Are There Natural Ways to Boost the Immune System?

Herbs in small doses are proper medicines. Our ancient ancestors, knowing of the powers of herbs, collected them in a particular accordance with motions of the Moon and Sun.

Today, scientists have learned almost everything about all the possible influences of herbs on our body and are aware of almost all useful substances. Besides that, natural remedies are cost effective and accessible. There are certain substances in herbs that provide their healing properties, namely minerals and vitamins, which help to enhance the body resistance, and antioxidants, which protect the body as well as keep the immune system from wearing out.

Which herbs are immune system boosters?

Herbs that contain a high amount of silicic acid stimulate the production of T-lymphocytes by the thymus and activate the collaboration of these cells with B-lymphocytes-macrophages. Among these herbs are knot-grass, nettles, clover, lungwort, wheat grass, yarrow, horsetail, chicory, and some edible plants like buckwheat, peas, soybeans, and beans.

Zinc actively participates in the immune response. This mineral is found in many plants, including currants, buckwheat, peas, beans, red peppers, carrots, beets, and oats.

Selenium helps develop antibodies as well. This mineral possesses anti-tumor properties, and thus it is useful to include some of these plants in your and your children's daily nourishment. There are about 50 medicinal plants containing selenium concentrate, including aloe, hawthorn, marjoram, forest strawberries, Chinese magnolia, parsnips, Rhodiola Rosea, chamomile, licorice, celandine, and eucalyptus.

The macronutrient magnesium, participates in the immune processes, contributes to the creation of antibodies, promotes phagocytosis, and possesses a great anti-stress effect, which is particularly important in disorders of the nervous system. Good sources of magnesium are fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, corn, radishes, and beets. There is a lot of magnesium in nuts, walnut wood, onions, potatoes, wheat germ, buckwheat, oats, millet, barley, peas, and beans. Another plant rich in magnesium, as well as vitamin C, is rose hips.

Plant antioxidants normalize the acid-base balance of the body and the state of its cell membranes. They play a big role in the prevention and correction of immunodeficiency. Plants high in antioxidants include pomegranate, knot-grass, St. John's wort, trackwheel red, nettle, Chinese magnolia, buckthorn (butter), bedstraw true, milk thistle, black currant leaves, yarrow, H. arenarium, tarragon, and plants containing vitamin E, such as green peas, cabbage, parsley, and onions. Chickweed (woodlice) contains more ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than lemons and is an antioxidant that actively fights against the toxic waste products of bugs.

Are there any contradictions for herbal therapy?

Some herbs are not recommended for infants and young children, as their systems are just beginning to adapt to the external world.

Also, individuals who have idiosyncratic reactions to herbal remedies should not take them without first consulting their doctor. 

Always discuss with a doctor all doubts, questions, and ideas regarding treating your child with natural ingredients, especially if your he or she has a chronic illness or condition (vasculitis, for example).

The natural way to boost your health

Plants and herbs have therapeutic applications, but one can make use of them to naturally boost the immune system as a part of a daily diet. We can look at them as a means to boosting your health the natural way. There is something about making use of the most natural forms and methods to achieve optimum health that no artificial methods can beat. Many people attribute a stress-free lifestyle to incorporation of natural remedies into their diets.

Let’s take a quick look at some things that may provide a much-needed boost:

1. Start by keeping bad habits at bay. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol can be detrimental to your health. Quitting these bad habits will help the body be less prone to illnesses. Speak with your doctor for help with quitting smoking.
2. Physical activity is imperative. Our lifestyle can become so sedentary that it requires us to put extra effort into staying fit. Brisk walks, hitting the gym, or following a home workout program help to set a routine and boost immunity. Prevent mental and physical dullness and weakness from setting in and prevent drastic health issues at the same time. Obesity is connected with many other diseases, such as heart conditions.
3. Avoid stress as often as you can. Stress eats you up from within and prevents you from reaching your full potential. Keep stress out of your life by forming a regular routine, devoting only certain hours to working, taking time out for yourself, and unwinding in the evenings and weekend. Lack of stress boosts your immunity, as many illnesses can result from stress.
4. Keeping to a healthy diet is of utmost importance. Make sure you get your daily dose of essential nutrients, micronutrients, and calories for the day. Vegetables, especially green leafy ones, fruits, and other healthy foods act as natural immune boosters. Not only do they aid in keeping the body healthy, but they also help protect your body against deadly diseases.
5. Try natural supplements under supervision of your doctor. Natural supplements can be taken after clearing them with the doctor. Sometimes, the body needs natural supplements along with natural foods for that extra boost to the immune system.
6. Try out natural immunity boosters like probiotics. The market is flooded with probiotics in the form of drinks and fermented foods. Fermented foods and other probiotics have become a fad because the modern world has caught up with traditional remedies. Scientific studies have begun proving the benefits of eating these. They are naturally found in foods such as plain yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi.
7. Regulate your lifestyle to boost your immunity. Staying healthy means staying fit. Try your best to eradicate or avoid stress, have regular health check-ups, eat a well-balanced diet, sleep well, and follow a healthy daily routine that incorporates enough physical activity and sleep.
8. In case of doubt, always consult your doctor. He or she will advise you on what is best for you after examining you, and prescribe only what is needed and can be handled by your body.