Increasing Your Immune System Naturally With Andrographis Paniculata

Increasing your immune system naturally is possible. Many people are concerned about what damages the immune system, but those things that are beneficial are sometimes overlooked. A natural immune system builder may include a combination of vitamins, minerals, plant components and/or herbs. These can help, but good nutrition, a healthy diet, reducing stress and regular exercise are of utmost importance.

The immune system is a very complicated collection of cells, organs and pathways. Specialized white blood cells learn what belongs in the body and what does not. These cells communicate with other cells that destroy those things that do not belong and they are carried out of the body. Increasing your immune system naturally is only possible if you include those things which allow the white blood cells, lymph nodes and even the skin to function properly. Mentioned below are two herbs. One is the most commonly used and recommended natural immune system builder. The other is less common, but may be safer and more effective.

Increasing your immune system naturally through the use of herbs is not a new idea. Herbs were the first form of medicine and were used by native peoples throughout the world to prevent and treat colds, influenza and other viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The most commonly used herbal natural immune system booster appears to be Echinacea. It is however difficult to learn how many people use products, such as these, since they are sold over the counter. A recent study in Canada concluded that, of the people surveyed who used health and dietary supplements; more people used Echinacea than all the other dietary and health supplements combined.

Echinacea was the most commonly used medicinal plant by Native Americans of the North American plains. It was used to relieve symptoms and hasten recover from everything from the common cold to influenza and infections of all types. It is often recommended for increasing your immune system naturally because of this fact. Echinacea is a common plant that grows in many areas of the world. And while Echinacea supplements may be 100% natural, they may not be 100% safe. Recent evidence suggests that continued use for extended periods of time (more than 90 days) can be toxic to the liver. It should therefore be avoided by anyone who takes prescription or over the counter medications that are known to be toxic to the liver. And extended use should be avoided. This could be a problem for those who are looking for a natural immune system builder, because studies indicate that full effectiveness as a preventative is only achieved after using for three months consecutively. Echinacea may be a better choice for occasional use, as a treatment or to speed recovery time from colds and viruses, as this was its historical use.

One of the most interesting herbs for increasing your immune system naturally is Andrographis paniculata or AP for short. AP was used in traditional Asian medicine to treat fever, laryngitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, tonsillitis, diarrhea, ulcers, herpes, tuberculosis and a long list of other medical conditions. Scientific studies show that AP contains pain killers, fever reducers and components that prevent and break up blood clots as well as reduce blood sugar levels. So, its historical use can be supported by scientific fact.

There is also scientific evidence supporting its recommendation as a natural immune system builder. It stimulates antibodies and white blood cells to find and destroy invaders. Extensive chemical studies have shown that AP can be effective for increasing your immune system naturally, because of antiviral, vermicidal, and antibacterial components. It is rare to find a single plant, which contains all three of these. Clinical studies indicate that people who take AP are less likely to develop colds and flu bugs and recover more quickly if they do. It is also believed to be a safe natural immune system builder. Animal studies have shown that it is non-toxic. It should however be avoided by pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant, since it was used historically as a contraceptive. There is, however, no evidence that it is an effective contraceptive and should not be relied on for that purpose.

To learn more about increasing your immune system naturally through diet, vitamin supplementation and good health habits or to learn more about a naturally immune system builder that contains Andrographis paniculata, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Related Links:

What are vitamins?

an organic substance that acts as a coenzyme and/or regulator of metabolic processes. There are 13 known vitamins, most of which are present in foods or supplements; some are produced within the body. Vitamins are crucial for many bodily functions including a healthy immune response.
An essential low molecular weight organic compound required in trace amounts for normal growth and metabolic processes. They usually serve as components of coenzyme systems. For humans, vitamin A, the B series, C, D1 and D2, E and K are required. Deficiencies of one or more vitamins in the nutrient supply result in deficiency diseases.