Herbal remedies have been used for hundreds of years to help improve the immune system and fight off infection. Your immune system -- a network of cells, tissues and organs -- can recognize millions of different foreign invaders and generate fluids and cells to combat almost all of them. Talk with your doctor before taking herbal medicine to enhance your immune function.
Immune System Function
Your immune system is composed of bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and thymus gland. Lymph, a fluid containing numerous substances, and lymph ducts are also part of your immune system. Immune function varies among individuals. Some people may develop a health problem due to low immunity. The different types of immune system disorders include allergic disease, autoimmune diseases, immune complex diseases and immune deficiency disorders.
Helpful Herbs
Some herbs may be helpful in improving the health and function of your immune system and warding off infection. Expert herbalist, naturopathic doctor and author Sharol Tilgner states that the following herbs have antiviral action and help support your immune system: echinacea, St. John's wort, hyssop, lomatium, paracress and cedar leaf. Other herbs that may help support your immune system include licorice, osha, astragalus, codonopsis, ligustrum, Siberian ginseng and schisandra. Some of these herbs may be particularly helpful if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs for improving your immune system. A wildflower indigenous to North America, echinacea has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as the common cold, infections and influenza. Echinacea possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral action, stimulates wound healing and improves your immune system's resistance to infections. The roots and the above-ground parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine.
Considerations
Problems with your immune system should be evaluated by your physician. Before taking echinacea or other herbs to help improve your immunity, talk with a health care provider specializing in botanical medicine or clinical nutrition to determine the best herbs or combination of herbs for your particular condition. A qualified health care professional can provide you with information on dosage, duration of treatment, possible side effects and what herbs to avoid. If you are pregnant, you should always talk with your doctor before using herbs.
References
- National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases: What is the Immune System?
- MedlinePlus: Immune System
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Michigan Health System: Echinacea
