Yes this week I am again addressing the immune system. On this topic I am like a dog with a bone, not letting it go until I share with you more options to boost your immunity. It is important now more than ever to make sure your immune system is in tip top shape.

• LEMON VERBENA

A flowering herb from South America, lemon verbena has a citrus flavor. The fragrance of the leaves and flowers is released when they are bruised. A simple way to bruise them is to slap them between your hands. The flavor of this herb which is milder than other lemony herbs, the leaves of this herb blend well into desserts, salad dressings, soups, jams, and drinks.

Benefits:

1. HELPS YOU RECOVER FASTER AFTER EXERCISE

Intense exercise damages muscles(which is how they become stronger), and generates cell damaging molecules called free radicals. Your body produces antibodies to combat those. Lemon verbena lends a hand because it produces an antioxidant enzyme. As a result muscles are less prone to damage by free radicals and recover faster.

2. HELPS WITH SLEEP

Lemon verbena activates the GABA system. GABA is a brain chemical that switches off the transmission of nerve signals. This is important when you are trying to sleep; otherwise your mind would be busy with thoughts and reactions.

3.HELPS WITH DIGESTION

Lemon verbena may help with digestion and the mucilage found in its leaves help contribute toward making your bowels regular. It also helps protect the mucous membrane in your stomach against corrosive stomach acids. It is also an antispasmodic which soothes cramping and bloating in the digestive tract. You can make tea by boiling the leaves in 3-4 cups of water.

• LEMON MYRTLE

Lemon myrtle is an Australian shrub that the aboriginals have used for thousands of years. Its flowers and fruits can be eaten, however the leaves are the real treasure. Citrusy in smell and full of flavor the essential oil in the leaves are filled with healthy compounds. Citral is the most popular oil. Citronella is another compound of great benefit. This herb is also full of calcium.

Benefit:

HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM SELF REGULATE

The immune system focuses on keeping your body healthy and strong. Normally your body produces antioxidant compounds and enzymes that take care of free radicals or disease causing agents. However, illness, junk food, or even age may produce too many free radicals for your body to handle. This herb is the queen of the lemon herbs with its antioxidant compounds. Another plus is lemon myrtle inhibits two pro inflammatory enzymes called COX-2 and iNOS.

The essential oil of lemon verbena is an antiseptic, disinfectant and an antimicrobial. The leaves are not acidic and resemble bay leaves. You can add the leaves to anything you would normally add bay leaves. One or two would be enough as they are strong in flavor. As well you could use 2 leaves in a liter of water and brew tea. Crushed dried leaves can be used in toppings or seasoning.

• MANDARIN ROOIBOS

Red bush tea a popular drink in South Africa is made by fermenting the leaves of a plant called Aspalathus linearis. Mandarin rooibosis a flavored version of the fermented tea with bits of orange and orange peel added. This tea is low in caffeine and tannin. The unprocessed leaves contain vitamin C, the processed leaves and stem contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese.

Benefits:

1. PROTECTS THE LIVER

The liver is the main organ in your body that removes toxins everything you ingest, from food to smoke, however that process generates those darn cell damaging free radicals. Your body produces antibodies to fight free radicals but they may not always be enough. Along with healthy foods, rooibos tea gives them much needed support. The only drawback is rooibos antioxidants only last about 5 hours in the body. That means you would have to drink a few cups daily to gain the added benefit.

2. HELPS MAINTAIN WEIGHT

As we age our metabolism begins to slow down. With proper diet and exercise rooibos tea may help. It reduces the production and maturation of fat cells. It also reduces levels of leptin. Leptin is the hormone that signals your body to stop eating. In obese people the body stops responding to leptin and the body continues to produce more leptin to deal with the food. By reducing leptin, rooibos helps the body find its leptin balance..

3. HELPS THE HEART

Rooibos reduces the bad cholesterol, LDL, and increases HDL, the good cholesterol. As well it reduces inflammation. Mandarin rooibos tea is available in tea bags. Steep a bag for 5 minutes. You could also make iced tea.

• SAFFRON

Saffron is used in foods and cosmetics. It has an intense flavor, aroma, and is typically burnt orange in color. It contains 4 bioactive compounds. Crocin and crocetin, responsible for its color, picrocin , responsible for its bitterness, and safranal which gives its aroma and taste. It is not the same as Indian saffron, better known as turmeric.

Benefits:

1. RELAXES THE MIND AND LIFTS YOUR MOOD

Saffron balance the levels of neurotransmitters which are the chemical messengers that carry dialogue back and forth from nerve and brain cells. They are why you think, breathe and move. Saffron especially targets dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Saffron lends more stability in the levels of neurotransmitters.

2. GIVES A HAND TO THE BODIES ANTIOXIDANTS

As we discussed with some of the other herbs, Saffron assists your body’s antibodies in controlling free radicals. In the adds protection to brain cells and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

3. AIDS IN DIGESTION

Saffron is a great addition to your meals simply because it helps you to digest the food you have eaten better. Also you get more out of the fod and feel more energetic. Saffron preserve the stomach lining and keeps it from eroding. Saffron is considered to be the world’s most expensive spice, hence the title “red gold”. Thankfully a little goes a long way, you can benefit from a pinch. This spice goes very well with rice, tomatoes, and seafood. It may also be added to tea. Remember just a pinch. The use of saffron should be avoided by pregnant women.

• TURMERIC

This well known herb is well known for its many health benefits. It strengthens the immune system by attacking bacteria and increasing the production of an immune molecule called CAMP. It has 235 identified compounds capable of working with your body and improving your health. The most noteworthy are curcuminoids responsible turmeric’s orange yellow color.

Benefits:

1. STRENGHTENS IMMUNITY

Curcuminoids don’t mix well with water, neither do the external membranes of certain bacteria. Curcuminoids inactivate bacterial enzymes. Besides curcuminoid other compounds in turmeric like polysaccharides are also capable of charging up your immunity.

2. LIMITS INFLAMMATION

Inflammation(involving pain, swelling, redness, and heat) is one way your immune system deals with infection, injury, or stress. Turmeric helps your body by putting the brakes on the inflammatory response.

3. HELPS IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH

Being in the sun exposes you to UV rays. One of these, UV-B rays break down collagen, the elastic in your skin. The antioxidants in your skin are constantly trying to prevent and repair damage. Turmeric jumps right in and helps them in this process.

4. ENCOURAGES MENTAL WELL-BEING

The brain is extremely vulnerable to free radicals. Free radicals can be killed by antioxidants. However the nerve cells in the brain are naturally low on them and may not be able to deal with them, specially as you age. Certain foods that you eat can provide essential antioxidants to the nerve cells. One of these is turmeric. It combats free radicals and decelerate harm to the brain. This is important for the longevity of your memory and focus.

I have been taking turmeric for quite a few years. I recently found out that when taken in the form of a supplement the body is incapable of using it well. I is absorbs poorly, breaking it down promptly, and removing it from the system quickly. The best way to use turmeric is the root or dried root powder, add fresh black pepper and/ or oil when you can. You should take 1-3 gm a day, about a teaspoon. Use it in curries, lattes, cooking oil, or tea.

Get healthy, get creative, use herbs to increase your immunity.