Herbs to Build Up Your Immune System

Herbal therapies and remedies can help to boost the immune system and may help relieve symptoms of chronic health problems as well. Many herbal remedies are available through your local health food store and can come in the form of dried herbs, tinctures, essential oils and extracts. You can also grow your own herbs at home for a more organic approach to treating and boosting your own immune system.

Goldenseal

• The goldenseal herb is part of the buttercup group of plants. Long before their country was known as Australia, goldenseal was used by the aborigines. It was primarily used as a cure for sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis. Nowadays, goldenseal is recognized as a powerful immune system enhancer and can help prevent major infection throughout the body. Goldenseal can significantly reduce the inflammation that can occur with colds, thereby reducing sneezing, excess mucus and discharge.

Amla

• The herb amla is a natural source of vitamin C. It contains powerful antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body against cancer, and it may help protect against the virus that causes AIDS. This potent herb also may lower blood pressure. Amla can make the immune system strong by fighting against infection with its antibacterial and astringent qualities.

Other Herbs

• There are other herbs available that are immune system boosters. Echinacea, astragalus, licorice and Siberian ginseng are all immune system enhancers. While each individual herb has its own specific medicinal properties, collectively they act to regulate blood clotting, normalize blood sugar, treat heart disease and may help to reduce cholesterol too. Echinacea in particular has the ability to increase antibodies, thereby boosting the immune system.