7 Super Herbs & Spices to Naturally Strengthen Your Immune System (& Also Make Your Tastebuds Very Pleased)

With summer officially behind us (*cue somber music), now is the time to start preparing our immune systems for the cooler months ahead. Because when those pesky bugs come a knockin’ at our temple’s door (ie your body) we wanna be ready with our best defence army on standby.

Now, while some of us go into panic mode at the threat of an attack and load up on products which shall not be named :P, at TC HQ we know the real isle of the supermarket you should be hitting up on the regular this time of year (we’d set up camp there if could), is in fact the spice isle!

Herbs and Spices have been relied on by health practitioners for centuries when it comes to boosting immunity and promoting quick recovery and healing particularly in longstanding holistic healing systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which focus on prevention (keeping the body in homeostasis and supporting a robust immune system) above treatment (waiting to get sick before taking action).

With this in mind, we’ve put together a quick reference guide of some of the top herbs and spices to earn the respect and praise of both your tastebuds and your body’s defence army. Ready? Yes sir!

#1 TURMERIC

Ah the golden child of the spice family, and eternal muse of Ayurvedic and TCM pros who turn to it again and again for it’s magical compound Curcumin - an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse. Just remember to always pair it with pepper to maximise the bioavailability of Curcumin tenfold! Found in our Jewelled Mung Dahl.

#2 CORIANDER

Another anti-inflammatory companion, coriander is best known for its proven antibacterial prowess when it comes to combating against food poisoning, balancing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, supporting healthy menstrual function, and relieving urinary tract infections. High five coriander! Found in our Thai Green Curry.

#3 GINGER

Most of us already associate ginger with supporting immunity, but it also shines when it comes to supporting gut health and treating nausea or an upset stomach, fighting fungal infections, and as an aid when facing menstrual, joint and muscle pain. #allstar Found in our Satay Peanuts.

#4 LEMONGRASS

Not only is lemongrass known to induce calm and relaxed zen states (sign us up!) it’s also got all the “antis” up it’s grassy sleeve - we’re talkin’ anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antifilarial, antifungal, (insert deep breath), antimalarial, antimutagenicity, antimycobacterial, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Hey, we’re sold. Found in our Thai Green and Thai Red Curry.

#5 CASSIA

Cassia, a type of cinnamon, does her best sweet work in dark times (diarrhoea, menstrual cramps, sore throats, poor circulation, depression). She’s a warming spice that naturally soothes the body. In fact, think of her as a warm hug from your grandma, if your grandma also had antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal superpowers. Found in our Royal Festival Briyani.

#6 PAPRIKA

Paprika is a fiery spice that keeps those cheeky free radicals at bay. He’s got a few tricks up his sleeve like carotenoids to prevent damage from oxidative stress, capsaicin to treat autoimmune conditions, and vitamin A and lutein for eye health. What a charmer. Found in our Creamy Green Pea Dahl.

#7 GALANGAL

We’ve saved one of the best till last with galangal, the James Bond of cancer-fighting agents. We’re talking potentially revolutionary stuff with positive results shown across studies on Gastric Cancer, Leukemia, Melanoma, Pancreatic Cancer, Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer, Liver Cancer, and more. If that weren’t enough, it’s also great for brain health and improving sperm count and function (insert cheeky wink). Found in our Thai Red Curry.

Wow, aren’t spices incredible!?!

As one of the OGs of common sense (Hippocrates) said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Looking to incorporate more immune lurving spices into your kitchen?

Try our Wellness Bundle featuring our most popular all natural spice infused Turban Chopsticks sauces and meal kits (14 products for $99) that are all locally made in Perth, Australia, keep cooking time to a speedy 15-30mins, and of course make you the hero of your kitchen (which is a title we take seriously).

Share the goodness with your loved ones and load them up today!

Sources: National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubMed), Dr Axe.