Herbal Supplements to Boost Your Immune System

Introduction

What defense does your body have against all those microorganisms out there just waiting to be the cause of disease?  “My immune system,” you might say.  Of course, that’s true, but sometimes it unexpectedly fails.  When this happens, a germ is successful in invading your body, and the result is that it makes you sick.  Well, what if you were able to strengthen your immune system and prevent this invasion?  Doesn’t this idea sound enticing?

The idea of boosting your immunity certainly does sound enticing, but is it possible to do?  Over the years, scientists have looked at the potential to in some way influence the immune system.  Changes in lifestyle such as getting enough sleep, reduction of stress and a diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds seem to influence the immune system in a positive way.  In addition, another approach you might take is to try immune-supportive herbs. 

Oregano Oil

If you’re wondering whether the oregano oil herbal supplement is made from the spice that you use for cooking, yes, it certainly is.  Through a process of steam distillation, oregano oil is extracted from the oregano herb.  It is believed that the oil extracted from the Oreganum vulgare plant has many therapeutic benefits, according to Alive.  (http://www.alive.com/health/oil-of-oregano/)

It is believe that oregano oil helps to fight and treat colds, flus, asthma, bronchitis, digestive upsets, headaches, muscular pain, rheumatism, warts and insect bites.  However, is there science behind these beliefs?

Phenol carvacrol and thymol occur naturally in plants of the Mediterranean.  These elements give the oregano its great antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal capabilities.  Oil of oregano has been found to be effective as an antibacterial agent that is effective fighting staphylococcus, listeria, E. coli, and candida albicans.  

In 2001, Georgetown University Medical Center researchers tested low doses of oregano oil’s effect on staphylococcus bacteria.  They found that the oregano oil was just as effective at preventing the bacteria’s growth as the well-known streptomycin and penicillin antibiotics.  In addition, British researchers reported the results of a study on oil of oregano in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in February 2000.  In their study, they found that 25 different bacteria were effected by oregano oil.  Oil of oregano’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were also proven by other studies.

Olive Leaf Extract

Everyone is familiar with the olive being a food item and olive oil use in our salads.  However, are you aware of the fact that the olive leaf has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.  Back in ancient times, it was regarded as a cure-all.  An olive leaf infusion has actually stabilized blood sugar and controlled diabetes in Moroccan medicine and this was further confirmed in publications of studies done on the topic.

Since the early 1900s, a primary compound in the olive leaf known as oleuropein has been recognized in scientific studies as having many benefits for our health.  For instance, early studies of oleuropein found that it lowered blood pressure.  Milan studies found that oleuropein slowed down the oxidation of lipids in the blood, is a powerful antioxidant, and lowered cardiovascular disease risk as well.  Antioxidant compounds such as oleuropein that are gotten from plants have been known to produce health benefits.  The risk of many degenerative and chronic diseases is also  lessened by them.

Olive leaf extract is a type of iridoid by definition.  As an iridoid, it shows antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and can also be used to fight various kinds of internal infections.  For people who are striving to lose weight, the olive leaf supplement seems to increase the production of thermogenin by the body.  Thermogenin is a substance that helps a person to burn fat more efficiently.

The olive leaf benefits to health include the following:

·        It is a source for anti-cancer compounds including lutolin, and oleuropein protects a person from breast cancer. 

·        Apigenin and cinchonine found in the olive leaf have also appeared to be anti-malarial agents.

·        It acts as an anti-inflammatory.

·        It protects a person from nerve damage.

·        It is also believed to be of value for victims of a stroke.

Today’s science considers the olive leaf and olive leaf extracts valuable in promoting better health and warding off many different health disorders.