Beating Omicron naturally
Amid the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic triggered by the Omicron variant, the need to strengthen your natural defence mechanisms is even greater. Your diet and fitness routine play an important role in your overall health. Yet, you can also strengthen your immunity with the help of some home remedies in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beans, among others, are very important in increasing immunity. Citrus fruits can also help in boosting immunity. They’re rich in Vitamin C as well as antioxidants, and they build a solid wall of immunity in the body. You can also add papayas, watermelons, guavas, pomegranates, pineapples and bananas to your diet. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, pepper, mustard, coriander, cardamom, cumin and black pepper are also recommended by experts for boosting immunity.
Home remedies and natural plant-based therapies and other non-traditional approaches have long been dominant in many countries and enjoyed heavy use historically.
So, instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet, try reaching for these popular home remedies to boost your immunity.
Ginger:
This has been used for thousands of years to naturally detoxify the digestive tract. It also helps in the removal of toxins and the promotion of blood circulation and helps open up the sinuses. Ginger is also a well-established anti-nausea agent, including for morning sickness and the side effects of chemotherapy.
Cinnamon:
This has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory effects that may help lower your risk of disease. It also helps to fight bacterial and fungal infections.
Turmeric:
This gives your immunity a super-boost. Turmeric has an active compound called curcumin in it that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and provides a good defence against diseases. It has been promoted for arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, depression, and liver disease, among others.
Peppermint:
This has been touted as a treatment for many digestive problems, and some people apply it to the skin for muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, easing tension headaches, improving mental function, and reducing stress.
Honey:
This has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties. Honey is great for a cough, cold, or sore throat. A cup of warm tea or warm lemon water sweetened with two teaspoons of honey can also ease a persistent cough.
Garlic:
This is a powerful immunity booster used as a cure for everything from flu and colds to cancer. Garlic contains antibiotics and can help in increasing the good bacteria in the body.
Cloves:
These are a rich source of manganese and are high in antioxidants including eugenol that can help to reduce oxidative stress. Studies show that cloves may promote oral health thanks to their antimicrobial properties that may help to kill harmful bacteria.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 20 January, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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