Health care seems to be the talk of the town, and some ailments require following doctor’s orders. But for others, try looking to the ground or a local herb shop. Trilby Sedlacek, a registered herbalist who has been practicing for about 20 years in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and who owns Green Angels Herbs & Healing Arts, shares her most popular tinctures to amp up your immune system.

Herbal Vinegar

Combine powerful herbs with vinegar (a potent mineral extractor), and up your meal’s nutrition.

Raw apple cider vinegar
Fresh nasturtium, mint, garlic, sage, or basil

1. Fill a canning jar with the washed herbs of your choice—don’t overpack—and pour in the vinegar. Seal jar and let sit for two weeks, shaking a few times. When ready, strain out the herbs, and label it with the type and the date.
2. To use, add 2 tablespoons to soups, stews, or salad dressings to benefit from the mineral blend. (I don’t heat the vinegar because it retains more active enzymes, which would be killed by heat. So, for best results, add them at the end, after cooking other dishes or making salsas.) Use it up by spring, and plant herbs from your own garden for the next batch!

Viral Stop Tea

During the winter months, we sell out of this tea regularly at the shop. The mullein leaf soothes the lung tissue and thyme, a potent anti-viral herb, helps shoo any left over virus. Licorice root does triple duty sweetening the flavor, beefing up the immune system, and calming respiratory tissue. Finally the lobelia, in small portions, relaxes smooth muscles and helps you get some of that much-needed sleep you’ve been missing.

Mullein Leaf
Thyme Leaf
Licorice Root
Lobelia Herb

Mix equal parts of the herbs in a container with a tight-fitting lid. In a canning jar, measure one tablespoon of the mixture per pint of boiling water, pour boiling water over the herbs, and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain through a coffee filter (mullein has small hairs) and drink as needed.

Powerful Herb

Add this right to your food and reap the rewards.

Astragalus sticks: The long strips of Astragalus root (a great immune system enhancer), which resemble tongue depressors, can be used like bay leaves in soups and stews—don't actually eat the root but let it cook in whatever you make. Try it in warming apple cider, too, since the Astragalus floats in the pan just like cinnamon sticks. 

The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Trilby Sedlacek is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and sees clients for health concerns ranging from acne to anxiety. She teaches herbal medicine classes at colleges, private groups, and national events.