When your body is taken over with a cold, flu or virus it’s a sign your immune system is running low and in need of a boost. As the immune system’s primary function is to protect the body against viruses and infections, when our bodies are run down from overworking, high stress and other factors, it makes it hard for the immune system to keep up.

Turmeric and milk

One of the most effective immune system boosters is turmeric as it turmericcontains high levels of antioxidants. Along with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, a virus will find it hard to remain in your system under the influence of turmeric.

Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of warm milk and consume three times a day. This mixture will activate your liver which usually becomes a bit sluggish when your body is trying to fight off a virus. The liver plays an important role in ensuring toxins are removed from the body but works overtime when your body is run-down, therefore the turmeric tonic will give the liver a helping hand.

Ginger and fenugreek seeds 

Ginger is well known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties and is an excellent remedy for influenza. It soothes raw throats, eliminates congestion and kills bacteria. When you are feeling unwell you can make a ginger teapowerful immune boosting drink with fresh ginger. Peel and cut a thumb size amount of ginger and either blend or juice it. Then in a saucepan filled with 500mls of hot water, add one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds. Boil until the mixture is reduced by one-third. Add one teaspoon of the ginger juice to a cup of the fenugreek tonic. Add some honey to taste and enjoy the therapeutic drink. The combination of fenugreek and ginger makes for an excellent diaphoretic mixture which increases sweating yet reduces fever. You can find fenugreek seeds at specialised health food stores or you can conveniently order online.

You can alternatively just add the ginger juice
to one cup of warm water. Add some honey to taste and drink. Another remedy using ginger is to make a tea including the green leaves of a fresh basil plant. Fresh basil contains powerful healing properties and has been used historically to treat colds and viruses. About one gram of these leaves should be boiled, along with some ginger in half a litre of water until about half of the water remains. This tonic will provide immediate relief from your symptoms.

RECIPES 

Turmeric

 1x tsp turmeric powder

1x cup of walk milk

Ginger and fenugreek seeds 

1 x thumb size chunk of fresh ginger

1 x tbs fenugreek seeds

Dash of honey

Ginger & fresh basil

1grm x fresh basil leaves

1 x thumb size chunk of fresh ginger

SHOPPING LIST 

1x packet of ground turmeric powder

1litre of milk

1 x small bulb of fresh ginger

1x packet of fenugreek seeds

1x pot of honey

1 x small bunch of fresh basil