“Health is wealth”—I bet not a single one of us can recall how many times we have come across this phrase our entire lives. It is one of those sayings that, presumably, each person in this world has been familiar with since our younger days. Yet, most of us weren’t truly able to grasp the depth of this until the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alcohol, face masks, disinfectants, and face shields—aside from these must-haves, everybody has been heavily invested in vitamins, fruits, and anything else that is believed to strengthen a person’s immune system. Aside from that, due to safety concerns involving the consumers, animals, and the environment, natural products have been gaining the spotlight for a while now. To further strengthen your immune system, here are some Chinese medicinal herbs you can try out!
Astragalus
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Astragalus Root, also known as Huang Qi in Chinese, is a prominent herb in Chinese medicine which carries anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is one of the most powerful herbs in boosting a person’s immunity. It works by growing the number of active immune cells and their activity. Research suggests that the Astragalus Root can boost resistance to infection.
Echinacea
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Echinacea initializes immune system chemicals which can increase defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria. A common way to use Echinacea is to drink it as tea, making it a well-known option to help fight off flu and manage anxiety. It has also been linked to other health benefits such as reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels.
Asian Ginseng
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Asian Ginseng is a great immunity booster with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It works by improving the effectiveness of all the cells in the immune system. Other than that, it is known to boost energy, lower blood sugar levels, and sharpen the mind as well. Other benefits include improved mental performance and physical endurance and reduced stress.
Ginger
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Ginger, while being a popular ingredient in cooking, is considered to be a great aid in boosting the energy levels of an individual. It is a readily available antioxidant that naturally strengthens the immune system, prevents inflammation, and fights off several types of infections. Aside from that, it is utilized to treat initial flu and heat symptoms, such as dry and sore throat and fatigue. It can also assist in promoting blood circulation, a home remedy for nausea and stomach ache, and a relief for constipation, vomiting symptoms, and morning sickness.
Garlic
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Aside from ginger, another Chinese medicinal herb that is also a staple in the kitchen is garlic, which is known to be highly nutritious and low in calories. With its antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, it assists in strengthening an individual’s immune system. Moreover, it is believed to be beneficial in preventing and treating common colds, flus, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
These are some of the herbs utilized in Chinese medicine that you may consider in boosting your immune system. Nevertheless, do not forget to get a good sleep, drink plenty of water, eat right, and de-stress. Always remember that prevention is always better than cure!
Sources:
Healthline.com, Hivelife.com, Healthspaceclinics.com.au, Amcollege.edu, & Hk.asiatatler.com
