Discover 9 healing herbs that are wonderful when used as part of your holistic health care. Learn the herbal secrets. Make your own all natural immunity boosting home remedies!
- Want To Know More About Healing Herbs?
- 9 Herbs For A Holistic Health Immunity Boost!
- Number 1 Is Nettle Leaf
- Number 2 Of Our Home Remedies Is Elderberry
- Number 3 – Ginger For Holistic Health
- Home Health Ginger Tea
- Number 4 Of The Healing Herbs Is Yarrow
- Number 5 Of Our Home Remedies Is Chamomile
- Number 6 – Peppermint For Holistic Health.
- Number 7 – Catnip!
- Number 8 – The Red Clover!
- Number 9 – Echinacea!
Regardless of where you live, whether in tropical climates or arctic planes, you at some time, will come into contact with flu and the common cold.
Most of you, if fit and well, probably focus your concern on the health and well being of others in your life. Your thoughts go to the young children, elderly relatives, grumbling teens or grown adults.
It is important to remember that the best way to ensure you remain able to care and protect your loved ones, is by ensuring you first care and protect yourself.
This is easy.
You can care for yourself and your loved ones by developing a holistic health care program. Whether you want better overall health, are looking for natural skin care solutions or seeking a boost to immunity all round! By adding these home remedies made with 9 herbs you are providing your family with incredible immunity boosting goodness.
Want To Know More About Healing Herbs?
Your immune system is amazing. It protects you 24 – 7. Every minute of the day and night your immunity battles the foreign invaders that otherwise would be the cause of coughs, colds and seasonal sniffles.
Not only does it ward off everyday illnesses, your immunity is the body’s only defense against more nasty, and potentially deadly diseases. Things like the Bird Flu, or H1N1 flu, and almost every other disease causing bacteria and virus.
It is an amazing gift. And one you must protect!
Your daily habits, including the foods you eat and your exercise and sleep routines, have a significant effect on your immune function.
How Home Remedies Can Protect Your Immune System!
Herbal remedies are an easy and effective way for you to boost your immune system. The nutrients, vitamins and minerals aide your body by providing the energy and resources required for healing. This is how you recover from injury and illness.
Holistic Health treatments are often delivered as combinations. Some combine modern medicine and complimentary therapies, others comine a number of alternative medicines.
Put simply it is the combination of various treatments which specifically target a health related condition. The treatment offers the best solution for restoring optimal health.
When using healing herbs I always recommend using fresh whenever possible.
Why not get adventurous and grow them yourself?
If getting fresh herbs is not possible you can use the dried variety. Just ensure you get them from a trusted and reputable supplement store or online retailer.
9 Herbs For A Holistic Health Immunity Boost!
Number 1 Is Nettle Leaf
Many Naturopaths and Herbalists believe that this common garden weed is one of the most powerful of all the healing herbs.
Nettle Leaf is a potent herbal remedy due to it containing enormous amounts of vitamins and trace minerals.
The Nettle acts as its own combination therapy. The minerals and vitamins it provides enables our body to regain strength and heal, while also helping the body to rehydrate, stay hydrated, remove toxins and restore vitality!
Pretty Perfect Huh!?
The method I recommend is not as frightening as it may seem. It is also absolutely delicious!
Make yourself a nourishing nettle leaf tea! To prepare take a handful of nettle leaves. Be careful and wear gloves when handling this herb. We don’t want nettle stings or an itchy rash to dampen your enthusiasm!
Place the nettle leaf and one cup of boiling water into a small saucepan and simmer very gently for 5 mins. In the last 1-2 minutes add a small bunch (2 Tbsp) of raspberry leaf, Alfalfa and Peppermint.
Drain the herbs and enjoy this powerful healing tea. It is exceptionally good for you, even if fluorescent green! Making this tea provides potent immune supporting and prevents all sorts of seasonal illnesses.
Number 2 Of Our Home Remedies Is Elderberry
Elderberry is well known for supporting our body to heal and regain energy. It is especially good for those suffering with flu.
If you wish to stock up on Elderberry you can find good commercially made syrups at most holistic health or herbal stores.
But why buy it? Much better to save that money and make your own. You will have the satisfaction of knowing every ingredient that went into the mix! And your family will know it was brewed with love and care!
Home Made Medicinal Elderberry Syrup
A truly easy to make elderberry syrup with honey and herbs to clear colds and boost immunity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black elderberries
- 4 cups of water
- 3 Tablespoons fresh minced ginger root - or 2 Tbsp Ginger Powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon - powdered
- 1/2 teaspoon clove - powdered
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan add the water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
- Stir gently and bring to the boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover and simmer very gently.
- Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour or until the liquid has reduced by around half.
- Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
- Using a wooden spoon or large flat spoon mash the berries against the sides of the saucepan to release as much of the berry juices.
- Pour the liquid through a cheesecloth or strainer into a sterilized glass jar or bottle- must be sealable.
- When the syrup is cool add the honey and stir/shake well.
- Store in the fridge.
Notes
Note: Standard daily health dose is 1 tsp for children and 1 Tbsp for adults.
For flu and cold - take regular dose every 3 hours until symptoms subside.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 150 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 7Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
Number 3 – Ginger For Holistic Health
I know a lot of people will be be saying, “Ginger is a Spice and not a Herb!
And they would be correct. But as spicy as it may be it becomes an honorary herb today. This is due to the incredible health giving and restoring nutrients it provides us.
For those purists out there, I apologise. Yes Ginger is a spice but I almost guarantee that you’ll not even worry about it a little later on in our post. (nervous smile)
Ginger is best when the remedy is made from 2 different preparations. This makes exceptionally effective for natural healing and aiding recovery from illness.
Always use fresh ginger root. If you cannot get the fresh root ginger it is possible to get organic extracts. They are becoming more readily available in most good health food stores. Beware though 1 drop of extract is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root. It’s strong!
Widely known for being excellent for soothing upset stomachs. Ginger also reduces, and then prevents, nausea.
Ginger is an antibacterial, a powerful antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory and has immunity boosting antiviral properties! Therefore it is a must include for including within our home remedies.
This remedy is also taken in the form of a tea, and includes both forms of the ginger.
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 Mins
Cook Time 10 Mins
Home Health Ginger Tea
Ingredients
3 Inches Fresh Root Ginger
2 cups of water
Natural Honey – Optional
Lemon Slices – Optional
Directions
1) First cut a piece of the whole ginger root – approximately 2 inches.
2) Slice this piece of ginger root into small slivers. About the size of small match sticks. Do not peel the Ginger.
3) Place the ginger slices into a small saucepan and add 2 cups of boiling water.
4) Cover with a lid and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
5) While your ginger match sticks are releasing their goodness into the water cut another piece of ginger root. About 1/2 an inch.
6) Using a very fine grater, or if you do not have one, a pestle and mortar, grate or grind this 1/2 inch into a fine ginger paste. Try to do it directly into a drinking mug so you do not lose any of the juices.
7) Now strain off the ginger slices that have been steeping. You want to save the water and discard the ginger match sticks.
8) Pour the ginger infused water into your drinking mug which contains your freshly grated ginger juices.
9) Stir your ginger tea and drink.
10) If you find the ginger tea overwhelming add a teaspoon of natural honey, or slices of fresh lemon, or both. This will provide additional flavors and add some sweetness.
11) Take at least twice per day as an immunity booster or, if treating congestion, every 4 hours until symptoms subside.
This ginger tea is excellent for anyone suffering from acute sinusitis or congestion. Ginger is also excellent as a holistic health treatment for fever and headache
Number 4 Of The Healing Herbs Is Yarrow
Yarrow is one of the best herbs when combating flu or fever.
When taken as a tea as the symptoms of illness begin to appear the Yarrow will help reduce symptoms. Many find that it prevents the illness from taking hold and symptoms clear within 24 hours.
Yarrow is excellent for treating skin related infections, for soothing and calming hives and rashes and is a natural remedy for fighting bacterial infections.
Like ginger it acts as a decongestant. It has a drying effect on mucous making it a great choice of natural cure for colds, coughs and sinus infection.
Yarrow is also especially good for fighting illness that includes running a fever.
This is where Yarrow reacts differently when compared to use for mucous infections. Rather than having a drying effect, when used as a treatment for fever its properties actually induce perspiration.
It may not sound pretty but the act of sweating helps rid the body of toxins. This requires that you also monitor your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Yarrow is naturally very bitter. I find that adding some fresh peppermint and stevia leaves helps a lot. It adds a natural sweetness and a refreshing after taste to the tea.
This makes it far more appetizing, especially if you are trying to give it to children.
Yarrow tea is an excellent aide for cleansing the liver and kidneys and supports the endocrine system.
To make Yarrow Tea you will need 1 Sprig of Yarrow (Flowers and Stem), 5 peppermint leaves (or spearmint) and 5-6 stevia leaves. You can also add liquorice if you like the taste.
Add the herbs to a small saucepan and cover with water (about 1 – 1.5 cups). Slowly bring to a gentle simmer. Once the water reaches simmering point, not boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover and let it steep for 20 minutes.
Strain the liquid and discard the herbs. Sip the natural herbal tea slowly! Enjoy!
Number 5 Of Our Home Remedies Is Chamomile
An absolute staple for good health.
Chamomile calms the nerves, aides sleep and reduces inflammation and fever.
Little known is the fact that Chamomile is a wonderful natural home remedy for clearing infection. While its active properties are potent on infection, the chamomile remains mild and gentle on our skin.
This makes it one of the best healing herbs for infections that occur in regions of sensitive skin, such as the eyes, ears, groin etc.
Chamomile is an excellent choice when treating infants or children. It is gentle, safe and effective!
In fact Chamomile can be used to relieve conjunctivitis, or any eye infection. Simply soak a chamomile tea bag in warm water, or use one that was recently used to make a freshly brewed drinking mug!
Ensure it is not too hot and place the tea bag over the eye. Treat the infection by leaving the teabag in place for 15 minutes every 2 hours.
Make sure you use a new bag for each treatment and dispose of the used bag to prevent further infection.
Usually the conjunctivitis will be gone within 24 hours.
Chamomile is a brilliant choice because, unlike some of our remedies, it also tastes great. Definitely a top contender for getting our healing herbs and remedies into children or fussy adults!
Chamomile as a hot tea is excellent for treating flu and fever. It is highly effective for helping to regulate hormones and excellent for the skin. Chamomile is wonderful in promoting a good nights sleep.
Number 6 – Peppermint For Holistic Health.
Peppermint is a wonderful treatment for digestive disturbances as well as aiding in the lowering of fever.
Peppermint can be prepared in the same way as Yarrow. It makes a truly refreshing and healing herbal tea.
To complement the treating of fever mash 1 large handful of peppermint leaves and stalks into 1/2 cup of olive oil. Rub this mix on the skin.
It has an instant cooling effect which helps to bring a high fever down. Make sure you avoid the eyes!
Peppermint is antimicrobial and antiviral so is highly beneficial for keeping our immune system healthy! Peppermint is usually another good option to use as a tea when children are ill.
Number 7 – Catnip!
It may sound strange but Catnip has, for many centuries, been used as a cold and flu remedy. It is another herb that can be used when trying to settle the stomach.
Like others it is normally taken as a tea. Prepare it as you would the Yarrow or Peppermint.
The specific benefit of Catnip is due to it having very mild sedative properties. Safe to use because it is extremely mild, yet enough to bring a sense of calm and relaxation.
Extremely useful as it induces sleep which allows our body time to rest, recoup and repair.
Number 8 – The Red Clover!
This fantastic herb is another packed with with natural healing goodness. It is prized as a health remedy because of the very high levels of nutrients it contains.
Red Clover is mostly used in hormonal treatment preparations and for conditions where purifying the blood is needed.
It is an excellent choice for anyone suffering an illness that deprives them of sleep. We know if we wish to boost and maintain an excellent immune system we require being in good health.
The only way we can maintain good physical and emotional health is by ensuring we have regular periods of relaxation and get adequate restful sleep.
In the same way we prepare Yarrow we prepare Red Clover. It needs to be steeped in hot water. However unlike the other remedies it can taken as a hot or cold tea.
Red clover has a bitter taste so you can sweeten it with a little honey. You could also add the Red Clover liquid to any of the other sweeter healing herbal teas such as the chamomile or peppermint tea.
Number 9 – Echinacea!
Echinacea should generally be used as often but only as a short term remedy because of its Herbal Immunostimulant properties.
Immunostimulants are used for the treatment of acute infection because, as the name implies, they stimulate white blood cell activity.
By stimulating our white blood cells the Echinacea helps our body resist and fight infection during the initial stages of illness. It is also useful as a longer term treatment if dealing with harder to clear infections and disease.
A truly impressive herb. Research has proven that Echinacea is effective not only for holding off colds and flu but also for treating a number of more serious medical conditions. Medical News Today lists Echinacea as being effective for treating:
- genital herpes
- gum diseases
- malaria
- rheumatoid arthritis
- septicemia – an infection of the bloodstream
- streptococcus infection
- syphilis
- tonsillitis
- typhoid
- urinary tract infection, and
- vaginal yeast infections
Echinacea, like most immunostimulants, is fast acting. However the impact it has on our white blood cells is only short lived.
This means we need to take Echinacea at more frequent intervals if it is to remain effective.
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As I always mention, if you suffer from a long term chronic illness or take regular prescription medication it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any supplements, whether herbal or not.
All treatments in this post are safe to use and widely accepted for their health giving properties. However it is always a possibility that there could be interaction with pharmaceuticals.
A discussion with your health professional is always advised and will give you peace of mind.
Should you wish to ask questions or make any comment please do so in the comments section below. You can also contact me directly using this link.
Do you know of other healing herbs recommendations? Have you tried any of these? Please do let us know.
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Hi Jason! I really enjoyed your site a lot as I have run away from all the progressed everything in light of much healthier foods and medicines. I was searching about Holistic Remedies and fount your post much helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help us; we have got abundance of help out of it. Keep sharing nice stuff.
Hi Rose, I salute you moving to holistic healthier options! And really appreciate your feedback and kind comments. Glad you found our posts useful. Love and light
Jason,
I really enjoy your site a lot as I have run away from all the processed everything in light of much healthier foods and medicines.
I am curious however, as I read through your list, I must presume because of the untruthful stigma attached to it you make NO mention of the world’s healthiest food Hemp seed or any of the other wonderful medicines that come from the incredible Cannabis Sativa plant.
Did you know that this one plant can provide Food, Clothing, Shelter and about 40,000 other things that don’t include getting High?
Lastly when it comes to health and fish oil I have read a lot about proper absorption and a lot of the big names in Fish Oil have formula’s that are basically ineffective. Do you know if there are any Fish Oil products out there that can really do what they claim?
Thanks again for the great read and the rest of your website, my best,
CannaGary
Hi CannaGary
Thanks for your comments
I am all for Hemp and the medicinal wonders of the cannabis plant. I also have no issues and agree with the legalisation for medicinal reasons as it is widely researched and accepted that cannabis relieves pain and is one of the few natural products that can aide those suffering with muscular and nerve disorders plus others such as motor nuerone disorders.
In terms fish oil. Omega 3 was widely hailed as the answer to all our issues however due to the increased market and cost some manufacturers took advantage of our desire to include this wonder oil in our diet and produced versions and supplements that had little or no actual pure omega 3.
Omega 3 is awesome but you need to source pure oil *if it doesn’t stink its not the real deal* and use it sparingly. The body can only process a certain amount so if you take more all you are doing is wasting money and clogging the toilet! Plus only use as directed as omega 3 can thin the blood so doctors advice is recommended when using pure oil .anyone can take standard omega 3 supplements from the shelf product range as I doubt they ever came from any fish!
Best health to you
Jason
Two items not on your list that I have heard about are medicinal mushrooms and green tea. I enjoy shitake mushrooms and well as green tea. In fact, green tea is the only kind I drink. My reading indicates that both have high anti-oxidant benefits and other value as well. Can you comment on the these?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for visiting Healthy Natured.
I’m going to have to do some research regarding the mushrooms, but I imagine you are correct. Excited to look into this!
You are definitely correct in regards green tea. It is fantastic as am anti oxidant, it also has elements of anti bacterial which is why it’s such a great drink – provides hydration plus health benefits. The good thing about green tea is you can pretty much add any other herb to it and cannot negatively impact its health giving properties, only enhance them.
Next time you have a green tea try letting it step with a sprig or 2 of nettle and mint. Guarantee it becomes a new favourite and the 3 combined pretty much ensure your immune system is firing on all cylinders as well as just tasting amazing.
To your best health
Jason
Herbs for health and healing is a really useful website. I’m all for natural remedies whenever possible. I like the idea of Nettle Leaf as a powerful herbal remedy.
Hi and thanks for visiting Healthy Natured. I hope you try out the Nettle Tea, its great as a preventative drink even when not ill. Wishing you best health.
Jason
I may try that green drink one day, when I get the nerve, lol. I thought only cats ate Catnip. All these years… I remember seeing Ginger in the kitchen, growing up. I never knew what my mom used it for. I’ve heard of Chamomile all my life too. Still haven’t tried that either though. Love Peppermint. I always have that around. I really need to make a trip to the store. :)
~ Melinda
Hi Melinda,
Thanks for your visit and comments. The great thing with all these remedies is that you don’t need to wait until you are ill, in fact they can be prepared and consumed while in good health and will act as a preventative to cold and flu, so boost your immune systemmto keep ypu healthy. Good news is you can try those drinks sooner than you thought, lol. Trust me they are delicioys
To your good health
Jason
Hi Jason! Still haven’t tried any of it yet, but still plan on it. Came back here to get all the ingredients written down in my phone, so maybe I will remember, next time I go to the store.
Thanks again!
~ Melinda
Hey Melinda,
Great to see you back! Even getting a shopping list written down is one step closer! I’ll look forward to hearing how you get on! I know you can do it!
Best health always!
Jason
Great post, Im familiar with some of these herbs. You’re on the mark.
Hi Majin
Many thanks for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the post. There will be similar coming soon.
Jason
Hello! I really enjoyed this post! I am really into tea and herbs that can be used to make infusion and these are some of the herbs I always keep in my kitchen and I consume regularly. Ginger and chamomile are my all time favorites and they are great if combined too. I don’t really use nettle leaf but you convinced me to get some. Thank you so much for sharing! Amazing information and great website!
Hi Katerina
Thank you for your comments. Please do try the nettle leaf I am sure you’ll love it. Likewise I’m going to prepare ginger and chamomile – must admit it’s a perfect combination.
Thanks again
Jason
God in His infinite wisdom has hidden everything man will ever need in nature. Thus the closer we are to nature the healthier we are. It is our deviation from this God laid principle that has made man to experience different kinds of illnesses and diseases.
When illnesses come, the best way out is through the use of herbs provided by nature. Herbs are known to build our immune system and quicken recovery from illnesses.
The use of herbs for treatment of any ailment has no side effects unlike drugs and pills.
I thank you for this post which is very informative.
Hi Sam,
Thank you very much for your comments. I agree wholeheartedly that all illnesses can be treated with herbal remedies but also believe that a combination of natural homeopathic and modern medicines give people a safe and holistic health offer. I appreciate you taking the time to write in.
Your very best health
Jason
I’m not familiar with nettle leaf but I’m going to give it a try.
I have used ginger occasionally and I love peppermint mixed with my coffee, or just by itself.
The most powerful healing plant I have found is turmeric, which is a relative of ginger. The anti-inflammatory power of turmeric is awesome, more than anything else I’ve found. But I can’t find the fresh roots in stores like I can for ginger.
Many long lived civilizations drink turmeric tea, but I wouldn’t recommend that because it has a deep orange color and is also a powerful dye. So you are going to get orange teeth with turmeric tea. I cook with it and take it in capsules.
Gary
Hi Gary
Thanks for this. You’re absolutely correct about Turmeric, it’s a fantastic holistic treatment, also excellent for any fungal infections, but as you say stains like crazy. Found that out to my detriment as I peeled it for a holistic treatment I was helping prepare in Mumbai, wondered why the ladies were grinning and cackling at me. In fairness they did offer me gloves but I turned them down thinking they weren’t needed. I believe it was 4 weeks before my fingers returned to their natural shade!
Thanks again for your input, its very much appreciated
To your best health
Jason
Hi there!
I am a big fan of herbal remedies. The very popular one I use almost everyday is fresh ginger. As an Asian , ginger is one of the most important part of my cooking aside from garlic and pepper.
Hope many people will visit your site, they should get a lot of healthy tips and information from here.
Good luck!
Bliss
Hi Bliss,
Thank you for visiting my site and also for your very positive comments. The addition of ginger, garlic and pepper to food, as well as being delicious, is a sure fire health booster. Like Ginger both garlic and pepper have healing properties and are especially good as anti-bacterials so aide against stomach complaints.
Hope to hear from you again.
many thanks
Jason
I absolutely love the look of your site. So Clean and images so inviting. I was very surprised to see catnip among the list of herbs for health and healing. I have 6 cats and always have a supply of catnip around. I will have to give it a try.
Hi Debra,
Thanks for visiting and your comment. I think most people have a similar reaction to the Catnip suggestion, and without wishing ill-health, do give it a go if you ever need – it works brilliantly.
Wishing best health always
Jason
hi there
love this!
I am a big fan of herbal remedies and I have tried and posted about a most of those remedies. I have not personally tried nettle tea but have used it as a topical agent for acne. It actually works good. Mother Earth gives us so many remedies that can be combined with modern medicine (although always best to check with a doctor first)
Hey Emily
Thanks so much for your feedback. Absolutely agree, everything we need for our health and well being is provided by Mother Earth and all we need do is have a little faith and trust in nature. Likewise am a regular visitor to your site and love your posts. Many thanks
Jason
it does seem like we have similar interests indeed!
Indeed, looking forward to reading more and learning from you
Jason