HERBAL FIXES TO FIGHT CRV SEASON

At this time of the year, cold season should be a thing of the past. Fortunately for us, there's a pandemic taking place. But fear not...keep your immunity from being compromised while those virus germs are lingering around every corner and living on every surface (yes, the virus lives on surfaces for a given amount of time...look it up if you don't believe me).

While traditional over-the-counter medicines can alleviate first signs of symptoms, they simply mask the problem. But what's really going on is that our system (i.e. respiratory) is out of whack, imbalanced. The best defense against the virus is a healthy gut and fortified body filled with plant-rich superfoods plus a curated collection of powerful herbal infusions that can prevent the virus from taking a hold.

Below, a dozen herbs I've been stocking up on to keep me (and hopefully, you) outguessing COVID-19 season.

Ashwagandha

This powerful adaptogen helps your body to adjust to seasonal changes (or in this case, spatial changes...i.e. working from home). It can lower your stress levels, essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, Ashwagandha increases white blood cell production, helping to boost immunity and fight off greens.

Amla

One teaspoon of this powerful immunomodulator contains 720 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C---the powerful immune booster. Amla also stimulates blood circulation and improves liver function, so you can get those toxins moving and kindly escorted from your body.

Thyme

This herb is a natural expectorant, which induces coughing (in a great way) when you need to expel toxins and germs for you to recover quicker. Brew a tea from thyme sprigs or you can simply drop some thyme essential oil in a hot bath to loosen mucus in the chest.

Licorice root

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin---a compound with extremely effective antiviral properties, which is proven to fight off influenza, as well as strains of the the avian flu virus. Licorice is an expectorant and a demulcent that soothes mucus membranes and relieves symptoms of a sore throat and cough.

Garlic

A well-known immune boost (and a personal favorite topping of mine) thanks to its antibacterial properties. Garlic can ward off not only vampires but kick your gut healthy into high gear.

Cayenne pepper

This natural antihistamine brings the heat and due to its hero ingredient, capsaicin, it helps to stimulate circulation and induce sweating that releases built-up mucus in the nasal passages. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to warm water with lemon and maple syrup or sprinkle it on top of soups. You can even add it to your green juice for a serious detoxing, natural healer.

Elderberry

Elderberry extract has been consistently tested and proven to shorten the duration of viral symptoms by as much as four days due to the its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

Basil

Basil helps reduce fevers and symptoms of fever, body aches or chills. Chewing on a few leaves of holy basil can relieve sore throat symptoms while a tea made from boiled leaves will produce the same effect.

Cinnamon

Warming the body from the inside out, this beloved spice of baking aficionados works to decongest by clearing mucus during a viral infection. It is also anti-inflammatory. Boil some cinnamon sticks for a soothing tea or add some organic cinnamon powder to any beverage to a tasty treat.

Eucalyptus

Frequently the key ingredient in over-the-counter vapor rubs, you can easily skip the fillers and purchase pure eucalyptus essential oil. Inhaling the vapor of eucalyptus oil placed in boiling water can help clear respiratory passageways and sinuses.

Ginger

My absolute favorite herb. A natural anti-inflammatory, painkiller and diaphoretic (a compound that induces sweating), ginger is used to reduce fever or typical flu symptoms, as well as indigestion, stomach ache, headache and sore throat.

Valerian root

Valerian is nature's sedative that has been used for hundreds of years to soothe the nervous system and relieve pain. Even better? A cup of valerian tea will also serve as a natural, non-additive sleep aid.

#healthyliving #nutrition #selfcare