Q. I feel like I am coming down with something. My throat is sore, my nose is stuffy and it feels like it’s getting into my chest. What can I do to support my immune system?
A. So sorry to hear
that you are feeling under the weather! I’ve been talking to a lot of people
recently that are in a similar situation.
The good news is that there are several things that you can do naturally
to boost your immune system. Let me tell
you about my top 5:
1. Think
healthy, be healthy
Though it may sound like an
oversimplification, focusing and meditating on health has been shown to make
people feel better and in fact, healthier overall. If you dwell on being healthy, you attract
good health to yourself. Just as someone
who dwells on being successful often attracts success. The flip is also true, if you tend to think
negatively about your health. Stay
positive and be well.
2. Echinacea
Probably the go-to immune boosting
herb in the US, Echinacea has been shown to have wide-ranging benefits to the
immune system. Its actions range from activating
macrophages and other immune cells to having direct anti-viral and
bacteria-inhibiting effects. Echinacea
has helped me when I was down and I recommend it frequently. It can even boost the immune system of
healthy people if you’re going for pro-activity.
3. Goldenseal
Similar in many ways to Echinacea, Goldenseal
activates the immune system and kicks it into overdrive. Goldenseal’s mechanism in the body is interesting
because it seems to work by actually irritating the immune system. Like waving a red flag in front of bull, Goldenseal
goes in and whips the immune system into a frenzy which then proceeds to go on
the warpath and attack any intruder. A caveat
to goldenseal is that it should not be taken for more than two weeks unless
directed by a doctor.
4. Astragalus
If Echinacea is the go-to immune
herb in the western world, then Astragalus is its eastern counterpart. It has been shown to be particularly
effective against viral infections, both when used preventatively and once an
infection has set in. Another note about
Astragalus is that it may have additional benefits for people with damaged
immune systems such as a patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation
treatment.
5. Honey
You read that right. Honey has been shown to have anti-microbial
effects. If you have a sore throat, try
adding honey to your tea to sweeten it.
Don’t like tea? Just let the honey run down the back of your
throat. A table spoon of honey up to three
times per day should be plenty. Buy your
honey locally. Honey that has been
overly processed seems to lose these benefits.
Additionally, local honey has been shown to offer protection from local
allergens. That’s a twofer!
Try these immune-boosting tips and you should be on the
rebound before you know it! Remember that every individual is unique and that
your solution may also be a unique combination of any of these
suggestions. Before beginning any diet
or supplement plan you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for
personalized direction.
If you have a question you would like addressed on Mail
Monday, leave us a comment here or on our Facebook page.
Good luck and good health,
Joshua Long
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Hoey Apothecary is a traditional pharmacy with a passion for
holistic wellness. From retail
supplements to custom pharmaceutical compounding, we are here to support you
and your unique wellness goals. Visit us
at 217 Cottage Grove Rd in Madison, WI or at our website at
www.hoeyrx.com. Bridging the gap between
nature and medicine - Hoey Apothecary!
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