Patricia Fields

It’s the time of century where a healthy immune system is a dire need of all the mortals. Only the ones with a fully armed immune system can ace the aura of this deadly pandemic.

Apart from this pandemic, seasonal sniffles and coughs also portray a weak immunity that surely needs to be taken care of.

Here, we are about to tell you five most top rated herbs that can bolster immunity dynamically.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

A profuse amount of pharmacological activities are attributed to this hero that is always there to brighten up your kitchen cupboard. Turmeric is appraised because of its active constituent that is highly dynamic in chasing the nuisances; curcumin.

Curcumin is believed to have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties that are enough to combat a plethora of seasonal diseases.

Note: There are no significant studies that turmeric is effective against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Licorice root (Glyccrhiza glabra)

Licorice root has long been enjoyed for treating a plethora of ailments all around the world. It is considered to have immunomodulatory activities that can surely bolster your immune system.

Its use in Chinese medicine has attracted many audiences because of its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and immune-boosting properties.

Licorice is believed to support the working of the adrenal system which plays a key role in modulation of immunity.A wrecked immune system seems to be a safe place for all the waiting microbes. Licorice not only supports immunity through the adrenal system but also directly participates in maintaining a robust immunity.

Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus)

Astragalus has many purported pharmacological properties and is considered to host a number of conditions. It is hailed as a life-prolonging herb.

Astragalus serves as an adaptogen and guards the body against physical, mental, and emotional stresses. It is employed in preventing colds and upper respiratory tract infections and other viral agents that are intent on disturbing the serene immune system.

Many tinctures are available in the market; they contain Astragalus as their main constituent to tonify a weak immune system.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano satiates the need of a troubled immune system by providing it what it really needs; thymol. Thymol is a very crucial constituent of oregano that plays a chief role in working as a shield against harmful toxins, puts a stop to tissue damage, encourages healing, and wards off various infections.

Inhalation of oregano oil is appraised as one of the best immune-boosting remedies.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea is quite powerful when it comes to warding off viral infections. It healthily supports lung by keeping bronchial infections at bay. It also reduces the time duration of cold and flu. Not only that, but it is also potent in treating sore throat, cough and fever.

Several preparations of Echinacea are commercially available to fortify your immunity.

References

1. Menon, V.P. and Sudheer, A.R., 2007. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. In The molecular targets and therapeutic uses of curcumin in health and disease (pp. 105-125). Springer, Boston, MA.
2. Chirumbolo, S., 2016. Commentary: The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, p.531.
3. Chirumbolo, S., 2016. Commentary: The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, p.531.
4. https://goodnessme.ca/blogs/goodness-me/21-immune-boosting-foods-tonics-teas
5. https://www.prohealth.com/library/ward-off-infections-and-improve-your-immune-system-with-oregano-oil-6046

Anxiety is characterized by intrusive thoughts and emotions that no one taught us to process as a child. Most of all, it feels uncomfortable to share our anxiety saga with someone. But then again, we need to give voice to our fear to feel a little less isolated and often in doing so; we are more liable to receive the support that we need.

Anxiety can never be idiopathic. It orbits around the one who is dearest to stress that makes us anxious, frazzled and takes us way too close to suicidal thoughts.

Believing in nature regarding this subject has proven to be a faultless idea.

The treasure of nature knows no bounds and has gifted us with many herbs for responding against anxiety.

Let’s set our emotions straight and look into the herbs that can heal us, our environment, and more.

Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia)

This world has witnessed a plethora of shades of Lavender. It is not anymore considered as the one that used brighten up the powder room. This purple bloom is enjoyed in its various forms for its gorgeous scent and healing capabilities.

Today we are going to celebrate the anxiolytic effect of lavender. In aromatherapy, it is therapeutically employed to relieve mild anxiety issues.

Either take a spa-worthy bath time or dab some drops of lavender oil on your temples, neck and wrist, and allow this legendary botanical to accomplish its mission.

Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)

Chamomile is famous for its purported relaxing and sedating properties. It expresses benzodiazepine like activity by up-regulation of inhibitory neurotransmitters.

To enjoy its magic, add a few drops of chamomile oil to your bathtub and sate your edgy nerves. Moreover, massaging some oil into your skin can also bring wonders to your body.

Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)

The history of clary sage dates back to Middle Ages. Its perks are celebrated around the world due to its soothing, relaxing, antispasmodic, and so forth. It serves as a real balancing aid for the female reproductive system.

It normalizes the level of cortisol which stands as a stress hormone.

Inhale some clary sage oil while feeling anxious. It can taper its onset immediately; while on the other hand, massaging a few diluted drops of it can also contribute to curtailing the anxiety.

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon balm is considered as an essential part of aromatherapy. It imparts a relaxing and calming effect.

Taking lemon balm capsules is considered to be quite potent for mild to moderate anxiety. Furthermore, inhaling lemon balm oil or incorporating it to your diffuser can also release the stress.

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)

Vetiver essential oil is appraised as the oil of tranquility. This not so famous plant is quite potent when it comes to fighting against anxiety.

Some clinical trials proclaim its activity to be the same as diazepam.

Just massage its diluted form or add it to your diffuser to welcome harmony.

References

1. https://www.anxietyslayer.com/journal/emotional-detox-for-anxiety-with-sherianna-boyle
2. https://www.anxietyslayer.com/journal/483-managing-anxiety-when-facing-a-serious-medical-test
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/essential-oils-for-anxiety#rose
4. https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2012-02/lavender-oil-anxiety-and-depression-0
5. Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N.A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S.A. and Anwar, F., 2015. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), pp.601-611.
6. Cases, J., Ibarra, A., Feuillere, N., Roller, M. and Sukkar, S.G., 2011. Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean journal of nutrition and metabolism, 4(3), pp.211-218.
7. Saiyudthong, S., Pongmayteegul, S., Marsden, C.A. and Phansuwan-Pujito, P., 2015. Anxiety-like behaviour and c-fos expression in rats that inhaled vetiver essential oil. Natural product research, 29(22), pp.2141-2144.

Nature never fails to surprise us.

For centuries, people are availing natural remedies for the alleviation of pain. A diversified variety of over the counter analgesics are available to relieve the pain but their use is not much cheered due to their adverse effects.

A plethora of benefits along with pain relief can be procured if natural remedies are made an essential part of the routine.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis)

Ginger is a popular spice that is chopped every now and then for culinary purposes. It is a rhizome with yellow, white or red color and is considered far too hot and explosive to eat on its own.

It possesses an abundance of pharmacological actions, one of which is analgesia.

A systematic review of randomized trial proclaims that consuming 2 grams of ginger a day keeps the muscular pain at bay.

White Willow Bark (Salix Alba)

For millennia, Valerian is being employed in inducing sleep. It is clinically pro

The discovery of white willow bark is the best thing since sliced bread. There is a method to its madness as it possesses a component that is similar to aspirin; salicin.

White willow bark kills two birds with one stone. It not only relieves pain but also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that makes it fruitful for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, headache, muscle pain, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.

An oral willow bark extract with either 120mg or 240mg per day is enough to induce analgesia against back pain.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric has been hailed as a hero for hosting a lot of conditions. This legendary botanical is brightening up kitchen cabinets all over the world and is quite successful in brilliantly weaving its way in various cuisines and healing customs. 

For millennia, it’s a vital member of Ayurvedic medicine and is famous for its purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This earthy herb contains curcumin which is potent in relieving the pain of any sort. From muscular pain to postoperative pain, turmeric has the book with all the spells to alleviate nuisances of diverse categories. ^[4]

Taking 500mg of turmeric extract 2 to 4 times daily 3 months can help in treating osteoarthritis. ^[5]

It also curtails the onset of dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular cramps, joint pain, and so forth.

Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis)

Valerian is celebrated all around the globe due to its ‘mild tranquilizing’ effect. The same saga becomes the reason for its use in inducing analgesia. By reducing nerve sensitivity, it attenuates the feeling of pain. ^[6]

Wetting your whistles with valerian tea helps in reducing pain body aches.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active constituent of chili pepper. It helps in reducing the pain by blocking the substance P from transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Applying topical preparation of capsaicin, in the form of gel or cream, attenuates the pain all the while inducing mild burning and tingling sensation.

References

1. Wilson, P.B., 2015. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an analgesic and ergogenic aid in sport: a systemic review. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(10), pp.2980-2995.
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-955/willow-bark
3. Chrubasik, S., Eisenberg, E., Balan, E., Weinberger, T., Luzzati, R. and Conradt, C., 2000. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. The American journal of medicine, 109(1), pp.9-14.
4. Agarwal, K.A., Tripathi, C.D., Agarwal, B.B. and Saluja, S., 2011. Efficacy of turmeric (curcumin) in pain and postoperative fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Surgical endoscopy, 25(12), pp.3805-3810.
5. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric
6. https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/natural-pain-relief-9-alternatives-to-ibuprofen-acetaminophen-or-aspirin-wr6U0siusUyUP4MsZ8dwig

Struggle to catch forty winks is real.

And when it comes to grabbing normal sleep, only the insomniac knows what he goes through at night. The ticking needles of the clock prick the nerves of the person as he lay still in his bed, staring at the ceiling with an empty yet stressed mind.

Both the personality and health of sleep-deprived people cripple significantly, which serves as a cordial invitation to other pathological and psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, heart failure, and even death.

Insomnia, either idiopathic or stress-related, can be treated by the white magic of our very own nature. Several foods and herbs are floating all around the globe that can help in alleviating the hitch by controlling the sleep cycle of the person. With a fairly modulated sleep cycle, a person does not face difficulty in both falling and staying asleep. So hold tight allow the cat to jump out of the bag spill the beans because ladies and gentlemen, you are about to catch your long-forgotten sleep with these amazing foods and herbs.

Warm Milk

This vegetable juice is packed with high amounts of potassium, folic acid, β-car

Warm milk is packed with four most essential sleep promoters: tryptophan, Calcium, Melatonin and Vitamin D.

All these elements significantly regulate sleeping and waking cycle all the while assisting muscle relaxation. A cup of warm milk before bedtime is a perfect game-changer in your sleep-deprived life.

Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis)

For millennia, Valerian is being employed in inducing sleep. It is clinically proven as a safe treatment for the treatment of mild to moderate insomnia. ^[2] Taking about 300 to 600mg of valerian root two hours before bedtime can usher your lost sleep.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit is brimmed with a diverse variety of sleep-promoting components like melatonin, anthocyanin, flavonoids, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, and folate.

Various clinical trials suggest that consuming a few kiwis before hitting the sack can improve the sleep cycle.

Chamomile (Matricaria Ricutita)

Adding chamomile tea to your sleep aid arsenal would never fail you. It acts as a mild tranquilizer by inducing a sedative-hypnotic effect.

Set some freshly de-stemmed chamomile flowers or the commercially available chamomile teabag in the cup and pour boiling water over it. Take it before bedtime and let the tea do its magic.

Walnuts

Walnuts are packed with high levels of sleep hormones, melatonin, which helps in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. It also contains serotonin and tryptophan that enhances the quality of sleep.
A handful of walnuts an hour or two before hitting the sheets is a beneficial choice.

Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia)

The strong and crisp smell of lavender is a perfect match for encouraging a good night’s sleep. It is proclaimed to increase the sleep-wave cycle, settles the heart rate and relax the muscles.

Dab some lavender oil on your temples, wrist, and neck to let the sleep invade your senses. Another way of calling sleep is making use of a lavender diffuser to enjoy a peaceful sleep.

Passionflower (Passiflora Incarnata)

Passionflower is of high therapeutic efficacy when it comes to reducing tension and up-regulating the activity of GABA.

Infuse 1-2 tsp. of passionflower in boiling for 10 to 15 minutes and drink it before bedtime.

References

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324295#warm-milk
2. Stevinson, C. and Ernst, E., 2000. Valerian for insomnia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Sleep medicine, 1(2), pp.91-99.
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-870/valerian
4. Nødtvedt, Ø.O., Hansen, A.L., Bjorvatn, B. and Pallesen, S., 2017. The effects of kiwi fruit consumption in students with chronic insomnia symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep and Biological Rhythms, 15(2), pp.159-166.
5. Shinomiya, K., Inoue, T., Utsu, Y., Tokunaga, S., Masuoka, T., Ohmori, A. and Kamei, C., 2005. Hypnotic activities of chamomile and passiflora extracts in sleep-disturbed rats. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(5), pp.808-810.
6. Essa, M.M., Guillemin, G.J., Al-Rawahi, A.S., Singh, V., Guizani, N. and Memon, A.M., 2012. Walnuts (juglans regia linn) and its health benefits. In Natural Products and Their Active Compounds on Disease Prevention (pp. 333-349). Nova Science Publishers, Inc..
7. https://nuts.com/healthy-eating/8-foods-that-help-you-sleep
8. https://restonic.com/blog/can-lavender-help-sleep-better-3749
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/passion-flower-tea

 Juices have always been the talk of the town. This legendary item is highly capable of hydrating your body on the go, leaving you all refreshed and rejuvenated to take care of the worldly matters.

Slipping some healthy juices in your routine is quite a sensible approach to a healthier lifestyle.

Here we will help you out to kick start your day with some healthy juices because starting a day without juice is like a day without sunshine.

And no one wants that. Right!

So let’s dive into the aura of juices and get the best out of this healthy ride.

1. Carrot Beet Energizer

This vegetable juice is packed with high amounts of potassium, folic acid, β-carotene, magnesium, iron, and fiber that deeply cleanse your body all the while giving your skin a natural glow.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS	QUANTITY
Carrots	4
Beetroot	1/2 medium sized
Lemon	1/2 ( to Squeeze)
Water	1/2 Cup

Directions

1. Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Use a mesh strain over the bowl and pour the juice over it.
3. Take hold of your rubber spatula and press it into the mixture to attain the maximum amount of juice.
4. Pour the juice into the serving glass, squeeze the lemon and prepare yourself to enjoy it.

2. Green Deity

Adding greens to your life always proves to be fruitful.

Our next juice is packed with the love of hydration and tinge of fruity sweetness. A whole new combination of cucumber, celery and green apple is thriving to tease your taste buds, leaving you asking for more.

Cucumber and celery hold the colossal amounts of water that can surely aid in keeping you hydrated whereas our singular green apple incorporates a plethora of benefits. From boosting your immune system to combating acne, green apples know all the solutions to your problems.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS	QUANTITY
Cucumber	5
Celery	1 head
Green Apples	1
Lime ( Optional)	1

Direction

1. Process all the ingredients through juicer consecutively.
2. Serve the drink immediately and enjoy the harmony brought about by the green deity.

3. Immunizing Citrus

Your immune system needs a boost once in a while as it is the only thing that fights for you without you knowing about it.

A blend of orange, lemon, and ginger sounds as a pronounced immunizer and optimistic energizer.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS	QUANTITY
Orange	1
Lemon	1/2 (medium sized)
Ginger	1/2 inch
Water	1 cup

Direction

1. Peel the orange and lemon all the while making sure leave the white peel intact on the fruit.
2. Slice the ingredients and process them through your juicer.
3. Serve this immunizing treat.

4. Kale Launcher

This vegetable and fruit fusion is loaded with the goodness of energized banana, the richness of orange, luck of carrot, the power of kale and the love of strawberries.

Commence your day right off with kale launcher to beat the drowsiness.

Serves 1

QUANTITY	QUANTITY
Kale Leaves	2
Carrots	3
Banana	1
Strawberries	1 cup
Orange ( Peeled)	1

Direction

1. Slice all the ingredients
2. Process them through your juicer
3. Serve the juice immediately and kick start your day.

5. Crown Juice

Let’s follow the path of our queen and undergo the hospitality of our very own pineapple and kale leaves.

Serves 1

QUANTITY	QUANTITY
Pineapple	1/4 fresh pineapple
Kale leaves	4
Banana	1

Direction

1. Slice all the ingredients
2. Process them through your juicer
3. Serve the luxuriously welcoming juice.

References

1. https://foodviva.com/juice-recipes/carrot-beet-juice-recipe/
2. https://wholefully.com/8-easy-juice-recipes-to-get-you-started-juicing/