Top 3 Immune Boosting Herbs to Strengthen Your Immunity

Introduction

Keeping our immune systems strong is essential to our general health and well-being. With the multitude of pathogens and environmental stressors we face in today’s society, a robust immune system can help shield us from diseases and infections. Thankfully, nature offers us a wide variety of herbs that are well-known for strengthening our immune systems. These herbs are important friends in our pursuit of optimum health because they contain strong chemicals that bolster the body’s natural defenses.

What Are Immunity-Boosting Herbs

There is a long and rich history of using herbs as natural immunity enhancers. Bioactive substances included in these plants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, have been demonstrated to improve immunological function^[1].

Herbal medicines provide a safe and gentle way to promote immune function, in contrast to synthetic supplements that may have hazards and negative effects. We can boost our immune systems and lessen our vulnerability to illnesses and infections by utilizing the power of these organic compounds.

Herb 1: Echinacea

Native to North America, echinacea is a blooming plant commonly called purple coneflower. It has a long history of use in Native American traditional medicine, where its immune-stimulating abilities made it highly valued. Echinacea includes bioactive substances, such as polysaccharides and alkamides, which have been shown in modern studies to boost immunity and prevent infections^[2].

Echinacea is simple to include in your daily routine because it comes in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures, and capsules. But, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are on medication, it’s critical to be aware of potential side effects like allergic reactions or gastrointestinal trouble.

Herb 2: Elderberry

The medicinal benefits of elderberry, a deep purple berry found on the Sambucus tree, have been utilized in traditional medicine for generations. Elderberry is a well-liked treatment for colds, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses because of its strong antiviral properties and plenty of antioxidants and flavonoids^[3].

Elderberries are often eaten as prescribed and are generally safe for most people when taken as syrup, pills, or candies. Nevertheless, gastrointestinal problems may arise from overindulging in or preparing elderberry products incorrectly, so it’s critical to adhere to authorized dosages and speak with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Herb 3: Astragalus

Traditionally, astragalus has been used for generations to maintain immunological function and is considered a mainstay of Chinese medicine. Flavonoids and polysaccharides included in this herb have been demonstrated to strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases.

Astragalus supplements are easy to include in your daily routine because they come in a variety of forms, such as capsules, extracts, and teas. Astragalus may interact with some medications and exacerbate underlying medical disorders, thus people with autoimmune illnesses or those using immunosuppressive treatments should use caution when using it^[4].

Comparison

These herbs each have special advantages for a healthy immune system. Elderberry is well known for its strong antiviral effects, Astragalus boosts immune function by modulating the immune system, and Echinacea is recognized for its immune-stimulating qualities. Including these herbs in your wellness regimen can boost general health and fortify your immune system. Before including any new supplements in your routine, you should, however, speak with a healthcare provider, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medication.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using the natural immunity-boosting properties of herbs might be a useful tactic to promote general health and well-being. You may naturally boost your immune system and lower your risk of infections and disorders by including herbs like astragalus, elderberry, and echinacea in your daily routine. To guarantee safety and effectiveness, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen. You may take control of your immunological health and prosper in the difficult world of today if you are proactive and dedicated to holistic health.

4 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Inclination toward herbal remedies as immunity boosters and anti-stress agents during COVID-19 pandemic: A short report : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8265304/
[2] The role of alkamides as an active principle of echinacea : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17538868/
[3] Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10489118/
[4] A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7105737/

Angela Lemond, RDN, CSP, LD

Angela Lemond is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Angela Read Full Bio