To keep your natural immune system in top condition this winter, you may just find that you already have many flu busting foods in the pantry. By including these foods in your meals each day you can prevent yourself falling sick to the flu and other illnesses lurking around this season. Keeping yourself fit and healthy naturally, is still your best weapon against illness and injury. Here are just six foods and herbs to stock in your pantry this winter season.
Manuka honey
Perfect added to a hot lemon drink in the evenings, honey contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties to help you fight colds and flus. It is effective against the replication of viral infections and improves mucosal linings of your gut and lungs. You can also spread honey onto a slice of wholegrain bread and enjoy as a snack.
Garlic
A super food that is handy to have growing in your garden or plant pots, garlic is great at building your body’s natural immunity. Garlic contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to boost your defences against colds and flus. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be added to your cooking for great flavours.
Black cumin seeds
Add two grams into your meals a day to harness the antiviral and anti-bacterial power of these black seeds. Their healing properties prohibit the replication of bacteria and increases T cells to fight against illness. They are great at reducing irritable coughs, colds, flus and even bronchitis xs and asthma.
Elderberries
Antiviral relief for colds, flus and even herpes infections. Elderberries contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants to eliminate the surface spike on viruses preventing them from entering your cells to replicate. Combine with vitamin C and zinc for extra prevention against the common cold. You can also use elder flowers which have higher anti-inflammatory properties for head colds and sinus infections.
Thyme
Perfect brewed in a pot of hot water for about three minutes to relieve annoying coughs. Thyme is a herb you can easily grow in the garden and is effective against upper respiratory infections such as colds, flus, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma. In addition it’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce mucus and heavy coughing.
Sage
A herb perfect for easing sore, scratchy throats. Make a tea infusion from sage, thyme and honey in hot water and enjoy as a tea. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties drink at night before bed to flush out cold and flu symptoms through sweating. Sage has the natural power to reduce fevers.
Disclaimer: Please always consult your doctor if you have symptoms of colds, flus or other illness that persist.