Ward off viruses!

Cold season - Be ready!

Here is a good tip to prepare your immune system to the pending cocktail of viruses that are lurking our way. The new Coronavirus COVID-19 is added to the list of influenza viruses so it is best to be prepared by strengthening your immune system.
The damage caused by viruses is actually generated by our own immune system response, which releases all sorts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hence if you are the unlucky one to catch one of these nasties, you would benefit from anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial herbs and nutrients. There is a large array of antiviral in nature!

As a home remedy:
Thyme, clove, cinnamon and oregano are fabulous antimicrobial herbs. If you think that you are coming down with a cold, grate 1 cm piece of ginger, add 2 teaspoons of herbs `in a teapot, add 3-4 cups of boiling water and cover for 15 minutes. Sip at regular intervals such as a cup every 60 minutes. Do not use herbs that have been stored in the pantry for too long (over than 6 months) since they can harbour moulds.

As a herbal tea, capsule or tincture:
The following herbs have a marked antiviral action
Elderberry, elderflowers, andrographis, goldenseal and any berberine containing herb.

Those indispensable vitamins and minerals:
A (retinyl acetate- not betacarotene), D, C, zinc and magnesium

The anti-inflammatory herbs:
Ginger and turmeric are top on the list! Have them fresh, grated or in supplement form.
Frankincense is a great anti-inflammatory essential oil to use in a diffuser and to massage on your chest if you have a pulmonary infection.