What is a weakened immune system
Immunity is the body’s ability to defend itself against viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections. Functions of the immune system:
- protect against the penetration of infectious agents into the body;
- fights pathogenic microorganisms when they enter the body.
Weakened immunity is a common problem. Life in a constant rush, sedentary lifestyle, short sleep and irregular meals contribute to infection.
Note! Diseases of the immune system consist in an overly aggressive reaction of the body. It destroys its own cells, which in turn leads to ongoing inflammation. In a healthy person, the immune system only attacks foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria and leaves its own cells intact.
Diseases of the immune system require pharmacological treatment in combination with proper nutrition and changes in daily habits.
How to protect yourself from viruses?
During the peak season of illness, you need to remember that viruses and bacteria are transmitted by airborne droplets, and, above all, direct contact with people who may be sick should be avoided.
The most important element of prevention is the observance of hygiene rules. and strengthening immunity. Various dangerous and unpleasant diseases, such as the flu, are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Bacterial infections can be treated with properly selected pharmacological preparations.
The body must fight viruses on its own. There are no cures for them. In the case of a disease caused by a virus, you can use:
- painkillers;
- antipyretic;
- drugs that strengthen the immune system.
Ultimately, the body must get rid of the pathogen on its own.
Additional Information! Strengthening the immune system during an illness will not bring the same results as preparation before. Therefore, prevention in this regard should be started much earlier.
It is enough to take the appropriate infusions, tinctures or herbal extracts that strengthen the body’s immunity. This will reduce your chances of getting sick during flu season.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest methods of positive impact on the functioning of the body. The healing and immune-boosting properties of plants have been known in natural medicine for centuries. Currently, traditional medicine often uses their action to support our immunity and fight various types of pathogens. Especially they should be used in the autumn-winter period, when we are at risk of getting sick.
Herbs to strengthen immunity
Herbs stimulate the cells of the immune system, are rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C) and minerals, have antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Some of them are even called natural antibiotics. To strengthen the immune system, choose herbs with the following actions:
- Antiseptics: licorice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, oregano, black pepper, thyme, calendula, lemon, sage, echinacea.
- Antiviral: elderberry, honeysuckle, garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, lemon.
- Expectorants: elderberry, thyme, mint, garlic, black pepper
- Detoxifiers: turmeric, nettle, bearberry, licorice, thistle, artichoke, cistus , milk thistle seeds, horsetail herb have a detoxifying effect.
- lymph flow stimulants: elderberry, linden, mint, sage, cinnamon, ginger, rosemary, garlic, hot pepper, nettle, fenugreek.
- Anti-inflammatory: calendula, licorice, turmeric, bearberry
- Digestive stimulants: fennel, anise, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, citrus
- Immune support: black currant fruit, thyme leaf, hibiscus flower have a positive effect on the immune system,
- help to calm down: lemon balm, hawthorn fruit, chamomile and lavender.
- Herbal teas against fatigue: nettle, rosemary, rosehip, ginseng, peppermint and lemon verbena.
Note! Herbs help the body adapt to stress, act on the nervous system like antidepressants, support the immune system by ridding the body of factors that deplete it, allowing substances to be excreted more quickly from the body.
One of the most commonly used herbs for colds and flu is elderberry. Its healing properties are due to the rich content of antioxidants, organic acids (including acetic, malic and valeric), pectin, vitamin C and B vitamins (B2, B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid). Elderberry cleanses the respiratory tract, improves the functioning of the immune system. Syrup or infusion of flowers, in addition to the healing effect, has a very pleasant smell and taste,
Rosehip is a plant with extensive therapeutic, prophylactic and cosmetic uses. It is a rich source of vitamins (C, P, K, E, B vitamins and provitamin A) and minerals. Rose hips also contain bioflavonoids, tannins, organic acids, mineral salts and essential oils. Rose hips support the body’s natural immunity.
Linden flowers have anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties, which lowers body temperature. For this reason, they are used as an infusion as a natural remedy to fight ongoing infections in fevers and colds.
Due to their astringent and emollient properties, they work well for sore throats or in case of dry cough, linden flowers with raspberry juice and honey further enhance the antipyretic effect.
Cistus has many healing properties for the human body. This is primarily due to the high content of polyphenols, which have a strong antioxidant effect. Their task is to neutralize free radicals, which in high concentrations have a very negative effect on health. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, fights viruses and plays a significant role in improving overall immunity and strengthening the body.
Thyme is one of the most important herbs that can help fight colds and respiratory problems. But thyme is also an effective helper for a strong immune system.
These are just a few examples of many herbs. Herbal tea for immunity not only stimulates the immune system and revitalizes, but also reduces inflammation in the body, supporting the processes of healing and cell renewal.
Important rules for strengthening immunity
Strengthen your immune system by following a few simple tips. This is important so that the body can defend itself against viruses, bacteria and fungi. When pathogenic microbes invade our body, the immune system is ready to fight.
- healthy eating, including fruits and vegetables in the diet;
- avoid stimulants: alcohol, tobacco, excess coffee;
- get enough sleep for at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep to strengthen the body and immune system;
- vitamin C strengthens the immune system and tightens blood vessels;
- cleansing the body of toxins, preferably with herbal infusions.
It is helpful to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C. Rose hips and sea buckthorn – contain more vitamin C than oranges, and therefore provide the body with good support for the functioning of the immune defense.
It is worth using a combination of properties of different plants, which help to significantly relieve the immune system. You should take care of a balanced diet, adequate sleep and hygiene, and introduce your favorite type of outdoor activity into your daily routine.
How to brew natural herbal teas?
In addition to choosing the right composition of herbs, it is important to brew them correctly. Proper preparation of the drink is extremely important, because only in this way we can extract all the taste and healing properties of plants. Tea should be infused under the lid for 5-10 minutes in water above 90 C degrees. One heaping teaspoon of bulk mixes is usually used for about 170 ml of liquid.
Natural herbal teas help with digestion, weight loss and frayed nerves. They are able to quickly and effectively get rid of many ailments. Remember that it is not always possible to combine herbs with some of the medicines. It is worth consulting with a doctor. In the vast majority of cases, herbal mixtures are completely safe and have a beneficial effect on the proper functioning of our body.
