"Among
most exciting applications of herbal medicine lie in treating abnormalities of immune system. Clinical studies have shown that various herbal products are effective in treating allergies, asthma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Herbal medicine also has a unique potential usefulness in balancing immune system in cases of chronic infection, preventing immune system from turning on body and causing destruction." ~Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Prescription for Herbal Healing
A healthy, properly functioning immune system is absolutely vital to good health. It is key to healing process from tiniest scratch - to most complex virus. Even aging process is intimately linked with immune system.
Compromised immunity leaves us vulnerable to disease and impairs our ability to heal properly and age well.
SIGNS OF IMPAIRED IMMUNE FUNCTION
CANDIDIASIS/ YEAST INFECTIONS
RECURRING INFECTIONS
CHRONIC FATIGUE
LISTLESSNESS
CHRONIC DIARRHEA
SLOW WOUND HEALING
ALLERGIES
INFLAMMATION
People who have more than 2 or 3 colds or infectious illnesses per year are likely suffering from weakened immunity
WHAT IS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
The immune system is a complex system of interactions involving many organs and glands as well as substances such as bone marrow, white blood cells, lymphatic vessels and serum factors in our blood. Our immunity dependson all these components functioning together.
HOW DOES OUR IMMUNITY BECOME IMPAIRED?
Unfortunately, modern life is full of things that tend to depress our immune systems.
PESTICIDES
CHEMICHALS IN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS
FOOD ADDITIVES
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS
POOR LIVING HABITS
STRESS
IMPROPER NUTRITION
CHEMOTHERAPY
Also many disorders have been linked to improper immune function including thyroid deficiency, diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, reheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pernicious anemia.
For optimal immune function we need to address any disorders that may be inhibiting immune function. We also need to take steps to avoid exposure to toxins such as pesticides and chemicals we use around house. Try wearing gloves when cleaning to avoid skin exposure and avoid inhaling fumes from things like bleach, oven cleaners, and like. Make sure dishes and glassware are thouroughly rinsed of any residue from dishwashing liquids etc. Even though they're more expensive, consider buying nontoxic cleansers. Take steps to ensure that soaps and shampoos you use are made from most natural ingredients possible. (Aubrey Organics is a good option.) It's also important to get plenty of fresh air and to drink purest water available.
HERBS THAT BENEFIT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
ASTRAGALUS - A powerful antioxidant which protects liver from toxins, boosts immune system and generates anticancer cells in body.
