Herbally Yours

Cold and flu season is upon us. It's time to start adding more immune building herbs to your arsenal. If you're not already taking Echinacea, now is a good time to start. Other good immune builders are Astragalus, Marshmallow root, garlic and beet roots and greens.

Beets are in season now and provide a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants as well as being an immune system builder. See previous post for more information on Beets. There are many, many ways to use garlic, and the recipes calling for it are plentiful. Try to get some garlic into your diet every day.

Although citrus fruits are commonly thought of as being helpful during the cold and flu season because of their Vitamin C content, take into consideration that broccoli contains more Vitamin C than citrus fruits. Add this to your diet at least three times a week. Apples, which are also in season during the winter month are also a good addition to the diet in order to bring extra nutrients and carry toxins out of the body quickly.

Of course don't forget to wash your hands often. A disinfectant soap isn't usually necessary if your wash properly using a rubbing action and rinse well. Disinfect door knobs, telephones, and any surface touched often by multiple members of the family. The handy disinfectant wipes are a favorite with busy Moms and Dads, but apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle kills 99% of bacteria and 82% other pathogens.
Just set the nozzle on the finest spray possible and mist surfaces lightly and allow to dry without wiping.