Top 5 Herbs to Boost Immunity
Using herbs to stay healthy becomes a priority as fall and winter approach.
Keeping the immune system strong is one of the best ways to stay healthy. When cold and flu season hits, you want to have natural products on your side to fight infections. Herbs work effectively, especially when taken as a preventative.
Herbs can be taken singly but often work better synergistically, or taken with other herbs as part of a formula.
Herbs specific to the immune system will work on activating the body’s immune cells that fight infections to help it stay healthy.
Immune boosting herbs are often one or a combination of the following – anti-oxidants, anti-viral and anti-fungal.
There are 5 top herbs you should take to boost immunity. These are Olive Leaf extract, Elderberry, Echinacea, Neem Leaf and Goldenseal.
Olive leaf is getting more known as an anti-oxidant to ward off viruses. The leaf, which comes from the olive tree, helps to scavenge free radicals that attack the body’s cells and tissues. Olive leaf extract also provides the body with more energy, and this is useful when fighting a cold or flu.
Elderberry (also known as Sambuca) is known for enhancing the immune system with bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect cells.
Echinacea is an herb with a reputation for boosting the immune system. The herb stimulates the activity of certain immune cells responsible for fighting infections. So echinacea makes the body’s own immune cells more efficient by attacking viruses, bacteria and other abnormal cells. It is best taken as a preventative herb.
Neem Tree, or more specifically the bark of the tree, is known for a number of compounds that are effective at regulating immune system functions. It is well known as an anti-viral and anti-fungal herb.
Finally, Goldenseal fights colds and flu as it is affects the mucous membranes and can be particularly effective in keeping it flowing and prevent bacterial infections from setting in.
These herbs can be used singly though they are more powerful taken together. Herbs can be taken in tea form (though not recommended for olive leaf or goldenseal which has a strong taste), in tinctures or in capsules.
Capsules are one of the most convenient ways to take herbs and these enter the body’s bloodstream fairly quickly to get started on boosting the immune system.
When taking herbs, it’s important to know if there are any side effects, if the herb in question will have counter-indications with medication or if a pregnant or nursing woman can take them.
Top 5 Herbs to Boost Immunity by Marilyn Zink
