Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in supporting your white blood cells. According to MedlinePlus, white blood cells, or leukocytes, help fight infections. There are five principal types of leukocytes, including basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. White blood cells are one of the most important parts of your immune system. Before taking dietary supplements to help support your white blood cells, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Echinacea
Echinacea, a member of the aster family, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful for supporting your white blood cells. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, echinacea, also known as Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia, has been used to help treat viral infections, wounds, the common cold and other infections. Echinacea is also an immune system stimulant. Echinacea is a perennial plant that grows in the Midwestern part of North America. Echinacea has a pungent and sweet taste; possesses drying, stimulating and cooling tendencies; and bears single purple or pink flowers. The root -- and sometimes the seeds and flowers -- of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that echinacea is an effective supplement in treating immune system deficiencies. Echinacea is capable of boosting both the number and the activity of your white blood cells.
Astragalus
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that astragalus, also known as Astragalus membranaceus, is an adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant and a diuretic that has immune-enhancing properties, encourages tissue regeneration and protects you from white blood cell losses during chemotherapy. Astragalus, notes Tilgner, helps strengthen and support your immune system, can help decrease tumor growth and is beneficial to individuals with compromised immune systems. Astragalus is a perennial plant native to Mongolia, Korea and certain parts of China. Astragalus belongs to the legume family, has a moistening and sweet taste, and possesses slightly warming tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the root of the astragalus plant medicinally.
Ligustrum
Ligustrum, also called Ligustrum lucidum, is a fruit-bearing shrub native to China and certain parts of eastern Asia, although it is now grown as an ornamental plant in countries around the world, including the United States. Ligustrum belongs to the olive family, has a sweet and bitter taste, and possesses cooling tendencies. The berries of the ligustrum plant are used for medicinal purposes, including white blood cell and immune system support. According to Tilgner, ligustrum is an antioxidant, antibacterial and immune system modulator that is used to enhance white blood cell counts following chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Tilgner notes that ligustrum is commonly used in conjunction with astragalus to help treat cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, ligustrum is used to help improve longevity and strengthen your body overall.
References
- MedlinePlus: WBC Count
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Echinacea
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
