Increasing the immune system during a pandemic has become more important. Immunity functions to fight against invading pathogens, including toxin, virus, and bacteria. Immunity also functions as a body’s natural alarm. When a part of the body is under attack, the white blood cells will destroy the dangerous substance, also called antigen (immune system), and prevent the body from getting sick.
The role of immunity in our bodies has long been considered important. This can be seen clearly in the ways of life that develop in society. Starting from exercising, sunbathing, adjusting diet, taking vitamins, and medicine. However, did you know that you can also take herbal remedies to increase your immunity? These herbs have several natural ingredients that increase the body’s immunity. So, what kind of herbs are they? Check out the following explanation.
- Turmeric
As a country with the most natural resources, turmeric is very easy to find. In fact, this plant has long been used as a herb by our ancestors. Whether used as a food additive or made into a drink, turmeric is inseparable from Indonesian society. Basically, turmeric does have several ingredients, but the main ingredient that is useful for immunity booster is curcumin. Curcumin in turmeric acts as an immunomodulatory (increases the body’s defense mechanism) and anti-inflammatory. Moreover, turmeric has been recognized by the Indonesian government as a medicinal plant. - Ginger
Not only turmeric, ginger also increases our immunity. Ginger has long been attached to Indonesian’s food just like turmeric. Ginger mainly contains gingerol and shogaol. Both of these ingredients have a high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes ginger good to maintain your immune system during this pandemic.
- Galangal
Not only ginger, galangal which is usually used as a culinary herbs, also able to increase your immune system. These herbs increase our immunity through the activity of macrophages and increase the proliferation of T lymphocytes. In addition, galangal also contains quercetin glycosides which increase the immunity. This makes galangal, which usually only used as a food additive, can be potentially made into a drink and other types of food, especially during this pandemic.
- Garlic
Next is garlic. Garlic has good benefits to boost the immune system. This is because garlic contains Allicin. It functions to destroy bacteria and also infections. Garlic can be trusted as a cold preventive because it can increase immunity against viruses. Another benefit of garlic is to provide a detoxifying effect for your body which is produced by the sulfur inside. It is best to eat garlic directly in raw. Because when garlic is cooked, the heating process that occurs will reduce the anti-inflammatory effect of garlic.
- Noni
Noni has a less attractive appearance. However, noni has abundant benefits to keep your immunity strong. Noni contains scopoletin which is very influential in maintaining your immune system. However, make sure first that before processing, you must know that noni can give allergic reactions in some people.
- Curcuma
The last one is curcuma which is well known for its health benefits. Curcuma contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can inhibit the production of prostaglandin E2 or anti-inflammatory triggers. Temulawak has a very powerful antibacterial and antiviral function to protect the body from various diseases. In addition, plants that contain curcumin are very good for immunity. Temulawak is also good for the digestive system because it can stimulate the production of bile in the gallbladder. That way, ginger can help digestion and metabolism of food in the body.
Six herbal plants above can be used as an alternative to increase your immunity. You can add them in the cooking or food that you will consume. In addition, you can also get them in the form of herbal medicinal supplements that are ready for consumption. However, it is recommended to ask your doctor before consuming them. Don’t forget to keep eating healthy and nutritious food and live a healthy lifestyle to keep you healthy.
To get trusted and affordable herbs supplements and medicine, you can visit our product page. Mandira is an official distributor of various pharmaceutical brands certified with Good Practice on Medicine Distribution (“CDOB”) in the Great Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area.