One of the best ways to avoid getting sick is to have a healthy immune system. In most healthy adults, the immune system works without any problem.
Add in the pressures of every day life, however—stress, anxiety, poor nutrition, not enough exercise, not enough sleep, etc. and the immune system could use some help to work optimally.
In addition to addressing the modern stressors listed above, you can boost your immune system through herbal medicine.
Echinacea purpurea is the herb most people think of when they think about boosting their immune system. Some use echinacea as a natural antibiotic. Several research studies have shown that echinacea is effective in increasing cells in the body involved in fighting illness.
Echinacea is a good choice for people who have colds, the flu, staph or strep infections or urinary tract infections. For best results, use echinacea for about 2 weeks, and then take a break for one week.
Echinacea is often used in combination with golden seal. Golden seal can lower blood sugar levels, so it should not be used with people who suffer from hypoglycemia.
Garlic is a popular choice for natural health. In addition to being a natural antibiotic, it also fights viruses and fungi. Garlic also has antiseptic properties. Not only does garlic help immune function, it is also good for cardiovascular health.
Elderberry is thought to prevent viruses from being able to reproduce. Echinacea and astragalus are often used in combination with elderberry to strength the immune system and prevent respiratory infections.
Probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidophilus help our bodies maintain healthy bacteria in our digestive systems, where many of our immune factors originate. It is a good idea to use probiotics after any intestinal illness or any time you have taken antibiotics.
