When the lowering of our defenses is not caused by particular diseases or pathological conditions, or simply when we need to strengthen our immune system, the use of some types of natural remedies and supplements that contain them could prove useful.
Below, therefore, we will see which are the remedies most used to increase or support the natural defenses of our body.
Please note
Before resorting to the use of natural remedies and supplements to strengthen the immune defenses, it is always good to ask for the preventive opinion of your doctor, even more so if you suffer from diseases, if you are in particular conditions (for example, pregnancy or breastfeeding breast) and / or if you are following pharmacological therapies. This is because even natural products can interfere with the action of drugs and medicines, can cause undesirable effects and can present contraindications to use.
Furthermore, remember that it is good to buy titrated and standardized products in active ingredients; only in this way, in fact, is it possible to really know which and how many active substances you are taking.
(ANDchinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea angustifolia) is considered the plant with an immunostimulating action par excellence. It is no coincidence, in fact, that its extracts are contained within numerous food supplements used to stimulate the defenses of our body.
The immunostimulating activity ascribed to echinacea seems to be attributable to the glycoproteins and polysaccharides present in the plant. Less known, but still confirmed by the studies conducted on the subject, are the anti-inflammatory properties attributed to particular compounds - the polyunsaturated alkylamides - which in a study were shown to be able to inhibit the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators.
Finally, do not forget the antioxidant properties.
) - perhaps better known by the common name of "cat's claw" - is a climbing plant that has always been used in folk medicine.
Although less known than echinacea, uncaria appears to exercise similar activities. In fact, immunomodulating and immune system support properties are ascribed to it. According to some studies, in fact, the oxindole alkaloids contained in the uncaria are able to stimulate the production of interleukins (particular proteins secreted by cells of our immune system) at the alveolar level, thus helping to strengthen the body's natural defenses. Many supplements containing plant extracts are recommended for immune system support especially in the cold winter months to prevent seasonal ailments.
The plant also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, useful for protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
is the common name with which s "identify different plants belonging to the genus Astragalus. These are perennials that can even reach two meters in height.Always used in folk medicine to treat and prevent colds and flu, the astragalus is attributed immunostimulating properties which seem to be confirmed by various studies and which seem to be carried out through different mechanisms of action, such as, for example, the increase in proliferation and activity. of B and T lymphocytes and the increase in the activity carried out by macrophages (all cells of the immune system).
The hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of the astragalus are also very interesting.
In light of what has just been said, therefore, it is not surprising how the extracts of this plant are part of the composition of various food supplements that are used to help the body's natural defenses and to exert a "tonic-adaptogenic action (any substance is defined adaptogenic). able to increase in a nonspecific way the defenses and the resistance of the organism to stress of various kinds, both physical and psychic).
(scientific name Malpighia punicifolia) is an evergreen plant native to Mexico very well known for its high content of vitamin C. Thanks to the large quantity of this vitamin, food supplements based on this plant are widely used in all those cases where an adequate intake is required. of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, precisely), as can happen, for example, in the case of colds, flu syndromes, periods of convalescence.The plant also contains other vitamins, such as vitamin A and B vitamins, as well as mineral salts and flavonoids, which perform a "synergistic action with vitamin C.
(scientific name Rosehip) is a very widespread woody plant also in Italy, where it grows spontaneously near the edges of the woods and in the hedges. Similarly to acerola, rosehip is well known for its interesting content of vitamin C which makes it another natural remedy potentially useful in increasing the body's natural defenses. It is not surprising, in fact, that folk medicine has exploited for years the plant (and, in particular, the receptacle of false fruits) to combat colds and flu.
Food supplements containing it are often used to help the immune system and for antioxidant properties.
Natural remedies for earache are also useful.
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