Having a well-functioning and functioning immune system is very important to avoid getting infections that can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
Although the most effective way to maintain immunity is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, some medicinal plants can also be used to improve the functioning of the immune system.
- Ideally.
- It is ideal to use medicinal plants as a supplement or extract.
- As it is easier to know exactly what is the concentration of active substances in these formulas.
- But they can also be prepared in the form of tea.
- Provided that they are ingested moderately and preferably.
- Under the guidance of a herbalist or other health professional accustomed to the use of plants.
Echinacea is one of the most well-known plants to strengthen the immune system and, above all, to prevent the onset of the flu or to relieve its symptoms. In fact, according to some studies, echinacea appears to have immunomodulatory substances, that is, that regulate the immune system, making it work properly.
However, there are also other studies that indicate that the plant does not have such a strong effect on immunity, helping only to alleviate symptoms caused by viral infections, such as influenza. In any case, echinacea tea is very safe even in pregnant women and children over 2 years, and can be used by anyone who wants to regulate immunity.
Ingredients
Modo de preparo
Add the ingredients to the bowl and leave to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then filter, reheat and drink up to 2 times a day.
If you choose to use the echinacea supplement, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but not exceed the daily dose of 1500 mg.
Astragalus, also scientifically known as Astragalus membranaceus, is a very popular plant in Chinese medicine that, according to some research, seems to be able to increase the production of white blood cells, especially T cells and macrophages, which are important for immune response. .
When used in laboratory studies with rats, astragalus extract has also reduced the duration of virus and bacterial infections and can therefore be a good ally to fight various types of infections.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Add the root to a pot of water and bring to the boil for 15 minutes. Then remove the mixture from the heat, let it heat, filter and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
If you choose to use the astragale supplement in capsules, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dose, but several studies show that the plant is safe in the dry extract up to about 30 g per day. Ideally, children and pregnant women should not use this plant, especially without professional supervision.
Ginger contains an important active substance, known as gingerol, that appears to decrease the risk of infections in the body, having a proven effect against bacterial growth and the development of viruses, especially in the airways.
In addition, ginger substances also appear to decrease the body’s overall inflammation, which facilitates the functioning of the immune system and improves immunity.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Crush the ginger and place it in the cup with boiling water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
In addition, ginger should be consumed at a maximum of 1 g per day
Present in some studies on immunity, ginseng, or Panax ginseng, appears to be a plant that helps regulate the immune system, being able to increase the number of lymphocytes and activate macrophages, which are important defense cells.
In addition, ginseng also has a strong antioxidant action that helps protect the body’s cells from the effects of free radicals and radiation that, if not fought, can decrease immunity.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Bring ingredients to a boil for 15 minutes. Then filter and let it heat up. Drink 2 to 3 times a day.
Ginseng can also be used in capsules, in which case it is recommended to take 200 to 400 mg per day, or as directed by the manufacturer.
Watch the video below and also see how to make juices that strengthen the immune system:
The use of medicinal plants should always be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional or herbalist, as the form of use and dosage may vary from person to person.
For plants that regulate the immune system, it is even more important that this follow-up is done in people who have a certain type of cancer, who are being treated for cancer, or who have an autoimmune disease, because plants can interfere with the results of medical treatments or worsen symptoms.
In addition, the use of teas should always be regulated for pregnant women, lactating women and children under 2 years of age.