“It is astounding how much the immune system is strengthened by reducing daily mental stress levels with either visualization or meditation. The other great tonic for the immune system is love—loving ourselves as well as others.”-Bernie Siegel
There are so many different tonics that benefit the immune system: garlic, ginger, lemon, olive leaf, oregano, grapefruit seed extract, and peppermint to name a few.
Today I would like to highlight the following which are lesser known:
Pau D’Arco
Pau d’arco (Tabebuia heptophylla) comes from the rain forests of Brazil and other areas of South America. This amazing herb nourishes the body’s defense system and helps protect against pathogenic organisms. It has been used for centuries to improve immune function, detoxify, and reduce pain throughout the body — especially in the joints. Research has shown that it contains a natural antibacterial agent, has a healing effect on the entire body, cleanses the blood, and kills viruses.
Astragalus
Astragalus root is an immunostimulant used in the treatment of chronic viral infections, hepatitis, edema, common cold, and flu.
Medicinal Mushrooms
The proposed benefits of medicinal mushrooms range from cancer prevention and treatment, to being anti-viral, to curing asthma and even prolonging life. Reishi has long been heralded as the elixir of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers it to be in the highest class of tonics to promote longevity. This mushroom is well proven to prevent and combat cancer and other immune system disorders. It has beneficial effects on the liver, helping both to regenerate and protect it. It’s also been shown to reduce fatty deposits on the liver. It has multiple benefits for the heart, helping to normalize cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.Cordyceps has been shown to be especially useful against lung cancers (in TCM it is said to enter through the Lung meridian). It is also used to increase libido, optimize cholesterol levels, address liver disease and to relax bronchial tissues, which is helpful for those with certain types of asthma. Olympic athletes use cordyceps to increase their stamina.Medicinal Mushrooms have been an immune miracle for me. I get to be healthy when people around me start getting sick because I take supplements or tinctures of medicinal mushrooms. My favorite supplements are Myco-Immune by Thorne, Power Mushrooms by Health Concerns, and Immucore by Metagenics.
Meditation, Visualization, Love, and Happiness
Practice feeling good everyday. Use meditation and visualization to help lower your stress response. Practic gratitude for your body and all it does for you. Love fully and with all your being. Surround yourself with things you enjoy. Hang pictures that make you smile, wear clothes and jewelery that feel good on your body and make you feel good about yourself. Eat food that makes you feel nourished and energized, and value loved ones around you. Choose positive thoughts about yourself and others. Breathe in fresh air. Love life and it will love you back. I fully believe no one can have true health without happiness, so when you want to boost your immunity don’t forget this very important factor. Get as large a dose as you can possibly handle…everyday.
Advice I Give Myself 