The immune system 

In the fall and winter seasons the body must deal with the lowest temperatures of the year in the best shape possible. Our shield against seasonal diseases is our immune system that must be supported and stimulated through a balanced diet first of all. For this reason, today we will talk about three Italian plants that help to strengthen the immune system. 

The immune system: our defensive barrier 

The immune system is a thick network of surveillance and protection from outside threats that comprises several organs, cells and chemical mediators. This activity is carried out along three parallel defensive lines composed of mechanic and chemical barriers aimed at preventing penetration of the pathogenic agents inside the body, innate immune response and acquired immune response.

To make sure that the immune system uses its full potential, it is recommended to follow a correct diet coupled with daily exercise

What are the three Italian plants that help reinforce the immune system? 

Echinacea

The echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida) belongs to the family of the Compositae or Asteraceae. In Italy it is grown for medicinal purposes and also  purely for its ornamental value, especially in Piemonte, Veneto, Umbria, Tuscany, Sardinia, Basilicata and Puglia. The root of the Echinacea is harvested during the fall-winter, after the second/third year since implantation. This is so that roots can develop a high quantity of active ingredients. 

This plant with purple flowers contain numerous active ingredients: glicoproteins, polysaccharides, derivates of caffeic acid, alcaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, that operate together giving the plant specific properties. The main benefits of this plant are: antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti fungal and cicatrizant properties. In particular, the species Echinacea angustifolia is a plant with an immunestimulant and immunomodulatory action, able to act on the system by increasing its immune defenses, thanks to the phagocytory action of the macrophages, to the stimulation of lymphocytes and to the increase of the production of cytokines, strengthening the immune system of kids and adults. For these reasons, the Echinacea is recommended to prevent flu diseases, alleviate flu symptoms, contrast recurring infections (for example UTIs) and, for topical use, to treat scratches, burns, canker sores and dermatitis or simply to improve the look of aged and dry skin.

You can find Echinace on the market as a powder dry extract obtained from the roots, mother tincture, alcoholic extracts and juice. 

Be careful though, Echinacea should not be used in case of allergies, autoimmune diseases and with patients during immunoppressive therapy.

Rosehip

Rosehip is a shrub present all over Italy that belongs to the family of the Rosaceae that grows wild in wasteland, woods, bushes, at lower altitudes and it is considered an invasive plant. The harvest happens in the fall when the fruits are ripe, after the first frosts. The fruits and buds of rosehip have immunostimolant, anti—inflammatory, antioxidant properties. Rosehip buds have also some diuretic and astringent properties. The terapeutic properties of the rosehip are the result of the phytocomplex present in the plant and featuring vitamin C, malic acid, citric acid, carotenoids, pectines, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Usually you can find rosehip in the form of infusion (sometimes mixed with other Italian plants), mother tincture of rosehip or extract and supplements, whilst externally rosehip oil is used for its cosmetic properties.  

People who know to be allergic or hypersensitive to rosehip should not use it and during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding it is best to ask your physician. 

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a shrubby plant that belongs to the family of the Lamiaceae, of which mint is also part. It is among the most popular Italian plants all over the Italian territory especially near the Mediterranean, favoring the seaside. In some part of Italy, especially Sardinia, thyme is also known as “erba di Maria” (Mary’s herb) due to a medieval myth according to which thyme was used as resting spot for the virgins Mary during her escape from Egypt.thyme is one of the most used aromatic herbs to season meat, fish, vegetables, soups and its main components are its essential oil which contain mainly two fenolic ingredients: thymol and carvacrol. The composition of the essential oil can vary significantly based on the origin of the plant and time of harvesting. In addition to essential oil there are also tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes and saponins, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid.

Thyme also stands out for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It also helps sooth cough and has mucolytic and expectorant properties favoring fluidification and removal of excess phlegm. 

Thyme can be consumed orally through teas (sometimes mixed with other Italian  plants), mother tincture, and dry extract. 

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help breathing and to fight bad ospita; or a few drops are used for fumigation or on a tissue to free up airways in case of cough, cold or sore throat. 

It is not recommended during pregnancy and in case of allergy to the plant. You should be careful when using the essential oil: if ingested it can cause, according to the dose, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, vertigos, liver and renal impairment. It should not be ingested if not by advice of your doctor. For external use the essential oil should not be pure but mixed with vegetable oil. 

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