The 7 most powerful herbal immunostimulators
To a large extent, the state of a person’s immune system is determined by the health of the digestive system.
People suffering from a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals are much more susceptible to diseases compared to those who consume a varied and nutritious diet and obtain all the necessary nutrients that ensure normal cell function. Below is a list of 7 herbs and spices that boost the immune system.
1. Echinacea
A popular herb that has been identified in a significant number of studies as increasing the body’s defenses. In combination with hydrastis, other herbs or alone as a tea, for this plant, belonging to the Compositae family, has been found to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold.
2. Ginseng
Many varieties of this herb exist in nature. The Panax variety, known as Korean ginseng, is most often the subject of research. There is solid evidence for its main active ingredient, ginsenosides, that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Clinical studies show that the herb can strengthen the body’s immune and psychological functions. It has also been found to improve the overall health of people suffering from diabetes.
3.Garlic
Since ancient times it has been perceived as a medicine. In a recent study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in New York, USA, it was confirmed that garlic does indeed have antimicrobial, antitumor properties and also protects against cardiovascular disease. It is also a perfect seasoning for stewed dishes.
4. Sweet pepper
This variety does not contain capsaicin unlike the hot representatives of the genus Capsicum. On the contrary, the vegetable plant is sweet and crunchy and contains the carotenoid lycopene, which reduces the risk of cancer, beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, and zeaxatin, which has been found to prevent macular degeneration and cataract. As a food, sweet pepper was originally grown in Central and South America as far back as ancient times, 9,000 years ago.
5. Ginger
The plant is shown to limit inflammatory processes in the body, in cardiovascular diseases, in the risk of blood clots and in high serum low-density cholesterol. In a study, scientists found that when animals received ginger extract, their cholesterol significantly decreased and the likelihood of sudden blood clots decreased. Additionally, ginger was found to have an inhibitory effect on genes associated with occurrence of inflammatory processes in the body.
6. Turmeric
This herb has a strong antioxidant effect and contains the pigment curcumin, which is the reason for its yellow staining when its surface is disturbed. The herb also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, acting as a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The exact mechanism of limiting inflammatory processes is by stimulating the adrenal glands to secrete hormones that suppress infections.
Animal studies of the herb show that it protects the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol and certain toxins. Turmeric is also effective in digestive problems by stimulating the flow of bile fluid.
7. Ginkgo biloba
The leaves of the tree contain antioxidant compounds called bilobalides and gincolides, which protect the body from damage caused by the presence of free radicals. Additionally, they have been found to protect the body from exposure to radioactive particles. Studies on animals treated with ginkgo biloba leaves have shown that their bodies are protected when subjected to a test in which they are irradiated with radioactive particles.
