Below I will be sharing some of my favorite herbs for immune support and how you can get started using them in your daily life!
Have you ever used herbs before? My guess is that you are familiar with some culinary herbs for cooking. But did you know that herbs serve a much greater purpose than just to make food taste better? Many common herbs have incredible skin and wellness benefits as well as providing immune system support.
Let's start with the ever popular Elderberry
Elder plants are called Elder because Native Americans believed that elder would promote a long, healthy life, giving it it's name.
Elderberry has been used for its health benefits for years to support a healthy immune system. The berries contain antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, folate, calcium and iron- all of which promote health.
So how should you use elderberry?
Never eat raw elderberries, they can make you sick. Always cook elderberries before consuming. My favorite way to enjoy elderberries is elderberry syrup! For adults, it is recommended to drink 1 tbsp. of syrup for daily wellness support. When extra immune support is needed, take 1-2 tbsp. three to four times daily while symptoms last. Children over 1 year may consume 1 teaspoon daily for wellness support. For extra immune support, children may take teaspoon three to four times daily while symptoms last.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
4 cups water
1/2 cup dried elderberries
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1 cup raw honey
Instructions
1. Add elderberries, water & cinnamon to a pot over high heat and bring to a boil
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until liquid reduces by half ( about 35 minutes)
3. Pour the elderberry mixture into a strainer over a large glass container and smash the berries to squeeze out all of the liquid. Discard elderberries
4. Add honey to hot mixture and, cover and shake to combine.
5. Refrigerate and consume within 2 months. You may freeze the syrup in small batches.
Another favorite for Immune Support: Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm promotes healing and eases discomforts from sickness
Lemon balm has a sweet citrusy taste and is used to support physical health and mental wellbeing.
My favorite way to enjoy Lemon Balm is Lemon Balm Sun Tea
You may drink several cups of tea per day. When feeling ill, drink 1/2 cup every two hours until fever breaks or cold symptoms ease
Lemon Balm Sun Tea
1. Fill a glass jar 1/4 of the way full with dried lemon balm leaves & flowers. Add sliced lemon, if desired
2. Fill with water and screw on lid
3. Set in the sun for 6 hours
4. Strain leaves
5. Sweeten to taste with honey, if desired
