With the cooler winter weather, it is important to have delicious and nurturing foods and drinks ready to go in the pantry to support our immune health. Herbal teas are the inexpensive addition to every pantry! There are hundreds of different tisanes, teas and tea blends to choose from.
Here are some delicious choices to give your immunity a boost and support your health this winter:
OLIVE LEAF (Olea europea):
We have been using the oil for our cooking and now it’s time to enjoy the leaves! Olive leaves have immune properties that can help support the immune system and may help reduce the time frame of the common cold. Olive leaves have also been found to contain antioxidants which support our overall health and wellbeing.
MARSHMALLOW ROOT (Althaea officinalis):
Marshmallow root is quite different from the little pillows we roast in an open fire. It has a delicate and sweet flavour which can help to sooth irritation and inflammation within the body; in particular the digestive system, throat and lungs (when we are experiencing a common dry cough). As Marshmallow root can coat the digestive system it is best enjoyed away from other medications and supplements.
ELDERFLOWER (Sambucus nigra):
Often the flowers and the berries are enjoyed for their immune supporting properties. Traditionally elderflower has been used to support immune health; as it may reduce sinus symptoms (naso-pharyngeal catarrh) as well as helping to reduce the symptoms of the common cold and coughs.
THYME (Thymus Vulgaris):
This common garden herb has delicious immune supporting properties! If you have it in your garden you can pop it into a mug with a little boiling water and honey and enjoy throughout the winter! Thyme has a strong flavour and is often used to help reduce the symptoms of a sore throat, improve the symptoms of the common cold and boost overall immunity.
GINGER (Zingiber officinale):
Another kitchen staple, this little herb has a wide variety of health benefits. Ginger has warming properties, perfect for the winter time! Not only does ginger warm our whole body it can also warm our digestive system so that we are able to breakdown and utilise our nutrients more efficiently! This means that our body is able to enjoy more of what we put in. You can enjoy ginger grated with a little honey in warm water, added into smoothies, juices or salad dressings.
ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia):
One of the most commonly thought of immune supporting herbs and for good reason! Echinacea tea may help support our immune systems as well as support conditions such as the common cold! Echinacea has also been known to support respiratory conditions such as the coughing associated with the common cold as well as sore throats. Note: Echinacea is part of the Asteraceae family and should be avoided for people with known allergies.
The key to a delicious herbal tea cabinet is finding what you like, what you don’t like and enjoying them throughout the different seasons to support our immune system and overall health. Herbal teas are often naturally sweet and do not require any sugar or milk to be added.
When picking which tea is right for you try and choose organic where ever possible and speak with your health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist if you are currently on medications.
