Wellness remedies for a stronger immunity

In challenging times, promoting strength and balance in your mind, body and soul is tantamount to all else. This is often a multi-faceted approach that incorporates a wide berth of alternative wellness remedies – from supplements, herbal medicines, homeopathy, and aromatherapy - that all can boost immunity, help with stress, and re-calibrate the system.

For starters, attention to your general habits each day play a part in strengthening one’s immunity. Getting enough quality sleep, exercise and a varied diet rich in protein, vitamins (C, E, B6 and zinc all known for their immunity boosting properties) and plant-based foods is essential to maintain a healthy, balanced immune system. Furthermore, many plant-based foods also have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which help us fight off infection. Spices like clove, oregano, thyme, cinnamon and cumin contain antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which are great additions to your daily intake.

Romilly Wilde founder, Susie Willis, has always believed in the healing powers of nature, incorporating foods like mushrooms into her daily immune fighting repertoire. Mushrooms - long known to be a nutrient dense superfood – can slow down the ageing process, lower cholesterol, prevent and fight cancer, lower blood pressure, fight inflammation, and boost immunity. Susie explains, “I simply toss an equal mix of olive oil with Tamanu Soya Sauce and soak until they release their waters, then put them in a very low oven or dehydrator until they have wrinkled up and halved their size. They are sweet little nuggets of health!”

In the realm of alternative treatments, herbal remedies homeopathy, and aromatherapy are brilliantly effective ways of encouraging balance and healing in the body.

Herbs and plant-based remedies have long been revered for their healing properties. From ginger, astralagus, garlic, ashwagandha and liquorice, their fortifying properties to the immune system are far-reaching. Echinacea and elderberry, probably the best-known herbs to aid strength and resistance, are great immunity boosters that can be taken in supplement form, liquid or as a tea.

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure essential oils to bring about balance and healing in the body, mind, and skin. Aromatherapy oils can be inhaled directly, used with a diffuser, massaged on the body or even incorporated into one’s cleaning products. Eucalyptus, frankincense, oregano and thyme are all great oils to use to fortify the immune system. Whereas, oils such as tea tree, clove, or cinnamon are all great for their anti-bacterial properties. It is worth noting, that all essential oils are not created equally. U.S. based company Doterra (Latin meaning gift of the earth), emphasizes that how essential oils are harvested is incredibly important to the purity of the final product. “Distillers must be precise and pay careful attention to harvesting methods, temperatures, time of distillation, and the amount of pressure used.”

Homeopathy is a natural form of healing that uses minute doses of certain substances dependent on the individual and their symptoms, using the Hippocrates principle “like cures like.” Homeopathic practitioners will approach healing by treating the whole person, taking all factors into account including - personality, lifestyle, hereditary conditions, emotional

and physical symptoms. In regards to immunity, Sarah Adams, an Islington based homeopath explains that the best way to strengthen immunity is to set the foundations of good health (diet, exercise, sleep etc.) as well as incorporate homeopathic remedies* that can support the body against illness and aid in the emotional ramifications that can weaken our immunity. For example, Ferrum Phos Tissue Salts, Aconite, Gelsemium, and Bryonia are all useful to ward off common cold/flu like symptoms. Arsenicum is also a remedy useful for fear, apprehension and anxiety. One can get a kit from a pharmacy to keep at home for use when necessary.

So right now, make your focus all about wellness and getting your immune system balanced and functioning at its peak performance. This will mean less illness, and a sound and harmonious body, mind and spirit.

* As ever you must seek conventional medical attention if you are concerned about symptoms. Do not use these suggestions as your only treatment. These suggestions do not replace a medical service, claim prevention or cure. If you have current symptoms or are concerned that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, it is important to call 111 to seek appropriate advice, in keeping with current guidelines.