When cold and flu season is at its height, it’s time to pull out all age-old, natural home remedies to keep our loved ones in good health and boost your immune system. Here are nine easy and natural ways to boost your immunity.

1. Ginger

Ginger is an ingredient we all turn to when sick. It helps to decrease inflammation, reduce a sore throat, decrease nausea, decrease chronic pain and has cholesterol-lowering properties.

2. Spinach

Spinach is packed with Vitamin C and numerous antioxidants that can help our immune system to fight infections. Spinach is healthy when cooked too. Light cooking of the leafy vegetable enhances its vitamin A and allows other nutrients to be released.

3. Almonds

Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with vitamins and healthy fats. Consuming a few almonds daily, provides nearly 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin E.

4. Yogurt

Do you like plain yoghurts? It can not only stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases but also is a great source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a key ingredient in most Indian kitchens. This magical spice is also used as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, research shows that its regular consumption can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.

6. Papaya

Loaded with Vitamin C, papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. The fruit also have a decent amount of potassium, Vitamin B, and folate which are beneficial to your overall health.

7. Garlic

Found in almost every dish in India, Garlic not only adds a flavour to your food but also is an essential root vegetable for health. It helps in fighting infections, lower blood pressure, slow down hardening of the arteries and boosts immunity.

8. Honey

When it comes to preventing and fighting off bacteria, fungus and viral infections, honey is the key to a healthy immune system. It is rich in in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.

9. Citrus Fruits

Rich in Vitamin C, Citrus fruits can help prevent and reduce flu and cold. It helps build up your immune system and have proved to be effective in fighting infections.