Virus-busters you can grow in your garden

Recently, there has been a bad virus going around. Everyone who had it, including myself, all stated that the symptoms were sore throats, body aches, congestion, fever and constant fatigue. I suffered from terrible migraines and body aches for days, while other family members had sporadic fever and even diarrhoea.

After a few days in, I decided to take charge in a more natural meaningful way and brew a homemade tea. It’s no secret that across the Caribbean, traditional bush medicine has long played a role in helping families recover from viruses, colds and flu naturally. I ventured into my garden and dug up fresh ginger roots, turmeric roots and clipped a few leaves of fever grass.

Ginger is one of the most popular natural remedies for colds and flu in the Caribbean. It helps warm the body, reduces inflammation, clears congestion and soothes sore throats. Ginger also supports circulation, which helps the body fight off infections faster.

Turmeric is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It helps reduce body pain, boosts the immune system and fights infections. Fever grass, also known as lemongrass, reduces fever, eases flu symptoms and promotes relaxation. It helps clear sinuses, encourages sweating to release toxins and calms the body during illness.

I peeled and crushed the ginger and turmeric, washed the fever grass leaves and allowed it to simmer in a pot with water for around 20 minutes. I used a spoon of honey for sweetener and drank the hot tea for three days, using a fresh batch of ingredients each time.

When I had leftovers, I used it over ice as iced tea during the day. Of course, rest and proper nutrition was added. Also, when cooking, I added a tremendous number of fresh garlic in the meals.

Garlic is a powerful immune booster that helps fight viruses and bacteria naturally. It can reduce the length of colds, clear chest congestion and strengthen the body’s defences.

An essential herb that is excellent for relieving blocked noses, coughing, headaches and throat irritation is peppermint. The natural menthol in the leaves helps open airways and cools the body during fever. It’s best to use it fresh but if you cannot obtain it from your market, you can opt for the teabags.

As the virus continues to circulate, combining good hygiene, proper rest and natural plant remedies can help support faster recovery. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start growing these virus-busters at home.

Please check with your medical practitioner as everyone’s needs and treatments are different. Stay safe and healthy everyone!

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