GEARING OUR BODIES FOR A GOOD IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS WINTER!

It’s that time of the year when everyone seems to pick up colds and develop flu-like symptoms. With Covid-19 still lingering we need to optimize our immune systems.

WHY YOU NEED TO BUILD A GOOD IMMUNITY THIS WINTER SEASON

Our immune systems help to protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses which are in the environment and all around us. If we can build a good strong immune system our bodies will be able to fight back before we face a winter of unwanted illness. 

IMMUNE BOOSTING INGREDIENTS 

You can encourage a natural and healthy immune system through your diet and lifestyle choices. Here are some tips on how to use the antiviral herbs that can be digested through teas, soups or smoothies to boost your energy and fight off any germs and flu symptoms

GINGER

Ginger can help with sore throats by helping to protect against harmful pathogens.

This anti-inflammatory herb contains bioactive compounds that can have benefits on your health. Ginger is also believed to have antimicrobial properties that may fight infections (bacterial or viral) It has Antioxidants that have protective and healing benefits

Ginger can be taken as ginger root - by chewing or adding to a deliciously cooked meal, ginger tea, a popular and effective sore throat home remedy or using ginger powder.

LEMON

Lemon contains limonene, a powerful antiviral that helps to prevent and treat inflections from viruses and bacteria. Limonene has been found to have a profound effect on influenza (flu virus) as well as COVID-19 ( Meeran et al, 2020). 

Try the traditional honey, lemon and hot water for a soothing remedy. You can also add a bit of ginger in to give it an extra antiviral boost.

LEMON BALM ( melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm has been found to have antiviral properties against several viral pathogens. A herb easily grown in the garden can be used as a herbal tea easily, or added to salads to add a lemony flavour. 

LIQUORICE

Liquorice root is associated with certain antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound is considered responsible for healing activity which has been used to help coughs, colds and respiratory infections.

You can use licorice root in herbal teas for a warming and calming experience.

You can also add this to your favourite dish as a natural sweetener 

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint helps to clear the airways. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract helping you to breathe easier.

Make a soothing herbal tea from fresh peppermint leaves, especially good for relaxing and calming your body before bed and it helps to aid digestion.

GARLIC 

With its antimicrobial properties, garlic helps towards boosting the immune system by fighting viral infections as it is packed full of antioxidants.

HOW ESSENTIAL OILS HELP FIGHT VIRUSES:

• Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile phytochemicals (Asif et al 2020).

• They are lipophilic in nature, therefore they have the ability to penetrate viral membranes causing membrane disruption.

• They inhibit viral attachment and replication.

• Essential oils were found to work synergisically with other anti-viral agents as well as providing symptom relief (Da Silva et al 2020).

• They have been indicated for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by bacteria and viruses.

• This area of research is innovative and emerging. 

We always advise to read the bottle/label before using essential oils and to consult your doctor if you have any pre-exisiting conditions beforehand.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM NATURALLY ;

STAY HYDRATED

In order to flush out any unwanted toxins from the body it is important to drink as much water as possible throughout the day - Try to aim for around 2 ltrs, this can include your herbal tea remedies.

VITAMIN D

With the cold dark days drawing in it is important to boost your body with a good dose of VITAMIN D to help boost your immunity. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects …. With common symptoms being depression and fatigue. By increasing your Vitamin D you will not only be helping to support and boost your immune system but also help to relieve your winter blues.

REST AND RECUPERATE

Taking plenty of rest when you feel you need it will help to assist your immune and nervous system and may just be what is needed to boost your energy and health back up to where it should be.

Henley Naturals believes we need to provide people with the resources to help themselves when faced with the viruses of the future.

Balancing eastern and western philosophies of health could be the way forward to a health service which embodies holism in its true sense.

References: 

Asif, M., Saleem, M., Saadullah, M. et al. (2020) COVID-19 and therapy with essential oils having antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Inflammopharmacol 28, 1153–1161. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-020-00744-0

Da Silva J K R,  Figueiredo P L B, Byler K G and Setzer W N (2020) Essential Oils as Antiviral Agents, Potential of Essential oils to treat SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An In-Silico Investigation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21, 3426. Available from: 10.3390/ijms21103426

Meeran, M. F. N., Seenipandi, A., Javed, H., Sharma, C., Hashiesh, H. M., Goyal, S. N., Jha, N. K., Ojha, S. (2020) Can limonene be a possible candidate for evaluation as an agent or adjuvant against infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19? Heliyon. 6 Accessed on:  12th July 2022. Available from; https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2020.E05703

Wani et al (2020) An updated and comprehensive review of the antiviral potential of essential oils and their chemical constituents with special focus on their mechanism of action against various influence and coronaviruses. Microbial Pathogenesis, Elsevier. 152. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104620