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5 Herbs to Add to Your Holiday Meal to Boost Your Immune System

Judy Masters

Instructor at Trinity School of Natural Health

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We have all sat through that holiday dinner during which we were too sick to enjoy our delicious, homemade favorites. It’s miserable. As the holidays approach, and with them the stress of overdoing everything, so does the risk of getting a cold... or worse. Do yourself a favor and boost your immune system, while treating yourself and your guests to a second helping. Simply sprinkle a few extra herbs into your holiday favorites!

Here is a quick list of herbs that will not only help to ward off colds, but will taste great in your holiday staples.

Parsley

Parsley can not only be used more as a garnish, but when used in dishes, such as stuffing and soup, it tends to help blend other flavors. The benefits of parsley include:

  • Fights fatigue (even after a post-turkey coma)

  • Digestive support after a big meal

  • Aids in urinary tract and kidney health

  • Excellent source of many nutrients, including Vitamin K, Beta-carotene, Vitamins A, C and E

  • Supports happy joints

Rosemary

Nothing enhances a main course dish better than rosemary. Just a fresh sprig and the flavorpalooza begins! Did you know that, in addition to waking up your taste buds, rosemary also:

  • Reduces pain and inflammation

  • Detoxifies your body

  • Boosts your memory

  • Improves your mood

  • Helps your skin be happier and healthier

Sage

Who can have a Thanksgiving meal without sage? Wonderfully suited for bread stuffing, a hint of sage is a nostalgic complement to your dinner. Ever wonder why people who are considered wise are referred to as "sage" or "sagacious"? That is because this amazing herb:

  • Supports healthy brain function – studies have concluded that it slows cognitive impairment

  • Aids systemic pain and inflammation

  • Improves digestive and skin support

Cinnamon

Present, most likely, in all things pumpkin or apple, cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. Specifically, look for Ceylon Cinnamon. The splurge will be worth it! This powerful spice has plenty of evidence-based support to:

  • Lower and balance blood sugar

  • Lower inflammation

  • Cut the risk of heart disease

  • Reduce insulin sensitivity

Ginger

Hanging out with its good buddy cinnamon, ginger is one of the ingredients in most pumpkin spices. Don't let the plethora of pumpkin spiced everything turn you off, though. Ginger has a place in your pies, puddings and strudels, as well as several other creative uses in cornbread, dinner rolls, soups and marinades. The list of ginger's health benefits is miles long, but here are some high points:

  • Improves stomach and digestive support

  • Aids pain and inflammation

  • Wards off muscle soreness and leg cramps

  • Works with its partner, cinnamon, to help with healthy blood sugar balance

About the author:

An instructor at Trinity School of Natural Health, Judy Masters specializes in Herbalism and Bach Flowers. For more information on natural health, visit trinityschool.org

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