Strengthen the Immune System Naturally

Home
>
Alternative Medicine
>
Strengthen the Immune System Naturally

Strengthen the Immune System Naturally

"Among the most exciting applications of herbal medicine lie in treating abnormalities of the immune system. Clinical studies have shown that various herbal products are effective in treating allergies, asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Herbal medicine also has a unique potential usefulness in balancing the immune system in cases of chronic infection, preventing the immune system from turning on the body and causing destruction."

~Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Prescription for Herbal Healing

A healthy, properly functioning immune system is absolutely vital to good health. It is the key to the healing process from the tiniest scratch - to the most complex virus. Even the aging process is intimately linked with the immune system.

Compromised immunity leaves us vulnerable to disease and impairs our ability to heal properly and age well.

SIGNS OF IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION

CANDIDIASIS/ YEAST INFECTIONS

RECURRING INFECTIONS

CHRONIC FATIGUE

LISTLESSNESS

CHRONIC DIARRHEA

SLOW WOUND HEALING

ALLERGIES

INFLAMMATION

People who have more than 2 or 3 colds or infectious illnesses per year are likely suffering from weakened immunity

WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?

The immune system is a complex system of interactions involving many organs and glands as well as substances such as bone marrow, white blood cells, lymphatic vessels and serum factors in our blood. Our immunity dependson all these components functioning together.

HOW DOES OUR IMMUNITY BECOME IMPAIRED?

Unfortunately, modern life is full of things that tend to depress our immune systems.

PESTICIDES

CHEMICHALS IN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

FOOD ADDITIVES

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS

POOR LIVING HABITS

STRESS

IMPROPER NUTRITION

CHEMOTHERAPY

Also many disorders have been linked to improper immune function including thyroid deficiency, diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, reheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pernicious anemia.

For optimal immune function we need to address any disorders that may be inhibiting immune function. We also need to take steps to avoid exposure to toxins such as pesticides and chemicals we use around the house. Try wearing gloves when cleaning to avoid skin exposure and avoid inhaling fumes from things like bleach, oven cleaners, and the like. Make sure dishes and glassware are thouroughly rinsed of any residue from dishwashing liquids etc. Even though they're more expensive, consider buying nontoxic cleansers. Take steps to ensure that the soaps and shampoos you use are made from the most natural ingredients possible. (Aubrey Organics is a good option.) It's also important to get plenty of fresh air and to drink the purest water available.

HERBS THAT BENEFIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

ASTRAGALUS - A powerful antioxidant which protects the liver from toxins, boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body.

ECHINACEA - Enhances lymphatic function and boosts immune system.

GINKGO BILOBA - A powerful antioxidant which increases circulation to brain cells.

GOLDENSEAL - An antibacterial which strengthens the immune system and cleanses the blood. (Don't take internally for more than a week at a time or if pregnant.)

ST. JOHN'S WORT- A blood purifier useful in cases of Epstein - Barr virus and HIV.

OLIVE LEAF - Effective against numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has been used in the treatment of people with viral illnesses such as Epstein-Barr disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Herpes and AIDS.

SPIRULINA - Aids in protecting the immune system and cleansing toxins from the body. Though technically a nutrient, not an herb, spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps protect the immune system and aids in mineral absorption. It helps balance blood sugar levels and supplies nutrients that help the body cleanse and heal.

Other herbs that enhance the immune response are

BAYBERRY,FENUGREEK , HAWTHORN, HOREHOUND and RED CLOVER .

~Herbal Formulas~

Herbs often work best when used in combination with other herbs. There are contraindications for certain herbs if you have an auto-immune disorder. Consult a good herbal book or work with an herbalist to create a blend appropriate for your needs.

~ CLEANSE THE LIVER ~

The liver is our primary detoxifying organ and must be functioning optimally for proper immunity.

Herbs which are useful in cleansing the liver include BLACK RADISH, DANDELION, and MILK THISTLE.

~Other Steps to Improved Immunity~

Proper Nutrition

In addition to using herbs to strengthen and balance the immune system it is important to supply the body with adequate nutrients.

Vitamin A Vital to the body's defense system - known as the infection-fighting vitamin.

Vitamin C Probably the most important vitamin to the immune system. It has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses and is needed for forming adrenal hormones and lymphocytes.

Vitamin E Works synergystically with vitamins A & C as well the mineral selenium as a scavenger of toxic free-radicals.

Zinc Promotes healing of wounds and boosts immune response.

Germanium A trace element which benefits the immune system.

Get sufficient sleep.

Don't Smoke

Excercise Regularly

Reduce Stress and Anxiety.

Stress triggers changes in biochemistry that suppress white blood cell activity and taxes the endocrine system in ways that ultimately result in lowered defense against infection and an impaired capacity for healing. Stress also depletes the body of nutrients. Addressing chronic stress is a very important element of bringing the immune system into balance.

About The Author

Cori Young is an herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest. For more information on healing with herbs, visit her website, Herbal Remedies Info (http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com)

cori@herbalremediesinfo.com

In The News:

Alternative-school links grow on Camden board
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Claudia Vargas Milagros Torres, whose daughter Felicia was bullied at school, now backs alternative schools. RICHARD KAUFFMAN / Staff Milagros Torres joined a chorus of parents advocating for alternatives to public schools in Camden after her ...

Kirkland Views
LETTER | Alternatives are higher Density for Potala than Federally Subsidized ...
Kirkland Views
By Karen Levenson on May 20, 2012 in Development, Opinion I would like to draw citizen of Kirkland attention to the greater intensity of Alternative(s) proposed in Potala EIS (Lake Washington Blvd) vs. Federally Subsidized, Seattle Housing Authority's ...

USA TODAY
Galaxy Tab an affordable iPad alternative
USA TODAY
Instead, it offers a more portable, more affordable alternative to the Apple juggernaut. If you're looking for a smaller tablet that won't break the bank, this latest 7-inch tablet from Samsung is certainly worth a look. The device is the successor to ...

and more »

gulfnews.com
Two alternative hearing centres planned for Asia
gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which opened an alternative hearing centre in Abu Dhabi recently, plans to open a centre in Shanghai and another in Kuala Lumpur, the General Secretary of CAS has told Gulf News.

and more »

Friends Life Care, a long-term alternative
Philadelphia Inquirer
Because they provide both care and financial protection, programs like Friends Life Care offer an alternative to traditional continuing-care facilities and to conventional long-term-care insurance. They've been growing in popularity recently, ...

and more »

Alternative school teacher focuses on the positive
Danville Commercial News
After more than 22 years in Danville District 118's alternative education program, Watson is retiring at the end of this school year along with his friend and fellow alternative education teacher Bill Houpt, who has served District 118 for 20 years.

and more »

The Hindu
'Find solutions through alternative sources'
Deccan Herald
The construction industry should find solutions for their problems through alternative sources and hence build affordable houses, said Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly N Yogish Bhat after inaugurating 'Mangalore Realty and Buildcon Expo' ...
Call to think of alternative sources for constructionHindu Business Line

all 4 news articles »

South Bay Healing Center of San Jose Offers Healthy Alternative Ways to Use ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
South Bay Healing Center medical marijuana dispensary offers healthy alternatives to smoking medical marijuana. San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2012 Medical marijuana offers many healing properties with many different application methods depending on the ...

and more »

Niche establishments cater to alternative preferences
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
By ALYSSA MURPHY (amurphy@sungazette.com) , Williamsport Sun-Gazette Along with a diversifying global cuisine, some local food establishments are catering to alternative lifestyles. Later this month, Sunflower Cafe and Bakery will open at 145 W. Fourth ...

Cleaner alternative offered to Tondo charcoal makers
Inquirer.net (blog)
UPA volunteer Jessa Margallo said charcoal-making remains a stable source of income for residents of Ulingan as households seek cheaper alternatives amid the rising cost of cooking fuel, mainly liquefied petroleum gas. About 15 residents started this ...

Google News