Zen Please – Make Life Easier

Here is a list of the most important natural immune system boosters.

- Echinacea: According to several scientific studies, echinacea roots are effective in strengthening the immune system, and can decrease the chances of getting a cold by more than 50%. Furthermore, it can shorten the duration of a common cold by 1 or 2 days on average. Besides its antibacterial and antiviral properties, the extract of echinacea can also help the healing of wounds, i.e. treatment of abscesses, folliculitis and herpes.

- Kefir: Kefir is a milk, soya milk, or water based drink which is the result of the fermentation of a mixture of yeasts and bacteria. It originated in the Caucasus region and it’s been used for centuries, also because of its remarkable health benefits. Kefir balances the bacterial flora in the bowel, and this has a very important effect in the overall health, as it boosts the immune system of the whole body. For further information about kefir health benefits, please read my kefir benefits post.

- Royal Jelly: Has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antibiotic effects. Furthermore, it can stimulate and regenerate the nervous system.

- Astragalus Propinquus: Also known as huáng qí, it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is mainly used to speed healing and to treat diabetes. It strengthens the immune system, it increases the production of interferon, and activates immune cells such as macrophages.

- Jiaogulan: Also known as Gynostemma, is another herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It has adaptogenic and antioxidant effects, and in some scientific studies it has been found to increase the activities of macrophages, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, acting also as a tumor inhibitor. It also helps the body to cope with stress, and one of its reputed effects is that it increases longevity.

- Uncaria Tomentosa: Also known as Cat’s Claw, has recognized anti-inflammatory properties and increases the reactivity of lymphocytes, causing a better response to viral infection. Some substances contained in it seem to have antioxidant and anticancer effects, and it is also used to treat HIV infections.

- Eleutherococcus Senticosus: Also known as Siberian Ginseng, is an adaptogen, anticholesteremic, antioxidant and immune tonic. Taken regularly, it has been found to decrease cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels and inflammatory response, and it improves physical and cognitive performance.

Before taking any of these natural immune system boosters, please consult your local expert.