6 NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS PARENTS SHOULD HAVE AT HOME
Egypt and her children
TIPS FROM AN ENTREPRENEURIAL MOM OF 3…
Known as the ‘Loc Visionary’ in Washington, D.C., natural hair care expert Egypt Mims braided, twisted, and loc’ed her way into the hearts of her loyal client base for 20 years. She’s nourished her customers’ coils with homemade hair products and created exquisite styles. The mom of three’s business was solid.
Then COVID-19 hit. And like most—her life forever changed. Recent social distancing laws have made it nearly impossible for hairstylists like Egypt to maintain her small business and earn a living in the same cozy way they had before. But, thankfully—so far, E and her kids have stayed incredibly healthy. The reason why I know this for sure, is because Egypt is my sister. And she’s taken her hobby of creating those homemade organic hair potions, once favored by her clients, and expanded it into a growing wellness supplement business.
One of Egypt’s natural hair care clients
With entrepreneurship in her genes, E is no stranger to spending late nights in her kitchen mixing up hair concoctions. But now, instead of blending hair puddings, she crafting immune boosting elixirs, teas, and iron-rich smoothies. Her immune boosting recipe videos have gained traction on social media and she’s steadily gaining ground as a healthy lifestyle influencer. And yep, that does mean she sells her immune boosting elixirs and tonics online. People have asked why she shares her healthy recipes on Instagram, if she also sells the products. Egypt explains that her real purpose is much deeper.
“Its to educate. It’s all about knowledge. My recipe is my recipe. No two elixirs will taste the same. If I can educate, as well as provide, then I’ve done my due diligence.
Creating wellness products is something that many African and us African-American folks have done since forever. Egypt says it’s important for us all to continue to stay focused on wellness, even when quarantine orders are lifted. She explains,
“It may be close to impossible to avoid COVID-19, but when you fill up on the right stuff, it may not affect you as much as it affects some other people.”
A few of Egypt’s elderberry elixirs and turmeric shots
IN ADDITION TO EATING A HEALTHY DIET FILLED WITH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, THERE ARE KEY 6 HERBS AND PLANTS THAT EGYPT SAYS EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR CABINET TO HELP WITH IMMUNITY BOOSTING AND HEALING. SURE, MANY OF US KNOW TO STOCK UP ON GINGER, TURMERIC, LEMON, GARLIC, AND EVEN OIL OF OREGANO. BUT DO YOU HAVE THESE?:
Pure Elderberry: “A good way to give kids an immune booster without them saying it’s yucky!” The increasingly popular super-fruit is native to North and Central America. Elderberry is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant packed with Vitamin C. Egypt adds elderberry to teas, elixirs (see recipe below), and makes them into popsicles for her kids.
Chamomile Tea: Can reduces stress, anxiety, and help with insomnia.
Lavender: Whether in tea or an essential oil, lavender is anti-inflammatory. It relieves anxiety and helps promote respiratory health. Rub it on your temples to avoid stress or on your children’s toes before bed.
Eucalyptus: Is an antioxidant, may relieve cold symptoms and aid in relaxation. Best used in tea or essential oils.
Sea Moss: Known as the superfood of the sea, it has immune boosting properties, fights mucus, and is packed with iron, potassium and magnesium. It’s also said to be aphrodisiac (oh snap)! Use in raw powder form, capsules or gel. Can use in smoothies, apple sauce, and tea. The gel has a petroleum jelly like texture. E blends it with something similar in texture (like a smoothie), for easier digestion.
Sovereign Silver: A bio-active immune support booster. The supplement should be taken on a regular basis.
Already stocked up on elderberry? Cool. Try making Egypt’s ‘Elderberry Elixir’ at home for an immune boost. You’ll need dried elderberries, which can be found at local health food stores or shipped from holistic pharmacies like Blue Nile Botanicals. You can also buy a 2-week supply of the elixir directly from Egypt.
Elderberry Image by : Paweł Czerwiński for Unsplash
HERE’S HER ELDERBERRY ELIXIR RECIPE:
Recipe:
Dried Elderberries (try to source locally, with no rocks or stems)
Water
Clove powder
Cinnamon sticks
Garlic (raw garlic bulbs)
Lemon peel
Orange peel
Raw honey (or agave)
100% maple syrup
Directions:
Boil your elderberries with water for 8-10 minutes. For every few ounces of elderberry, balance it will a little bit of water.
Start by adding your orange peels to the mix.
Add in the rest of the ingredients.
Simmer elixir on low for 30 mins.
Allow it to cool.
Take 1 tablespoon per day.
A Few Things to Note:
Use discretion when adding the ingredients. Eyeball your mix to balance the amount and each ingredient with your desired taste. No two batches are the same.
If you’re serving the elixir to children under the age of 1, heat up the elderberry enough to pasteurize the honey.
Agave can be used as a honey substitute.
Smoothie image by Devon Janse van Rensburg for Unsplash
AND IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A COOL REFRESHER, TRY HER SEA MOSS SMOOTHIE:
Ingredients:
Sea Moss Gel
Berries
Spinach or Kale
Agave
Protein Powder
Water
Ice
Avocado (Optional. Will give it a sorbet-like texture).
Directions:
Pop all ingredients into a blender until smooth. Enjoy!
When it comes to immune boosters, Egypt admits that you won’t necessarily see a difference when you start taking them, but like like Janet Jackson says, “Don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” She adds, “You only notice immune boosters are working when you don’t have them.”
*Thanks for reading! Disclaimer: This article was not approved by a doctor or medical expert. Egypt’s tips and recipes are not a prescription for any disease or ailment. Always consult a doctor for medical advice.