All humans have a defense system at their disposal to confront whatever dangers threaten them. But the effectiveness of the immune system is more or less dependent on the basic physiological forces received at birth, though its abilities can also vary over time. The immune system can also be diminished by fatigue, stress, poor nutrition, and the body’s accumulation of toxins and poisons.

The body is therefore not always up to the task of properly protecting itself. It is sometimes necessary, depending on the case, to strengthen and stimulate, or reawaken, the body’s defense mechanisms. There are a host of various remedies that make this stimulation of the immune system possible. We will look at a few of the most effective ones.

Echinacea Root Helps Get Rid of Toxins

Echinacea angustifolia, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a native of the North American prairies. It was used often and with great success by Native Americans to treat all kinds of ailments, and it plays a very helpful role in fevers.

It has an exceptional ability to stimulate the body’s defense system by, among other things, producing white blood cells (macrophages) that attack and destroy the germs and poisons in the body’s biological terrain. Echinacea also stimulates perspiration, which helps rid the body of these toxins. Furthermore, it reduces cellular exposure to infection and has an antibiotic effect against certain pathogenic germs. For all these reasons, echinacea is a major remedy for supporting the body’s fight against disease.

The root of the plant is the primary part that is used. It is prepared in the form of an easy to use tincture. Several small doses repeated throughout the day have a better effect than larger doses taken less frequently.

Dosage: Take 10 to 20 drops of the tincture, five to six times a day, with a little water.

Vitamin C Kills Microbes and Viruses

Vitamin C is a useful substance for maintaining the body’s general functioning, but when taken at higher doses it has amazing therapeutic virtues that have been confirmed by modern studies.

Vitamin C stimulates the body’s defenses by making white blood cells and antibodies more effective in their battle against infection. It kills microbes and viruses, and neutralizes numerous poisons.

Because it stimulates the overall health of the body, vitamin C is always recommended for the additional support it provides the struggling body during a fever. During a fever the body needs more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C a day. According to some authors, the daily amount ingested can even be equal to several grams. The natural vitamin C supplements available in the market generally have a fairly low dosage (50 to 100 mg), but there are some preparations that are 500 to 1,000 mg. These are the ones you should obviously use to obtain effective therapeutic results.

Dosage: Take 1 to 3 grams a day, broken up into several doses over the course of the day.

Magnesium Chloride: Helpful in Cases of Fever

Magnesium chloride is one of these substances on which the effectiveness of the immune system depends. Diseased bodies generally display a deficiency in this essential substance. Taking magnesium chloride as a supplement addresses this deficiency and stimulates the body’s defenses.

The use of magnesium chloride is quite simple. Packets can often be found in natural health stores and supermarkets. Empty the packet into a glass of water, and the remedy is ready to be imbibed. One dose corresponds to 125 cc of solution, thus in the general neighborhood of an ordinary drinking glass.

Dosage: At the first signs of fever, drink 1 glass at three-hour intervals, until 3 glasses have been drunk. For the next two days, drink 1 glass every six hours. After the two days, reduce to 2 glasses a day for three days, then 1 glass a day for a week.

Magnesium chloride has a distinctive flavor that can be avoided by drinking it down in one gulp rather than sipping it. It can also have a laxative effect on some people. This is only temporary and can be toned down by lowering the dose. Keep in mind, though, that this is not a negative reaction. Emptying the intestines is helping the body rid itself of the toxins that are clogging its systems.

Magnesium chloride is also available in tablet and liquid form. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines.

Trace Elements: Tiny Sparks That Keep the Body's Motor Running

Trace elements are minerals that are present in very small amounts in foods. They contribute to the sound and proper functioning of the body. A deficiency in a trace element will cause reduced capacity of the function dependent on it. This reduction in the physiological function will grow worse as long as the body receives no intake of this trace element.

Trace elements are like tiny sparks that keep the body’s motor running. They are therefore even more valuable when the body becomes exhausted in its struggle, as can be the case during a fever, and requires assistance to perform all its functions properly.

The trace elements of copper, gold, and silver are most apt to stimulate the exhausted defenses of the body. There are liquid preparations available commercially that contain all three of these trace elements. To encourage maximum absorption, it is best to take the remedy on an empty stomach and hold it beneath your tongue for a minute before swallowing. This part of the mouth has a vast number of blood vessels, which permits the active properties of these elements to enter the bloodstream rapidly.

Dosage: One dose is generally around 30 drops of the preparation* and should be taken once or twice a day before eating.

Summary

The use of natural sweat-inducing and immune-strengthening remedies can enhance the body’s own efforts to restore health.

©2012 (English translation). All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Healing Arts Press,
an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.  www.InnerTraditions.com

This article has been adapted with permission from the book:

The Healing Power of Fever
by Christopher Vasey, N.D.

Contrary to popular belief, a fever is not a symptom to be treated but a sign of a healthy, functioning immune system naturally working to heal the body. Helping us understand what a fever really is and how it can benefit the body, Dr. Vasey asks us to stop considering fever as an enemy to be conquered and start seeing it as the healing ally that it truly is.

Click here for more info and/or to order this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Christopher Vasey, N.D., is a naturopath specializing in detoxification and rejuvenation. He is the author of The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health, The Naturopathic Way, The Water Prescription, The Whey Prescription, and The Detox Mono Diet. Visit his website (French language) at www.christophervasey.ch