Astralagus, Shiitake, Ginseng

More hawthorn berries, because I love these red on blue pics!
Did you get sick this year? Colds, flu, strep? There are multiple ways one can boost one’s immune system.
Klara put me on some of her health lists, and someone pointed to this web page:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
It has all sorts of suggestions on how one can boost one’s immune system, from acupuncture to herbal therapy. I have an herbal preparation downstairs that includes elderberry, astralagus, echinacea, and other herbs, and I take it if I feel even a hint of a cold coming on.
But I really get a lot less sick now than I used to in my teens and twenties; it could be that I much more aware of my diet (I eat more vegetables and whole grains than I used to and less white flour/sugar products). It also could be that my life is more stable and less stressed (even though I am taking care of three kids and a father, I am less stressed than I was back then).
Here are some ideas of what one could eliminate for health reasons:
1) Trans fats (margarine, Crisco, many baked goods that say partially hydrogenated): nutrition-oriented people disagree on many things, but no one thinks trans fats are healthy.
2) Sugar, white flour and dairy, at least for the duration of your illness
3) Eat less fried or baked food and concentrate on soup and steamed food until you feel better
I’ve mentioned garlic and ginger in past posts. Now one can add astralagus, shiitake mushrooms and ginseng to immune boosters. If you are sick, make sure that everything that enters your body has nutrients. Eat berries instead of cookies.
Feel free to add your own immune boosting ideas. Having friends and sharing ideas can only help one’s immune system!
Dr. David Williams Natural Immunity List (received via a Tweet from primetimeparent)
(though I question whether shark cartilage actually works…)
www.leoraw.com
@leoraw


It’s been a while since I’ve posted some healthy links.
Feeling like a cold is coming on? Throat a little scratchy? Got a bit of post-nasal drip? Two staples to stock in your kitchen are garlic and ginger. I’ve cooked up the following concoction for mild ear-nose-throat ailments:
A few months ago I coined the expression