In The Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic, These Herbs Will Boost Your Immune System

There’s no better time to boost our immune system than now that the Covid-19 pandemic is among us and is nowhere near ending. While having a good body resistance will not make you immune from the coronavirus, it will certainly help you fight it if you ever contract the virus.

The immune system should always be robust because it is in charge of warding off bacteria, germs, and infections. There are many ways to keep your immune system strong, including practicing proper hygiene, drinking enough water, taking vitamins, exercising, and getting quality sleep – but did you know that there are herbs that are beneficial too?

Garlic

This smelly herb packs flavor, which is why it is usually added in dishes. However, it doesn’t simply make a meal delicious as it also has antimicrobial properties that are good for the gut.

Garlic is said to be antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal, which means it fights parasites. Dr. Deborah Ann Ballard explained that these components are what make this herb effective in staving off respiratory and chest infections.

What makes the garlic antibacterial is the compound called allicin. As for the bacteria it can fight, a 2014 review found that this kitchen staple can combat E. coli and salmonella.

Reishi

Also called Lingzhi, reishi is a mushroom that has beta-glucans, which are said to stimulate cells in the immune system, specifically dendritic cells and monocytes. Once stimulated, these cells greatly help in fighting off infections.

Puttography/Shutterstock Reishi mushrooms can stimulate the immune system

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center even believes that beta-glucans have the ability to halt the growth of cancer cells because of their antitumor properties. However, it’s still too early to conclude as more research needs to be done.

Ginseng

Ginseng is responsible for strengthening the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal axis, commonly known as HPA axis, according to a study. This set regulates how our immune system reacts to stress.

Chronic or severe stress can weaken our immune system, making us prone to catching diseases. Ginseng works by regulating T cells, natural killer cells, B cells, and macrophages, which are immune cells that identify and fight infections that enter the body.

Tarapong srichaiyos/Shutterstock Ginseng is strong so try making tea out of it

Dr. Mark Frost, however, explained that ginseng is strong, so you should talk to a herbalist first. You can start incorporating it into your daily routine by using a fresh ginseng root to make tea.

Echinacea

The herb Echinacea has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for having antioxidant and antiviral effects on the body, making it one of the best things that can support the immune system.

Chamille White/Shutterstock Echinacea has anti-inflammatory components

Dr. Mark advised that if you feel you are getting ill, take this herb for two or three days. After all, a 2006 study showed that Echinacea can help reduce cold symptoms.