When it comes to supporting the immune system, nature has provided us with a plethora of powerful tools. Herbs have been used for centuries to help boost immunity and fight off illnesses. Let's explore some of the top herbs that can help strengthen your body's defenses.
1. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
- Known for immune boosting properties
- Pollinator favorite native to North America
- Helps fight infections both internally and externally
- Spiritually helps with setting boundaries
Energetics: Cooling, drying
Taste: Pungent
Preparations: tincture, tea, mouthwash, poultice
Scientific research articles of interest in Echinacea:
Kembuan, G. J., Lie, W., & Tumimomor, A. H. (2020). Potential usage of immune-modulating supplements of the Echinacea genus for COVID-19 infection. https://doi.org/10.5455/IJMRCR.immune-modulating-supplements-Echinacea-genus-covid-19-infection
Ciaccio-Vendola, M. C. (2020). Echinacea purpurea: Um caminho para aumento de imunidade. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345845489_EQUINACEA_PURPUREA_UM_CAMINHO_PARA_AUMENTO_DE_IMUNIDADE
Burlou-Nagy C., Bănică F., Jurca T., Vicaș L.G., Marian E., Muresan M.E., Bácskay I., Kiss R., Fehér P., & Pallag A. (2022, May 5). Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review. Plants 2022, 11(9), 1244. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091244
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Known for power anti-inflammatory and digestive properties
- Supports heart health
- Helps fight cold and flu symptoms, and other infections
- Spiritually enhances personal power
Energetics: Warming to hot, drying
Taste: Pungent
Preparations: Culinary, powder, tincture, candied, tea
Scientific research articles of interest on Ginger:
Imo, C. & Za’aku, J.S. (2019). Medicinal properties of ginger and garlic: A review. Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333376516_Curr_Trends_Biomedical_Eng_Biosci_Medicinal_Properties_of_Ginger_and_Garlic_A_Review
Sharma, P.K., Shankhdhar, Gangwar, A., Pathak, N. & Suman. (2022, January 6). Ginger: An immuno-booster for COVID-19. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(9), 1-6.
Ballester P., Cerdá B., Arcusa R., Marhuenda J., Yamedjeu K., & Zafrilla P. (2022, October 25). Effect of ginger on inflammatory diseases. Molecules, 27(21), 7223. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217223
3. Milkvetch (Astragalus propinquus)
- Adaptogen often compared to ginseng
- Known for positive effects on the immune system
- Protective to the heart and liver
- Known to help heal injuries
- Helps balance emotions
Energetics: Slightly warming
Taste: Sweet
Preparations: Tea, powder, capsule, tincture
Scientific research articles of interest on Milkvetch or Astragalus:
Shahrajabian, M. H., Sun, W. & Cheng, Q. (2019, August 28). A review of astragalus species as foodstuffs, dietary supplements, a traditional chinese medicine and part of modern pharmaceutical science. Applied ecology and environmental research, 17(6), 13371-13382. http://dx.doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1706_1337113382
Li, S., Sun, Y., Huang, J., Wang, B., Gong, Y., Fang, Y., Liu, Y., Wang, S., Guo, Y., Wang, H., Xu, Z. & Guo, Y., (2020, August 10). Anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and its specific immunopotentiation: Status and prospect. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112797
Junqiu, L., Hariram, N.S., Guoliang, X., Yuesheng, W. & Guoyin, K. (2021, June). Systematic exploration of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax ginseng as immune regulators: Insights from the comparative biological and computational analysis. Phytomedicine, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153077
4. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Also known as holy basil
- Adaptogen that helps with stress and anxiety
- Aids digestion
- Can help strengthen immune system
- Spiritually helps with attracting positive energy & promotes peace
Energetics: Warming, drying
Taste: Pungent, sweet
Preparations: Tea, tincture, juice, powder, honey infusion
Scientific research articles of interest on Tulsi or Holy Basil:
Stansbury, J., Saunders, P. & Winston, D. (2012). Supporting adrenal function with adaptogenic herbs. Association for the advancement of restorative medicine. https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/supporting-adrenal-function-with-adaptogenic-herbs/
Cohen M. M. (2014). Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
Srivastava, A.K. & Singh, V.K. (2021, September 7). Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A potent adaptogen. Clinical Research Notes. 2(2). DOI: 10.31579/2690-8816/037 Link
5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Known for powerful anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes digestive and liver health
- Strengthens cognitive health
- Has shown positive anti-cancer benefits
- Spiritually promotes purification and protection
Energetics: Warming, drying
Taste: Pungent, bitter
Preparations: Food, juice, oil, powder
Scientific research articles of interest on Turmeric:
Aluwi, M.F.F.M., Huq, A.K.M.M., & Hossain, M.A. (2022). Chapter 15 - Role of turmeric and cinnamon spices in digestive, metabolic, and immune systems. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128212325000276
Bhowmik, C.D., Kuman, K.P.S., Chandira, M., & Jayakar, B. (2009). Turmeric: A herbal and traditional medicine. Archives of applied science research 1(2), 86-108. Link
6. Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Known for being protective against infections
- Increases immune function
- Supports heart & digestive health
- Has shown positive anti-cancer benefits
- Spiritually protects against negative energy
Energetics: Warming, drying
Taste: Pungent
Preparations: Food, oil, vinegar, powder, honey
Scientific research articles of interest:
Imo, C. & Za’aku, J.S. (2019). Medicinal properties of ginger and garlic: A review. Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333376516_Curr_Trends_Biomedical_Eng_Biosci_Medicinal_Properties_of_Ginger_and_Garlic_A_Review
Subroto, E., Cahyana, Y., Tensiska, Mahani, Filianty, F., Lembong, E., Wulandari, E., Kurniati, D., Saputra, R.A. & Faturachman, F. (2021, December). Bioactive compounds in garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a source of antioxidants and its potential to improve the immune system: a review. Food research, 5(6). 1-11. Link
Percival, S.S. (2016, February). Aged garlic extract modifies human immunity. The journal of nutrition, 146(2), 433S-436S. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.210427
Additional scientific articles of interest on Herbs:
Otieno, B. A. (2019). Natural immune boosters: A review of ten key herbs for enhancing immune function. Australian herbal insight, 1(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.25163/ahi.1120051