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PRINCIPLE NUTRITION

8 Herbs, Spices, and Sweeteners That Combine to Activate Your Immune System

Keep your immune system going strong, one drop at a time, with this bitters.

Consume this healthy tonic for an immune system boost. It’s crafted from ingredients proven to support immune system function:

  • astragalus root
  • angelica root
  • honey
  • ginger

About the herbs

Astragalus, a prominent herb in Chinese medicine, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Research suggests that the root can boost resistance to infectionTrusted Source. Studies performedTrusted Source on animals indicate that it can regulate the body’s immune responses.

A March 2020 study even revealed that taking astragalus to prevent infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is now common in China. However, there’s no evidence yet that herbs can help combat SARS-CoV-2 or the disease COVID-19.

Angelica is native to Russia and many parts of Scandinavia. The root has been used in Chinese medicine to modulate the immune system and treat respiratory ailments and cold symptoms.

Other key ingredients

Both honey and ginger are powerful antioxidants that also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Honey activates the immune system’s response to infectionTrusted Source and prevents cell proliferation. Controlling cell proliferation is key to stopping pesky viruses.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory effectsTrusted Source as well and may be able to help with muscle pain.

This recipe contains only small amounts of:

Here’s a fun fact to keep in mind, though. Pound for pound, the peelTrusted Source of an orange contains almost three times as much vitamin C as the fruit itselfTrusted Source.

Recipe for an immune-boosting bitters

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 oz. dried astragalus root
  • 1 oz. dried angelica root
  • 1/2 oz. dried chamomile
  • 1 tsp. dried ginger
  • 1 tsp. dried orange peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp. cardamom seeds
  • 10 oz. alcohol (recommended: 100 proof vodka)

Directions

  1. Dissolve the honey in 2 teaspoons of boiling water. Let cool.
  2. Combine the honey and the next 7 ingredients in a Mason jar and pour alcohol on top.
  3. Seal tightly and store the bitters in a cool, dark place.
  4. Let the bitters infuse until the desired strength is reached. It’ll take about 2–4 weeks. Shake the jars regularly (about once per day).
  5. When ready, strain the bitters through a muslin cheesecloth or coffee filter. Store the strained bitters in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to use it: Mix this bitters into hot tea or take a few drops first thing when you wake up for protection during cold and flu season.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/immune-system-bitters-recipe#About-the-herbs