About Boosting Immunity Naturally
Over 80% of the earth’s population depends on plants that increase immunity and promote healing. The immune system is one of the more complex systems within the human body. It helps keep you healthy by tackling viruses, bacteria and abnormal cells, all while distinguishing between your own healthy tissue and the invading pathogen. Plants that boost the immune system naturally help keep you healthy. The key to using these plants is prevention. The role of plants that increase immunity is just that, to support and strengthen your body’s natural immune system.
Natural Immune Boosters
Why should natural immune boosters be important against coronavirus? Well, as mentioned, antibiotics have their place but they are used against bacteria not viruses. What natural immune boosters do is support the immune system so when it has to take on a virus, it can pack a punch. Echinacea is a plant long used to strengthen immunity, specifically upper respiratory tract infections, and effectively shortens their duration and severity. It also has antimicrobial properties and regulates inflammation. It should be used daily during cold and flu season. Elder is derived from elderberries and contains proanthocyanadins. These antimicrobials also boost the immune system while the antioxidant-rich flavonoids protect cells and fight off invaders. Like echinacea, elder has been used to treat flu symptoms for hundreds of years. Elder should be taken within 24 hours of the first flu-like symptom. Other plants that increase immunity include astragalus and ginseng, both of which boost resistance to infection and slow tumor growth. Aloe vera, St. John’s wort, and licorice are also plants that have been shown to boost immunity. Garlic is another plant that boosts the immune system. It contains allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates that help prevent and fight infection. Historically, garlic has also been used to treat fungal infections and disinfect wounds. The best way to receive the benefits of garlic is to eat it raw, which might be quite a feat for some. Add raw garlic to pesto or other sauces and in homemade vinaigrettes to reap its benefits. Other culinary herbs said to boost the immune system are thyme and oregano. Shiitake mushrooms and chilies are known to increase immunity, too.
