With the change in seasons from autumn to winter, now is the time to think about natural ways to boost your immunity and avoid the ‘winter sniffles’.
With the change in season from autumn to winter now is the time to think about natural ways to boost your immunity to avoid the ‘winter sniffles’. Below are some of the wonderful natural ingredients that can help to boost your immune system in readiness for winter.
Mushrooms
Reishi, shitake and oyster mushrooms have been studied for their effects on the immune system but even button mushrooms have shown to be beneficial. Mushrooms stimulate different immune cells to increase the immune response to disease.
Garlic
Garlic is well studied for its antibacterial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. It has been my experience when taking garlic that it has shortened the length of the duration of the cold.
Ginger
Ginger is another common kitchen cupboard staple with plenty of immune boosting properties.
The vitamin C debate
The jury is still out on whether increased vitamin C has an effect on the immune system, certainly the evidence is mixed. Although it is thought that natural sources of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables are more easily absorbed and used by the body than synthesised form. That aside, it certainly can’t hurt to increase your fruit and veg intake anyway.
Elderberry
Elderberry is a traditional cold and flu remedy and has been shown to have very strong antiviral properties. Often taken as a preventative or at the early stages of a cold or flu, but it has also been shown to be effective when taken during a cold or flu episode.
Rose hips
Rose hips are a natural source of vitamin C and are often made into syrup. Traditionally it was given as a cold and flu preventative and it was also used as a vitamin C supplement during the Second World War.
