One of the first foods that boosts the immune system is honey; a source of magnesium, it will also help fight stress, which is responsible for lower immunity.
Here is a mixture you can prepare, especially to face winter:
First, you will need 250 g of good honey.
Second, you will add 20 g of ground bee bread. A source of probiotics, bee bread will help strengthen the intestinal lining and, as a result, the immune defense system.
Third, you will need to consume vitamin C, which is found in royal jelly. You can therefore add 10 g of fresh royal jelly to the mixture.
Fourth, you will add 10 g of propolis, which is a natural antibiotic.
Fifth, to stimulate your defenses you will also need an adaptogen, and one of the best was mentioned in the Sunnah, al habba assawda: black seed. You will add the equivalent of 25 g in ground form.
Finally, you will add a small citron.
In addition, the Chinese reishi mushroom will be an ally in facing winter. It is found in capsule form; you can take three per day, and only one for a child.
What the science says: boosting immunity, propolis, royal jelly, and other hive products
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, as a point of reference — these studies concern material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
Boosting immunity
Echinacea reduces the risk and duration of the common cold according to meta-analyses (Lancet Infect Dis, 2007) (Clin Ther, 2006); vitamin D in people who are deficient (BMJ, 2017), zinc taken at the first symptoms, and cough-relieving plants (Forsch Komplementmed, 2015) round out the natural arsenal — alongside the honey, black seed, and hive products so dear to the professor. Precaution: echinacea is not recommended for people with an autoimmune disease or on immunosuppressive treatment; a persistent high fever or breathing difficulty calls for a consultation.
Propolis, royal jelly, and other hive products
Propolis, a resin gathered by bees, shows wound-healing effects confirmed by a meta-analysis on skin wounds (Arch Dermatol Res, 2023) and value for oral health (J Funct Biomater, 2024). Like honey, these products belong to the apitherapy that the professor recommends to support immunity. Precaution: possible allergy to hive products (especially propolis and bee pollen) — start with small amounts; bee venom should only be used under the guidance of a trained professional.
