Three Natural Immune Boosters

In our house we use natural, safe remedies for healing all host of illnesses, from colds to mastitis. These remedies are safe for children when used appropriately, and they build the immune system rather than harming it. They draw on the powers of nature to strengthen and heal. While there are many great herbal, homeopathic, and natural remedies like echinacea and elderberry, these are my three favorites to which I always turn.

1. Colloidal silver - Silver is antibacterial and antiseptic. It kills bacteria on contact. Colloidal silver is a liquid suspension of microscopic silver molecules that delivers a tiny and believed-to-be safe amount of silver to the body. You can get it plain or mixed with homeopathic remedies for cold and flu symptoms. I have taken it while pregnant and nursing under the supervision of my chiropractor. It's great for fighting colds and the flu. From an Oriental Medicine perspective, colloidal silver also dries dampness and builds yin. Yin deficiency symptoms include anger, exhaustion, anxiety, and more - and the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) fit the description of yin deficiency. In addition to getting more sleep and support from my community, I took colloidal silver after the birth of my second child to help with my symptoms of PPD. I am not an acupuncurist or a psychotherapist, so do seek help from a professional if you are struggling postpartum or any other time. Discuss the use of colloidal silver with your health practitioner as a possible additional support.

2. Usnea - This herb is actually a lichen, which is a symbiotic relationship between an algae and a fungus. In the wild, it drapes beautifully over tree branches in damp forests. It is little-known as a herbal remedy outside herbalist circles. It has antibacterial and antibiotic properties and is safe for use with children. I make a syrup out of it, adding other herbs like elderberries (sambucol), echinacea, and clover, depending on the illness we're trying to heal. To make a syrup, simmer a handful of each herb in a pint of water for each handful for about twenty minutes (longer for bark like wild cherry bark, which is great for coughs). Strain the herbs from the liquid and toss them in the compost. Add honey for children over one year or vegetable glycerin to sweeten. Take a teaspoon full a day till healed. Again, I am not a licensed herbalist, just a mom who knows a lot about herbs and natural remedies. If you suffer from any allergies or health conditions, or just to learn more, consult an herbalist or natural practitioner before making your own remedies.

3. Grapefruit seed extract - Is exactly what it sounds like, a concentrated extract from grapefruit seeds in a suspension of vegetable glycerin. It tastes terrible but has powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. I have successfully treated my own mastitis and other illnesses with this safe, powerful remedy. To mask the taste, take 10-15 drops (5 or less for children) in orange juice. It's great for colds, flu, sore throats, and more.

Again, I have to stress that while these remedies have been safe and effective for my family, you should consult a health care practitioner before taking them or giving them to your children. Which remedy you use will depend on your needs: grapefruit seed extract is the strongest, but tastes bad. Usnea is an herb that helps build the immune system, while all three fight off illness. I mix them around, not relying on any one remedy all the time.

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Sources

Paul Pitchford, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, 1993.
Rosemary Gladstar, Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal, Storey Publishing, 2001