A Guide to Herbs for Immunity
Immune system breakdown can hit anyone, at any time. You can be prepared by keeping your body strong.
Herbs can be a lifesaver if you’re dealing with weak immune response. The results can be dramatic in terms of improved well-being and reduced colds and flu.
In this article, I’ll be covering the superior herbs in Immune Daily tonic, an herbal formula you can use regularly to build your immune defenses.
Top Herbs in Immune Daily for Your Immune Defenses
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)
Astragalus is a “power root” for immunity. It strengthens all phases of immune response. It increases the number of stem cells in the marrow and lymph.
It also stimulates macrophages, natural killer cell activity, and antibody formation. Astragalus is one of the few herbs known to boost interferon, a natural antiviral substance.
In studies with people with weakened immunity (leukopenia), astragalus improved natural resistance so patients stayed healthier. It’sespecially beneficial to fight respiratory problems.
Most health food stores sell the dried root in bulk (It looks like a tongue depressor). Astragalus is easy to use in Immune Daily tonic, or added to soup with miso, onions, and garlic.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), reishi is called the “Elixir of Immortality.” While it won’t make you live forever, reishi mushrooms have a balancing effect on the body, regardless of the concern.
Reishi is an adaptogen and immune modulator. It reduces immune system response when it’s overactive, and strengthens the immune response when it’s weak.
Reishi stimulates your immune system’s phagocytes, the “eater cells” that ingest harmful bacteria, and boosts the activity of your T- cells.
It’s the perfect support plant for a person with weak immune response caused by constant stress. Reishi is too bitter and dense for eating, but a high quality supplement is excellent for your immune program.
Schisandra berries (Schisandra chinensis)
Another superior tonic, schisandra is an exceptional immune herb. Research shows particular success for schisandra against the flu and sinusitis.
It’s widely known to help the body to use oxygen, so it’s excellent for athletes, for people who live at high altitudes, and people with respiratory problems.
Schisandra has a normalizing and strengthening effect on the adrenal glands. Because it supports the adrenals, schisandra helps neutralize the effects of stress, a major immune system depressor.
Schisandra is also a potent antioxidant, decreases inflammation, and may prevent colds, too.
Black Elderberry (Sambucas nigra)
Black elderberry is highly popular today for its ability to reduce the duration of colds and protect the body from flu viruses. Elderberry is full of immune-enhancing, antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C and flavonoids.
Some evidence suggests that elderberry and flowers can reduce swelling in mucous membranes, relieving nasal congestion. In one test tube study, black elderberry was able to kill the H1N1 virus (swine flu), but it’s unknown whether it would be effective in people.
Black elderberry works well by itself or combined with other herbs in Immune Daily Tonic.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
A member of the ginger family, turmeric is well known as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. However, new information has surfaced that it also functions as an immune modulator.
Protective of the entire system, turmeric can support the activity of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and macrophages. As an antioxidant, turmeric is up to eight times stronger than vitamins C and E.
In Immune Daily Tonic, turmeric acts as an immune balancer, companion herb, and catalyst, helping to increase the benefits of other herbs in the formula.
Give your body nutritious foods and high quality herbs at the first sign of immune weakness. This improves your chances of overcoming sickness before it takes serious hold.
Herbs are foods that your body can easily draw healing essences and nutrients from. You can count the superior herbs in Immune Daily Tonic for system support in high risk seasons or times of high stress.
References:
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Ganoderma lucidum: Summary: All essential benefits, effects, facts & information. (2016). Retrieved from https://examine.com/supplements/ganoderma-lucidum/
Hsu, M.J., Lee, S.S., Lee, S.T,& Lin, W.W. (2003, May), Signaling mechanisms of enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis and chemotaxis by the polysaccharide purified from Ganoderma lucidum. British Journal of Pharmacology,139(2):289-98. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12770934
Jagetia, G.C., Aggarwal, B.B. (2007, Jan.).”Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 27(1),19-35. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17211725
McCaleb, R. (1997). Boosting Immunity with Herbs. Retrieved from http://www.herbs.org/greenpapers/immune.html
Monograph (2003). Astragalus membranaceus. Alternative Medicine Review, 8(1):72-77.
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Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2008, July). Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis Bail: an overview of Russian research and uses in medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 118(2):183-212. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024
Roschek, B., Fink, R.C., McMichael, M.D., Li, D., & Alberte, R.S. (2009). Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry, 70(10),1255-61. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19682714
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