The best prevention to ward off a potential illness is preparedness.  Not the sense of waiting until the first few sneezes arrive, coupled with an aching head and body.  Invest in science and the long-celebrated ancient natural medicines that reward the body with a top-notch immunity system. It could be as simple as a tablespoon of syrup or digesting a warm cup of herbal tea.  For every ailment, there is an herbal remedy to make the body feel great!

Elderberry:  One popular cure for flu is a deep-purple berry which supplies the body with antioxidants to create a natural immune response. The Sambucus berry is antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anticatarrhal, and provides decongestant relief.)  In addition to syrups, you can also find supplements in the form of lozenges, gummies, pills, and teas that work toward boosting immunity.

Tip:  Save at the expense of purchasing natural medicines and grow an elderberry bush.  In three years, you can make your own syrups and gummies to keep the family and you in a state of good health year-round.

Echinacea:  Products promoting immunity to infection in the body, especially the upper respiratory tract, contain echinacea.  Plant matter comprising roots, leaves, and flowers offers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, and anticatarrhal properties. Consuming echinacea daily as a supplement or tea stimulates every aspect of the immune system to fight infection, while promoting wellness.

Tip: While herbal teas are widely available, use freshly harvested leaves and flowers from your garden.  You’ll reap the rewards from a more robust potency.

Chamomile:  For thousands of years, the solution to relieve pain, while calming nerves, has been derived from these small daisy-like flowers.  While the tea encourages relaxation and sleep, the antibacterial compounds explain the plant’s infection-fighting ability during colds and flu symptoms.  It relieves the pain of menstrual cramps, lowers insulin and cholesterol levels.  After two weeks, the chamomile compounds remain in the bloodstream to continue fighting for wellness.

Tip:  Lemon is ideal for cleansing the liver and flushing out waste and toxins; therefore, add a slice of fresh lemon to your tea!

Peppermint:  Widely known to help an upset stomach and abdominal bloating, peppermint opens pores in the body to release excess heat in situations of fever.  It also aids to ease colds, flu, headaches, and sinus congestion.

Tip:  Steam is another option to promote health.  Use hot water and a few fresh leaves. Place a towel over your head to focus the rising heat towards your face; yet, not too close to cause burning.

Rosemary:  Containing beneficial properties, such as Vitamins A and C, Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic herb, renowned for fighting infection.  In the stage of feeling cold and shivering, try Rosemary to reduce fever.

Parsley:  Often associated with fresh breath and used as a side garnish, parsley is high in antioxidants, reduces systemic inflammations, and is beneficial to the urinary system.  While stimulating the appetite, it relieves the body of bloating, constipation, and gas.

Thyme:  One of the best herbs for immune support and pain relief.  As mucus develops in the lungs, leading to coughing, thyme provides respiratory comfort.  When the body aches, cramps, or headaches develop, the cure is thyme.  It is another anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb.

Tip:  In an eight-ounce jar, fill half with thyme; then, pour in raw honey.  Allow the jar to sit in the sun for two weeks, shaking occasionally.  Once the infusion sets, strain out the plant matter. Use in teas or consume one teaspoon when the throat begins to tickle or feel sore.

This year, try an alternative to cold and flu medications that result in drowsiness, or the sugary aftertaste of Vitamin C tablets.  Plant leaves and flowers can boost the levels of your immunity and aid when the possibility of infection exists.  If in doubt that teas do work, try steeping it longer in a French press for at least thirty minutes. For deep flavors, try more than one tea bag or a potent flavor in bulk tea!