4 Home Remedies To Raise Defenses
Having a well-strengthened and properly functioning immune system is very important to avoid contracting infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
Although the most effective way to maintain immunity is by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as having a balanced diet and regular physical exercise, there are also some medicinal plants that can be used to improve the functioning of the immune system.
Ideally, medicinal plants should be used in supplement or extract form, since it is easier to know exactly what is the concentration of the active substances in these formulas, however, they can also be prepared under the form of tea, as long as they are ingested moderately and preferably under the guidance of a phytotherapist or other health professional who is accustomed to the use of plants.
1. Echinacea tea
Echinacea is one of the most widely used plants to strengthen the immune system and, especially, to prevent the onset of influenza or alleviate its symptoms. This occurs because, according to some studies, echinacea possibly possesses substances that are immunomodulatory, that is, they regulate the immune system, contributing to its proper functioning.
However, there are also other studies that indicate that the plant does not have a very strong effect on immunity, helping only to alleviate the symptoms caused by viral infections, such as influenza. In any case, echinacea tea is quite safe, even in pregnant women and children over 2 years old, and can be used by anyone who wishes to regulate their immunity.
Ingredients
How to prepare
Boil water in a pot and then add the teaspoon of echinacea, let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, pour into a cup, let it cool and drink up to 2 times a day.
In case you choose to use an echinacea supplement, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, but do not exceed the daily dose of 1500 mg.
2. Astragalus tea
Astragalus, also known by its scientific name Astragalus membranaceus, is a very popular plant in Chinese medicine, which, according to some research, is possibly able to increase the production of white blood cells, especially T-lymphocytes and macrophages, which are important for the immune response.
When used in studies with laboratory mice, astragalus extract was also able to decrease the duration time of virus and bacterial infections, and for this reason, it could be a good ally to fight certain types of infections.
Ingredients
How to prepare
Place the root in a pot with water, bring to the fire and boil for 15 minutes. Then remove from heat, allow to cool, strain and drink 2 to 3 times per day.
In the case of opting for the use of an astragalus supplement in capsules, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s indications regarding dosage, as several studies show that the plant is safe in dry extract up to about 30 g per day. Ideally, children and pregnant women should not use this plant, especially without supervision by a professional.
3. Ginger tea
Ginger contains an important active substance, known as gingerol, which possibly decreases the risk of infections in the body, having proven effect against the growth of bacteria and the development of viruses, especially in the respiratory tract.
Also, the substances in ginger possibly decrease general inflammation in the body, which facilitates the functioning of the immune system, thus improving immunity.
Ingredients
Method of preparation
Crush the ginger and then place in a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
In supplement form, ginger should be ingested in a dose of up to 1 g per day.
4. Ginseng tea
Present in certain studies on immunity, ginseng, also called Panax ginseng, is possibly a plant that helps regulate the immune system, being able to increase the number of lymphocytes and activate macrophages, which are important defense cells for the body.
In addition, ginseng has a strong antioxidant action, which helps protect the body’s cells against the effects of free radicals and radiation, which, if unchallenged, can lower immunity.
Ingredients
Method of preparation
Place the ingredients to boil for 15 minutes. Then strain and allow to cool. Drink 2 to 3 times per day.
Ginseng can also be used in capsule form, being recommended to take 200 to 400 mg per day or do so according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
See other ways to increase the body’s defenses.
Care when using medicinal plants
The use of medicinal plants should always be done under the guidance of a health professional or a phytotherapist, since the way of use and dosage may vary from one person to another.
In the case of plants that regulate the immune system, it is even more important to have this supervision in people who have any type of cancer, are under treatment for this disease or who have an autoimmune disease, as the plants could interfere with the results of medical treatments or worsen the symptoms.
In addition, the use of teas should always be regulated in pregnant women, infants and children under 2 years of age.
See in the video below how to prepare some juices to increase defenses:
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