As we head towards winter, it’s important to take care of your health, not only because of the dreaded coronavirus (which is unfortunately still circulating), but also because of the many other viruses, bacteria and germs that are raging.
So what herbal and home remedies should you be taking to keep your immune system on alert and feel less guilty about that “not corona” cough?
Echinacea
Echinacea, the root of the plant, has long been considered an immune boosting and lymphatic boosting plant that aids in immune response, and may also help reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms of colds and winter illnesses.
A recent report from the NatPro Centre for Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin states that “there is sufficient evidence to support the usefulness of echinacea in the short-term prevention and management of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).”
Ideally, it should be taken as a preventative measure in most cases, and is available as a tea or tincture, but A. Vogel offers it in tablet form for quick and easy consumption, especially if the flavor isn’t your thing.
Ginger
Known as a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger root is an ancient Chinese remedy. It’s great for warming the body after a cold spell and is excellent for stimulating circulation, immune response and antibacterial properties to ward off winter illnesses. A real superfood.
You can incorporate ginger into your diet by incorporating it into your meals or by making a simple ginger tea.
peppermint
The Christmas season is known as a time for gorging on rich, heavy foods, and digestion is often needed at this time of year. Peppermint is great for getting your tummy moving as it relaxes the contractions of the digestive system’s muscles, preventing muscle spasms that can lead to air retention and other unpleasant symptoms.
It may also help fight infection, with one study finding it effective against food poisoning bacteria such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. It can be taken as an oil or tea, and Irish tea company Intelligent Tea sells a 100% peppermint tea that’s perfect for this purpose.
Apple cider vinegar
Another digestive aid, apple cider vinegar has long been known to have a variety of health benefits. In addition to improving intestinal function, it can also lower cholesterol, kill pathogens, and lower blood sugar. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, so it’s basically a natural multivitamin.
Like any other vinegar, it can be consumed by drinking it or mixing it into salad dressings. Many brands are available, but most nutritionists recommend taking it in small amounts (no more than two tablespoons a day) and looking for an organic, raw apple cider vinegar that contains “mother vinegar,” such as Bragg’s.
Vitamin D
Did you know that the Irish Government recommends that all Irish people take Vitamin D supplements during the winter? Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced in the body through exposure to sunlight, but Ireland’s climate is not known for being particularly warm, especially in the middle of winter. Vitamin D is important as your body needs it to absorb calcium to keep your bones and muscles healthy.
Recent studies have also shown that vitamin D may protect against severe COVID-19 infection and death by boosting immune response. From October to February, a minimum of 10 mg per day is recommended for adults. If you spend days indoors, as many of us tend to do when it’s cold and rainy, you can sometimes double your intake, but you should not exceed 100 mg per day.
