Taking good care of our immune systems is critical to wellness. In suffering from migraines, and a depleted immune system, it was time for me to start focusing on rebuilding my immune system. I found that is easy to do using simple foods and easy practices.

My goal was, and still is, to do the best I could to create a strong barrier to fight off viruses.

Ginger, for example, is a superfood. Ginger originated in South Asia and is a tropical plant that has been used for more than 2,500 years in a variety of ways.  (Note: Cardamom and Turmeric are part of the same family.)

Ginger root is a natural remedy for relieving motion sickness, nausea and pain.  It became incredibly helpful when I experienced migraines and my head and stomach couldn’t even tolerate lying on my bed. It also has properties to help thwart symptoms from a cold or flu. I’m sipping on a cup as I type this as a matter of fact.

Ginger comes in myriad forms (fresh, dried, ground…).  It became one of my essentials right after I started experiencing migraines.  My primary care doctor suggested I brew soothing fresh ginger tea and add lemon. When I feel a cold coming on or just a bit puny, I make this tea – and drink 2 or 3 mugs a day (early in the morning and right before bed).  I continue this practice the whole time I’m under the weather.  A perfect cup for myself consists of 1½ cups of hot water, about a 1-inch piece of ginger root grated with a microplane (a.k.a. zester), ½ lemon quartered and squeezed into, and a bag of green tea.  Add the ginger, lemon, and tea bag to the hot water and voilà, you have a soothing, steamy, healthy tea for your nasal passages, stomach, and body.  Honey is an optional ingredient. 

This is a good time to point out that I wholeheartedly believe in being a “patient” and taking direction from my carefully selected physicians. My doctors recommend pharmaceutical treatments (antibiotics, etc.) when needed, but also share tips regarding natural remedies and practices.  I have come to find considerable value in certain natural remedies they have suggested.  My philosophy is it is best to approach optimal health and wellness through all avenues.  I do what I can day-by-day to improve my health, while also accepting and moving forward with advice from my doctors. It’s my way of completing the “puzzle.” The pieces have been coming together in a positive way for me. 

Back to ginger – did you know it is an antioxidant (like my other favorite: blueberries)? It also has anti-inflammatory properties (like broccoli). 

“Ginger is reported in Ayurvedic system of medicine to be useful in neurological disorders.  It is proposed that administration of ginger may exert abortive and prophylactic effects in migraine headache without any side effects.”*

*Source:  Medicinal properties of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Authors:  Malhotra, Samir; Singh, Amrit Pal.  Issue date: Dec. 2003; http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/12292