Natural Healing Remedies to Support Your Immune System
As the weather starts to cool down and kids start to head back to school, it’s only natural that we focus on our immune systems. This is the time of year that colds and the flu start to spread around and most of us would like to avoid getting sick.
Our bodies are incredible when it comes to healing naturally, especially when we give it what it needs to support the major systems in our body. If you’re looking to avoid using a sick day this year, then check out the remedies below to support your immune system so it’s strong and ready to fight off any unwanted germs.
Drink Fluids
This is such a simple solution but it really pays off to go back to the basics by ensuring you are getting enough fluids and hydrating properly. If plain old water isn’t your thing, try tea with elderflower, ginger, peppermint or chamomile. For an extra immune boost, add some fresh lemon or raw honey.
You can also try bone broth as well. Bone broth is amazing to support your kidneys, build blood and support the qi. It has amazing minerals in it and supports your gut health.
Check Your Diet
What we put into our body makes a huge difference in our immune system. Certain foods have healing properties that can help strengthen your immune system, while others can weaken it.
A popular natural immune remedy is garlic. Every 3 hours the day symptoms first appear, hold a half-peeled garlic clove between cheek and teeth for 30 minutes without chewing. Move around occasionally to avoid burning mouth tissue. If the juice is too strong, use an uncut clove for a longer period of time.
You should also add bioflavonoid-rich foods like cabbage with hearts, green peppers with insides, parsley, carrots, broccoli, turnips, parsnips, scallions, lemon juice and grapefruit into your diet.
Elderberry
Elderberries are a powerhouse when it comes to general immune system boosting. It is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants and the best way to keep your immune system strong throughout the cold season. While you can purchase this over the counter, you can also make this at home. Here’s our favorite DIY recipe.
Essential Oils
Oils are potent plant extracts that can work amazing wonders on the body. Oils can be beneficial because they work at the cellular level which is crucial for immune support. Because we are made up of cells, if we can support and strengthen our cells, we will have a stronger foundation. Here are a few oils you can use.
Frankincense: This oil works by promoting cell regeneration. Apply to the bottoms of feet or rub on your palms and cup over mouth and inhale.
Tea Tree: The oil is antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial, expectorant, fungicide and insecticide in nature. It’s unique in its ability to shield against different types of bad bacteria and pathogens. Apply to feet and back of neck with carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil.
Oregano: This oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasite and antioxidant which makes it effective against many environmental threats and harmful microbes. Apply to bottoms of feet with a carrier oil.
Be sure to use pure, therapeutic grade oils. A few brands that I love are doTERRA, Young Living and Floracopeia.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is an essential mineral in your body that plays a role in regulating blood pressure, supporting your metabolism and more. Epsom salt baths are a great way to detox and sweat out the toxins in your body. Add a cup to a warm bath and mix it together with a little baking soda. You can even include a few drops of the essential oils mentioned above (but add them to the salt first before dumping that into the water). Be sure to drink water afterwards to replenish.
Your body is a miraculous healing machine and capable of healing itself on so many different levels. Each of these remedies are a great way to give your immune system a boost and support your body throughout the colder months.