Herbal expert from Ehningen: 5 tips for a strong immune system!

Herbal expert from Ehningen: 5 tips for a strong immune system!

Nowadays, many people suffer from cold symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Barbara Dürrwang, alternative practitioner and herbal educator from Ehningen, gives helpful tips for strengthening the immune system during the time of infection. Instead of relying on medication from the pharmacy, she recommends natural medicinal plants that grow in the region around the Schönbuch. Her recommendations are not only effective, but also accessible to everyone and cost-effective.

Dürrwang, who completed her training as a naturopath after more than 20 years in marketing for an IT company, emphasizes the importance of naturopathy. Plants she recommends include dandelions, nettles and plantains.

Important medicinal plants for health

Dürrwang pays particular attention to rose hips, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. She recommends a simple recipe: Pour 250 ml of hot water over two tablespoons of dried rosehip peel and let it steep for ten minutes. She also highlights the nutrient-rich nettle seeds, which are considered a superfood and are recommended to strengthen the immune system during the time of infection - a teaspoon a day in muesli is enough.

Elderberry is another traditional medicinal plant used for colds. Elderflower tea has an immune-activating effect, while elderberry juice has antiviral properties. According to the NDR website, elderberry has a wide range of health-promoting effects, including immunostimulating, antiviral, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory. The flowers are available from May to June, while the ripe berries can be harvested in August. It is particularly important to note that raw elderberries are poisonous and only become edible when heated.

Tips for reducing stress

In addition to the plants mentioned, Dürrwang recommends using essential oils, which can be worn on a scarf or neckerchief. These inhibit germs in the respiratory tract and support the mucous membranes. The concept of forest bathing, i.e. walks in the forest, is also beneficial for physical and mental well-being. Just 15 minutes in nature can help reduce feelings of stress.

To prevent infections, you shouldn't just rely on herbal medicine. A health-conscious lifestyle is a basic requirement. Stress, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and lack of sleep can weaken the body's defenses, as described in an article by NetDoktor. There are also other medicinal plants that can help with specific complaints, such as coughs or stomach aches.

Barbara Dürrwang's holistic approach shows that nature provides many effective means to support health in the cold season. The use of medicinal plants can not only alleviate symptoms, but also strengthen the immune system. For people who want to stay healthy naturally, her tips and the valuable properties of plants such as elderberry and rosehip are worth their weight in gold.

For further details about elderberry and its health prospects, we would like to refer you to the information from NDR, while NetDoctor offers helpful tips on the use of medicinal plants.

Find out more about immune system boosting advice from Stuttgart News.