If you have problems with immunity, you are more likely to get frequent bouts of cold, flu and other minor infections.  Antibiotics may still be the wonder drugs that they are presented as, but recklessness in their use is not recommended.

It is a misnomer that antibiotics can treat and cure all viral and bacterial infections.  Antibiotics do not have any affect on viruses and unnecessary administration can actually be counter-productive.  It can make your body immune to the drug and lead to bringing down of your overall immunity.  A natural antibiotic alternative can go a long way to help prevent further damage that drugs can potentially cause, and help relieve symptoms as well.

The body’s immune system is the first line of defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, pathogens, parasites or anything that can potentially cause disease.  The spleen, thymus, lymphatic system and tonsils are all part of this advanced network of organs, tissues and cells including white blood cells, which help in self healing.  Herbs for immune system and all-natural (organic if possible) foods should be made a part of your daily routine to strengthen this complex system.

Low immunity is either primary or acquired.  Primary conditions are usually due to a genetic predisposition.  Acquired conditions of low immunity are greatly influenced by eating habits, lifestyle and overuse of medications for minor ailments like the common cold or flu.

There is scientific evidence that a natural diet, herbal antibiotics and an active lifestyle will boost your immune system health and help to avoid simple diseases like the common cold or even life threatening diseases like cancer.  Some organic vegan diets are even known to promote this enhanced immunity enough to prevent or even treat some normally incurable diseases.

* Vitamin A, C and E are essential for maintaining immune system health.  A handful of almonds daily will provide you sufficient quantity of Vitamin E.  Tomatoes, guava, oranges and most citrus fruits are a natural source of Vitamin C.
* Garlic is perhaps the oldest cultivated plant in the world and its history as an effective herbal antibiotic and a booster for the immune system dates back to the days when the pyramids were built.  It is natural builder of white blood cells, one of the most important constituents of the immune system.
* Carrots and other red, orange and dark green vegetables contain carotenes, which are converted into Vitamin A by the liver. These are extremely helpful for protecting thymus gland.  The thymus is a ductless glandular organ at the base of the neck that produces lymphocytes.  It plays an important role in producing immunity and preventing atrophies due to advanced age.
* Zinc is also essential for immunity. The element is next only to iron in concentration in the body.  Its deficiency can impact the immune system in many ways.  It acts as a catalyst of immune responses for killing pathogens and is necessary for white blood cells to perform their functions.  Peanuts, peanut butter, and legumes and dark meat of chicken, beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc.
* Six ounces of natural and fresh yogurt every day keeps the intestinal flora healthy for proper digestion.  The yogurt bacteria convert the lactose in milk into lactic acid, which is perfect for maximizing calcium absorption and preventing vaginal and bladder infections.
* Herbs for immune system such as Echinacea and the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are worth mentioning for their stimulating affect on the immune system.

There is an old saying that says: “When in doubt, go back to nature.”  A more natural lifestyle and home cooked food coupled with daily exercise will keep many ailments at bay.  Prevention is always better than having to treat something after its already become a problem.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies

Changes in our modern-day lifestyles have become instrumental in affecting the immune system in a highly negative way. The immune system is a complex system that involves the spleen, liver, thymus, the lymphatic system and bone marrow, which work in tandem to maintain resistance to illness and disease.

This immunity is partly inherited.  It also depends upon the lifestyle that individuals choose to adopt. The hurry with which we want to treat minor ailments is probably a major reason behind the more frequent attacks of common cold and flu or an increased susceptibility to disease.

Instead of waiting for the body to simply heal itself or looking for an antibiotic alternative, such as an herbal antibiotic, the tendency is to just take the conventional antibiotics for quick relief.  In most cases, immune system health is greatly compromised due to an excessive use of antibiotics.

Moreover, just any antibiotic will not be effective if it is taken without a correct diagnosis or prescribed without determining the specific bacteria that has caused the disease.  Ginger and other dried herbs for immune system health steeped in boiling water, for example, will relieve symptoms of a sore throat, common cold, and the flu while boosting the immune system health.

Homeopathy provides many natural alternatives to avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Homeopathy believes that the same substance that causes a disease will cure it in its diluted form. For example, coffee can cause sleeplessness, but an extremely diluted remedy prepared from coffee itself will ultimately cure it.  Some of the basic principles of homeopathy include:

* The first priority would be to boost the immune system so that the body can heal by itself.
* Symptoms are manifestations of the body’s attempt to treat itself.
* Only natural substances and herbs should be used to prepare a homeopathic remedy.
* The focus should be on treating the individual as a whole, rather than simply providing temporary symptom relief.

Homeopathic remedies stimulate the immune system to help the body repair any imbalances that may have occurred.  The immune system has to be in perfect condition to perform correctly.  A hyperactive immune system will cause autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis where the body starts attacking its own cells.  A weaker immune system will lead to deficiency diseases like the common cold and flu, which often extend to more serious conditions.

In homeopathy, an appropriate remedy is chosen on the basis of the constitution of each individual after considering all physical, mental and emotional symptoms.  The homeopathic Materia Medica contains detailed descriptions of each remedy meant for possible characteristics that can be expected to be present in individuals.   Nux vomica is known as a constitutional remedy for more energetic and ambitious people.

Sulphur, on the other hand, is meant for more energetic yet less practical individuals.  A Pulsatilla patient is one who is shy, kind and gentle, and always ready to follow rather than lead.  Arsenicm album is indicated in an ambitious but tense person who is always worried about their health.

Homeopathic remedies are easy to take, gentle, non-habit forming, easy to obtain, good value for the money, and at the same time focus on strengthening the immune system to increase the body’s capability of self-healing rather than working against it.

Article courtesy of Native Remedies