Low White Blood Cell Count
Natural Remedies

Low White Blood Cell Count (Leukopenia)

| Modified on Feb 02, 2025
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Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count (WBC), weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections. While medical treatments exist, natural remedies can help boost white blood cell production and strengthen the immune response.

What Causes Low White Blood Cell Count?

Leukopenia may result from various factors, including:

  • Nutritional deficiencies (low vitamin B12, folate, or zinc)
  • Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic)
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Chronic stress and poor sleep

Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cells

1. Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

Consuming nutrient-rich foods can stimulate WBC production and support immune function. Focus on:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens) – rich in folate.
  • Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits) – high in vitamin C.
  • Garlic and onions – natural antimicrobial properties.
  • Turmeric and ginger – reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
  • Fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut) – contain probiotics that support gut immunity.

2. Supplement with Essential Nutrients

Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can lead to leukopenia. Consider supplementing:

  • Vitamin C: Supports WBC production and function. Dose: 500-1,000 mg/day.
  • Vitamin B12: Essential for healthy blood cell formation. Dose: 1,000 mcg/day.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Promotes WBC production. Dose: 400-800 mcg/day.
  • Zinc: Enhances immune cell activity. Dose: 15-30 mg/day.
  • Iron: Supports oxygen transport in blood. Dose: 18 mg/day (women), 8 mg/day (men).

3. Herbal Remedies for Immune Support

Herbs have been used for centuries to enhance immune function. Some of the best include:

  • Echinacea: Stimulates WBC production and fights infections.
  • Astragalus: Helps strengthen the immune system and prevent illness.
  • Reishi Mushroom: Contains beta-glucans that boost WBC activity.
  • Ginseng: Increases white blood cells and reduces inflammation.

4. Improve Gut Health

The gut microbiome plays a major role in immune regulation. To support WBC function:

  • Consume probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh).
  • Take a high-quality probiotic supplement.
  • Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods that weaken the immune system.

5. Exercise Regularly

Moderate exercise can stimulate immune cell production and enhance circulation. Recommended activities include:

  • Brisk walking (30 minutes/day)
  • Yoga or tai chi
  • Strength training

6. Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep negatively impacts the immune system. Improve sleep quality by:

  • Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
  • Following a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Avoiding blue light exposure before bedtime.

7. Reduce Stress Levels

Chronic stress suppresses WBC production. Manage stress with:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Engaging in hobbies and relaxation techniques

8. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps the body produce and transport white blood cells. Drink:

  • 8-10 glasses of water per day.
  • Herbal teas (ginger, echinacea, green tea) for immune benefits.

Final Thoughts

A low white blood cell count can weaken the immune system, making you vulnerable to infections. Dietary changes, supplements, herbs, stress reduction, and lifestyle improvements can naturally boost WBC production and strengthen immunity.

Have you tried natural remedies for leukopenia? Share your experience below and read testimonials from others exploring these treatments!


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Cayenne

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Mak (Perth, Australia) on 01/11/2009
★★★★★

Dear All,

Most of us only believe something if it's happened to us or we 'saw' it with our own eyes. Cayenne Pepper helps me with my neutropenia condition (low white cell count) in that, it doesn't raise the count but keeps bacteria away and stops food bacteria from making me sick. I got those empty gel capsules from most health shops and shake a small amount in a dish and then fill about 1/2 the capsule with it and then close capsule and swallow with juice. Always after eating a meal, and it never burns and stops your food bacteria in it's tracks if you have been out for a meal and come home and your tummy is churning and you know whats going to happen!! Take a capsule as above and it won't get to the vomit stage if you take within 1/2 hour of feeling unwell. Only make as you need not storing them. Keep cayenne in it's packet till you need to make up a capsule.(Caps size vary, get small ones).

Also my husband cut himself deep on his hand and was bleeding bad, I said "at last we can see if that cayenne works"!

Wow we covered it and it was all red and like a crust, left it on for about 1/2 hour then cleaned and re-applied then covered with bandaid and within a few weeks he just has a thin line like a faint scratch. I swear by cayenne but even that amazed me, he said it didn't hurt but just felt warm.

Famous saying: Above many graves grow the herbs that could have cured those that lay below them.

How true.
Mak

Replied by Barbara
(Manchester, Uk)
07/10/2011

I have neutropenia (low neutrophils), I have read on this forum that shark liver oil and lithium help, has anyone experienced and positive inreases.... PLEASE any advice would be helpful.....

Replied by George
(Melbourne, Vic)
11/28/2011
★★★★★

I was taking shark liver oil for about 7 months but have stopped as I believe it caused me watery eyes, but I do believe it helped me with low neutrophils. I also take AHCC which I believe has helped me tremendously. I also have a glass of honey with garlic every morning and I believe that has helped me as well for low neutrophils...


Cold Showers

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Gerald (Sydney, Australia) on 06/07/2009
★★★★★

I have taken a cold shower in the morning for over ten years, and can attest that I suffer less cold and flu symptoms than other workers in my office. In fact when the flu virus strikes Sydney each winter, I am normally the only one unaffected. When I am in the shower I also do some stretching. I hold onto the top of the shower screen and stretch my spine, to release stress. Which is great, because I have a stressful job. For years I have told others my theory about the benefits of cold showers, but am usually met with derision. So I am glad I found on this website a community of like-minded enthusiasts. I had my blood tested and my white cell count is three times higher than average. So I am sure that a wider scientific study would verify the health benefits of the cold shower. Gerald.

Replied by Deloris
(Fort Worth, Tx)
04/17/2013

Yes, my grandfather took cold showers every morning and never had colds or flu and was still working a full-time labor job at 89 years old.


Cold Showers, Beta Glucan

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Debby (Monroe, Ct) on 02/11/2012
★★★★★

I just wanted to let Ted and the readers know that for the last month I have used beta glucan supplement and have done sonewhat cold showers as suggested by this site. Just went to the doctors and the results of my blood work were good. My white blood cell count was approx. 4.9 compared to my last test which was 3.5 (out of range). Thank you so much for this help everyone. I just love this site.

Replied by Lenora
(Worcester, Ma)
03/25/2012

What brand of Beta glucan do you take, as there are several. Also, what mg., and how many capsules per day. I have low white blood cell count. I have had it for years. Thank you.

Replied by Debby
(Monroe, Ct)
05/03/2013

Hi Lenora, I just noticed your post. The brand I use is Jarrow Formulas, Beta Glucan one capsule a day on a empty stomach. Let me know if it helps you. Debby


General Feedback

Posted by David (Anch, Ak) on 11/26/2014

I am a 36 year old male that had a very inactive lifestyle over the last 10 years mixed with a fast food diet and lots of soda. I also have had high stress careers. I had a full physical around ten years ago and the doctor noted that I had a much lower than average white blood cell count.

I was sent to an Oncologist to get tested and they said that it appears that my normal level of white blood cells is just a lot lower than the average person, and that I appear to be perfectly healthy. I don't recall what the number was, but it was on the low end.

I just got another full physical last year and it appears that 10 years later, my white blood cell count is in the same level as it has always been. I'm still lower than the range for a normal person. I'm curious to find out if anyone has this similar issue when getting physicals?

Thanks - David

Replied by Deborah Yancy
(Wisconsin)
08/08/2015

I have had a low white blood cell count that my doctor has discussed with me. She has cautioned me to stay clear of people who are ill. She noted that all other blood work are normal and that I am in good health. I rarely, if ever, get sick. My career is working with disabled children who are often ill. However, I usually do not get any of their illness. I am going to try the cold showers to see if that helps me. I have not had any further testing.


Lithium Orotate

Posted by Brian (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 06/27/2011

Has anyone tried Lithium Orotate to increase white blood cells and has it been effective? I have read a few articles and it stated it increase neutrophils?

Replied by Elizabeth
(Wellington, New Zealand)
06/28/2011

I was not aware lithium orotate can help with white blood cells. I have done some research on the Internet and it's seems it can help... Has anyone had any positive increases in white blood cells count since taking lithium orotate....

Replied by David
(Ohio, Usa)
06/29/2011

Ted, have you heard of Lithium Orotate helping people with low white blood cell count?


Vitamins, Herbs

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by James (Makati, Philippines) on 10/04/2011
★★★★★

I am taking Imucell WGP Beta Glucan after I found out my WBC was low. My physician prescribed me this food supplement and after taking this for a month my wbc back to normal..

Replied by Joe
(Norfolk, Va)
10/21/2011

In response to James from Makati: What was the dosage of Imucell WGP Beta Glucan you were taking?

Replied by Angel
(Cebu, Philippines)
01/11/2012

When I was undergoing chemo, my oncologist prescribed me 2 capsule 3 times a day 7 days before I started my 1st cycle and 1 capsule twice a day before meals. Now, I'm on my 3rd cycle and I am still taking Imucell.

Replied by Inez
(Jamaica, West Indies)
04/10/2015

I am a first timer to this site. The thing is my sister her white blood cell is very low 2. Something and she is not taking anything so I was searching the internet and find myself up here, anyway I saw where beta glucan helps some of the persons so I want to know if my sister can use it. Awaiting ur respond.


Vitamins, Herbs
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 07/19/2011

There is some info regarding increasing neutrophils with the following: B-3, Astragalus, Echinacea and Vit C. Search the net for each of these in regards to this.

The following are recommendations by Dr. Karen Vieira, found on page 9-10 at: http://www.bloodtestresultsdecoded.com/deliverables/btrd-AbnormalResults.pdf

Vitamin A, garlic, Oleander extract, Selenium, Siberian ginseng and Asian ginseng, Echinacea, Green Tea.

Replied by Kate
(Zionsville,indianapols, Indiana)
03/01/2012

My daugther suffering from Multiple sclerosis and has low white and red blood cells. Turn out the histamine level is also very low, wich is responsible for MS symptoms and the low levels of white and red blood cells.



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