Immune Boosting Turmeric - Ginger Tea

Can bush medicine be the cure for COVID?

Some naturopathic doctors believe that certain herbs and spices can help to boost immunity during this COVID, and now flu, season. 

Herbal teas have long been considered the first line of defense in the battle against diseases. Chamomile, fennel, mint, and even cinnamon are all extremely effective in combating everyday ailments such as insomnia, constipation, and abdominal pain.

However, today, we're hear to talk about some of the heavyweights against disease- Ginger, turmeric, and garlic! Let's take a look at theses fighter's records.

Ginger: Ginger is among the strongest (and most delicious)  spices on the planet! It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold (jus to name a few). Gingerol, the main compound in ginger, is responsible for much of its healing effects. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Turmeric:  Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory. It can also dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body. In addition to this, it may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Garlic: Though garlic is most commonly used as a cooking spice today, throughout ancient history, its main use was for its healing properties. In addition to being proven to reducing blood pressure, the powerful herb can combat sicknesses such as the flu and the common cold.

"One large, 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to a placebo." (National Library of Medicine)

This study, in addition to many others have proven that adding garlic to your diet is helpful in preventing and combatting certain sicknesses and diseases.

Immune Boosting Turmeric - Ginger Tea

This simple recipe has been part of my daily life for a while, especially during flu season and winter months to boost my immune system. Even though I've already been taking preventative measures such as self-isolating and social distancing, I've continues to take this one as well to build up my immune system.

Ingredients

1 root of Turmeric (about 3-4")

2 cloves of Garlic

1 root of Ginger (about 3-4")

The peel of 1 Orange

Approx. 40 liters or 1 small pot of Water

Method

Add ingredients to a pot and simmer on low heat for about an hour. Sip about 1/2. cup every morning. Once tea is cooled, you can store it in the fridge for about a week.

Sources:

Josling, P. “Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey.” Advances in therapy vol. 18,4 (2001): 189-93. doi:10.1007/BF02850113

Leech, Joe. “11 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Ginger.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 7 Oct. 2020, www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger.

Leech, Joe. “11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 June 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic.

Mashhadi, Nafiseh Shokri et al. “Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence.” International journal of preventive medicine vol. 4,Suppl 1 (2013): S36-42.

Nantz, Meri P et al. “Supplementation with aged garlic extract improves both NK and γδ-T cell function and reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutrition intervention.” Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) vol. 31,3 (2012): 337-44. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2011.11.019

Rivlin, R S. “Historical perspective on the use of garlic.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 131,3s (2001): 951S-4S. doi:10.1093/jn/131.3.951

Wang, Shaopeng et al. “Biological properties of 6-gingerol: a brief review.” Natural product communications vol. 9,7 (2014): 1027-30.