How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally This Flu Season

Flu season comes every year, it starts in the fall and ends in the spring. Until recently, we all knew this and really didn't prepare. If we got the flu, we called off from work and stayed in bed a couple of days, easy. Not anymore, catching the flu could be deadly. Medical experts are advising children, pregnant women, the elderly, and any persons with compromised immune systems to get vaccinated.

If vaccination is not the choice for you, there are other ways to boost your immune system. Including echinacea in your vitamin regimen is a good start. Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a common perennial plant which has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and prevent illnesses.

Native Americans have been using this beautifully colored plant for centuries as a means of staying healthy. Scientific evidence proves that echinacea can reduce symptoms of cold and flu if taken when symptoms are first noticed. It is also a powerful immune booster by assisting our white blood cells to attack germs. This assistance aids in preventing other illnesses such as colds, cancer, acne, skin rashes, yeast infections, and abdominal ailments.

Echinacea is not a cure for diseases but it's a proven preventative for possible illnesses. Taken in recommended doses, echinacea could be all you need to prevent illnesses, such as the flu.

Echinacea is available in capsules, extracts, tinctures, and teas. It is commonly used and very affordable also. You can purchase echinacea at almost any store that sells vitamins, such as Jewels, Walgreen's, Walmart, or any natural store. It cost between $9.00-$12.00, depending on the size. The tinctures are the most cost effective.

People with allergies to pollen or any member of the aster family (ragweed) are cautioned not to take this herb. People with compromised immune systems, such as HIV, Tuberculosis, and Multiple Sclerosis should also not take this herb. To be on the safe side, ask your doctor before using echinacea, if your doctor approves, try it, you will notice it's benefits.