Hidden Holiday Gems: Winter Herbs That Double as Immune Boosters
By Lia Threat
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The talk during the holidays this year will most likely be politics, COVID-19, and who is coming over to visit. Many will still gather around the table, albeit in lesser numbers, while others will be visiting from a distance. Whatever the conversation may be, building the body’s resilience by consuming whole foods and herbs may boost immunity if we are unknowingly sharing the table with someone sick.
Two common herbs are fresh thyme and rosemary. Both herbs are great with roasted vegetables, proteins and added as infusions for honey, oils, and vinegar. They are delicious minced in a salad dressing, hearty stew, or casserole.
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Rosemary and thyme are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and thyme is known for being antiparasitic. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of over 300 patients, thyme and ivy syrup was used in acute bronchitis patients to relieve symptoms associated with their cough.
Another herb to pay attention to is sage. Sage is an excellent addition to casseroles and meat dishes. Sage also shines with roasted squashes or potatoes. In traditional medicine, sage is well known in Latin America for inflammation, diarrhea, heartburn, dizziness, and seizures, to name a few.
Try to find multiple dishes that incorporate more than one of the herbs above for your holiday meals this year.
Happy Holidays!
