Several immune system herbs boost the body's ability to fight viruses that cause the common cold and flu. Some of these herbs have been studied by researchers in America and Europe, while other recommendations are based on long standing folk tradition and historical use.
Before using any herbal supplements, please see a physician. People with immune system disorders, compromised immune systems, and autoimmune diseases should not take these herbs unless under the guidance of a professional herbalist or naturopathic physician. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take herbal supplements since it is unknown how many of them affect an unborn child or if they can pass through breast milk to an infant. Some herbs can interact with prescription medications, so always tell the physician about any herbal supplements. Lastly, if any reactions occur such as rashes, difficulty breathing or other symptoms of an allergy, please see a physician immediately and discontinue use.
Recommended Immune System Herbs
Five herbs are standout immune system herbs with a long history of medicinal use. These include:
- Echinacea: Gardeners know this plant as purple coneflower. Echinacea roots are used as an immune system stimulant and are especially good for the lymphatic system. Don't use echinacea if you have any autoimmune diseases, since it stimulates the immune system.
- Goldenseal: Like echinacea, the roots of goldenseal are used for medicinal purposes. It's often recommended for respiratory infections and for use in conjunction with echinacea as an immune system booster. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy.
- Astragalus: Astragalus herb roots are useful for immune system health.
- Elder flower and elderberry: Elder flowers and elderberry have a long history of use in treating colds and minor respiratory infections. They're also helpful for sinus infections and coughs.
- Reishi mushroom: Reishi mushrooms are used in Chinese medicine to enhance the immune system. They're also useful in cholesterol reduction.
How to Take Healing Herbs
First, it's important to choose the highest quality herbal supplement possible. Gaia Herbs is one of the best supplement manufacturers around, choosing organic herbs and conducting significant laboratory tests to create consistent herbal quality in products.
Tinctures, pills and tisanes (herbal teas) are all available. Tinctures are perhaps the easiest to use. Follow the label directions and place drops of herbal tincture into a glass of water. Pills offer convenience, but potency may be inconsistent unless from a reputable manufacturer. Teas and tisanes offer a popular method of consuming healing herbs, but many immune system herbs have a strong and rather unpleasant taste and as such do not make good tisanes. Whatever method is chosen, follow package and label directions carefully.
Other Natural Methods to Boost the Immune System
For those interested in natural methods to boost the immune system's response, several simple steps can be taken that help the body build a strong and healthy immune system:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Plant sources of foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While scientists have tried to isolate the exact components that help the human body, it's likely that a combination of factors is at play. All of these foods are healthy choices, low calorie, and consistently recommended by medical professionals, so eat up!
- Avoid excessive sugar. Sugar may slow the immune system response for several hours after ingestion. In the 1970s, Dr. John Ely put forward the Glucose Antagonism Theory. His research indicated that both vitamin C and glucose (sugar) use the same pathway to enter cells. If there's too much circulating sugar, it crowds out the vitamin C the way. Vitamin C boosts immune system health and cells take it in to help with many functions. Dr. Ely's theory has not been conclusively proven in the laboratory, but it offers an intriguing possibility. There's a lot of evidence that white sugar is not good for health, and it certainly won't hurt to avoid it.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleep gives the body's many systems a chance to work optimally. Getting enough rest is vital for good health.
- Wash hands frequently. Plain old soap and warm water wash away many microbes that causes disease, and while it doesn't really boost immune system health, it does keep the nasty germs at bay.
While no herbal supplement or preventative measure works 100% of the time, these steps may help many people ward off colds and flu viruses such as H1N1.
Sources:
- Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, DK Publishing, 2000.
- Hausman, Patricia and Hurley, Judith Benn. The Healing Foods. New York, Dell Publishing, 1989.
- Newman, Llynn. Common Uses of Herbal Extracts. Published by Herbal Authority, Inc. 2003.
- Scalzo, Richard. Traditional Medicines from the Earth. North Carolina, Traditional Medicines Publishing. 2003.
- The GAA Theory and Reversing Type 2 Diabetes, summary of Dr. Ely's theory, http://www.internetwks.com/owen/gaa.html
 |
