How to Boost the Immune System Naturally

0
0
0
1

How It Works

AS WE GO INTO THE FALL AND WINTER MONTHS IT IS TIME TO TALK ABOUT NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. 

 

VITAMIN D 

The best source of vitamin D is the sunlight. As the days get shorter and the weather cools off we spend less time outside and are in need of a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D directly affects the immune system because it activates our immune response.

As soon as I noticed we aren’t outside as much as we were in the summer I get everyone on a vitamin D supplement. We take DoTERRA’s lifelong vitality pack which has a full serving of vitamin D in it but you can take vitamin D on its own if you prefer.

VITAMIN C

Have you ever heard to eat an orange when you have a cold? That is because citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and support a healthy immune system.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. They boost the immune system to protect against bacterial infections and viruses. During cold and flu season I make elderberry syrup for everyone in my family. This syrup is delicious and makes it easy to get the immune supporting benefits of elderberries.

HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP 

INGREDIENTS

 

  • 2/3 cup dried black elderberries
  • 3½ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root
  • 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
  • 1 drop clove essential oil
  • 1-2 drops wild orange essential oil
  • 1 cup raw honey

DIRECTIONS

 

  1. Add water, elderberries, and ginger to a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Or until the liquid reduces by half.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Once it is cooled mash the elderberries with a spoon to get all the juices out and into the liquid.
  5. Strain the liquid into a mason jar (or into your storage container) and discard the elderberries.
  6. Add the honey and essential oils when liquid is completely cool.
  7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Adults: Take 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup daily for immune support.

Children: Take 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup daily for immune support.

ESSENTIAL OILS 

Several essential oils can be used to boost the immune system such as:

 

  • Frankincense
  • Oregano
  • Melaleuca
  • Wild Orange
  • Clove
  • Cinnamon
  • Rosemary

You can use essential oils aromatically, topically, and internally to support a healthy immune response.

AROMATIC USE

Diffuse 4-6 drops of the essential oils from the list above to cleanse the air of airborne germs and boost the immune system.

TOPICAL USE

6 drops fankincense essential oil

6 drops DoTERRA’s On Guard OR 2 drops wild orange, 1 drops cinnamon, 2 drops clove, and 1 drop rosemary

4 drops melaleuca essential oil

2 drops oregano essential oil

Add all the drops of essential oils to a 10mL roller bottle and top off with fractioned coconut oil. Apply to the bottom of feet, back of neck, down the spine, and wrist.

INTERNAL USE

Neat oils can be dropped right under the tongue and hot oils will need to be capsule for internal use. For immediate consumption add 1-2 drops of essential oil to an empty veggie capsule. If you are making capsules ahead of time be sure to add 3-5 drops of a carrier oil. If you don’t use a carrier oil the essential oil will eat through the capsule and dissolve it.

GARLIC

Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be used to boost the immune system and help fight against infection. At first sign of sickness take garlic internally to keep the immune system up.

I keep liquid garlic on hand for my kids during the winter months and whole garlic cloves for my husband and I.

HOW TO TAKE GARLIC

Adults: Minced one garlic clove and swallow with water. Take with food to avoid stomach irritation. NOTE: Let the minced garlic sit for 15-20 minutes before ingesting to allow the anti-microbial properties to power up.

Children: If the child is too young to swallow a pill you can put the minced garlic in applesauce or give them 1/4 teaspoon of liquid garlic.

ONIONS 

Onions have been used for natural remedies for hundreds of years, and are known to reduce toxins and boost the immune system. Onions can be used to break up mucus when dealing with a respiratory infection.

HOW TO USE ONIONS FOR RESPIRATORY INFECTION

 

  1. Cut an onion in half.
  2. Warm in the oven. Wrap in a washcloth
  3. Place over the chest or on the bottom of feet.

It is also said that placing onions around the house when others are sick can reduce the chance of other family members getting sick because it pulls airborne germs out of the air.

DIET 

Your diet is very important for a healthy immune system and can determine the duration of a sickness. At first sign of sickness you will want to remove certain foods from your diet to allow your immune system to work more efficiently.

Drinking extra fluids is very important when sick to keep well hydrated and to flush out the system. If you are experiencing a fever it is easy to become dehydrated, which will make the symptoms worse and it makes it harder to recover.

WORST FOODS TO EAT WHEN SICK

 

  • Sugar
  • Processed Foods
  • Flour/Grains
  • Milk
  • Potatoes/Starchy Foods

BEST FOODS TO EAT WHEN SICK

 

  • Bone Broth
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Honey
  • Fruit
  • Chicken

INCORPORATE THESE THINGS IN TO STAY HEALTY 

Doing one or all of these remedies can help you and your family stay healthy this cold and flu season. Be mindful of your diet and get plenty of sleep to keep your immune system functioning at top notch.

What You’ll Need

Difficulty

Easy Neither easy
nor hard
Somewhat
challenging
Very
challenging

What do you think?

This field cannot be blank
Link copied to clipboard.