Kate Harveston – Cold and flu season is upon us. If you want to prevent sniffling and wheezing like a retired hunting dog, boosting your immune system can stave off germs. Herbs are a great way to supercharge your body’s defenses!

How can you take herbs? You can brew a pot of tea, or you can add selected varieties to recipes. You can also make diluted washes and aromatherapy oils. Consider the following types to boost your immune function.

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Asian herb that works as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help promote balance in different systems of the body and improve its ability to resist stress. The protective benefits don’t stop at the big presentation due tomorrow — they ward off the effects of environmental pollution, too.

This super herb works as a catalyst when blended with others. This effect occurs because ashwagandha helps mitigate the impact of excess levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can cause disruptions in other bodily systems. Taming levels of this hormone allow other herbs that directly impact the immune system to work more effectively. You can add ashwagandha to nearly any other herbal tea — it has a barely detectable green taste.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is an essential anti-inflammatory herb, meaning it helps tame the body’s response to irritation. When you get sick, your nasal passages become inflamed. Turmeric can help reduce this swelling so you can breathe more comfortably.

To get the most impact from turmeric, mix it with black pepper. The active anti-inflammatory compound in this root herb is called curcumin. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin by 2,000%. Blend the two herbs in Indian dishes or brew a pot of tea.

3. Oregano

Many people contract illnesses when they inhale germs. However, infections can enter your bloodstream through open wounds, too. Neglected cuts can breed superbugs like deadly MRSA bacteria. Fortunately, oregano oil proves a valuable weapon against this antibiotic-resistant strain.

Essential oils can irritate the skin when applied topically. However, you can dilute a solution of medical-grade oregano oil, available at health food stores, and use it as a wash for minor abrasions. You can also use a diluted solution as a natural disinfectant spray for your work desk. Breathing oregano oil from a diffuser may further boost immunity.

4. Moringa

Many diet gurus extoll the merits of moringa these days, but this Indian herb may help immune function, too. Moringa is high in immunity-boosting zinc, as well as several other vitamins and minerals. It also contains high levels of antioxidants, as well as phytonutrients that may benefit heart and kidney function. Since herbalists recommend it for treating a vast host of ailments, try adding moringa tea to your diet.

5. Garlic

European folklore may recommend garlic for keeping vampires at bay, but this root herb can boost your immune system, as well. Plus, many agree that garlic tastes fantastic. In clinical trials, this herb has proven effective in killing parasites in the body. Apply liberally to marinara sauces and Italian dishes.

6. White Willow Bark

All species of willow contain salicin in their barks, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. However, unlike the commercial version that converts to acetylsalicylic acid, the natural variety contains polyphenols and flavonoids. These substances may have additional therapeutic effects. You can make tea by boiling the bark for 10 to 15 minutes, then allowing it to steep for a half-hour. The taste is bitter, so add some honey to improve the flavor.

7. Eucommia

Eucommia enjoys extensive use in Eastern medicine as a remedy for hypertension. Medical research indicates that the herb may lower blood pressure and boost immune system response. One study involving ducks demonstrated a boost in immune function and antioxidant capacity.

Because the substance seems to calm an overactive immune system, as well as improve it, researchers are currently investigating its potential for use in treating autoimmune disorders. A 70% ethyl extract of the herb relieved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by suppressing the proliferation of synoviocytes in laboratory tests. Thus, eucommia may ease pain and prevent the degradation of cartilage and bone typical of the disease.

You can brew eucommia tea at home. It has a slight cherry flavor, especially if you add a scoop of raw cane sugar.

Before you come down with the latest bug circulating your office, try boosting your immune system with a few simple herbs. Here’s to a healthy and happy herbal season!

Kate can be reached at So Well So Woman

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