By Jenna Jackson

To nourish the immune system, we do not have to look very far. Here is some inspiration using ingredients you will find in your kitchen and in your very own backyard to build immunity.

Bone Broth Benefits

Bone broths are full of collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline – all nutrients that aid in healing the gut and connective tissues of the body. Bone broths are also rich in minerals that support the adrenal glands (two glands sitting on top of your kidneys that handle all your body’s stress). Ultimately a healthy gut, digestion and adrenal glands produce a healthy immune system. Bone broth is versatile; you can add many different herbs, spices and vegetables to suit your fancy or you can simply sip it on its own. Ask your local farmer for bones next time you visit.

https://wellnessmama.com/5888/bone-broth/

Timeless Teas

The possibilities are endless – almost any herb or spice can be steeped into a delicious tea. My favourite to keep around during these cold winter month is a caffeine free chai. Chai contains many carminative spices that enhance digestion and melt mucous. Another one is good old-fashioned ginger with lemon. Ginger is anti-nausea and increases circulation and body temperature. By warming the body, we create an environment that isn’t fit for cold and flu viruses. Furthermore, drinking lots of non-caffeinated tea counts toward your water intake for the day. It is so important to keep fluids up during a cold or flu to flush everything out. Try adding in a splash of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of manuka honey or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to elevate you cold fighting teas.

Lemon Ginger Cider Vinegar Infusion

Lovely Locals

There are so many wonderful medicines that grow around the valley. Chaga is one of them. Chaga has a plethora of health benefits, strengthening the immune system being just one. It has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity) in the world, and is high in a polysaccharide called beta glucan. Beta glucans stimulate the production of macropages in the immune system, which fight off foreign substances, viruses, and bacteria. If you want to harvest Chaga, be sure to check what time of year is best to harvest, and harvest responsibly and sustainably.

Another local favourite is the wild blueberry. We may not have had a bumper crop this year but if you can get your hands on some wild blueberries, your immune system will thank you. Wild blueberries have many times the antioxidant capacity than cultivated berries and are full of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are a group of antioxidants protecting the brain especially from free radical damage. Add wild blueberries to your smoothies, oatmeal or stew them to make a delicious berry sauce for pancakes and desserts.

Chaga Recipes: Our Favorite Five

Featured products available at Infinity:

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar

Lakewood Organic 100% Lemon Juice

Wild Moon Organics Sherpa Chai Tea

Mate Factor Cardamom Chai Tea

Suro Chaga powder and tincture

Annanda Chaga Tea

15% OFF these products from Dec 2-15 when you mention this blog!