Maintaining a strong immune system is key for overall health. One of the best ways to boost your system is by taking herbs for immune health.
Research shows that the best way to build your immune system is by taking a holistic approach to wellness, which may include:
- Eating nutrient-dense food
- Getting optimal amounts of sleep
- Daily exercise
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress
Even if you follow all of the recommended lifestyle guidelines, there still comes a time when your immune system needs extra support. Especially during cold and flu season or when stress levels are at their highest.
This is where natural herbs come into play. Many herbs are loaded with phytochemicals that help to build a strong, healthy immune system.
Read on to see about the best immune-boosting herbs.
Table of Contents
Best Herbs for Immune Health
There are many herbs that are claimed to boost immune health. In this article, we’ll review the best research-backed herbs for immunity.
1. Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herb that is often taken for its immune-boosting properties.
This herb works best when taken at the early stages of sickness.
Researchers believe that echinacea works by increasing phagocytosis, a process where the immune system targets and destroys invading microbes.
Lab-based research shows that echinacea works to increase the body’s macrophage response. Macrophages are important immune cells that identify and kill invading pathogens.
Additionally, research shows that echinacea enhances both the innate, and adaptive, immune systems.
Echinacea also has antiviral properties.
In vitro studies show that the extract of E. purpurea is active against HSV-1, HSV-2, HIV-1, and influenza A.
You can read more here about the benefits of echinacea here.
Summary:
It appears that echinacea has a strong immune-stimulating ability and antiviral properties. Human clinical trials are needed to verify these claims.
2. Astragalus
Supplementation with astragalus is one of the best herbs for immune health.
Research suggests that astragalus can increase macrophage activity. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and remove pathogens from the human body.
According to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, clinical research conducted in the 1970s showed that high doses of astragalus (15.6g daily) helped to increase various markers of immune health, including serum IgM, IgE, and cAMP.
One study found that astragalus has significant immune health benefits when taken alongside vaccines.
An animal study found that astragalus was effective in helping to fight the influenza virus in chickens. The researchers also noted that this herb worked to increase overall immunity.
A lab-based study found that astragalus has strong anti-influenza virus activity.
In line with its other antiviral benefits, astragalus has been shown to be effective in combatting Epstein-Barr virus in the lab.
Summary:
Lab-based studies indicate that astragalus is an effective herb for improving immune health. Additional human clinical trials are needed for verification.
3. Elderberry
Elderberry is a popular herb for boosting immune function. Clinical research shows that elderberry can help to reduce the duration of colds.
A clinical trial found that elderberry extract helped to reduce cold duration and severity in air travelers. The study was conducted with 312 economy class passengers taking a long international flight. The passengers were interviewed before and after the trip and researchers found that the elderberry group had a reduced number of total colds, as well as a decreased sickness severity.
A meta-analysis study of elderberry clinical trials found that supplementation with elderberry substantially reduces upper respiratory symptoms.
Research shows that elderberry also has antiviral activity.
A placebo-controlled, double-blind study showed that elderberry extract reduced the activity of a variety of different viruses during an influenza outbreak. A significant improvement of the symptoms, including fever reduction, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the elderberry-treated group within 2 days (compared to 91.7% of the patients who showed an improvement within 6 days in the control group).
Additionally, an in vitro study showed that elderberry extract has an inhibitory effect on influenza viruses.
You can read more here about the benefits of elderberry.
Summary:
Research indicates that elderberry can help to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of colds.