By: Racheal D.
With the change of season in full swing, it’s the time of year to really start looking inward; reflecting and preparing for the seasonal transition. Stop and ask yourself: how am I feeling? How am I nourishing my body? What parts of my health have been neglected?’
There are a multitude of ways to boost your immune system, which might include your usual Vitamin C and multivitamins, but you can take it to the next level! Our resident health and wellness expert, Racheal Daley shares the ways to get your immune system in check before the weather shifts.
Use the best herbs for your immune system
Whether brewed in a soothing cup of tea or masked as a sweet pick-me-up, herbs have the ability to defend and revitalize good health. These top five are the ultimate go-to!
Nettle contains Vitamins A and C, as well as mineral iron. It has anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties, which makes it great for aiding in anemia, poor circulation, heavy menstrual bleeding. Re-boost with a cupful!
Elderberry boosts the immune system, thus aiding in alleviating colds, flu symptoms and sinus pressure. It is also said to be an have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. When made as a syrup it’s a tasty immune booster.
Echinacea promotes immune modulation, which can boost the immune system and is said to reduce many of the symptoms and duration of colds, flu and other viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Rosehips are high in Vitamin C preventing colds, flu and vitamin deficiencies.
Meanwhile Racheal’s very own tea blend Nourish’d by Golden Flourish (infused with elderberry, nettle and more) promotes a healthy immune system to kick those immune system gremlins before they hit. Check it out along with other blends to support your body systems.
Meditation for a stronger defense
Meditation can be beneficial in a number of ways, including supporting your immune system. With the help of the electronically soothing Calm (app) or traditional guidance provided by the Cleansing Breath Method, the ancient practice wards off stress driven ailments closely associated with a weakened defense system.
The Calm App
Calm is a helpful app that provides you with an array of meditations to fit your needs. You might need to just sit quiet for a couple minutes, enjoy the idea of being guided through a meditation, or want to indulge in some sleep meditation before bed. Whichever you prefer, Calm’s got you.
The Cleansing Breath
If you’re less than impressed by the ways of the new school, the old fashioned, no frills (no phone needed) Cleansing Breath technique significantly alleviates feelings of stress and vulnerability via deep breathing. It’s the perfect pick me up amidst the hustle and bustle!
How to:
1. Close your eyes or have them slightly ajar
2. Inhale; filling your belly with air
3. Hold for 3 seconds
4. Exhale; releasing the air from your belly
5. Repeat 2 more times (or until it feels right for you)
Eat the toxins away
We are what we eat. It’s as simple as that. Implementing nutrient rich, whole foods and limiting those filled with preservatives (and more) are one the best ways to support a healthy immune system!
Root Vegetables
Grown underground, laden with minerals and nutrients, root vegetables are great for every season of the year especially, fall and winter. Not only do they keep your body well nourished and in alignment with the flow of the seasons but these super foods also provide cold fighting compounds like allion and allicin that have proven anti-viral effects. Examples: carrots, beets, ginger, garlic, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips and radishes.
Gluten Free
Limiting gluten is helpful regardless of the of the time of year as it can lead to various auto immune diseases, slowing down the body and its defenses. All the same, it’s even better to limit during the seasons when our bodies might be a bit more sluggish compared to summer months. Here are few Do’s & Don’ts when limiting your intake of gluten:
- DO incorporate whole natural foods into your diet. The simpler, the better! Examples include: fish and poultry (unbattered and unbranded); unprocessed beans and nuts; organic eggs and most dairy products; fresh fruits and vegetables
- DON’T indulge in packaged goods with gluten grains, additives and preservatives
- DO incorporate gluten free starches and grains such as, quinoa, rice, tapioca, arrowroot, amaranth; flours: rice, potato, bean and corn; millet
- DON’T underestimate cross contamination! The preparation of gluten free with non-gluten free foods can occur during the manufacturing process, as well as in the home. Look for warnings on packaging and prepare foods at home with sterile utensils on clean surfaces.
The fall/winter season is always a good time to tune in to self. Which ways will you be showing yourself a little more self care during the fall/winter months?
Meet RacHEAL: Our resident health & wellness expert boasts an expansive repertoire of professional know-how and a savvy for healing others one session at a time! A registered yoga trainer and reiki practitioner with a Masters degree in Therapeutic Herbalism as well as Wellness Coaching, Racheal is here to serve! Find out more at Golden Flourish.
All information shared is for educational and informational purposes. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
