Strengthen Your Immune System By Having Five Of These Natural Remedies

Many people believe that cold winter months are a breeding ground for infections. This is not all true as each season gives rise to various bacteria and viruses, all of which cause many types of infections.

Fortunately, the body has a built-in defense system that protects itself against infections. This is your body’s immune system. It has been long-established that keeping your immune system in tiptop condition lowers your risk of becoming ill throughout the year. This vital mechanism of the body, however, has become the center of much attention amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronaviruses, a large family of viruses that can cause, among others, respiratory illnesses and other ailments, which is now wreaking havoc throughout the world. Based on data provided by the World Health Organization, the virus has now infected 126,300 individuals in more than 120 countries and has claimed 4,633 lives globally.

At present, there is no known way of protecting yourself against the deadly virus. Health experts and organizations, however, say that a weak immune system increases the risk of developing severe complications and symptoms. This is why it is vital to keep your body’s immune system in top form to be able to fight the virus with greater efficacy.

Natural Supplements That Boost The Immune System

Euan MacLennan, a London-based medical herbalist and herbal director at Pukka Herbs, there are several natural solutions proven to help improve the immune system.

Vitamin C

Medical experts have proven time, and again that vitamin C supports the immune function in a huge way. It plays a vital role in improving the activity of several white blood cells, like the natural killer cells. MacLennan said that this activity allows the immune system of the body to communicate and synchronize its attack against different types of viruses.

Elderberries

A rich and natural source of vitamin C, the fruit of this flowering plant bursts with vibrant colored pigments acting as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that are found in the body and believed to counter the destructive effects of free radicals, a type of unstable molecules, which can harm the immune system. MacLennan said that elderberry is a potent fruit proven to deactivate viruses, halting its spread in your body.

Andrographis

Andrographis, according to MacLennan, is a traditional herb oftentimes used in Ayurvedic medicine to stimulate antibody production and minimize the severity of the infection. This herb has compounds that organize the immune system to fight with greater efficacy against invaders like viruses.

Mushrooms

Medical herbalist Euan MacLennan said there are around 400 species of fungi that have been proven to have medicinal properties. Many of these have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral qualities. MacLennan said that mushrooms are a rich source of beta-glucans. These are natural substances that have been proven to help enhance the immune system, ensuring that it is ready to fight off infections. You can easily add mushroom to your daily meal or take it in supplement form.

Echinacea

Derived from the Echinacea plant, it can be taken regularly as a herbal supplement. MacLennan said that several promising studies have proven that Echinacea is an effective immune tonic. It is particularly useful in fighting off infections relating to the respiratory tract. Aside from its preventive role, Echinacea has also been shown to ease symptoms and help in the recovery process of respiratory tract infections.