Best Immune-Boosting Herbs for Natural Health

Immunity is affected by daily habits, lifestyle choices, and exposure to toxins.  Your immune system doesn't just help prevent you from catching colds, but also prevents against things like cancer.  Maintaining a healthy immune system should be top priority all year long, not just during cold and flu season...

To keep your immune system firing....

• Eat a diet of fresh vegetables and fruit for the antioxidants, but don't forget the high-quality proteins and fats.  Your body needs these to repair and build cells.
• Exercise thirty minutes a day at a moderate intensity.  Excessive exercise can actually hinder immune functioning.
• Sleep seven to nine hours per night so that your body is rested and has time to repair cell damage and produce white blood cells.
• Although toxins are ever-present in our modern environments, do your part to avoid them by eating organic foods, antibiotic-free meats, and avoiding x-rays and radiation.
• Use adaptogenic and immune-boosting herbs to strengthen the immune system.

Want more information on boosting your immunity? 

• Pick up Simple Kitchen Fixes: Using Everyday Herbs, which is designed to introduce the beginner to herbs and their uses, for both cooking and remedies.

	Ashwagandha An adaptogenic super root, ashwagandha is used to increase vitality, relieve stress, enhance sleep, boost brain and cognitive function, and generally help the body to 'adapt' to stressors.
	Astragalus Astragalus comes in pill or tincture form, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body's immune system.  Brew and drink a tea from the roots at onset of a cold for quicker relief.
	Echinacea One of the trendiest herbs for immune boosting, echinacea can be taken regularly over long periods of time.  It has been reported to reduce the odds of catching a cold by 58%, as well as to reduce the duration of the common cold.
	Elderberry Used for its antioxidant activity, elderberry also lowers cholesterol and boosts the immune system.  It is also used for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. Learn how to make Elderberry Syrup in this easy tutorial!
	Garlic Best taken raw, garlic contains many sulfur compounds which detoxify the body, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. Learn how to make Fire Cider using raw garlic.
	Goldenseal Goldenseal helps to boost the 'power' of other herbs, and is often paired with echinacea.  It has antifungal and anti-infective properties, which explain the healing actions of this herb.  It should not be taken for long periods of time, but should be used more intermittently.
	Oregano A natural antioxidant source, Oregano Oil contains phytochemicals which support the body’s natural resistance. Gaia Herbs supercritical CO2 extract of Oregano volatile oils contains phenols, including Carvacrol and Thymol. These oils help support a healthy microbial environment in the intestines and a healthy immune response.
	Rosehips A rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, rosehips support the heart and cardiovascular system, enhance the integrity of the vascular system, and can be used as a daily tonic.  They are also useful in speeding the healing of bruises and wounds.

*This information is not intended to diagnose or treat ailments.  I am not a medical professional.*

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