Natural Supplements That Can Help Increase Your Resistance Against Covid-19 Infection.

Updated on January 23, 2021

Licorice root.

Licorice roots is an ancient herbal remedy that comes from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice plant).

It is widely used in Southern Europe and Western Asia. However, there is only little scientific backing behind its operations.

Let’s take a look at how it can improve your immune system.

Licorice root has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help relieve you from upper respiratory infections.

When studies were performed on animals, it was observed that glycyrrhizin extract which is present in licorice roots helped to relieve asthma, most especially when combined with the modern asthma medications.

Also, some studies show that taking licorice root tea may help you prevent sore throat.

Licorice roots also contain numerous plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, so it prevents cell damage and may have anticancer properties. When studies were performed on animals, it was observed to prevent or slow down cell growth in colorectal, skin, breast, and prostate cancer.

More research still needs to be performed on the effect of licorice roots in humans to know how much it helps the immune system.

There are so many other health benefits of licorice roots. They include:

  • Protection against cavities.
  • Help treat peptic ulcers.
  • May reduce acid reflux and indigestion.
  • Improve blood sugar levels.
  • Treat skin conditions.
  • Boost weight loss.
  • Reduce menopause symptoms.
  • Help treat hepatitis C.

Although licorice root has several health benefits, it should not be taken in large doses. When you take it in large doses, it may trigger dangerous symptoms such as low potassium levels, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

So, only take nothing more than 100mg of licorice root daily for the best immune system benefits.

Andrographis.

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is one of the top 10 herbs that boosts the immune system as per optimunity.com. It increases the production of cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells) which fight and destroy cancer cells.

This plant is generally used as a painkiller and to treat common cold and flu and reduce fever.

When a study was performed on mice with cancer of the thymus gland (thymoma), it was observed that it lived twice as long as it should when treated with Andrographis for 10 days.

Andrographis extract also has benefits on cytokines – messengers that direct the immune response, and in turn suppress tumor growth, restoring your cells to their healthy states.

We recommend this plant because it helps prevent infections with cold or flu-like symptoms. 

So, even if Andrographis won’t prevent you from contracting COVID-19, you can be almost certain that your immune system can fight it and you may not even show symptoms.

Astragalus.

Astragalus is a popular herb that has been used to boost the immune system. 

Many people have used this plant and its root to successfully treat infections like upper respiratory tract infections, swine flu, common cold, and seasonal allergies.

There has not been much research on Astragalus, but researchers have gathered information on the herb.

It has three main active components – saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.

These are compounds that you will only find in plants. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Some of its benefits include fighting respiratory diseases, preventing the progression of HIV, fight stress hormone cortisol, prevent muscle damage, and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy.

Astragalus root can be found in health stores and can be taken in capsule, sprinkled over foods, taken as a tea, or mixed into a smoothie.

Garlic.

You’ll find garlic in many homes. People include it as a spice in their foods while some take it directly as medicine. 

This is because it has so many health benefits such as boosting your immune system function, improving your mental health, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

How does garlic boost your immune function?

Garlic contains a compound known as alliin. This compound turns to allicin when you crush or chew it. 

Allicin contains sulphur. This is why it gives off a bad smell when you chew it. As the alliin breaks down to allicin, it doesn’t remain in that state for long. 

It quickly converts to other Sulphur-containing compounds which have the medicinal properties that you need.

One of these properties is enhancing the properties of white blood cells in the body. So, by doing this, your body will be strong enough to fight viruses that cause common cold or flu, including coronavirus.

Elderberry.

Although research still needs to be performed on elderberry, it has been used as a cold-fighting strategy for many years. We cannot deny that it is strong enough to help keep your immune system strong during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some people will tell you that elderberry can cure almost everything.

Let’s take a better look at how this plant works.

Elderberry contains flavonoids and vitamin C, which are both powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system. It protects the cells and organs of the body.

Apart from the antioxidant properties, the elderberry also has antiviral properties. In a study of 60 people with flu symptoms, the group of people who took 15ml of elderberry syrup four times daily experienced relief from their symptoms four days earlier than those who didn’t take it.

Another study also observed the effects of elderberry on air travelers who get sick during the flight. The study was carried out on over 300 participants. Some were given elderberry extract while the others were given placebos or didn’t take anything.

The results showed that those who didn’t take anything experienced longer and more severe symptoms than those who took.

You should include this supplement in your diet.

To take them, you have to cook the fruit. A better way to take elderberry is to buy the syrup or extract. If you take the unripe fruit or other parts of the plant, it can cause cyanide poisoning and you’ll experience symptoms like vomiting and nausea.

Here are just some of the natural supplements you can take to improve your immune system against COVID-19. You can also improve your mineral intake, including more selenium and zinc in your diet to fight viral infections.

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