What is oxidative stress?
As paradoxical as it may seem, the oxygen we breathe can lead to the production of free radicals and the oxidation of our body's cells. These chemical phenomena are complex and completely natural. They contribute to many important physiological functions. However, they also lead to ageing, weakened defences and certain illnesses in the event of an imbalance.
When present in excess, free radicals cause what is known as "oxidative stress" in certain cells, including white blood cells of the immune system. Natural antioxidants, such as those found in an antioxidant herbal tea, help limit this stress and strengthen your overall health as well as your natural defences.
Which plants should be in an immunity herbal tea?
Certain molecules are natural antioxidants, widely present in the plants and botanicals we consume. Vitamins and minerals can be found in your diet or in an antioxidant herbal tea.
- Vitamin A is present in apricots, mangoes, spinach, thyme and chives.
- Stock up on vitamin C with oranges, kiwis, guava, as well as peppers and broccoli.
- Vitamin E is concentrated in sunflower and corn oils, as well as in walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds.
- If you are not a fan of seafood, oysters in particular, opt for unsweetened chocolate, rich in zinc and paired with a delicious herbal tea!
Polyphenols are present in almost all fruits and vegetables, as well as in tea and herbal teas, of course. It's up to you to find the perfect blend of plants and ingredients to boost your health and immunity!
Draining and detox herbal tea: are there any precautions to take?
While drinking a draining herbal tea poses no inherent danger and can boost your immunity, certain plants may be contraindicated depending on your health status. Plant-based herbal teas possess real properties that should not be overlooked. The consumption of certain infusions is, for example, strongly discouraged for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. We therefore advise you to check whether you have any contraindications to consuming a specific plant before choosing your herbal teas.
The same applies to people suffering from kidney problems or undergoing medical treatment. Certain plants interact poorly with specific substances and can weaken the effects of medication. We encourage you to consult your doctor before trying an infusion and before drinking a draining herbal tea on a regular basis.
Which plants help strengthen the immune system (immunity)?
There are numerous plants that help strengthen the immune system. These can be consumed as infusions and herbal teas. Among them are:
- Guarana: whose seeds have energising and stimulating properties. Among other benefits, guarana helps reduce fatigue. Plus, it is delicious paired with black tea as in our organic Sweet Love blend.
- Ginger: a superfood and star ingredient in many Kusmi blends (organic Only Spices, organic Happy Mind…)
- Acerola: At Kusmi, it is not an herbal tea but a green tea that contains acerola. Discover our organic Rituel Défenses Immunitaires, to reinforce your immunity and boost your immune system from within.
- Ginseng: boasts powerful antioxidant properties and will give your immunity a boost. Rich in vitamins C and E, it is perfect for combating dips in energy (Happy Mind)
- Thyme: an effective antibacterial and antifungal plant that helps stimulate the immune defences. Thyme is particularly appreciated in winter when viruses and infections develop.
- Turmeric: true support for your defences and immune system thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Our homemade immunity herbal tea recipe made with botanicals
- 10g ginger root
- 20g blueberry leaves
- 10g verbena leaves
- 20g lavender flowers
- In a mixing bowl, blend the botanicals thoroughly with your fingers.
- Fill a cup with cold water, then add a tablespoon of your botanical blend.
- Boil for 3 minutes.
- Cover and leave your herbal tea to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy your delicious antioxidant herbal tea.
Why choose an organic immunity herbal tea?
At Kusmi, we recommend choosing an organic herbal tea or infusion, especially if you wish to strengthen your immune system. Organic certification guarantees plants with high-quality leaves, grown with respect for the environment. By choosing organic, you will enjoy all the benefits of the plants to the fullest. Just what you need to boost your immunity!
Feeling tired? Need to strengthen your immunity? The organic Be Cool infusion made in Normandy brings you the benefits of verbena, liquorice and mint. Treating yourself will do wonders for your immune system! You now know the list of plants that support immunity thanks to their benefits. Feel free to enjoy them throughout winter, but also as spring arrives.