9 Healing Herbs For Holistic Health (Immunity Boosting Home Remedies)

Discover 9 healing herbs that are wonderful when used as part of your holistic health care. Learn the herbal secrets. Make your own all natural immunity boosting home remedies!

Regardless of where you live, whether in tropical climates or arctic planes, you at some time, will come into contact with flu and the common cold.

Most of you, if fit and well, probably focus your concern on the health and well being of others in your life. Your thoughts go to the young children, elderly relatives, grumbling teens or grown adults.

It is important to remember that the best way to ensure you remain able to care and protect your loved ones, is by ensuring you first care and protect yourself.

This is easy.

You can care for yourself and your loved ones by developing a holistic health care program. Whether you want better overall health, are looking for natural skin care solutions or seeking a boost to immunity all round! By adding these home remedies made with 9 herbs you are providing your family with incredible immunity boosting goodness.

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Want To Know More About Healing Herbs?

Your immune system is amazing. It protects you 24 – 7. Every minute of the day and night your immunity battles the foreign invaders that otherwise would be the cause of coughs, colds and seasonal sniffles.

Not only does it ward off everyday illnesses, your immunity is the body’s only defense against more nasty, and potentially deadly diseases. Things like the Bird Flu, or H1N1 flu, and almost every other disease causing bacteria and virus.

It is an amazing gift. And one you must protect!

Your daily habits, including the foods you eat and your exercise and sleep routines, have a significant effect on your immune function.

How Home Remedies Can Protect Your Immune System!

Herbal remedies are an easy and effective way for you to boost your immune system. The nutrients, vitamins and minerals aide your body by providing the energy and resources required for healing. This is how you recover from injury and illness.

Holistic Health treatments are often delivered as combinations. Some combine modern medicine and complimentary therapies, others comine a number of alternative medicines.

Put simply it is the combination of various treatments which specifically target a health related condition. The treatment offers the best solution for restoring optimal health.

When using healing herbs I always recommend using fresh whenever possible. 

Why not get adventurous and grow them yourself?

If getting fresh herbs is not possible you can use the dried variety.  Just ensure you get them from a trusted and reputable supplement store or online retailer.

9 Herbs For A Holistic Health Immunity Boost!

herbal remedies to boost the immune system. nettle leaf juice.
healing herbs, holistic health,  home remedies.

Number 1 Is Nettle Leaf

Many Naturopaths and Herbalists believe that this common garden weed is one of the most powerful of all the healing herbs. 

Nettle Leaf is a potent herbal remedy due to it containing enormous amounts of vitamins and trace minerals.

The Nettle acts as its own combination therapy. The minerals and vitamins it provides enables our body to regain strength and heal, while also helping the body to rehydrate, stay hydrated, remove toxins and restore vitality!

Pretty Perfect Huh!?

The method I recommend is not as frightening as it may seem. It is also absolutely delicious!

Make yourself a nourishing nettle leaf tea! To prepare take a handful of nettle leaves. Be careful and wear gloves when handling this herb. We don’t want nettle stings or an itchy rash to dampen your enthusiasm!

Place the nettle leaf and one cup of boiling water into a small saucepan and simmer very gently for 5 mins. In the last 1-2 minutes add a small bunch (2 Tbsp) of raspberry leaf, Alfalfa and Peppermint.

Drain the herbs and enjoy this powerful healing tea. It is exceptionally good for you, even if fluorescent green! Making this tea provides potent immune supporting and prevents all sorts of seasonal illnesses.

Number 2 Of Our Home Remedies Is Elderberry

Elderberry is well known for supporting our body to heal and regain energy. It is especially good for those suffering with flu.

If you wish to stock up on Elderberry you can find good commercially made syrups at most holistic health or herbal stores.

But why buy it? Much better to save that money and make your own. You will have the satisfaction of knowing every ingredient that went into the mix! And your family will know it was brewed with love and care!

herbs for health and healing

Home Made Medicinal Elderberry Syrup

avatar for holisticjbHolisticJB
A truly easy to make elderberry syrup with honey and herbs to clear colds and boost immunity. And equally tasty as a daily cure-all.
5
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Beverages And Drinks
Cuisine European
Servings 150 Servings
Calories 10 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • elderberries1 cup elderberries
  • water4 cups water
  • ginger root3 tbsp ginger root
  • cinnamon powder1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • clove½ tsp clove
  • honey1 cup honey

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sized saucepan add the 4 cups water, 1 cup elderberries, 3 tbsp ginger root, 1 tsp cinnamon powder and 1/2 tsp clove. Stir gently and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer very gently. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour or until the liquid has reduced by around half. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
    1 cup elderberries, 4 cups water, 3 tbsp ginger root, 1 tsp cinnamon powder, 1/2 tsp clove
  • Using a wooden spoon, or large flat spoon, mash the berries against the sides of the saucepan to release as much of the berry juices.
  • Pour the liquid through a cheesecloth or strainer into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. The container must be sealable. When the syrup is cool add the 1 cup honey and shake well. Store in the fridge.
    1 cup honey

Notes

Note:
  1. Standard daily health dose is 1 tsp for children and 1 tbsp for adults.
  2. For flu and cold – take the standard dose every 3 hours until symptoms subside.

Nutrition

Calories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 2.6gPotassium: 6mgSugar: 2.32gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 2mg
Keyword elderberry syrup, syrup
Did you try this recipe?We would love to see it. Mention @healthynatured or tag #healthynatured so we can all celebrate your brilliance!

Number 3 – Ginger For Holistic Health

I know a lot of people will be be saying, “Ginger is a Spice and not a Herb!

And they would be correct. But as spicy as it may be it becomes an honorary herb today. This is due to the incredible health giving and restoring nutrients it provides us.

For those purists out there, I apologise. Yes Ginger is a spice but I almost guarantee that you’ll not even worry about it a little later on in our post. (nervous smile)

Ginger is best when the remedy is made from 2 different preparations. This makes exceptionally effective for natural healing and aiding recovery from illness.

Always use fresh ginger root. If you cannot get the fresh root ginger it is possible to get organic extracts. They are becoming more readily available in most good health food stores. Beware though 1 drop of extract is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root. It’s strong!

Widely known for being excellent for soothing upset stomachs. Ginger also reduces, and then prevents, nausea.

Ginger is an antibacterial, a powerful antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory and has immunity boosting antiviral properties! Therefore it is a must include for including within our home remedies.

This remedy is also taken in the form of a tea, and includes both forms of the ginger.

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5 Mins

Cook Time 10 Mins

Home Health Ginger Tea

Ingredients

3 Inches Fresh Root Ginger
2 cups of water
Natural Honey – Optional
Lemon Slices – Optional

Directions

1) First cut a piece of the whole ginger root – approximately 2 inches.

2) Slice this piece of ginger root into small slivers. About the size of small match sticks. Do not peel the Ginger.

3) Place the ginger slices into a small saucepan and add 2 cups of boiling water.

4) Cover with a lid and let steep for 5-10 minutes.

5) While your ginger match sticks are releasing their goodness into the water cut another piece of ginger root. About 1/2 an inch.

6) Using a very fine grater, or if you do not have one, a pestle and mortar, grate or grind this 1/2 inch into a fine ginger paste. Try to do it directly into a drinking mug so you do not lose any of the juices.

7) Now strain off the ginger slices that have been steeping. You want to save the water and discard the ginger match sticks.

8) Pour the ginger infused water into your drinking mug which contains your freshly grated ginger juices.

9) Stir your ginger tea and drink.

10) If you find the ginger tea overwhelming add a teaspoon of natural honey, or slices of fresh lemon, or both. This will provide additional flavors and add some sweetness.

11) Take at least twice per day as an immunity booster or, if treating congestion, every 4 hours until symptoms subside.

This ginger tea is excellent for anyone suffering from acute sinusitis or congestion. Ginger is also excellent as a holistic health treatment for fever and headache

healing herbs holistic health home remedies banner showing nettles, red clover, elderberries and yarrow.

Number 4 Of The Healing Herbs Is Yarrow

Yarrow is one of the best herbs when combating flu or fever.

When taken as a tea as the symptoms of illness begin to appear the Yarrow will help reduce symptoms. Many find that it prevents the illness from taking hold and symptoms clear within 24 hours.

Yarrow is excellent for treating skin related infections, for soothing and calming hives and rashes and is a natural remedy for fighting bacterial infections.

Like ginger it acts as a decongestant. It has a drying effect on mucous making it a great choice of natural cure for colds, coughs and sinus infection.

Yarrow is also especially good for fighting illness that includes running a fever.

This is where Yarrow reacts differently when compared to use for mucous infections. Rather than having a drying effect, when used as a treatment for fever its properties actually induce perspiration.

It may not sound pretty but the act of sweating helps rid the body of toxins. This requires that you also monitor your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Yarrow is naturally very bitter. I find that adding some fresh peppermint and stevia leaves helps a lot. It adds a natural sweetness and a refreshing after taste to the tea.

This makes it far more appetizing, especially if you are trying to give it to children.

Yarrow tea is an excellent aide for cleansing the liver and kidneys and supports the endocrine system.

To make Yarrow Tea you will need 1 Sprig of Yarrow (Flowers and Stem), 5 peppermint leaves (or spearmint) and 5-6 stevia leaves. You can also add liquorice if you like the taste.

Add the herbs to a small saucepan and cover with water (about 1 – 1.5 cups). Slowly bring to a gentle simmer. Once the water reaches simmering point, not boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover and let it steep for 20 minutes.

Strain the liquid and discard the herbs. Sip the natural herbal tea slowly! Enjoy!

use chamomile as one of the healing herbs for holistic health.
chamomile tea is one of the best immunity boosting home remedies

Number 5 Of Our Home Remedies Is Chamomile

An absolute staple for good health.

Chamomile calms the nerves, aides sleep and reduces inflammation and fever.

Little known is the fact that Chamomile is a wonderful natural home remedy for clearing infection. While its active properties are potent on infection, the chamomile remains mild and gentle on our skin.

This makes it one of the best healing herbs for infections that occur in regions of sensitive skin, such as the eyes, ears, groin etc.

Chamomile is an excellent choice when treating infants or children. It is gentle, safe and effective!

In fact Chamomile can be used to relieve conjunctivitis, or any eye infection. Simply soak a chamomile tea bag in warm water, or use one that was recently used to make a freshly brewed drinking mug!

Ensure it is not too hot and place the tea bag over the eye. Treat the infection by leaving the teabag in place for 15 minutes every 2 hours.

Make sure you use a new bag for each treatment and dispose of the used bag to prevent further infection.

Usually the conjunctivitis will be gone within 24 hours.

Chamomile is a brilliant choice because, unlike some of our remedies, it also tastes great. Definitely a top contender for getting our healing herbs and remedies into children or fussy adults!

Chamomile as a hot tea is excellent for treating flu and fever. It is highly effective for helping to regulate hormones and excellent for the skin. Chamomile is wonderful in promoting a good nights sleep.

Number 6 – Peppermint For Holistic Health.

Peppermint is a wonderful treatment for digestive disturbances as well as aiding in the lowering of fever.

Peppermint can be prepared in the same way as Yarrow. It makes a truly refreshing and healing herbal tea.

To complement the treating of fever mash 1 large handful of peppermint leaves and stalks into 1/2 cup of olive oil. Rub this mix on the skin.

It has an instant cooling effect which helps to bring a high fever down. Make sure you avoid the eyes!

Peppermint is antimicrobial and antiviral so is highly beneficial for keeping our immune system healthy! Peppermint is usually another good option to use as a tea when children are ill.

catnip is an excellent choice of healing herbs

Number 7 – Catnip!

It may sound strange but Catnip has, for many centuries, been used as a holistic health cold and flu remedy. It is another herb that can be used when trying to settle the stomach.

Like others it is normally taken as a tea. Prepare it as you would the Yarrow or Peppermint.

The specific benefit of Catnip is due to it having very mild sedative properties. Safe to use because it is extremely mild, yet enough to bring a sense of calm and relaxation.

Extremely useful as it induces sleep which allows our body time to rest, recoup and repair.

Number 8 – The Red Clover!

This fantastic herb is another packed with with natural healing goodness. It is prized as a health remedy because of the very high levels of nutrients it contains.

Red Clover is mostly used in hormonal treatment preparations and for conditions where purifying the blood is needed.

It is an excellent choice for anyone suffering an illness that deprives them of sleep. We know if we wish to boost and maintain an excellent immune system we require being in good health.

The only way we can maintain good physical and emotional health is by ensuring we have regular periods of relaxation and get adequate restful sleep.

In the same way we prepare Yarrow we prepare Red Clover. It needs to be steeped in hot water. However unlike the other remedies it can taken as a hot or cold tea.

Red clover has a bitter taste so you can sweeten it with a little honey. You could also add the Red Clover liquid to any of the other sweeter healing herbal teas such as the chamomile or peppermint tea.

Number 9 – Echinacea!

Echinacea should generally be used as often but only as a short term remedy because of its Herbal Immunostimulant properties.

Immunostimulants are used for the treatment of acute infection because, as the name implies, they stimulate white blood cell activity.

By stimulating our white blood cells the Echinacea helps our body resist and fight infection during the initial stages of illness. It is also useful as a longer term treatment if dealing with harder to clear infections and disease.

A truly impressive herb. Research has proven that Echinacea is effective not only for holding off colds and flu but also for treating a number of more serious medical conditions. Medical News Today lists Echinacea as being effective for treating:

  • genital herpes
  • gum diseases
  • malaria
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • septicemia – an infection of the bloodstream
  • streptococcus infection
  • syphilis
  • tonsillitis
  • typhoid
  • urinary tract infection, and
  • vaginal yeast infections

Echinacea, like most immunostimulants, is fast acting. However the impact it has on our white blood cells is only short lived.

This means we need to take Echinacea at more frequent intervals if it is to remain effective.

As I always mention, if you suffer from a long term chronic illness or take regular prescription medication it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any supplements, whether herbal or not.

All treatments in this post are safe to use and widely accepted for their health giving properties. However it is always a possibility that there could be interaction with pharmaceuticals.

A discussion with your health professional is always advised and will give you peace of mind.

Should you wish to ask questions or make any comment please do so in the comments section below.  You can also contact me directly using this link.

Do you know of other natural remedies that use healing herbs? Have you tried any of these? Please do let us know.

9 healing herbs for holistic health (immunity boosting home remedies)
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Author
HolisticJB
Educator and International Leadership Consultant with over 20 years experience, and still loving it! Qualified and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, Hypnotherapist and Chakra Energy Health Body Worker. A traveler, a foodie and a knowledge seeker with a passion for all things healthy, herbal and energy holistic!

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