10/21/2022
For those of us in more northerly climates, the cold temps and darker days naturally call us to go more inward. It’s also a time of nourishing ourselves in a deeper way – we turn to root vegetables, heartier stews and soups, and warmer foods. This is actually consistent with what traditional healing systems encourage – shifting our diet and lifestyle along with the change of the seasons.
Autumn and winter also bring the return of colds and flu - and this is when I also turn to tradition - in the form of botanicals that can nourish and support immune health - and that we can turn to for symptom relief and reducing the length and severity of colds and flu.
Some of the leading ladies in my autumn-winter apothecary include:
(If you see this symbol 🤰🏻 okay while pregnant for acute symptoms only, but talk with your midwife or doctor and don't skip needed medical care. All are fine while BF'ing.
🌿Medicinal mushrooms: Shiitakes, reishi, and others demonstrate antiviral activity and actually nourish the immune system, while helping prevent viral infections. I have a blog about medicinal mushrooms here https://avivaromm.com/medicinal-mushrooms-immune-system/ Used for prevention only.
🌿Astragalus root: Complex polysaccharides in astragalus act as immunomodulators,. Try it in my Immune Boosting Soup recipe at my website - or take as capsules or tincture. Used for prevention only.
🌿Garlic: Compounds boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells when faced with viruses helping to shorten duration of illness & prevent it in the first place. Part of a healthy diet = prevention, and in tea or soup during cold and flu. 🤰🏻
🌿Elderberry: Studies have shown that elderberry extract can reduce the severity and duration of the flu when taking within 48 hours of symptom onset. , when compared with placebo. My favorite way to use elderberry is in tincture or syrup form. Beneficial for acute symptoms, not so much for prevention. (🤰🏻for up to 5 days only and not in first trimester)
🌿Ginger: The root (rhizome) of the ginger plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years to warm the body, beat chills, and reduce aches, pains, and digestive symptoms. It's also antiviral. For symptom treatment (🤰🏻 up to 1 gm day, also helps with morning sickness).
🌿Echinacea: Studies suggest echinacea contains active substances that support immune function, prevent colds, and may help reduce the severity and length of a cold, and in kids at least, may also prevent secondary or recurrent infection. Can be used preventatively and for symptoms. 🤰🏻 considered safe throughout for prevention and symptoms.
🌿Turmeric- similar to ginger, has well-known anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties to help prevent and treat colds and viral infections. Turmeric also has been shown to work as an antidepressant, which is a huge plus during the winter months!
Which of these are your top picks for cold & flu season? What other herbs do you keep in your fall medicine cabinet? I'd love to hear in the comments!
To dive deeper into tips to keep your family healthy this cold & flu season, head to the link!
https://avivaromm.com/flu-season-hits-hard-again/
