tracks.

For those that like to combine their Echinacea and Olive leaf, while getting an antioxidant hit, there are some tasty options for you combined with NZ-grown berries.  If you are on-the-go, you can always add a herbal immunity twist to your morning smoothie to ensure your body is getting all it needs. Maintaining your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables during the cooler winter is essential to keeping the body fighting fit.

And for those that feel like they spend their days trying to avoid sick colleagues, kids or travel companions, then you may want a compact solution that you can grab from your handbag/man-bag at any moment.  Your mouth offers the first line of defence to sickness, so a throat spray is perfect for preventing those infections from advancing any further.

But if you do happen to get struck down with the ills or chills this winter, you’ve got plenty of herbal options!

If it is a cough that is causing you trouble, then you want to ensure you are taking a formula that will soothe and decongest. Mullein, Hyssop, Elecampane and White horehound are all super respiratory tonics, providing great support for the lungs. And we can’t forget the mucilage-rich Marshmallow to support your mucous membrane.  There are plenty of herbal options for adults and children, but one that contains the healing and antibacterial of NZ Manuka honey really help the medicine go down!

For those pesky runny noses, you want something that will help reduce the mucus production, soothe the irritated tissues and support the immune system.  And if the congestion is keeping you and the family awake in the wee hours, then a soothing chest rub is going to provide support right through the night.

Sore throats can linger and cause great discomfort, so it is important to remember the power of Thyme as a herb with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.  For little ones, Echinacea, Thyme as well as Manuka and Thyme honey provide an excellent and tasty combination, and there is something for adults as well.

Another important way of speeding our recovery from infections is to ensure that we are getting the necessary rest, particularly if your sleep is disturbed with coughs and snuffles. Sleep provides an important time for the body to regenerate and restore its defences while beginning the healing process.   Keep warm and keep sipping on plenty of uncaffeinated hot beverages!

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