Most people would agree that it is always better to prevent illness than to get ill and then have to recover. Various herbs have been used for centuries to boost the immune system, helping individuals remain healthy and more resistant to disease, especially during cold and flu season. You can use herbal remedies to enhance your immune system, but use caution. Herbs can produce side effects, so consult your health practitioner to ensure you are using the correct herb for your individual case.
Garlic
Known around the world for centuries as a potent medicinal herb, garlic contains compounds that fight disease and boost the immune system. Garlic possesses antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, and is especially helpful in warding off infections, writes James Duke in "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Use garlic in your cooking regularly to benefit from its medicinal agents. Garlic can be added to an herbal tea mix to enhance its healing properties. If you prefer, you can purchase odorless garlic in capsules at the health food store. If you choose to take garlic supplements, choose those that are freeze dried rather than heated. Heat destroys the healthy chemicals during the manufacturing process. Consult an herbal specialist or your health practitioner for dosing guidelines.
Pau D'Arco
Pau d'arco is an herb that was originally discovered in South America that is used to fight disease and enhance the immune system. It is very well-known among traditional herbalists for the treatment of infections as well as having properties that make it useful as an anti-viral and anti-fungal remedy, according to the University of Colorado at Denver. Along with helping to cure disease, pau d'arco tea may be effective in enhancing the immune system, strengthening you to be able to ward off viruses like flu. Pau d'arco comes in dried form and can be purchased at most health food stores. It is primarily administered as an herbal tea. Pau d'arco can thin the blood. Do not use this herb if you take blood-thinning medicines unless under the supervision of your health practitioner.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a Chinese herb used to clean toxins from the blood and to build a healthy immune system, according to the City University of New York. In addition, it can be used to treat fevers and infections that are the result of blood poisoning or toxins in the system, adds CUNY. Drinking chrysanthemum tea regularly may help you resist an acute outbreak of flu or a cold. In regular, small doses, chrysanthemum tea can help to keep your system clear of waste materials, enabling your immune system to become stronger and remain stronger. Consult your herbal practitioner or doctor of oriental medicine for dosage guidelines. Chrysanthemum flowers are best consumed as an herbal tea and are available from some health food stores and from Chinese stores specializing in herbal remedies. Chrysanthemum may cause allergic reactions. Some people may develop a skin rash or stomach upsets, nausea or vomiting. If you experience any symptoms, stop taking it and contact your health practitioner.
Making Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are one way to use herbs as immune system enhancers. Making herbal tea is quick and easy, and you can keep a supply of dried or fresh herbs on hand for use whenever you need them. Add the prescribed amount of herb to a pot of water and boil for five minutes. Reduce the flame and simmer for an additional 10 to 20 minutes or whatever your practitioner recommends. Remove from the heat, strain and cool. Drink a cup or more of the tea as recommended by your herbalist. If there is any left over, store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the tea on low and do not reboil before drinking the remainder. Herbal tea can be made stronger or weaker according to your taste. To sweeten, add natural stevia or a small amount of honey.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- Paudarco.org: Pau d'Arco Benefits
- University of Colorado at Denver: Pau d'Arco
- "Helio Acupuncture Book, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica"; Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
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