10 Feel-Better Tricks and Immune Boosters
You’ve felt that first sniffle and you’re about to reach for the tissues. In that moment, you’re battling both the physical stress of potentially impending sickness and also the emotional stress of speculating whether there’s anything you can do to make the next few days something other than miserable.
From a rare New Zealand honey to something soft to slip into when battle must be done from bed, these are the tools we turn to when we want to help our immune systems do their thing.
1
the hot spot
Lingering in the tub won’t solve all your problems, but it definitely makes things more bearable when you’re pretty sure you’re coming down with something. We turn to Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath when that’s the case: It’s got organic mustard seed, plus essential oils from wintergreen, eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme—which all work some serious sick-day magic.
2
straight a’s
We wanted something to play backup for our immune system that was also easy and enjoyable, so we made Perfect Attendance. These two-a-day chews have elderberry extract—an ingredient traditionally used in soothing teas—and a specialty whole-food yeast called EpiCor for immune support. And on top of being good for you, it tastes really good: The blackberry flavor makes it a treat we look forward to taking.
3
the tea
If your tea consumption is getting to IV-drip level, you’re going to need a kettle that can take a workout. This one is a nice, heavy cast iron, and it comes with a diffuser that makes using loose-leaf tea a breeze.
4
throat coat
Propolis is a natural, plant-based resin produced by honeybees that can ease occasional oral annoyances. This one comes in a spray, which means that soothing feeling is just a few quick pumps away.
5
HELLO, SUNSHINE
Maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D is an essential part of keeping your immune system robust. And because the body’s natural production of it relies on sun exposure and commitment to SPF is a good thing, it’s helpful to get some of your sunshine vitamin from a nonsunshine source. We like this one because it is excellent quality and comes from a company committed to sustainable sourcing.
6
ready, set, sleep
If you’re going to spend the day in bed, do it in something incredibly comfortable. This pima cotton set also happens to be really cute—and functional when you’re running a little warm or it’s a hot summer night.
7
got the juice
What brings you back to life like something green you can drink through an eco-friendly straw? This juicer is quick and efficient, can handle whole fruits, and has a built-in strainer, so cleanup isn’t a drain on your energy.
8
honey, please
A cup of tea loaded with soothing honey is a sick-day staple. And you can really ratchet up the benefits by using manuka honey—a rare type from New Zealand that has high levels of a compound called methylglyoxal. We like these ones from Activist because they’re pure and potent: They’re certified for high measures of methylglyoxal content.
9
wiped clean
They probably won’t actually keep you from catching a cold, but these towelettes with cooling, refreshing essential oils from lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, and eucalyptus are a welcome reprieve any day you’re not feeling so hot.
10
dew tell
Not only does it smell so good but puffing a few drops of lavender essential oil through a diffuser almost has a magic property, somehow making us feel like everything is going to be okay. And there’s a reason vitruvi diffusers are our favorites: They’re made of nice, heavy porcelain that lasts forever and looks pretty in any room.
