Herbs for Better Immune System

Herbs for Better Immune System

Image courtesy of lemonade at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of lemonade at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The immune system is a complex body organization that requires various factors functioning well as building blocks. Its strength depends on our overall condition. We cannot exclude any aspects of our lifestyle, because the single cause that affects us shortly cannot diminish our immune response, in the long run. On the contrary, all little things that we are used to doing during the years can weaken the immune system. Many factors like sleeping habits, diet, stress, worries, exercising when taken together can boost or undermine our immunity. Thus, if we find ourselves struggling to restore our immune system, then we have to commit ourselves to work on our habits and different levels of our lifestyle. Since immune response capability did not fail at once, we should be patient and persistent in taking actions that will enhance our natural body system of defense. Until we turn our immune system back, we can enrich our diet with the food that can temporarily boost our immunity. The article How to Boost Your Immune System with Herbs lists the most effective herbs, which can enhance our health.

Herbs for Better Immune System

• American ginseng root—revered for centuries as a health and vitality tonic—helps prevent upper respiratory infections when taken for several months. In
Traditional Chinese Medicine, tonic herbs, such as ginseng, are taken to strengthen immunity, but are discontinued during an acute illness (such as a
cold). Because products vary in potency, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.

• Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata).Sometimes called “Indian echinacea,” andrographis reduces the duration and severity of cold symptoms, and it also
might help prevent upper respiratory infections, studies show. Compounds in andrographis appear to stimulate immune function and halt viral growth. A
typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg three times a day.

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Despite a few studies that question its efficacy, hundreds of studies support echinacea as an effective aid for preventing and
treating colds, flu and other infections. Echinacea stimulates infection-fighting immune cells and increases the production of other immune compounds,
such as interferon. Echinacea works best when taken frequently at the first sign of infection: 30 to 60 drops of liquid extract or 1 to 2 capsules (300 to
400 mg each) every two hours for the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by the same dosage four times daily for three days after symptoms disappear.

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Well-known as an adaptogenic herb (it helps the body more easily adapt to stressors), eleuthero root improves
immune function in clinical studies. For best results, take eleuthero for at least three months to strengthen immune response. Because products vary in
potency, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Dark blue-black elderberries are rich in compounds that disarm viruses and prevent them from taking over healthy cells.
Studies show that elderberry offers significant protection against respiratory viral infections. For prevention, take 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract or 1
teaspoon of elderberry syrup twice daily. To hasten recovery from a cold or flu, take 1 teaspoon of extract or 2 teaspoons of syrup four times a day.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Cultivating the habit of drinking green tea regularly can help strengthen immunity. Green tea contains potent antioxidant
compounds that neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the immune system. In addition, green tea stimulates the liver to secrete interferon, an
immune compound that helps fight infection. To bolster immune function, drink 3 or more cups of green tea daily.

Not only these herbs can help us to boost our immunity, but they will encourage us to introduce another healthy food in our diet. Any change we made on our physical level will influence our mood. Any new and healthy habit we adopt will move us further to another healthy routine. The first step is the most important one because it reflects our decision to live healthier. From there, we have an opportunity to run the chain effect of the change and improve our immune system significantly.

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