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Immune Boosting Tea: A Boon For Our Time

An image of red tea pouring into a clear glass mug with dried teas around itOver the centuries, tea has proven its worth as both a calming drink and an intervention for several health conditions. Herbal teas especially help in easing pain and in dealing with symptoms. In this time of pandemic, an immune boosting tea can bring relief in numerous ways.

There are several health benefits you can realize from drinking herbal teas. In general, this kind of tea will help you defeat colds and the flu, as well as bring long-term health benefits. Of course, like with anything you choose to try to promote your health, you should consult your primary healthcare professional before setting out on this path.

Regarding benefits of herbal teas, one of the most important considerations is the fact that these teas are caffeine-free. In addition, they contain many vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. These will vary depending on the specific blend of teas.

Some of the typical benefits of drinking herbal teas include boosting your immune and digestive systems, relaxation, and decrease of pain.

Some herbal teas also aid in better sleep. Valerian tea, for example, contains strong natural sedative properties to help you get to sleep faster and sleep better overall. You should not drink it for more than two weeks in a row because of its strength.

Many of the combinations of herbs that go into immune boosting teas also help relieve pain, fight oxidative stress and free radicals, help lower high blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Improved blood flow to the stomach can alleviate heartburn and improve your ability to absorb nutrients. Some teas contain substances that help reduce cholesterol and boost cognition as well.

What Is Immune Boosting Tea?

Immune boosting tea contains a blend of herbs that work together to improve the functioning of your immune system. This blend yields a large number of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals that give your immune system a boost.

Some examples of the teas that can be used to boost your immune system include:

  • Chamomile. This tea works to increase the production of white blood cells. Your bodyā€™s immune system depends on these cells to fight infections.
  • Dandelion tea. Some research indicates this tea helps rid your body of toxins, thereby helping your immune system deal with infections. This tea contains strong diuretics and may interact with other medications. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional before using it.
  • Ginseng. This herb boosts white blood cell production and contains interferon that prevents the replication of viruses.
  • Green tea. Rich in polyphenols, called catechins, this tea is many times more potent than vitamins C and E. However those with adrenal fatigue have to beware of too much caffeine content.
  • Honeysuckle tea. Research shows this tea helps build stronger immune systems.
  • Black licorice tea. This tea contains substances that decrease inflammation and provide help in dealing with hyperactive immune responses that may lead to the development of autoimmune conditions. There is a study in 2002 that showed that glycyrrhizin, the active component of licorice roots, was active in inhibiting replication of the SARS virus. It's important to not overdo licorice, though, because it could affect adrenal health.

How Do the Herbs and Citrus in Tea Benefit You?

These are some of the additional herbs and citrus typically found in immune boosting tea and their effects. Drinking this tea 6-8 times a day can prevent viruses from sticking to your mucous membranes, and it is great for preventing retrovirus illnesses.

Ginger

An image of a cup of ginger tea with fresh ginger rootEvidence from research indicates ginger helps to relieve painful periods and may help in alleviating other types of pain as well. Studies show it also works to lower blood sugar and cholesterol, possibly protect against the development of Alzheimerā€™s disease, and reduce swelling. Clinical evidence suggests it may also help reduce blood pressure.

Research shows ginger to either stimulate or inhibit immune cell activity, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and other biochemicals involved in the immune process. In doing this, it can help normalize the immune system by stimulating it if it under-functions or inhibiting it if it is hyperactive. Curcumin, one of the active substances in ginger most likely brings about this effect.Ā  Animal and human research show ginger also works to reduce the inflammation found in rheumatoid arthritis.

The immune system benefits of ginger also work to protect the brain. One of the components of ginger prevents damage to the microglia that help support parts of the brain. It inhibits prostaglandins and interleukins, both immune signaling molecules and inhibits the genes that stimulate the production of COX-2, a pro-inflammatory enzyme. This quality may make it a good natural product to help prevent Alzheimerā€™s and MS.

In addition to heartburn and upset stomach, high doses of ginger may increase your risk of bleeding and may interact with blood thinners as well as drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure. You should always consult with your healthcare professional before using ginger.

Rose Hips

The beta carotene and lycopene found in rose hips work to promote eye and skin health. In addition, they contain high levels of vitamin C, quercetin, catechins, and ellagic acid. All of these substances work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The vitamin C also plays a major role in boosting your immune system. Research shows consuming rose hips also increases fat metabolism through one of its antioxidants and can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Rose hips reduce joint pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing inflammation. Interleukin 1-Beta (IL-1B), an inflammatory cytokine, leads cartilage cells to produce proteins that break down joint tissue. Rose hips inhibit the ability of IL-1B to stimulate the production of these proteins. Likewise, rose hips work against chemotaxis, the transportation of immune cells into tissue.

Potential side effects of rose hips include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation, and fatigue. Some people experience sleeplessness as well.

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

An image of holy basil tea with a sprig of fresh holy basilOne of the properties of tulsi works to help regulate blood sugar. Research also suggests people who regularly take tulsi tend to have stronger immune systems and may experience less susceptibility to developing cancer cells. In addition, tulsi helps regulate cortisol and keeps hormone levels in balance.

Categorized as an adaptogen, holy basil works to help your body deal with stress. This, in itself, brings great benefits to people who suffer from adrenal fatigue, caused by severe stress. Reducing stress helps reduce the effects of adrenal fatigue. In addition, holy basil appears to possess antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to boost your immune system.

Research indicates holy basil can change the levels of cytokines like IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-y which all work to activate inflammatory processes. It also works to increase the antibody response to infection. Likewise, it helps lower inflammation by inhibiting the cell-mediated immune response. These responses might come as a function of a property of holy basil that affects the GABA receptors.

Side effects include the potential for slowing blood clotting, making it unsafe to use prior to surgery. Likewise, it seems unsafe for those wanting to become pregnant because of the potential for preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Also, it may interact with medications for diabetes due to its blood sugar-regulating qualities.

Orange Peel

Some studies show the polymethoxylated flavones in orange peel can lower cholesterol better than medications. High levels of vitamins C and A work to boost your immune system.

Side effects of orange peel include its potent stimulant properties. These may make you feel nervous and have trouble sleeping. The synephrine contained in orange peels may lead to heart problems such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, tachycardia, chest pain, and fainting. Hyperthyroidism and weakness on one side of your body can also occur with orange peel.

Lemon Peel

Lemon peel contains high amounts of fiber and vitamin C. It also contains D-limonene, a powerful antioxidant. Research links this antioxidant to a lowered risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. It also appears to increase an enzyme that reduces oxidative stress. The levels of vitamin C work to strengthen your immune system.

Research indicates lemon peel contains large amounts of bioactive compounds that provide numerous health benefits. A literature review of 82 studies showed the vitamin C in lemon peel to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms in both adults and children.

Side effects of lemon peel tend to come from higher doses. In these dosages it may lead to migraines, worsen heartburn, and slow down healing of stomach ulcers.

Lemon Myrtle

Lemon myrtle works to boost your immune system. Its anti-viral qualities may also help in dealing with influenza.

The high levels of antioxidants such as phytochemicals contained in lemon myrtle work to decrease the levels of free radicals in your body. These free radicals can lead to numerous illness conditions.

Side effects make it unsafe for children and pregnant women. It also may cause dehydration if taken too often. It contains diuretic properties as well. Problems with your stomach may also occur.

Lemongrass

An image of two glasses of iced lemongrass tea with stocks of fresh lemongrassKnown for its calming effect, lemongrass works to lower stress levels, decrease anxiety, and support sleep. It contains large amounts of essential nutrients such as iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and manganese.

Also, it contains many important B vitamins such as thiamine, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid, all of which leave your body in urine. This makes it important to replenish these levels often. Research demonstrates the importance of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The high level of antioxidants in lemongrass work to boost your immune system.

In addition, lemongrass possesses properties that make it a detoxifying agent for your liver, kidneys, pancreas, and bladder.

Potential side effects of lemongrass are few, and it does not appear to interact with other drugs or supplements. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not use lemongrass. People with kidney or liver disease should avoid this product. Those allergic to lemongrass should not expose themselves to the grass or its oils.

Citrus fruits and leaves, in particular, are excellent immune booster due to their strong anti-0xidant capabilities. Citrus tea also has the additional benefit of providing a layer of natural surfactants that discourage viruses and pathogens from attaching themselves on mucosa such as that in the throat. This can help diminish the chances of getting a sore throat. Frequent use of citrus tea combined with immune building herbs offers a one-two punch in preventing viral pathogens from setting up a stronghold in the body.

Adrenal Fatigue, the NEM, and How Your Body Handles Stress

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) occurs when your adrenal glands become overburdened with the demand for cortisol to fight the effects of stress. Any time stress hits your body, the adrenals release cortisol. As stress increases, more cortisol is needed. In the case of chronic stress, your adrenals become fatigued and are unable to meet the demand. This begins AFS. Initially, the symptoms seem vague, and traditional lab tests may not pick them up. Over time, however, they increase in severity and may become debilitating.

The NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response is a natural function of the body that helps it deal with stress. When the adrenals become overwhelmed, the NEM becomes activated. Made up of six circuits with three organs or organ systems in each, the circuits overlap in the NEM. This means what affects one system will also affect others. If these circuits become overwhelmed and dysfunctional, significant symptoms may occur.

How Immune Boosting Tea Affects Your Inflammation and Detoxification Circuits

The Inflammation and Detoxification circuits of the NEM overlap, with the immune system being a component of both. This makes them particularly open to the effects of immune boosting tea.

The Inflammation Circuit

Dysfunction of these circuits leads to problems in organs and systems that can be helped by the properties found in immune boosting tea. For example, dysfunction in the Inflammation circuit causes dysbiosis of the gut and results in leaky gut. Leaky gut allows viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens access to your bloodstream.

An image of the body's immune system fighting off a virusOnce this occurs, your immune system activates to deal with what it identifies as foreign particles that threaten your health. Inflammation occurs then because it is one of the weapons your immune system uses in this effort. With continuing and increasing levels of these foreign substances, your immune system may become hyperactive. In this case, more and more inflammation results. Unfortunately, the immune system may identify healthy cells as foreign in its effort to deal with the overwhelming burden. This sets the stage for autoimmune conditions.

In addition, your microbiome, another component of the Inflammation circuit, becomes unbalanced. The level of "bad bacteria" in the microbiome overwhelms the "good bacteria." This leads to impaired ability to absorb nutrients, irritation of the bowel, and further triggering of the immune system.

Immune boosting tea works to lower the activity of your immune system in an effort to bring it under control and stop the increasing levels of inflammation and the attack on healthy cells. The vitamin C, D-limonene, vitamin A, catechins, and quercetins in this tea all work to lower inflammation and boost your immune system correctly. The herbs in these teas also increase blood flow to your stomach, improving your ability to absorb nutrients.

The Detoxification Circuit

As mentioned above, the Detoxification circuit shares the immune system with the Inflammation circuit. The liver and the extracellular matrix (ECM) make up the rest of the Detoxification circuit. Their main objective is to remove toxins from your body.

The liver detoxifies what are called metabolites in your body. Metabolites are a product of metabolism. Every substance that enters your body undergoes a process to break it down to get nutrients from it. The remainder of these substances become metabolites. Your liver works to neutralize these and expel them from your body. Some metabolites become reactive and more dangerous to your body.

If the levels of these reactive metabolites get too high, you may experience a reactive metabolite overload. This leads to a congested liver that canā€™t keep up with the detox demand.

The reactive metabolites then back up in the ECM, the transport system throughout your body. You may then experience retoxification and a triggering of the immune system. Once again, your immune system can become hyperactive as a result.

The properties in immune boosting tea work to normalize the working of your immune system and decrease the level of inflammation in your body. Some of the teas that help your immune system also work to help flush toxins from your body. This can relieve the overload on your liver and ECM. Others work along with your immune system to rid your body of foreign invaders.

The Effects of Immune Boosting Tea on AFS

There are several key symptoms of AFS that immune boosting tea can help:

  • Some of the herbs in these teas also work to decrease fat deposits in your body. Difficulty losing weight is one of the indicators of AFS.
  • Blood glucose levels often become uncontrolled in AFS. Some of the herbs in these teas work to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Another indicator of AFS comes with the increasing levels of cortisol that can lead to health issues. Some of the herbs under consideration work to help control cortisol levels as well.
  • The development of Type 2 diabetes may occur with AFS also. Other herbs used in immune boosting tea work to help prevent this development.
  • Oxidative stress occurs often in AFS. Many of the herbs in these teas help to prevent and reverse oxidative stress.

Conclusions Regarding Immune Boosting Tea

An image of a woman holding up a yellow mug of teaImmune boosting tea contains many substances that work to improve the functioning of your immune system. In addition, these substances also lower inflammation, lower cholesterol, balance hormones, lower blood pressure, contain high amounts of antioxidants, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

If you suffer from a compromised immune system, you might be able to help alleviate the situation by using immune boosting tea. Dr. Lam Coaching will be selling an immune boosting tea in the near future. If you decide to try this, please be sure to consult with your primary healthcare professional before doing so. He or she will assess the benefits of immune boosting tea, suggest an appropriate dosage, and talk about the potential side effects.

If you would like to know more about immune boosting tea or need assistance deciding what type is right for you, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1-626-571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.

Ā© Copyright 2020 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lamā€™s Key Question

Immune boosting tea contains a combination of herbs that work to boost the immune system so that it functions better. This combination also works to help regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The antioxidants also work to reduce oxidative stress. Inflammation also is lowered with these herbs.

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