Medicinal Plants That Help The Immune System

Many plants possess medicinal properties that can help your immune system. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, your immune system comprises cells, tissues and organs that work in concert to ward off attacks by foreign invaders. Bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses can all cause infections that challenge your immune system. Before using medicinal plants to help improve your immune system, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Hyssop

Hyssop, also known as Hyssopus officinalis, is a medicinal plant that may help improve your immune system. According to the University of Michigan Health System, hyssop, a member of the mint family, contains volatile oils that can help treat your upper respiratory tract irritations. The herb's volatile oils are responsible for its expectorant action, which is helpful in treating coughs, asthma and bronchitis. Hyssop is a herbaceous plant native to certain parts of the Mediterranean region, the Middle East and Central Asia. Hyssop has a bitter, sharp and spicy taste; and it possesses drying, stimulating and relaxing tendencies; it thrives in most soil types. The flowers and leaves 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 hyssop is used to help treat bronchitis, rhinitis and the common cold. Hyssop is an antiviral, expectorant and astringent and may help treat other conditions associated with your immune system, including flu and long-standing low-grade fevers. Consult with your physician about appropriate dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking hyssop to help strengthen your immune system.

Paracress

Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that paracress, a member of the aster family, is an antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and immune system modulator. Paracress, notes Tilgner, is used to help enhance the resistance of your immune system to infections and boost your wound-healing capabilities. Paracress has been used to help treat many conditions, including colds, flu, infections, bacterial manifestations, viral conditions and swollen glands. Paracress, also called Spilanthes acmella, is a plant native to the Brazilian tropics, although it is now grown for ornamental and medicinal purposes around the world. Paracress has a pungent, tongue-tingling taste. Botanical medicine practitioners use the whole plant medicinally to help boost your immune system and ward off infectious agents. Meet with your doctor before taking paracress to discuss dosage, side effects and possible drug interactions.

Ligustrum

Ligustrum, or Ligustrum lucidum, is a fruit-bearing tree that can grow up to 75 feet tall. Ligustrum, the fruit of which is used for medicinal purposes, belongs to the olive family. The fruit of the tree has a sweet and bitter taste and possesses cooling tendencies. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that ligustrum is an immune system stimulant and medicinal plant that has been used to help treat dizziness, fever, viral infections and other health complaints. According to Tilgner, ligustrum is an antibacterial, antioxidant and immune system modulator that helps improve your white blood cell counts following chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Ligustrum, notes Tilgner, is commonly used with another medicinal plant called astragalus to help treat cancer. Ligustrum, which helps strengthen your body overall, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Before taking ligustrum, talk with your physician about possible side effects, appropriate dosage and likely drug interactions.