As cold and flu season roll around, it’s time to start looking for ways to boost your immune system so that you avoid getting set back by any unwanted illnesses. In addition to getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and prioritizing stress management, there are also certain nutritional supplements that you can incorporate into your daily routine to give your immune system the added dose of support that it needs to fend off any germ invaders.
One of the easiest ways to give your immune system a boost is by drinking a daily herbal tonic, a form of liquid nutritional supplement that’s packed with different superfood herbs and ingredients that can help to support your overall health. If you haven’t tried herbal tonics before, you might be a little bit skeptical as to whether they can actually help to boost your immune system. Luckily, we’re here to answer all your herbal tonic burning questions to see if they might be a good fit to add to your routine this Fall before cold and flu season strikes.
What Is An Herbal Tonic?
An herbal tonic is a form of nutritional supplement that you can drink on its own or with meals. Herbal tonics are the product of herbalism, the study of plants for medicinal use. While herbal tonics are not medicine, they do contain superfood ingredients that individually have properties that can be supportive to your health.
Herbal tonics are made when herbs and other superfoods are mashed down and combined with water. Herbal tonics can be made with either hot or cold water. Recently, sparkling herbal tonics (herbs mixed with sparkling water) have become especially popular as an exciting and refreshing option to spice up your usual routine. Superfood herbal tonics can also be a great substitute for sugary sodas or juices, and provide a more natural drink option for when you’re craving something sweet and delicious.
Of course, when looking for herbal tonics to incorporate into your daily routine, you’re going to want to choose those sold by reputable sources who use ingredients that are backed up with scientific evidence to support overall health. By getting your herbal tonics from a company that uses only the highest-quality natural ingredients, you’re sure to get the most out of them.
What Herbs Are Most Commonly Used In An Herbal Tonic?
There are a number of herbs that are commonly used in herbal tonics. Some of the most popular herbs include:
Mint
Mint is an herb that’s known for its soothing properties, especially in the digestive tract. By drinking an herbal tonic with mint in it, you’re likely to experience calm, and it can reduce digestive upset.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are a superfood that are packed with a number of antioxidants, as well as Vitamins C and A in order to provide a good dose of support to your immune system. Goji berries can pair well in herbal tonics mixed with blackberries and elderberries that both taste great and help to keep your body safe from viral infections.
Ashwagandha
In addition to minding your physical health during cold and flu season, you’ll also want to take care of your mental health. When we get too stressed out mentally, our immune systems can suffer, leading to inflammation and possible viral infections. In order to help calm mental stress, try an herbal tonic made with ashwagandha, an herb that’s known to reduce levels of cortisol, aka the stress hormone, in the body.
What Are Some Fun Ways To Incorporate An Herbal Tonic Into Your Daily Routine?
While you can always enjoy an herbal tonic on its own at any time of day, there are a number of ways to shake up how you incorporate herbal tonics in your daily routine.
Use It as a Morning Pick-Me-Up
Instead of reaching for another mug of coffee, try drinking an herbal tonic to start your day. Choose a sparkling option that will wake you up with a bright blend of bubbles and sweet flavors.
Include One as a Part of a Mocktail
If you’re looking for a drink to wind down with after a long day at work, but don’t want to have alcohol, you can whip up a delicious mocktail that incorporates an herbal tonic.
In Conclusion
Herbal tonics incorporate a number of superfood herbs and berries that can help to support your immune system in a variety of ways. This additional support can be especially helpful during cold and flu season, when viral infections are on the rise. You can enjoy an herbal tonic on its own at any time of day, or you can use one as a morning pick-me-up, or include it as a part of a delicious, refreshing mocktail. However you choose to enjoy an herbal tonic, you’ll be giving your body a good dose of immune system support when you do.
