As always, prevention is better than cure. That is why improving our immune system is very important. This is where healthy lifestyle and diet choices come in. It is estimated that there are over 400 different viruses causing infections, including the flu, the cold, hepatitis, HIV and mononucleosis. A lot of people choose to have a flu shot, or annual influenza vaccination; however, this is just 80% effective. Fortunately, a large amount of antiviral herbs are available out there, which can boost your immune system, fight infections and decrease inflammation. We bring to you 10 out of them. Just read on!
1. Echinacea
This is considered a top-selling herb. Using echinacea regularly is highly beneficial for immune system as well as our overall health. A study showed that phytochemicals in echinacea can help decrease tumors and virus infections.
Besides, this herb has echinacein - a compound which can inhibit viruses and bacteria from getting into healthy cells. As a result, it reduces the risk of contracting infections. Other benefits of echinacea include lessening pain, decreasing inflammation, improving skin issues, boosting mental health and treating upper respiratory problems.
2. Calendula
Among powerful herbs that boost immune system, calendula is commonly known. Its flower petals have long been used for medicinal purposes since the 12th century.
Calendula has a rich content of flavonoids, which are antioxidants with the ability of protecting cells from damage of free radicals, fighting viruses, bacteria and inflammation. On the other hand, dried calendula petals are used in ointments, tinctures and washes to cure burns, infections, and wounds.
Nowadays, the ear drops that contain calendula are used to relieve ear infections in children without side effects.
3. Cinnamon
In essence, cinnamon is a tree bark derived from Ceylon and mainly found in Asia and South America. It is a circulatory stimulant and warming aromatic agent that helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms in common colds and flu. Therefore, it prevents infections and stimulates immune defenses in acute cases of infection.
Furthermore, cinnamon has the ability of blocking the release of inflammatory fatty acids from our cell membranes, thereby preventing clumping of the blood platelets. You can take advantage of cinnamon tea (mixed with grated ginger) to fend off early symptoms of a cold.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a vibrant orange root, which is closely related to ginger. It has been used for medicinal purpose in India and Asian countries for thousands of years. This herb is an integral part of the Ayurvedic medicine to heal wounds, repel insects, release mucus, relieve inflammation, and so on.
The key active ingredient making this herb powerful is curcumin which gives turmeric its special orange-yellow color. Studies proved that turmeric could give a boost to the white blood cells, helping the human body fight off viruses, bacteria and other illnesses.
In addition, turmeric has been found to boost the expression of perforin, which is a protein playing a crucial role in immune response. That is why turmeric is mentioned in this list of powerful antiviral herbs that boost immune system.
5. Garlic
Specific chemical compounds in garlic are effective in killing many microorganisms which are responsible for most infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, herpes and thrush.
Thanks to its antiviral effects, garlic could be used as a natural remedy for ear infection. Other benefits of raw garlic include controlling hypertension, reducing risk of cancer, boosting cardiovascular health, and boosting hair growth.
6. Astragalus Root
Another herb that boosts immune system is astragalus root, which has been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The main use of this herb is boosting immune system. According to scientific studies, it was shown that astragalus root has antiviral effects, suggesting that it may play an important role in preventing the common cold and flu. Astragalus also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, so it is also used for wound care.
7. Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw has antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The root and back of this herb have been widely used to treat health issues like stomach ulcers, fevers, dysentery, and digestive conditions. Other benefits of cat’s claw include treating irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
8. Thyme
Thyme has detoxifying and penetrative properties thanks to its volatile oils, so it helps open skin pores and thin mucus. This herb is considered an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent for the lungs. It explains why this herb is used as an effective home remedy for diphtheria, typhoid, postnasal drip, whooping cough in children, common colds, bronchitis and sore throat.
9. Ginger
The ability of ginger to improve immune system was praised by Ayurvedic medicine. It may be because ginger can warm up the body, break down the toxin accumulation in body organs.
On the other hand, ginger helps cleanse the human body’s sewage system – the lymphatic system. Thus, it reduces your risk of getting viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Other health benefits of ginger are treating nausea, alleviating pain, improving diabetes, etc.
10. Licorice Root
The last but not least of the powerful antiviral herbs that boosts immune system is licorice root. This herb emerges as an incredible remedy for diseases like influenza and hepatitis C. In accordance with a review published on the Chinese Journal of Virology, licorice root has antiviral activity thanks to its triterpenoid content. More interestingly, this herb also possesses immunostimulating, free radical-fighting and antioxidant effects.
Other lesser-known benefits of licorice root are relieving pain, sore throat, and cough, healing adrenal fatigue and reducing leaky gut symptoms.
About the author:
John Hughes is a Health and Beauty expert who has more than 5 years of experience in healthcare industry. For more health care tips on healthy living, visit him at the website TrueRemedies.com. There, you will find posts on natural treatments, recipes, healthy foods, and so much more.
Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
