Herbs to boost immune system – You will be surprised to know that this list of herbs and spices already exist in your spice rack.

 

 

Herbs for immunity, many herbs and spices have incredible health benefits other than its culinary appeal.

 

Herbs and spices are probably the easiest and most convenient thing to add to your daily diet.

Herbs For Immune System

 

Herbs and spices are part of the plant family.

 

And like us (humans), plants naturally fight off microorganisms (bacteria/virus).

 

That is why it is so important to add fruit, vegetables, and herbs and spices, to your diet as well as it has natural fighting properties to infections and diseases.

 

Herbs and spices are a natural way to fight off infections and illnesses, then your conventional over-the-counter cold and flu medications that sometimes knowingly cause unwanted side-effects that disrupt your digestion, energy levels and sleep.

 

Research has shown that continued use of some of these medications can sadly cause liver damage.

 

Which is why substituting these medications for natural substances like fruit, vegetables, and herbs and spices are not only easier but safer too.

 

Herbs and spices are way better, because unlike medication, you are not obliged “take” them.

 

Instead, you can add them to your favourite meals for not only the lovely burst in flavor and fragrant but to boost your immunity as well.

 

Why is Boosting your Immunity so important?

Overall, your immune system already does an incredible job of fighting off disease-causing microorganisms.

 

Although, like all good things must come to an end, it is unavoidable for your immune system to fail as well, when a germ invades your body and makes you sick.

But what if improving your diet could possibly intervene in the process of boosting your immune system and making you stronger.

 

Well, that is possible.

 

Especially if you eat the right foods that are high in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

 

As simple as adding herbs and spices to your diet every day, can easily boost your immune system, fight off infections and diseases, and make you stronger.

 

Boost your immunity with these 10 herbs and spices.

 

Health benefits of Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices have been around for centuries and used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

 

Herbs and spices are not only used to flavor food but have health benefits as well.

They both fight inflammation and reduce cell damage in your body.

 

They are both rich in phytochemicals, which are nutritious plant chemicals that fight off pathogens (germs).

 

Here are 10 of the best herbs to boost immune system and fight off infections and illnesses.

 

Get a hold of these 10 Immune Boosting Herbs and Spices

Easily add these 10 herbs and spices to your daily meals to boost your immunity and help fight bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells.

1.     Basil

Basil is one of the oldest herbs known to mankind.

 

Basil is tender herb plant used commonly in cuisines.

 

The oils from basil actively fight off various bacteria.

 

Basil also contains apigenin, a bioflavonoid, which may naturally help your immune system fight cancer.

The apigenin found in basil may lessen DNA oxidative damage, hinder the growth of human leukaemia cells, induce cancer cell death, act as an anti-inflammatory, and as a muscle relaxer.

 

It supports your liver function and assists in detoxifying the body.

 

Basil herbs to boost immune system promotes a healthy gut and is good for digestion.

 

Traditionally basil is used in pesto sauces, soup, salad, pizza, fish and seafood dishes, frozen desserts, and even cocktails.

 

2.     Cayenne Pepper

A flowering plant and member of the chilli peppers family, cayenne pepper is a fairly hot chili pepper.

 

It contains a high amount of capsaicin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Cayenne pepper can contribute to your digestive health by fighting infections caused by gastrointestinal, ulcers and cancer.

 

It also balances your appetite and digestive function.

 

One tablespoon of cayenne pepper contains 44% vitamin A, 8% vitamin E, 7% vitamin C, 6% vitamin B6, 5% vitamin K, manganese, potassium, and riboflavin of the recommended daily intake.

Cayenne pepper also contains good carbs, fiber, and protein.

 

It is rich in beta carotene, which essentially boosts your health and immunity and acts as a strong antioxidant.

 

Cayenne pepper is low in calories.

 

It may lower your blood pressure.

 

It may also help relieve pain in your joints and muscle, lower back, pain after surgery, and pain from nerve conditions like shingles.

 

Cayenne pepper may improve skin problems related to psoriasis.

 

Cayenne pepper can easily be added to any dish or juice for a flavorful kick.

 

3.     Cinnamon

The only thing on this list that tastes as good as it smells – Mmm!

 

Cinnamon is a spice used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive.

 

It is a highly enjoyable spice by everyone!

 

Cinnamon is an antioxidant for inflammation and infections and can also heal damaged tissue.

Cinnamon can help reduce your risk of heart disease and has anti-diabetic effects.

 

Cinnamon can lower your blood sugar levels.

 

It can also improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin.

 

Cinnamon is commonly used in a variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea and traditional foods.

 

4.     Garlic

Garlic is herb beneficial for the protection from cardiovascular and stimulates your immune system.

 

Garlic has antioxidant enzymes, which prevents cold and flu symptoms.

 

It is beneficial to consume either a clove of fresh garlic or a supplement daily to reduce the number and duration of colds and flus.

 

Garlic has antibacterial properties, which can kill bacteria in the stomach associated with stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

In addition, garlic may reduce oxidative stress in people with high blood pressure.

 

Garlic is low in calories.

 

One clove of raw garlic contains 2% manganese, 2% vitamin B6, 1% vitamin C, and 1% Selenium of the daily recommended value.

 

It also contains fibre, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B1.

 

Garlic improves cholesterol levels, which may lower your risk of heart disease.

 

Garlic can be added to almost any dish for that extra flavor and aroma, whether it is added to juices or smoothies, salad, soup, pasta, stews, etc.

 

5.     Ginger

An ingredient found in almost every home.

 

Ginger is a flowering plant commonly used as a spice and as a traditional medicine.

 

Ginger kills bacteria and reduces fever.

 

Ginger contains compounds called sesquiterpenes that target cold viruses.

 

Ginger has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, and pain-relieving properties.

 

Young infants suffering from colic and adults suffering from indigestion benefit significantly from ginger.

 

It may also support the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine for digestion and absorption.

Ginger is a natural antidote for nausea and vomiting caused by seasickness and morning sickness of pregnancy.

 

It can reduce your risk of diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

 

Ginger contains antioxidant-like substances called phytonutrients that may lower cell damage, therefore acting as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Adding ginger to your diet may aid prevention of heart disease.

 

The spice and other flavoring’s of ginger may lower your risk of cancer because it reduces cellular activity that causes DNA changes, cell death, and proliferation of cancer cells.

 

It could also help induce tumours to treatments like chemo and radiation.

 

While ginger is not a complete cure for any chronic disease, using it regularly combined with other spices and plant-based foods can help benefit your overall health.

 

Combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, ginger can help with weight loss.

 

Try keeping fresh and dried ginger readily available for flavoring smoothies, vegetable stir-fry and soup.

 

6.     Oregano

Oregano is a flowering plant from the mint plant family.

 

Oregano contains calcium, vitamin C, beta carotene and omega 3 fatty acids.

 

It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium.

 

The oil of this herb has antimicrobial and antiviral activity, which may fight off yeast infections.

Oregano protects the function of your immunity.

 

Oregano herbs to boost immune system and loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage.

 

Oregano is accessed either fresh, dried or as an oil, making it quite simple to add to your diet.

 

It is most commonly added as a topping to pizzas and pasta dishes.

 

Try adding oregano to fresh pesto or salad dressing, season meat dishes, homemade sauces for extra flavor, and soup and stews.

 

7.     Paprika  

Paprika is a crushed spice made from dried red fruits of the sweeter varieties of the plant Capsicum annuum.

 

It is one of the most popular spices found in people’s kitchens.

 

Paprika is exceptionally high in vitamin C.

 

This high vitamin C content helps to improve your immune system, safeguard against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, and helps your body absorb and assimilate iron.

Paprika is packed with antibacterial properties, which is useful against skin problems, like acne.

 

Be mindful of how much you use as too much could be too excessive and could burn.

 

Paprika can help heal open wounds because it contains a good amount of vitamin E.

 

It supports a healthy digestion by breaking down your food in your body and making nutrients available for energy.

 

The iron found in paprika helps prevent hair loss.

 

Vitamin B found in paprika, helps you to sleep better and may reduce stress.

 

Paprika has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the risk of heart attacks.

 

It is commonly used to season and color rice, soup, and many other dishes.

 

8.     Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb with a strong fragrant.

 

Rosemary is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

 

Rosemary has a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

 

The extracts of rosemary have both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

 

Rosemary’s have a high level of carnosic acid, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

 

The aroma from rosemary can improve concentration, performance, speed, and accuracy, and even better your mood.

Consuming a teaspoon of ground, fresh rosemary leaves, naturally boosts your immunity during winter months.

 

Rosemary can help prevent your allergies and nasal congestion from escalating.

 

With all its benefits, it is important to note that a low consumption of rosemary is better than a high consumption because a high consumption has side effects such as vomiting, spasms, coma, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

 

With that being said, a high consumption of rosemary may also cause miscarriages, therefore it is advisable to speak to a medical specialist before consuming rosemary for medicinal purposes.

 

Fresh or dried leaves of the rosemary herb are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes for fragrant aromas.

 

Rosemary is commonly enjoyed when added to roast chicken.

 

9.     Thyme

A popular Mediterranean herb with a distinctive taste commonly used in cuisines.

 

Thyme contains vitamin C and vitamin A, which is helpful in fighting the common cold.

 

It is also a good source of copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.

 

Thyme is a natural cough remedy.

 

When taken as a tea, a syrup or a steam inhalation, thyme may be beneficial for bronchitis.

The active element thymol, found in thyme, is an active ingredient found in a variety of mouthwashes to reduce oral bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth.

 

It has medicinal properties, which may help treat your acne and high blood pressure.

 

The active substance carvacrol found in thyme essential oil, is often used for aromatic and therapeutic purposes to boost your mood.

 

Thyme pairs well with meat, stews, soup, roast chicken, garlic bread and salads.

 

10.            Turmeric

Turmeric is known to be the main spice in curry, which is probably already in your spice rack.

 

Turmeric is a flowering plant, of which the roots are used in cooking as a spice.

 

The vibrant color of turmeric is from the curcumin.

 

Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric that has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Subsequently, curcumin can be effective against the aches related to arthritis or even relieving a head cold.

 

Curcumin can also destroy germs as it is known to be an immune booster.

 

Turmeric and its active compound curcumin may prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

Turmeric is an essential ingredient for the treatment of skin conditions, digestive issues, and bodily discomfort.

 

It may also improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

 

Try adding turmeric to smoothies, soup, curry, rice, tea, and so much more!

 

You probably did not know that the herbs and spices in your spice rack have all these amazing health benefits.

 

Conclusion

While these immune boosting herbs and spices may help in supporting a strong healthy immune system and prepare your body for a higher immune response while fighting off infections and diseases, you should always consult with your medical specialist first before taking these herbs and spices for medicinal purposes.

 

Your health and wellness should always be your top priority.

 

Boosting your immune system with herbs and spices are essential in increasing your health and overall life span.

 

And not only is adding herbs and spices to your diet beneficial but oh so easy!

 

LIFE RENU’s Recommended Supplements

Here are several supplements we recommend to combat the daily health and environmental challenges:

IMMUNE RENU – Rid Your Body of Inflammation and Boost Your Immune System

DAILY DETOX – Rid Your Body of Harmful Toxins and Improve Digestion with Pre-Biotics

GLUCOZINE – Glucose Disposal Agent to Lower Blood Sugar Levels, Glucozine, Glucozine Reviews

GI RENU – Improve Your Gut Health with Daily Healthy Probiotics