Sickle cell and herbal supplements for the immune system

TOLA DEHINDE FROM PUNCH

As September is the celebration of sickle cell month, I’d like to finish my series on herbal supplements that are good for various ailments that people living with sickle cell go through. It’s important we stay positive and do as much as we can to look after our health. From getting a good night sleep and eating a healthy nutritious diet to taking supplements that help blood flow and taking herbal supplements good for inflammation; today, I will talk about the immune system. We can all take small steps to protect our well-being.

The good news is that several of these ingredients can be found in our cupboards at home or can be easily bought online, or at your local supermarket and market. Below is a list of our favourite health resources.

1. Garlic

This is one of nature’s most powerful medicines being both antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant in action, thanks to several active constituents including Allicin, which is released when crushed. Studies have shown if regularly consumed, garlic helps reduce the number and symptoms of cold. Garlic tablets can be eaten raw, infused in water in powder form, or taken in tablet form.

1. Rosemary

This beautiful plant contains many active essential oils including oleanolic acid, which has been used successfully as an antiviral against many illnesses.  Rosemary is also antiseptic and antioxidant; it’s a circulation booster. Research into polyphenol antioxidants present in Rosemary shows that they frequently suppress viruses from entering the body. Rosemary is also used as a decongestant. It is so helpful with a cough to elevate catarrh as well as helping with headaches. It is available as a herb that can be added to food or it can be inhaled by buying an essential oil or you can get it in a capsule form.

1. Thyme

A culinary herb that is easy to grow at home or buy in your local supermarkets. This herb is antifungal as well as antiviral and antibacterial, which essentially means it helps the body destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms. Thyme is a great herb for use with digestive complaints as well as its traditional use in the treatment of chest or throat-related illness – cough, cold, tonsilitis, asthma, bronchitis etc. Finally, this tiny but powerful herb is considered a respiratory tonic, soothing our mucous membranes and making our lungs function optimally. You can get it in a tablet form or you can drink it as tea.

1. Turmeric

A herb with over 200 active ingredients that we know of so far, including the powerful curcumins. This herb is proven to be antiviral, antifungal, and strongly antibacterial. Turmeric can help reduce inflammation and is prebiotic, which means it helps feed good bacteria in the gut. It is used a lot for musculo-skeletal issues, including treating joint aches and muscle pains. In addition, it is used in the treatment of asthma. You can add it to your food, take it in a tablet form or take it as tea in its powdery form.  Be warned – the curcumins that make it bright orange can stain, so be careful when working with it.