5 Herbal Tonics For Immunity This Winter

Diseases spread widely during the winter. It is the cold and flu season. The cold results in a weak immune system. You should prepare your body for winter. Eat, drink, and rest well. 

When it’s cold, wash your hands after contact with people. Also, try not to put your hands on your mouth or eyes. 

There are some wonderful herbal tonics that you can take every day to make your immunity strong.

The best place to get them would be Superfoods.

The herbs kick in slowly and last for a long time. They strengthen your immune system so that you are ready for the winter. For them to work well, take them regularly. 

Read on to know about the top five tonic herbs that boost your immune system. They will help you keep you and your family safe and sound this winter.

Reishi

The herbal tonic is from the fruiting body of reishi. The tonic works as an antiviral and antibiotic. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and reduces anxiety.

Reishi’s nickname is “mushroom of immortality.” Take it regularly. If you have weak lungs, then it is good for you.

The herbal tonic has a calming effect on people. You can drink it as tea. It’s bitter, so add tastier herbs like cinnamon. You should be able to find reishi in health food stores near you.

Make sure that you don’t have it if you have mushroom allergies. Furthermore, it’s best to avoid it when you are on blood-thinning medication. Also, avoid it if you have edema, high blood pressure, or any other cardiac condition.

Elderberry

This tonic is mainly berries and elderberry flowers. It will boost your immune system and act as an antibacterial. Elderberry is also an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant.

The herbal tonic is delicious as a syrup. You should take it daily in winter and fall. It prevents sinus infections, colds, and the flu.

If you already have a cold, try this syrup. Studies show that ill duration will fall. Furthermore, the severity of the symptoms lowers.

You can drink it with your tea. Kids love the taste of elderberry-infused honey, but don’t give it to babies who are one or younger.

The flower of the elder goes great with cinnamon and ginger. The combination will strengthen your immunity. 

Sometimes people may experience vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea if they eat it raw. Other than that, there are not many side effects to this herb.

Garlic

Garlic is great for immunity. It is also diaphoretic and antimicrobial. Other than that, garlic is a decongestant, and it lowers blood pressure.

This traditional spice is a 5000-year-old medicine. From Egyptian slaves to World War I soldiers, garlic saves live fighting infections.

Garlic works against bacteria, protozoans, and fungi. It prevents colds, flus, and infections in the gut. Furthermore, it’s beneficial for the respiratory system. 

There are many ways to prepare garlic. Most people use it in all their food. One good way to have it is in the form of garlic sauce. The sauce goes great with chili, mashed potato, pasta, eggs, and toast.

Just add a few cloves to your cooking and the dish will come to life, or just have the garlic raw. 

Garlic is great to have, but it can give you heartburn. Also, you may get gassy if you have too much of it. Furthermore, the herb may aggravate the peptic ulcers.

You should not have raw garlic before surgery, so stop having it one week before. And if you are taking blood thinners, then too much garlic can be bad for you.

Astragalus

Astragalus is a great herbal tonic that makes use of the root of the plant. You can have it in soup or stew stock.

The herb is great for your immunity. Also, it’s an antiviral, antioxidant, cardiotonic, and hepatic. It’s also an antibacterial and adaptogen.

Astragalus has been popular in the west for the last two decades. It is high in demand because of its ability to boost immunity.

The herb regulates immune cells known as white blood cells. They are your front line against diseases.

You should take the herbal tonic every day. And it is ok if you want to take large amounts of it. Use it in cooking, and turn it into all sorts of treats.

And kids don’t mind sweet astragalus roots. You can use it to make soup, sauces, and stew.

If you are taking immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals then don’t take astragalus root. Also, some people might find themselves allergic to herbal tonic. 

Some of the symptoms of overdosing on this tonic include insomnia, headaches, hot flashes, dizziness, and hypertension.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail herbal tonic comes from the body of the fruiting turkey tail mushroom. It makes a lovely bowl of soup for winter nights.

Turkey tail is an immune tonic and stimulant. Also, it’s antiviral and antioxidant. The tonic is good for people who have respiratory infections.

Turkey’s tail is not the cure to cancer, but it benefits cancer patients.  Take it as a decoction or broth. It is a bit bitter, so you should add some other tasty herbs.

This type of mushroom is common all around the world. It is probably available where you are. But if you are going to go out there to find some, know that there are imposters. 

The real turkey tail has a fruit body in the shape of a fan. Its underside is white with tiny pores. Instead of picking from nature, go to your local medical store. You can even find real turkey online.

The only reason you should not be having turkey tail mushroom is if you have an allergy. Other than that, the herbal tonic is hot and harmful. 

Conclusion

Winter is when everyone gets sick. The cold and flu spread easily. For this reason, you have to build up your immunity. 

There are herbal tonics that you can take regularly. They will strengthen immunity and suppress severe symptoms. 

Reishi, elderberry, garlic, astragalus and turkey tail are herbal tonics for everyday use. They will help you build up your immunity for the cold season.