The year 2024 began as we still battle the coronavirus outbreak. While COVID-19 brought many problems for billions of people, it has also made us wake up to the fact that we should take better care of our health. We all need to work to strengthen our immunity to minimize risk and prolong our lifespan. This doesn’t mean taking pharmaceutical drugs. There many powerful herbs that can help us boost our immune system naturally.
In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the best immunity boosting herbs recommended by doctors and naturopaths in 2024. These are herbs rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc, and/or other essential nutrients. Don’t wait until your health is in such a bad shape that you need to go to the hospital. Here are 10 herbs you should start taking today to boost your energy, and overall health.
1. Moringa
Moringa is classified as a superfood because of its incredible nutritional profile. It is a powerful herb rich in a plethora of nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and immune booster. A little-known fact is that Moringa has 7 times the vitamin C of oranges. The herb is also rich in vitamin A and B6, according to insidemoringa.com. You can take it in natural form straight off the tree, or purchase moringa powder supplements online or from a local store. Due to moringas fast growing nature, use as a food, and use as a medicine, you can find moringa used in many products and in many recipes too! Moringa powder, moringa oil, moringa juice – the list goes on. Do your body a favor and add some moringa into your diet.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is well-known for its medicinal value and that’s why it’s popular in ayurvedic circles. Among the many health benefits this herb offers is an improvement in the body’s ability to fight off infection and recover from sickness. Various scientific studies have shown that Ginseng strengthens the functioning of the adrenal, hypothalamic, and pituitary axis. This is what is responsible for regulating the immune system’s response to stress. Ginseng treats stress, which is a condition that severely lowers immunity. Add ginseng to your diet to feel more relaxed, less stressed, and to boost your mood and health.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea is another powerful herb with numerous health benefits. The herb is widely used for treating many health conditions, and also boosts immunity. Echinacea mainly works by reducing inflammation in the body. It has anti-viral components that help to suppress cold symptoms, including those similar to those caused by coronaviruses. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are powerful immunity boosters as well.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial herb that strengthens our gut and digestive system. Studies have shown that a healthy gut is crucial for a properly functioning immune system. Garlic is rich in anti-viral, antiprotozoal, and antibacterial properties. These properties help fight infections to keep the body healthy. This herb is rich in Vitamin C and B6, which are essential in boosting the body’s immune system’s capabilities. B6 is also a key component in the production of white blood cells.
5. Neem
Neem has been used for centuries for treating various medical conditions. The herb is widely used for boosting immunity, among many other health benefits. Neem gets rid of harmful pathogens in the body due to its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antibacterial properties. It is also rich in antioxidant properties, which help to flush toxins out of the blood. Neem grows and spreads easily in the wild and is even considered a pest in some areas due to the way the trees spread out naturally, so you won’t have any problems finding it available at a store near you.
6. Parsley
Parsley is a common herb in food preparations. This herb is used as flavor and food garnish because of its aroma and taste. What most people don’t know is that it’s also a very good immune-boosting herb. Parsley is rich in zinc, which is an essential element in strengthening immunity. Zinc is crucial in the formation and functioning of the cells, including platelets, so eating more of it will definitely assist with your body’s ability to repair and heal quickly. Add more parsley into your diet and you won’t regret it.
7. Giloy
Giloy is another herb that has been used for centuries due to its medicinal values. It is an antipyretic herb (useful for reducing a fever) widely recommended for immunity boosting. The herb is rich in antioxidant properties due to the high amount of vitamin C and other nutrients. Giloy works by removing toxins and purifying the blood of diseases causing bacteria, toxins, and viruses. The herb also boosts gut health, which also improves the immune system. You can take it in its natural form or purchase it in supplement form from your local pharmaceutical or natural medicine store.
8. Chervil
Chervil is another herb you should be eating in 2024 to boost your immunity. The herb is rich in zinc, and many other nutrients that aid in strengthening the immune system. Vitamin A and vitamin C, can also be found in chervil and these are both powerful antioxidants. Due to its incredible nutritional profile, chervil makes our list of the top 10 herbs you should be consuming if you’re concerned about your health in these uncertain times.
9. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are widely available and often served up in fancy breakfast cafes. You can also find them sold in most supermarkets. They offer numerous health benefits, including boosting your immunity. These seeds are rich in antioxidants, which you need more of to stay in the best shape possible. Chia seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are also very good for the functioning of your body. Add some to your fruit smoothies for a bit of flavor and a big dose of nutrients.
10. Ginger
Everybody knows ginger is good for us. Are you eating enough? Medical experts recommended ginger as has been found to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19. The herb contains gingerol, a powerful antioxidant that boosts our immune system. Sip on some ginger tea or spice up your dinner with a bit more of it than you usually would, to strengthen your immunity and boost your overall health profile.
