Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Keeping your immune system strong is one of the best ways to stay healthy and ward off illnesses such as colds and flu. Luckily, there are many natural ways you can boost your immune system without having to rely on over the counter medications. Let’s look at oils, herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies, and even certain foods to naturally boost your immune system.
Oil Therapy
Essential oils have long been used for various medicinal purposes. Some of the best essential oils for boosting your immune system include eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and oregano oil. Each of these oils is known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties which help protect against infection and illness. To use essential oils for boosting your immunity, simply mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and apply it directly to your skin. You can also diffuse the essential oils in your home using an aromatherapy diffuser. I have also ingested oil of oregano
but be careful, one or two drops in water goes a long way! And please know that all essential oil companies are not the same. Some can be ingested, and others are just used for smell. Check the quality of the oil before ingesting. (And ask your doctor)
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments. There are several herbs that have been found to be beneficial in boosting immunity including elderberry, echinacea, goldenseal, ginger, garlic, turmeric, ginseng root, cayenne pepper and aloe vera gel. You can take these herbs in either supplement form or add them fresh into meals such as teas or marinades. All of these herbs provide powerful antioxidants that will help fight off free radicals which can weaken the immune system over time.
Supplements & Homeopathic Remedies
Another great way to boost your immune system is through supplements such as vitamin C and zinc which are both known for their ability to increase immunity levels by reducing inflammation in the body. I find zinc to be hard on my stomach though. There are various homeopathic remedies that can be very effective at treating colds and flu symptoms and are labeled by what the homeopathic is to be used for. Just don’t brush your teeth or eat within 15 minutes of taking any homeopathic remedy. This, as well as all remedies, should be taken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional before using them yourself.
Foods
Of course, what you eat is also important for keeping your body healthy! Eating a balanced diet full of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the important vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy while avoiding processed foods that may contain unhealthy additives and chemicals that can weaken your immune system.
Of course, one of the best sources of vitamin C comes from citrus fruit but did you know that broccoli has 135% of your daily vitamin C? You will keep hearing from me that vegetables are good for you. More details later on them! When my kids used to complain about starting to feel sick, I would whip out raw garlic, crush it and make them consume it with a glass of water as garlic is anti viral and acts like a natural antibiotic. They either stopped telling me they felt sick or it worked! Using foods as a way to heal and help support the body is a wonderful way to think about food.
Maybe it is time to make a shift in the way you think about your health also. Instead of just masking symptoms with over-the-counter drugs, look for natural ways to boost your immune system to make your body stronger to ward off infections and germs.
If you’re interested in trying a more natural way to stay healthy this winter, watch for more posts on digging into each of these healthy alternatives mentioned above. I hope that reading this helps you get started on your journey to a healthier self. It’s time to strengthen our immune systems!