Plants for the Immune System
Our immune systems are our bodies defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Parts of this system include the lymph system, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, white blood cells, and antibodies. Common things that can go wrong are immunodeficiency disorders, autoimmune disorders and allergic disorders. Many believe that our illness comes from a build up of toxins on the inside and inflammation, as well as external environemntal factors.
Being aware of your bodies first signs of catching a cold and coming down with something is key to stopping it. Common quick fixes are sweating it out and also have a tincture on hand- usually something like echinacea. Using quick fixes that suppress the symptoms, like Nyquil and other over the counter medicines, generally further deplete our immune systems. Here are the 3 main herbs we discussed used for supporting the immune system.
A simple homemade tincture to boost immunity from DIY Natural!
Astragulus~ Membranaceus
Is in the National Cancer database as a plant that inhibits tumor growth. It is also great to use after steroid use, restorative. Good for people who tend to wear themselves out and expend too much energy, it builds white blood cells and stops viral replication. It is preventive herb for all ailments from the cold to chronic illness, even HIV. It is a root and is better used as a food than a tea- the root can be sliced or grated and used in soup stocks and the powder form of it can be used in everything- smoothies, oatmeal, etc. You can boil the root down into a decoction and drink it too.
Reishi Mushroom~ Ganoderma Lucidum
This is also highly highly beneficial for cancer, immune deficiencies, allergies, chemo recovery- it is a blood oxygenator, metabolic and adrenal restorative, immune stimulator, anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, a nervine and actually lowers cholesterol. In China it is referred to as the "Elixir of Life". Great for people with a history of cancer, allergies, immune deficiencies, tumors, going through or recovering from chemotherapy, high blood pressue, insomnia, high cholesterol. If you have a strong senstivity to mold you will want to start with small amounts of this. You can make this as a decoction with the actual mushroom, or buy it in a powder form (that is how I use it) and stir it into your food, tea, coffee, etc.
Echinacea~ Purpuera Angustifolia
This is the one we have all heard of and probably used before. It is an immune stimulator- also an anti-inflammatory. It will get the virus/cold/illness in you moving around and stimulate your lymphatic system as well. It moves and cleanses things, is anti-viral and kills bad cells. Great for colds, microbial infections, boils, acne, strep/staff infection, blood poisons, herpes, candida, UTI's, good for the bladder and reproductive system. It is best taken at the onset of a cold- good to have the tincture on hand for this. Otherwise use the root and make a decoction.
Being aware of your bodies first signs of catching a cold and coming down with something is key to stopping it. Common quick fixes are sweating it out and also have a tincture on hand- usually something like echinacea. Using quick fixes that suppress the symptoms, like Nyquil and other over the counter medicines, generally further deplete our immune systems. Here are the 3 main herbs we discussed used for supporting the immune system.
A simple homemade tincture to boost immunity from DIY Natural!
Astragulus~ Membranaceus
Is in the National Cancer database as a plant that inhibits tumor growth. It is also great to use after steroid use, restorative. Good for people who tend to wear themselves out and expend too much energy, it builds white blood cells and stops viral replication. It is preventive herb for all ailments from the cold to chronic illness, even HIV. It is a root and is better used as a food than a tea- the root can be sliced or grated and used in soup stocks and the powder form of it can be used in everything- smoothies, oatmeal, etc. You can boil the root down into a decoction and drink it too.
Reishi Mushroom~ Ganoderma Lucidum
This is also highly highly beneficial for cancer, immune deficiencies, allergies, chemo recovery- it is a blood oxygenator, metabolic and adrenal restorative, immune stimulator, anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, a nervine and actually lowers cholesterol. In China it is referred to as the "Elixir of Life". Great for people with a history of cancer, allergies, immune deficiencies, tumors, going through or recovering from chemotherapy, high blood pressue, insomnia, high cholesterol. If you have a strong senstivity to mold you will want to start with small amounts of this. You can make this as a decoction with the actual mushroom, or buy it in a powder form (that is how I use it) and stir it into your food, tea, coffee, etc.
Echinacea~ Purpuera Angustifolia
This is the one we have all heard of and probably used before. It is an immune stimulator- also an anti-inflammatory. It will get the virus/cold/illness in you moving around and stimulate your lymphatic system as well. It moves and cleanses things, is anti-viral and kills bad cells. Great for colds, microbial infections, boils, acne, strep/staff infection, blood poisons, herpes, candida, UTI's, good for the bladder and reproductive system. It is best taken at the onset of a cold- good to have the tincture on hand for this. Otherwise use the root and make a decoction.