7 Botanicals That Help Boost Your Natural Immunity*

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With Coronavirus still dominating the headlines, people are becoming more interested in health than ever. Although COVID-19 is considered to be a new virus, the human body has been vigorously studied for thousands of years in China and India. The botanicals used in Eastern medicine have been documented for millennia, and now, modern science is revealing what people have always known: that given the right circumstances and applied with expertise, plant medicine can be a powerful ally in helping people live healthy lives. 

 

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The botanicals introduced in this article are intended to be used when you’re healthy, to support and strengthen your immune system, in order to prevent illness, and shorten the duration if you do end up catching something.

In ancient China, legend has it that doctors were only paid to keep their patients healthy. They didn't get paid if the patient got sick, and if someone died under a doctor’s care, a lantern was hung in front of the door. The physicians knew that multiple lanterns in front of their door was bad for business.

Too bad our medical system isn’t more like this today!

Because of the strong emphasis on disease prevention and  keeping people healthy, botanicals that protected the body against disease were considered to be the most important. Bear in mind, building immune health isn’t an overnight thing. You need to stick with it for at least three months, possibly longer. Treat it like something to incorporate into your daily lifestyle, like eating healthy and exercising.

Here are seven of the most revered herbs with tips on how to use them on a regular basis.

 

Astragalus

Astragalus is a Chinese tonic herb that has been used for thousands of years to protect the body from disease, reduce inflammation, strengthen the lungs, and help balance blood sugar. Some studies show promising evidence that astragalus may increase the body’s production of white blood cells.

Best ways to use it:

Astragalus powder can be added to juices and smoothies. The flavor is quite mild, so really, you can mix it into just about anything. Add a teaspoon of astragalus powder to smoothies, protein shakes, or juices. You can also stir a teaspoon of the powder into yogurt or oatmeal.

 

 

Amla

Amla is a sour fruit from a tree that grows in India. Also known as amalaki, this fruit is a beloved medicine in India, and research has shown that amla possesses remarkable antioxidant activity. The powerful antioxidants in amla help protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals. It is naturally antiaging, and is used in India for just about every physical ailment you can think of. It’s even used to protect the color of your hair. On top of all that, amla is extremely high in vitamin C.

Best ways to use it:

The flavor of amla is intensely sour with a hint of bitterness, so many people will add it to smoothies that include plenty of fresh fruits to mask the flavor. Add a teaspoon of amla powder to your smoothie, or stir a spoonful into apple juice. If you don’t mind the flavor, place a teaspoon of amla powder in a cup of hot water and stir well. Let it cool down. The powder will settle to the bottom, which is fine, just drink the liquid. Add a touch of raw honey if you need to.

 

Licorice root

Licorice root is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine, and has a wide range of uses, namely stress reduction, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. Modern science has shown that licorice has a powerful effect on the immune system. Because of its naturally sweet flavor, most people don’t mind using it at all. (Caution: people with hypertension should avoid licorice.)

Best ways to use it:

Licorice root tea is by far the best and easiest way to take it. Drink it by itself, or add it to any of your favorite teas, even green and black tea. My daughters used to drink licorice and chamomile tea every night. Licorice, ginger, and mint make a really tasty tea. Real licorice root is not the same as licorice-flavored candy, which contains no licorice at all. Black jellybeans and other licorice candies are flavored with anise, not licorice root.

 

Reishi mushroom 

Reishi mushroom is an ancient healing plant, and has been used in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for more than two thousand years. It was used for respiratory issues, strengthening the lungs, calming the mind, and building the overall strength and health of the body. Modern science has studied reishi mushroom, and found medicinal compounds that have a wide range of healing benefits. The American Cancer Society even recommends the use of medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and many more. Reishi mushroom supports the immune system, protects the liver, and also has a calming effect on the mind.

Best ways to use it:

Reishi mushroom has a slightly woody and bitter flavor that’s not unpleasant. People brew it with their coffee, and it can also be mixed into hot cocoa. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of reishi and make your coffee or cocoa like normal. Reishi mushroom can be added to your smoothie as well.

 

 

Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the oldest and best known botanicals of Asian medicine. Ginseng comes from the root of the Panax ginseng plant. The older the plant, the larger and more valuable the root is. Large ginseng roots are sold at auctions for thousands of dollars. Ginseng roots have been extensively studied, and have demonstrated a powerful effect on the immune system. Ginseng boosts the activity of white blood cells, and regulates the inflammation response.

Best ways to use it:

Ginseng has a warm, bittersweet flavor. This herb is meant for long term use, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the powder taken in the morning over the long term. You can mix ginseng powder into hot water or add it to your smoothie or shake.

 

Jiao gu lan

Jiao gu lan, also called jiaogulan, or by its scientific name, Gynostemma, is a ginseng-like herb from South Asia. It is less well known than ginseng, but contains similar compounds and has some of the same benefits to immune health. A study in India showed that jiao gu lan stimulated the production of immune cells, our first line of defense against disease. Jiao gu lan is used for a variety of other issues, including cholesterol control, blood pressure, cough, and anti-aging.

Best ways to use it:

Jiao gu lan has a naturally sweet flavor that becomes bitter with a longer steeping. It is best used as a tea. If you don’t mind a bitter flavor, you can steep jiao gu lan for ten minutes or longer. If you prefer a mild tea, then follow these instructions.

• Steep 1 teaspoon jiao gu lan per cup of hot water for 30 to 45 seconds, and strain the leaves from the tea
• Drink this tea, and repeat the process using the same tea leaves. Steep for a second time for 45 to 60 seconds, then remove the leaves from the tea
• Drink this tea, and repeat the process a third time. Steep the leaves for one to two minutes, then drink.
• You can repeat this process until there is no flavor left in the leaves

If you follow the short steep method described above, you will be drinking a lot of tea, with the upside that you will probably enjoy every cup and be good and hydrated.

 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a root from a plant that grows in India. According to the research, ashwagandha is a potent anti-stress herb. Long term stress, and extreme situational stress has a negative impact on the immune system. If this is you, start taking ashwagandha now. It is also used to help with sleep, memory issues, and inflammation. In India, ashwagandha is given to patients who are wiped out from being sick and are on the road to recovery. It is believed to help people who feel depleted and weak to regain their strength back.

Best ways to use it:

In India, ashwagandha powder is often mixed with milk. You don’t have to use dairy, nut and seed-based milks are acceptable. To make a milk-based tonic, stir ½ teaspoon of ashwagandga powder into a cup of whatever milk you’re using. Add a pinch of cinnamon, and sweeten to taste. You can also add ½ teaspoon of the powder to your smoothie. The flavor is mild, with a slight hint of bitterness.

You can learn more about ashwagandha by clicking here

 

I hope you found this information helpful.

Please don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions or want more information on these or other botanicals.

Call us at 602-283-1210, or email us at info@looseleafmarket.com

 

*This information has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not intended to diagnose or cure a medical issue, or replace professional medical care. If you are pregnant or nursing, are under the care of a physician, or on prescription medication, talk to your health care provider before making any changes to your diet or routine.

 

 

 

 

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