I also would’ve ramped up on a few key immune-supporting foods. Ginger, garlic, and citrus are three I’d target because they’re easy to find, cheap, and have well-documented health benefits. I started incorporating these ingredients as soon as I was sick, but, if I could do it over again, I’d start a lot sooner.
Ginger: Following my friend Rachelle’s advice, I’ve been throwing a palm-sized amount in a blender with a cup or two of water, blending, and straining out the solids. I’ll take a shot a couple times a day or stir it into seltzer. Or I’ll slice a palm-sized amount (no need to peel) and steep it in boiing water for tea.
Garlic: In the mornings, I’ve been thinly slicing a clove of raw garlic and stirring it into a spoonful of raw honey, peanut butter, or both. It is intense, but I’m kind of into the taste now, and no one’s around to complain about my breath.
Citrus: In addition to simply eating more citrus like oranges and grapefruit, I’ve started saving my peels and steeping them in hot water like tea. Add any combination of fennel, cloves, rosemary, thyme, or cayenne for extra flavor and protective properties (more on these herbs later).
I also would’ve tried to maximize Vitamins A, C, and D in my diet, all of which play a role in keeping our immune systems on track. (Sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, kale, spinach, and more!) Vitamin D in particular has been shown to help immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses. When I was sick, I doubled the amount of supplemental Vitamin D I normally take, from 2,000 to 4,000 IUD. Some research suggests you can go even higher, but check with a doctor first.
2. I would drink more tea
As a chronically dehydrated person, I am constantly looking for ways to trick myself into drinking water, so tea was already in my rotation. However, if I could do it again, I’d drink more tea, and sooner, and I’d focus on a few specific herbs.
Licorice root: good for dry coughs and antiviral, but avoid if you’ve had symptoms like nausea or diarrhea
Mullein: a powerful lung support that can calm, heal, and protect mucous membranes, which are one of the first lines of defense against the outside world
Yerba Mate: helps to relax and open airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. When my digestive system couldn’t handle coffee, mate was there for me.
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