Super Charge Your Immune Power!

Jill Amison • November 22, 2023

Simple ways and recipes to up level your wellbeing in the cooler months

Here we are in the middle of Vata season, here in the northern hemisphere, and of course cough's and colds are on the increase.
For several years I have used preventative medicines and practices to try and uplevel my immune function at this time of year and, I am sure, that some of you have also seen/used these recipes before!
You may have also seen my post earlier this week with some Ayurvedic seasonal tips too. It is understood that Vata imbalance is the cause of almost all dis-ease in the body mind so those simple tips to balance Vata can certainly help to keep you fighting fit through Autumn/Winter.

We also know as Yogi's that our practice has the potential to influence pretty much every physiological process in the body—from muscle contraction to breathing, digestion, blood flow, and circulation. Yoga also influences the lymphatic system, which, while perhaps one of the least known and appreciated systems of the body, is also our first line of defense against disease. Lymph is a fluid substance that transports a range of antibodies and specialised white blood cells designed to fight disease, flowing through nodes that filter out bacteria, foreign matter, and dead tissue.

Healthy lymph flow is a key component of a strong immune system, and yoga asana can directly influence that flow. Unlike the circulatory system, which is driven by the pump of the heart, the lymphatic system depends on gravity as well as on tissues contracting to squeeze fluid through its pathways. This makes yoga poses like twists, forward folds, side bends, and inversions the perfect tools to boost lymph flow.

But what about the traditional methods to combat colds?....Increasing vitamin C, good nights rest, echinacea etc???

I just listened to a super interesting podcast about supplements as I have always taken additional vitamins and minerals. I really would encourage you to listen to the expert advice about this. So do visit the Zoe Podcast

Can you get these necessary vitamins in your diet to boost your immune function? Yes!!!

Here are two of my favourite recipes Elderberry Syrup & Tumeric, Honey , Ginger Bomb.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries naturally have vitamins A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers found elderberries can really help when it comes to colds and flu as their complex sugars are clinically shown to help support the immune system.

Ingredients

800ml water
110gm dried elderberries (or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 Tbsp raw ginger root grated
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
340gm cup raw honey

Instructions

Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil and then uncover and reduce to a simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes until the liquid has reduced by almost half. Remove from heat and let cool until it's lukewarm. Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil. Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries. When the liquid is no longer hot, add the honey and stir well.

When the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar or glass bottle of some kind. Store in the fridge and take 1/2-1 tbsp daily for it's immune boosting properties.

Tumeric, Ginger & Honey Bomb

Turmeric is a very strong antioxidant and has been used as traditional Ayurvedic medicine throughout history. It is considered a herb that cleanses the whole body, especially the liver. It is used to support digestion, treat fever, infections and inflammations. Ginger has antibiotic effects and can help digestion, detoxification, infections, inflammation, joint pain, circulation, nausea & Honey, of course also has so many magical medicinal qualities too.

120 ml honey (prefereble organic unheated)
2-4 tbsp freshly grated ginger (or ground ginger), depending on how strong you prefer
2 tsp ground turmeric (or freshly grated turmeric if you can find it)
1 organic unwaxed lemon, freshly grated zest
2 pinches ground black pepper

Stir together all ingredients in a bowl. Taste and add more ginger or turmeric if needed. Aim for a really strong flavor, you’ll only add a few teaspoons to a cup of water. Store the Ginger & Turmeric Honey Bomb in a glass container. Boil a cup of water and let slightly cool (to keep the benefits from the honey intact), stir in a few teaspoons of the honey mixture and drink. You can of course also add this to your favourite tea or add a a spoon to your porridge.

Enjoy & Stay Healthy!

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Navigating Conflict & Creating Healthy Boundaries on the Spiritual Path

By Jill Amison • January 13, 2025

Navigating Conflict and Creating Boundaries on the Spiritual Path Conflict is an uncomfortable yet inevitable part of life. As someone deeply immersed in the practice of yoga and spiritual growth, I’ve often found myself wrestling with how to navigate disagreements, especially of late, while staying true to my values. Yoga teaches us to ride the highs and lows of life with grace, but that doesn’t mean we always get it right. For me, conflict has been a difficult terrain to navigate, but over the years, I’ve learned to stand up for myself with right action—an approach deeply rooted in both Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sitting with the Feeling Before Reacting One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of sitting with my emotions before reacting. The Buddhist principle of mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediately acting on them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is faced with an internal struggle about going into battle. Krishna advises him not to avoid the conflict but to engage in it with wisdom and righteousness. Similarly, I’ve realised that avoidance doesn’t resolve conflict; rather, thoughtful engagement does. There have been times when I’ve failed at this—when I’ve reacted instead of responding with intention. But with practice, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and compose my words with clarity and without hostility. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, but it is essential for maintaining inner peace while asserting healthy boundaries. Boundaries: The Bridge Between Compassion and Self-Respect Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, speaks about boundaries as an essential component of healthy relationships. She reminds us that we can agree to disagree, but boundaries help define what is and isn’t acceptable in our interactions. For instance: It’s okay that we have different beliefs, but it’s not okay to belittle mine. It’s okay that we are upset, but it’s not okay to yell or swear at each other. It’s okay to set limits, but it’s not okay to disregard or disrespect them. Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about protecting our own well-being while still allowing space for connection. They help us navigate relationships with integrity, ensuring that we can hold space for differing perspectives without compromising our values. Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict on the Spiritual Path So how do we engage in conflict in a way that aligns with our spiritual practice? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful: Pause Before Responding – Take a breath, feel the emotions, and respond with intention rather than impulse. Practice Non-Violent Communication – Express needs and concerns without blame or aggression. Hold Compassion for Yourself and Others – Recognize that everyone is navigating their own struggles, and approach conflict with an open heart. Stand Firm in Your Truth – Speak your truth with clarity and confidence, knowing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Accept Disagreements Without Forcing Resolution – Some conflicts may not have a perfect resolution, and that’s okay. Agreeing to disagree while maintaining respect is sometimes the best outcome. Know When to Walk Away – If the other person is unable or unwilling to communicate without crossing your boundaries, it may be necessary to disengage. Protecting your peace is just as important as standing your ground. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or, in extreme cases, removing yourself from the relationship altogether. Choosing to walk away is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your self-respect and emotional well-being. Navigating conflict is not about winning or proving a point; it’s about showing up authentically while maintaining inner peace. It’s about finding the balance between openness and self-protection. It’s a practice—one that, like yoga, requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to grow. As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that I won’t always get it right. But I can keep practicing, keep learning, and keep striving to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion. After all, the goal is not perfection but presence.