(NaturalHealth365)  As days go by, more and more people come to realize that supporting our bodies’ natural defenses is the best strategy when facing invisible viruses and other potential invaders.  Thanks to Mother Nature’s generosity, we do not lack natural ways to fight off viruses, strengthen our immune systems and maintain optimum health.

Thankfully, herbs like echinacea do exactly that, bolster our immune system and help our body fight off a variety of illnesses.

Echinacea is rich in antioxidants, boosts the immune system

Echinacea is known to be rich in antioxidants.  Why are antioxidants important?  Because antioxidants are potent fighters against free radicals that cause oxidation in the cells and control the free radicals found in our environment.

Free radicals cause changes in the cells of our bodies that lead to various types of cancer and other health conditions that can be chronic and debilitating.  Including echinacea in your nutritional regimen is a great way to get the antioxidants you need to boost your immune system.

But wait, there is more!  Echinacea has antiviral and antibacterial properties

In addition to being rich in antioxidants, echinacea is both an antiviral and an antibacterial.  Its ability to fight both viruses and different types of bacteria makes it an effective immune system supporter.

Including it in your herbal supplements strengthens your body, making it more resistant to many of the most common illnesses we face.  Thanks to its unique chemical composition, echinacea is one of the most potent herbs on the planet we can use to defend against ailments that affect most age groups.

Reap the MULTIPLE health benefits of herbal remedies

Several benefits can be gained by using herbal remedies to treat or even help prevent various types of illnesses and diseases.  When combined with other natural remedies like olive leaf extract and goldenseal, echinacea can dramatically enhance the potency of the other components.

Echinacea has few known side effects and boosts the immune system and other defense mechanisms within the body so that every ingredient in the supplement is used to its fullest advantage.

How should I take this powerful herb?

Echinacea can be found in many forms.  You can purchase it in capsule form, which is suitable for adults.  Many herbal tea formulas contain echinacea.  Most teas that contain echinacea are safe to be given to children in small amounts.

Tinctures are also made using echinacea and offer the maximum amount of antibacterial/antiviral protection when a few drops are added to a cool beverage.

Don’t forget about living a healthy lifestyle

In addition to adding echinacea and other herbal supplements, it’s also important to live a healthier lifestyle.  For example, exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes and walking on alternate days will strengthen both your body and mind.

Eating a healthy diet will provide the fuel you need to stay active and fit.  Relax and get the rest you need every day.  At least eight hours of sleep is necessary to help the body reset, recharge, and repair itself daily.

Bringing it all together and a healthy lifestyle that includes the most potent herbal remedies will keep even the most vigorous viruses or bacteria at bay.

Do a little research if you want to learn more about herbal supplements, especially echinacea.  You may “just” be amazed at what you will learn.

Sources for this article include:

Herbs.news
WebMD.com
MountSinai.org
Healthline.com