Natural herbal remedies have been used for centuries due to their tonic effect on promoting immune system health, used either as a preventative measure to avoid getting ill, or as a recovery measure to increase the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection. Holistic medicine works under the premise that illness is not caused by viruses and bacteria, but by weakened immune systems.

The ingredients are specifically chosen for their ability to address the root causes and not the symptoms in isolation. Herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Astragalus membranaceous have become famous for their antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, as well as their ability to boost the body’s natural immunity. Other herbal ingredients known for their immune strengthening abilities include Viscum album, Hypoxis rooperi (extract of African Potato), and Olea europea (extract of Olive leaf). Remember to source herbal remedies from a reputable company, as therapeutic dosage and ingredient quality is important when using herbal medicines.

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Here are some of the lifestyle factors that you can employ to keep your immune system in peak condition and able to ward off recurrent infections.

• Make sure that you get enough sleep – this means both an adequate quality of sleep as well as an adequate length of sleep. Sleep is one of the most important factors in immune system support.
• Ensure that you have a wholesome, nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits, and vegetables (preferably organically grown), whole-grains, legumes and natural oils.
• Exercise and keeping active is not only good for your body and your mind, but also helps to optimize immune functioning. In addition, regular moderate exercise will help to relax you and will also encourage healthy sleep. Not to mention, the more we move, the more our lymph is circulated - thus, the better this system can function.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being too thin or overweight can contribute to a weakened immune system.
• Stress is also bad for the immune system. While small amounts of stress can be beneficial, prolonged stress depresses the immune system. If you are experiencing anything like this it is important to treat it. Anxiety and depression can also compromise the immune system – a healthy mind leads to a healthy body.
• Laugh – the chemicals produced when we are happy have receptor sites on cells all over our body so happy minds can make happy, healthy cells
• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand cigarette and tobacco smoke. The chemicals contained, even in secondhand smoke, all depress the immune system and have a negative impact on its functioning.
• Reduce exposure to germs. Practice good hygiene habits such as washing your hands before meals and after going to the toilet. Stay away from people who are sick and, where possible, keep your children in smaller day care centers or crèches.
• Avoid the excessive use of antiseptic and antibacterial soaps, sprays, and other detergents. While these may kill bacteria and other organisms in the short term, they also contribute towards the development of resistant strains of bacteria which at times can reach epidemic proportions. Use natural ingredients such as Tea Tree oil and certain aromatherapy essential oils. Do not keep children ‘too clean’. A certain amount of ‘healthy dirt’ is good for the immune system!
• We are surrounded by toxic chemicals and pollutants wherever we go, at home and in the environment. Where possible use safe non-toxic chemicals at home, in your toiletries and in your gardens.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can depress the immune system – this is why cold sores are so common after spending time in the sun. Sunlight is necessary to produce Vitamin D so don’t avoid it entirely, just be sensible about the time of day and length of time you spend in the sun, and wear sun block.
• Avoid the vicious antibiotic cycle. While antibiotics may be necessary in some cases, they are generally over-prescribed and used as a first option instead of a last resort. Try exploring natural health options, as there are many herbs with a long history of use that are well-known to strengthen different parts of the immune system.

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