Herbs for immune system

Today it is common knowledge that the immune system is essential for human health. Its role is to detect and attack foreign substances and organisms in the body, the ones it considers to be harmful for the normal functioning. People are usually not aware of the battle that goes on inside the body, when a foreign organism penetrates it and the immune system sets off its weapons to fight them. If the immune system wins, the person does not even know there was a risk, for example of infection. Immune system also fight abnormal cell growth which leads to cancer.

When the immune system is weakened or impaired, the harmful agents can damage the health and the sign of this is the onset of a disease.

Many factors can contribute to immune system impairment. Emotional or physical stress, trauma, injury, chronic disease, poor diet, sudden weight loss, obesity, pollutants, unhealthy lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle and many different factors may lead to weakening of the immune system.

Even the healthy persons should consider improving their immune system, because the body can only benefit from it. Healthy diet, herbs and supplements play an important role in doing so.

Important nutrients

Vitamin C is always recommended by the doctors for cases of infections like cold and flu. This is because this vitamin greatly improves the performance of immune system. The action of vitamin C can be enhanced with the use of plant-based substances called bioflavonoids.

White blood cells are used by the body to fight harmful organisms and clear off substances. Their production can be aided by increasing the intake of vitamins of the B group, especially B6 and pantothenic acid.

The immune system depends highly on a healthy intestinal flora. This means that it is important to nourish the friendly bacteria that inhabit the intestines. It can be done by using the products which contain such bacteria, like acidophilus.

Zinc is an essential mineral which plays an important role in the body’s natural defense. It can be found in many foods but it is advised to take it as a supplement too.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene are also important for proper functioning of the immune system.

Herbs

Many herbs have the ability to improve the immune system, thanks to their natural compounds. Most of the herbs used for this purpose work by detoxifying the body and eliminating harmful waste products. Herbs best known for this characteristic are watercress, dandelion, stinging nettle, Korean white ginseng, Echinacea, fir, pine, juniper, and thyme.

Echinacea is an excellent plant for boosting the immune system because it stimulates the white blood cell production. It can be found in form of capsules, syrup or drops.

A great concoction of immune system can be made from two spoons each of dandelion root, licorice root, lovage and couch grass roots. The concoction is mixed with cup of water to a tablespoon and used as a supplement.