The Daily Herb – Stay Well This Season: Herbs, Habits and a Soup for Immune Support – Ben's Herbs Place

Stay Well This Season: Herbs, Habits and a Soup for Immune Support
by Ben's Herbs Place

Early November brings shorter days, busy calendars and more time spent indoors with family, coworkers and classmates. It's the perfect time to give your body's natural defenses a little extra care. Good sleep, steady movement, colorful food and a few time-honored herbs and nutrients all work together to support a healthy immune system all season long.*

Everyday Habits That Support Your Natural Defenses

  • Protect your sleep. Seven to nine hours a night gives your body time to rest and recharge.
  • Get outside in daylight. A midday walk adds movement, fresh air and a bit of sunshine.
  • Wash your hands often. Twenty seconds with soap and warm water is one of the simplest habits there is.
  • Fill half your plate with produce. Citrus, red peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens bring vitamins C and A plus antioxidants.
  • Cook with garlic, onion and ginger. These kitchen staples add big flavor and have a long history of traditional use.
  • Stay hydrated. Warm broths and herbal teas count, and they feel wonderful on a chilly day.
  • Manage stress. A few slow, deep breaths, a short prayer or a quiet cup of tea help you reset.

Herbs and Nutrients for Seasonal Immune Support

Elderberry, Echinacea and Vitamin D3

Elderberry and echinacea have been treasured by herbalists for generations, and vitamin D3 is the "sunshine vitamin" many of us get less of in late fall. Elderberry D3fense combines elderberry fruit extract, echinacea, 2,000 IU of vitamin D3, olive leaf extract and royal jelly to support healthy immune function.*

Zinc and Vitamin C

Zinc and vitamin C are two nutrients that support normal immune function.* Zinc Lozenges combine both in a fast-melting, fruit-flavored lozenge sweetened with stevia, easy to keep in a purse, desk drawer or glove box.*

An Easy Daily Drink Mix

If you'd rather drink your nutrients, Solstic Immune is a refreshing packet you stir into cold water. It provides vitamins C and D, zinc, elderberry, echinacea, beta-glucans and a blend of berry concentrates to support the immune system every day.*

Seasonal Recipe: Garlic-Ginger Chicken & Vegetable Soup

This cozy one-pot soup is packed with garlic, ginger, fresh herbs and colorful fall vegetables. It's simple enough for a weeknight, makes plenty of leftovers, and freezes well.

Serves 6 • Prep 20 minutes • Cook 35 minutes

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced into coins
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, thyme and turmeric and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the broth and the whole chicken pieces. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add the sweet potato and mushrooms and simmer 10 to 12 minutes more, until the sweet potato is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  5. Lift out the chicken, shred it with two forks and return it to the pot.
  6. Stir in the kale and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze in portions up to 3 months. For a heartier meal, stir in cooked brown rice or small pasta when reheating.

Herb Tip: A Fresh Herb & Cinnamon Kitchen Bundle

Bring the scent of the season indoors with a simple herb bundle you can hang in your kitchen or on a door. You'll need a few sprigs each of fresh rosemary, sage and thyme, 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks, a couple of bay leaves and some kitchen twine. Gather the herbs into a small bunch with the cinnamon sticks tucked in the middle, wrap the stems tightly with twine, and tie a loop at the top for hanging. Hang it stems-up somewhere with good air flow and out of direct sun. Over the next two weeks it will dry naturally and fill the room with a warm, earthy aroma. Add a sprig of dried orange peel or a small burlap bow for a pretty Thanksgiving touch.

When to Check With Your Health Professional

If you feel unwell, have a fever, or symptoms last more than a few days, please see your doctor. Check with your health professional before starting a new supplement if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition. People with ragweed allergies should be cautious with echinacea, and anyone allergic to bee products should avoid royal jelly.

A Closing Thought

Small, steady habits add up. A good night's sleep, a pot of homemade soup and a walk in the crisp November air are gifts you can give your whole family this season.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.