NATURAL HEALING GUIDE

The immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi and other harmful organisms. Toxins in foods and the environment, poor diet and stress can all contribute to a decline in immune system activity. If your immune function is weakened, your body is subject to fatigue and illness and cannot ward off infections. Immune system cells are produced by the thymus gland, the spleen and other organs. They are then carried through the body via the lymph vessels to the lympg nodes, which store these cells and help to create an effective barrier against infection. Immune cells can be damaged by unstable oxygen molecules in the body called free radicals, which may be generated in dangerously high numbers by poor nutrition, X rays, alcohol, cigarette smoke and pollutants. Vitamins help strengthen the immune system by neutralizing these cell damaging particles. Exercise, too, helps maintain good health by promoting blood circulation and ensuring a plentiful supply of oxygen throughout the body.

Echinacea
One of the most effective and popular herbal remedies for strengthening the immune system is Echinacea, which may mobilize immune system cells and stimulate their disease fighting activity. Other immune boosting herbs are Siberian ginseng, wild indigo, thuja and chamomile.

What you can do
Many factors play a role in strengthening the immune system. A balanced siet, rich in vitamins and minerals, provides the building blocks for healthy cells. Deep breathing and fresh air replenish vital oxygen. Regular exercise boosts oxygen intake and helps build cardiovascular and immune system health.

Protect cells with vitamins
Vitamins C and E, known as antioxidants, stimulate immunity and protect against cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin A also helps strengthen immune cells. The daily requirement is 1000 RE (found in 1 carrot) for vitamin A, 60 mg (1 orange) for vitamin C and 8-10 mg (2 tsp. vegetable oil) for vitamin E.

Gain fresh energy with oxygen
Engage in moderate exercise for an hour a day to ensure plentiful intake of fresh air. This promotes oxygen exchange between blood and air and speeds metabolism, leading to efficient mobilization of energy from nutrients.

Strengthen your thymus gland
The thymus gland, which is located in the upper part of the chest, behind the breastbone, is a nursery for immune system cells that help fight injection. Unfortunately, this organ shrinks in size as we grow older, and its effectiveness gradually diminishes. Here's a quick and easy exercise to stimulate your thymus gland and boost your immune system health. Every morning, tap on the middle of the breastbone with your finger for 5 minutes.

Extra tip : Keep the indoor humidity level between 30 percent and 50 percent so that the mucous membranes in the nose don't dry out. This will help protect the cilia, the fine hairs that line the nose and act as a barrier to keep germs from penetrating the body.

Boosting the immune system

Hot and cold showers
Begin your morning with a warm shower. After a few minutes, step aside and change the water temperature to lukewarm or cold. Place your right leg back in the shower first, then work your way up the body.

Stress reduction
Scientific studies have shown that stress weakens your immunity. Try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to help you cope better with stress. Or brew up some linden flower or valerian tea to help relieve anxiety and reinstate a state of calm.

Natural healing techniques

Oxygen therapy : a treatment that delivers high concentration of oxygen to the blood to stimulate metabolism and fight infection.
Autohemotherapy : a procedure where a small amount of the patient's blood is removed and then reinjected later to enhance immunity.
Lymph drainage : A therapeutic technique that speeds the removal of impurities and toxins through massage of the lymph vessels.

Herbal immune stimulants

• Immune Cocktail: Put 3 carrots, 1 orange, 1 apple and half a beet through a juicer. Make a fresh batch of this drink everyday.
  
• Vitamin jolt for smokers: take 1 tbsp. of juice made from sea-buckthorn berries daily for the extra vitamin C that smokers need.
  
• Natural antibacterial: include freshly grated or chopped garlic, horseradish or onions in your diet to fight harmful bacteria.
  
• Healing inhalation: enjoy a hot steam bath with mint oil, which kills bacteria on the mucous membrane and stimulates the formation of antibodies.
  
• Natural immune boosters: to stimulate the body's natural defense system, try a natural remedy containing mistletoe extract (the doses are non-toxic) or prepared with Siberian ginseng.