Herbs To Help
Strengthen Your Immune System

Dr. Rita Louise

Bacteria are single celled living organisms that are important or even essential to our survival. Most bacteria do not cause disease, however, some do. Bacteria, unlike a virus, can thrive on non-living surfaces, such as a doorknob, a cutting board, in ill prepared foods as well as in our bodies. When we come into contact with infectious bacteria, the bacteria can reproduce very quickly, where it causes an immune response in the body. If our body’s natural defenses are strong, bacteria will be quickly managed and destroyed. If, on the other hand, our immune system is unable to effectively control and destroy the bacteria we have encountered, we become sick.

One of the best ways to naturally support the body from bacterial infections comes from the plant kingdom. There are a number of herbs that can be safely and effectively used to destroy or inhibit bacterial growth. Called, or more properly stated, “having the properties” of being antibiotic in nature, these herbs have been used for centuries to kill bacterial germs. What makes working with antibacterial herbs so wonderful is that at the same time they are killing off bad bacteria they are also supporting and stimulating our body’s own natural defenses.

With winter upon us, having one or more of these antibacterial herbs in our home medicine cabinet can help keep you symptom free or at least help reduce any bacterial infection you may encounter. Antibacterial herbs include:

Cloves

Clove oil is highly antiseptic and is a time-honored remedy for toothaches and abscessed teeth. It is also used to stop vomiting. It also has a history of relieving indigestion, controlling diarrhea, and healing cuts and bites.

Echinacea

The active constituents in Echinacea, which are thought to bolster the body’s defense, are known as polysaccharides. Polysaccharides stimulate the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that destroy bacteria, viruses and foreign invaders.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most important herbs, having a broad range of well-documented healing properties. It acts as an antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi and worms, fights blood clots, stimulates bile, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, and improves blood LDL/HDL ratio.

Golden Seal

It is an effective, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, healing tonic and is often recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes conditions, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It is also recommended for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis. Golden seal should be used with caution by hypoglycemic persons because it is known to lower blood sugar levels.

Licorice Root

(Glytcyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root is a very sweet herb. Its anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions make for excellent throat lozenges and ulcer remedies. It helps to destroy viruses and to stimulate and clear the lymphatic system.

Myrrh

Myrrh, is a powerful natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal that combats infections of the lungs, skin, and urinary and intestinal tracts for centuries. Since antiquity, Myrrh has been used to relieve pain and alleviate sinusitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease and sore throat, and has long been used to help bolster the body’s natural immune defenses.

Pau d’arco

Pau d’arco bark is a very effective immune building and antifungal herb. Internally, it is a blood purifier that is used for systemic yeast infections like Candida albicans, and to strengthen the immune system. This is the herb that South American Indians have historically used to fight tumors.

Reishi

Reishi used for more than 4000 years in traditional Chinese medicine, alleviates the effects of stress, strengthens the heart, protects the liver, soothes the nerves, normalizes blood pressure, inhibits the release of histamine (thus relieving the allergic inflammatory response), supports adrenal function, stimulates immune system, slows the aging process, and is anti-carcinogenic and anti-bacterial in nature.

Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D., is a Naturopathic Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics and host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Listen to Dr. Rita on www.JustEnergyRadio.com and visit www.soulhealer.com www.soulhealer.com
   

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