Winter is slowly creeping closer, and for many of us, this means a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat. If the thought of getting a flu shot sends shivers down your spine, you may want to opt for something more natural. Here are a few DIY immune boosters that you should be trying this winter.
An immune-boosting combination:
If you’re looking to fight off germs this flu season, then green apples, carrots, and oranges are ingredients that are a winning combination. Oranges and green apples are packed with vitamin C and will ensure a boost to your immune system. While Vitamin A in carrots is another essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system. The sweetness of the carrots and oranges combine nicely with the sharpness of the green apples, fusing to make a delicious immune booster.
Lemon ginger tea:
There’s no better immune-boosting combination than these two ingredients. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of both ginger and lemon, these two ingredients are natural immune boosters that help fight off colds, relieve sore throats and keep your body strong. Here’s what you’ll need: two slices of lemons, half a teaspoon of ginger, raw honey and a steaming cup of rooibos or any tea that you enjoy sipping on.
Herbal drinks:
If you prefer getting your boost from a warm drink, then sipping on a herbal tea should do the trick. Turmeric is a root vegetable that contains properties that help boost your immune system (it’s very similar to ginger) and is a great way to fight off those nasty germs. Stores stock a range of delicious turmeric teas that you can choose. If you don’t enjoy the taste of turmeric, then opt for something minty. Peppermint and hibiscus tea are both great (and delicious) alternatives. Both peppermint and hibiscus tea has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that help fight illness and include various other properties that help promote a healthy body.
Onions and garlic:
Garlic and onion are pantry staples that you’ll definitely have in your kitchen. Garlic contains an ingredient called allicin which helps to fight germs and boost your immune system. Whether you’re in the middle of a cold or you’re in its early stages, chowing on a raw clove of garlic will help to release allicin. Along with this, onion is another great addition to your immune-boosting efforts. Add a little extra onion to your meal to help increase your circulation and improve your immune response, which are all thanks to onion’s antimicrobial properties.
Picture: Unsplash