Winter is finally here and you may have already heard of flu cases being on a rise. This is the first winter after the world was hit by a global pandemic. While everything seems to have recovered superficially, it is still important to take precautions and look after yourself and your loved ones. Consuming a healthy diet consisting of veggies such as carrots, spinach, and organic broccoli and fruits such as oranges and limes is a great way to boost your immune system.
However, people often forget that there is another aspect that should be taken into consideration when cooking meals - spices. Spices have been used in Indian cuisine since time immemorial. Organic spices not only add flavor to the food but they are also great for building your immunity.
Spices that will help you fight the flu this winter
The common cold is not necessarily the worst ailment, but it can be quite tiresome to deal with a runny nose, constant headaches, and loss of strength. Moreover, they definitely lower the body’s ability to fight back, making it easier for other viruses and germs to attack. All of this can simply be avoided by including the right combination of organic spices in your diet. The following are some immunity-boosting herbs you should consume regularly:
Basil
Basil is usually available in most households or you can even procure it from the nearest flower shop or even order it online. You can add basil leaves to your daily cup of tea or you can add them to your favorite pasta recipe. You can even garnish salads with it, or add it to dals, or soups. Basil can help reduce the symptoms of colds, coughs, and the flu. Basil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can lower the risk of conditions like arthritis. Basil is also known to possess antibacterial properties.
Thyme
Thyme has been used since ancient times across the globe. The Greeks used it as a fragrant incense and the Egyptians utilized it for the purposes of embalming. Thyme has gained a ton of popularity in recent years for its immunity system-boosting as well as anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Leaves of thyme are also a rich source of vitamins C and A and adding thyme to your tea can help clear nasal congestion. Thyme has excellent decongestant properties and hence, it clears the mucus that might accumulate in the body because of the flu.
Garlic
People have been using garlic for centuries as a health remedy. In fact, some records of the usage of garlic go back around 5000 years. Garlic possesses anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can also consume garlic supplements for preventing symptoms of the flu.
Conclusion
Another important ingredient that has immense immunity-boosting abilities is ginger. Ginger is a compound that can induce sweating in the body, which makes it a highly effective herb for alleviating flu symptoms. You can add this to your daily cup of tea, to your pulao cooked with organic rice, or use it in your ginger garlic paste for your favorite hot noodles.
