20. Echinacea Tea
Some people swear by echinacea as a certain way to stave off a cold or flu; others don’t find it helps. Scientific studies support both experiences—the difference seems to be in the strength of the individual’s immune system at the onset of an illness. Echinacea supports a weaker immune system to a greater extent than a robust one. (25)
Echinacea is a common herb that boosts immune function, provides pain relief, fights bacteria and viruses, reduces inflammation, and fights free radicals. It can also reduce symptoms of bronchial infection, laryngitis, ear infection, yeast and fungal infections, and support rapid healing (26).
Use echinacea with caution: do not take echinacea for more than 10 days in a row, if you are pregnant, are taking liver medication, or if your immune system is compromised.
How to make the tea:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried echinacea leaves, roots, and/or flower
- 8 oz of water
- 1-2 teaspoons of Manuka honey
Instructions:
- Boil water in a small pot over medium heat.
- Add Echinacea, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain tea into a mug, add honey, and enjoy!
We all could use a little help with keeping our lungs healthy and working optimally. It’s not just you: it’s becoming more of a challenge every year due to pollution and aging. Regularly varying herbs and other natural remedies provides support for all the body’s systems, lungs included.
Knowing which to use when your lungs need some extra attention will keep them going longer.