Immunity Herbs and Recipes

Astragalus

This herb supports your immune system while assisting the body in adapting to daily stress. Astragalus is a foundational herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It promotes healthy resistance from the occasional physical and emotional stressors, and it also supports healthy immune functions.

Immunity Enhancing Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3-6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 4-6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
• 3-4 pieces astragalus root
• 10 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons tamari or low sodium soy sauce
• Salt & Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions

How to prepare:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the onions, garlic, and ginger
2. Sauté until soft and translucent
3. Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, astragalus root, and vegetable stock
4. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes
5. Add tamari and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed
6. Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 2 minutes
7. Remove the astragalus root pieces
8. Serve soup in bowls and garnish with scallions

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It’s also a natural decongestant.

Garlic Lemon Honey Tea

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of water
• 3-6 cloves of garlic, halved
• Honey to taste
• Lemon to taste

How to prepare:

1. Put water in a medium saucepan and add garlic
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes (the longer you simmer, the stronger the tea will be)
3. Remove from heat, add honey and lemon juice
4. Sip 1/2 cup, three times per day
5. Refrigerate for 3-5 days

Elderberry

Elderberry is a commonly used medicinal plant that is known all around the world. Elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms.

Whole-body Support Tea

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Astragalus
• 4 oz. Elderberry
• 4 oz. Eleuthero
• 4 oz. Rose Hips
• 4 oz. Cinnamon Chips

How to prepare:

1. Mix all herbs together and store in a clean, dry jar
2. Simmer 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes
3. Add honey to taste
4. Drink 1-3 cups per day

Elderberry is excellent for flu prevention, but it is contraindicated if you have an illness that manifests with a cytokine storm. Ask a qualified practitioner for more details.