Blog post:
This blog post was written for Nature’s Way during the Halloween season. The goal was to promote their supplements and educate their readers. It’s written in a playful, but informative style. (Spec piece)
13 Tricks to Treat
Your Immune System
October 1, 2023
By Eldar Iz
Amidst the fun of spooky decorations, costume parties, and trick-or-treating, it’s easy to forget that fall brings its own ghoulish companion—the dreaded cold.
Listed below are 13 tried and true holistic strategies that will boost your immune system, keep you healthy, and give me a chance to make some Halloween puns!
1. Brew a Cup of Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is like a magic potion for your immune system. Not only does it contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, but it also tastes great!
Licorice root is naturally sweet so you can skip the sugar.
Traditionally used to soothe sore throats and other respiratory ailments, it will banish whatever is haunting your nasal passages. (1)
2. Plan Your Adventures Wisely
Thinking ahead is your biggest ally. Bring an extra scarf or jacket if you know you’re staying out late, especially if your car or broom will be parked three blocks away from the restaurant.
Your immune system is suppressed when you get cold, leaving you much more susceptible to infections. Carrying an extra piece of clothing is a small price to pay for peace of mind. (2)
3. Summon the Power of Oregano Oil
The antimicrobial properties of this herb will send cold-causing microbes into the underworld. (3)
The intense taste of oregano oil can be hidden by adding a few drops to your favorite juice or tea. For the brave ones out there, try putting a couple of drops under your tongue for maximum, speedy absorption. But be warned, this method is not for the faint-hearted.
The easier option is to take oregano oil capsules.
4. Embrace the Power of Garlic
Yes, this white bulb has a pungent reputation.
Long-revered for its ability to ward off vampires, it also contains an array of immunity-boosting properties. It has been shown to disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and interfere with viral replication, reducing the risk of infection and shortening the duration of colds. (4)
Make quick garlic bread by chopping up a clove and sprinkling it on buttered toast. Don’t forget to add salt.
5. The Legend of Turmeric and Pepper
This power couple stands at the top of the natural healing world.
Pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, by an astonishing 2000%. Their anti-inflammatory prowess rivals that of prescription drugs. The ratio of turmeric to pepper should be four to one. (5)
Make golden elixir shots by mixing them in water and adding some honey. Speaking of which…
6. Magical Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a rare nectar from New Zealand. It is only produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, which is specific to New Zealand. This produces a superior honey with proven virus-inhibiting properties. (6)
Although a very costly substance, it’s well worth drizzling this enchanted honey on your morning toast.
7. Sunbeam Protection Spell
Don’t allow the shorter days to keep you cooped up indoors. Let the sun’s healing rays fortify your defenses against the ghoulish germs of the shadow world.
20 minutes of sunlight will boost your mood and give you your daily dose of vitamin D. This is essential for a strong immune system. (7)
Also, if you stay out of the sun for too long it might arouse suspicions amongst the townsfolk. Speaking of which, how did you get that red stain on your shirt?
8. Vitamin C Scares away the Bugs
Vitamin C may seem obvious, but did you know you can take up to 5000mgs per day?
If you feel like you’re about to get sick, ramp up your intake until you get better. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in immune support. (8)
Bell pepper, broccoli, guava, and kiwi (the fruit, not the people from New Zealanders. I’m watching you…) are natural sources of this vitamin.
9. Elderberry and Echinacea
Elderberries have antiviral properties that inhibit the development of viruses. The syrup made from these berries is steeped in ancient wisdom.
Echinacea is known to activate various components of the immune system. (9)
Together, these two form a formidable cold-busting duo. The syrup is tasty on its own, but capsules are recommended for Echinacea.
10. Always carry Holy Water
Demons and pathogens hate water. Always keep some of this purifying liquid in your exorcist tool belt.
Proper hydration flushes out toxins and waste products.
Prevention is better than cure, but if you do get sick, drinking water becomes even more crucial. Water helps thin mucus, reduces fatigue, and promotes faster recovery. (10)
11. May you R.I.P. every Night
Your body is incredibly good at fighting off viruses, but it needs adequate recovery time to be at its best. Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Sleeping recharges your immune system and rejuvenates your germ-fighting spirit. (11)
The battle against the microscopic minions must go on!
As midnight hour approaches, your chance to get a good night’s sleep diminishes. Make sure to be in your coffin, I mean your bed, by 11 pm.
Bonus Hero Challenge:
For those of you who wish to take it one step further, you ought to know that the Wicked Witch of the Cold has two dark champions: sugar and processed food.
It is said that any brave mortal who can master these two demonic forces will become impervious to the common cold.
12. Banishing Sugar
People who have a sweet tooth are an easy target for the witch.
Sugar creates the perfect environment in your body for viruses to thrive and replicate. It suppresses the immune system and prevents you from absorbing important nutrients. (12) It’s just plain bad news.
Tame your cravings with healthy sweets like fruits, low-sugar dark chocolate, and licorice tea.
13. The Anti-inflammatory Diet
The wicked witch loves to torment those who eat inflammatory, processed foods.
The anti-inflammatory diet is a long list of foods and spices that activate the natural self-healing powers inside your body. You already know most of them. But eating these foods exclusively while avoiding refined foods will work wonders! This is the gold standard for fueling your immune system. Give it a try! (13)
Sources:
What are the benefits of licorice root? (Medical News Today)
Using Black Pepper to Enhance the Effects of Turmeric (Umass Chan Medical School)
Anti-influenza viral effects of honey in vitro: potent high activity of manuka honey (PubMed)
- Sunlight and Protection against Influenza (PubMed)
- Vitamin C and Colds (Medline Plus)
- Echinacea and Elderberry Reduces Flu Duration (Today’s Practitioner)
- How Much Water Should I drink Daily? (WebMD)
- Sleep Habits and Suseptibility to the Common Cold (National Library of Medicine)
- Sugar and the Immune System (NAD Health Ministries)
- Diet Review: Anti-Inflammatory Diet (Harvard T.H. Chan)