Having a well-strengthened and properly functioning immune system is very important to avoid catching infections that can be 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 exercising regularly, there are also some medicinal plants that can be used to improve the functioning of the immune system. Check out the best ways to strengthen the immune system.
Ideally, medicinal plants should be used in the form of a supplement or extract, as it is easier to know exactly the concentration of the active substances in these formulas, but they can also be prepared in the form of tea, as long as they are ingested in moderation and , preferably under the guidance of a herbalist or other health professional accustomed to the use of plants.
1. Echinacea tea
Echinacea is one of the best-known plants for strengthening the immune system and, especially, for preventing the onset of flu or relieving its symptoms. This happens because, according to some studies, echinacea appears to contain substances that are immunomodulatory, that is, they regulate the immune system, making it function correctly.
However, there are also some other studies that indicate that the plant does not have such a strong effect on immunity, only helping to alleviate symptoms caused by viral infections, such as the flu. In any case, echinacea tea is quite safe even for pregnant women and children over 2 years old, and can be used by anyone who wants to regulate their immunity.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of echinacea root or leaves;
- 1 cup boiling water
Preparation mode
Add the ingredients to the cup and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain, let it cool and drink up to 2 times a day.
If you choose to use an echinacea supplement, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but without exceeding the daily dose of 1500 mg.
2. Astragalus tea
Astragalus, also known by its scientific name Astragalus membranaceusis a very popular plant in Chinese medicine which, according to some research, appears to be capable of increasing the production of white blood cells, especially T lymphocytes and macrophages, which are important for the immune response.
When used in studies with laboratory rats, astragalus extract was also able to reduce the duration of infections caused by viruses and bacteria, and can therefore be a good ally to combat various types of infections.
Ingredients
- 10 grams of dry astragalus root;
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode
Add the root to a pan with water and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Then, remove the mixture from the heat, let it cool, strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
If you choose to use an astragalus 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 dry extract up to around 30 g per day. Ideally, children and pregnant women should not use this plant, especially without professional supervision.
3. Ginger tea
Ginger contains an important active substance, known as gingerol, which appears to reduce the risk of infections in the body, having a proven effect against the growth of bacteria and the development of viruses, especially in the respiratory tract.
In addition, the substances in ginger also seem to reduce general inflammation in the body, which facilitates the functioning of the immune system, improving immunity.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cm of fresh ginger root;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Crush the ginger and then add it to the cup of boiling water. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
In supplement form, ginger should be taken in a dose of up to 1 g per day.
4. Ginseng tea
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.
Furthermore, ginseng also has a strong antioxidant action that helps protect the body’s cells against the effects of free radicals and radiation, which, if not combated, can reduce immunity.
Ingredients
- 5 grams of ginseng root;
- 250 ml of water.
Preparation mode
Put the ingredients to boil for 15 minutes. Then strain and let it cool. Drink 2 to 3 times a day.
Ginseng can also be used in the form of capsules, in which case it is recommended to take 200 to 400 mg per day, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Care when using medicinal plants
The use of medicinal plants should always be carried out under the guidance of a health professional or herbalist, as the method of use and dose may vary from one person to another.
In the case of plants that regulate the immune system, it is even more important that this supervision is carried out for people who have some type of cancer, are undergoing treatment for cancer or who have an autoimmune disease, as plants can interfere with the results of medical treatments or worsen symptoms.
Furthermore, the use of teas should always be regulated for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 2 years of age.
