Natural Ways to Fight COVID19 Is to Boost Your Immune System

With thousands of people hoarding sanitizers and toilet paper, there’s one key element that is getting left behind – immune fighting foods. Check out this selection of Asian foods that may help boost your immune system from the dangerous virus. 

Health is wealth, and this is an adage that is becoming more true today amid the novel coronavirus outbreak all over the world. With hundreds of thousands of cases confirmed, now is not the time to let your worry grow. Instead, it’s the perfect time to get your hands on these Asian immune boosters to increase your resistance against the virus and other illnesses.

Reishi Mushroom

There are more than a million types of mushrooms so it can be confusing where to start. If you’re curious about the ability of mushrooms to improve your immune system, starting with the reishi mushroom is recommended. Also known as Lingzhi Mushroom, Queen of Mushrooms, and the Mushroom of Immortality, this food has been used for more than 2,000 years in Japan and China, and is now becoming more popular in the West. 

Reishi mushroom contains antioxidants, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides that help immune function. Not only that, it is also an adaptogen and can aid your body adjust to stress. Taking it in small doses will also improve your sleep cycle.

Reishi Mushroom ©Wendell Smith

Moringa

Also known as horseradish tree, Moringa is mostly found in Southeast Asia and countries like Pakistan and Nepal. This wonder plant has been used by Asians for centuries not only to treat, but also to prevent diseases such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, diabetes, constipation, digestive issues, and a lot more. 

This immunity powerhouse is dense in nutrients and contains Vitamins A and C, Calcium, Potassium Protein, and Iron. With more than 40 antioxidants, many people dub Moringa as a panacea with its ability to cure hundreds of diseases and protect the body against free radicals.

Moringa Plant & Leaves ©Yelp

Ginseng

One surefire way to vamp your immune function up a notch is to add Ginseng to your diet. Just like other items on this list, it has been used for thousands of years by humans. This plant aids the cells in the tissue communicate better and make a stronger common defense against threats to the body. Ginseng works best against viruses like the novel coronavirus and can also protect humans against bacteria. 

Panax Ginseng, which also goes by the name Korean or Chinese Ginseng is popular throughout Asia not just as an immune booster, but also to help physical endurance. It is also traditionally used as a tonic by people recovering from illnesses.

Korea Wild Ginseng Liquor ©Republic of Korea – Jeon Han

Elderberry

In recent years, more teas, gummies, pills, and syrups containing Elderberry has been popping up in the US. Reaching for the elderberry plant will let you fight respiratory infections and improve your immunity. There are more than 30 types of elder plant in the world, but the European version or Sambucus Nigra is the most popular choice, as it was even used by Hippocrates in 400 B.C. 

Elderberry is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that increase your immunity and help with inflammation, heart health, and stress. It’s even a common remedy for flu and cold. However, this healing agent is not safe for breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Elderberries ©Mark Robinson

Virgin Coconut Oil

If you have Virgin Coconut Oil in your pantry or bathroom, it may be your strongest weapon against the novel coronavirus. This is an effective antiviral agent thanks to its Lauric acid content, which is a medium-chain fatty acid. The body also produces monolaurin, a metabolite that has amazing antiviral properties, upon consumption of VCO. 

Coconut Oil ©Marco Verch Photography

The derivatives of coconut oil are not only effective in humans but also animals. This is why people should treat it as a preventative measure and cure for microbial and viral infections. Aside from this, it can also boost one’s heart health and encourage fat burning.  

In addition to their natural benefits for the body. Singapore and the Philippines are currently studying other properties of the Coconut oil that may be used as antiviral agents against the Coronavirus.

Don’t forget, eat plenty of vegetables and exercise!