6 Herbs & Natural Remedies for Boosting your Immune System
By: Jessi Luna
It is essential to keep our immune system happy and healthy. This includes paying attention to our other systems as well, such as finding ways to reduce our stress on our nervous system, eating healthy and organic foods for our digestive system, and getting regular movement and exercise for our cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Though each of our systems are interconnected, there are a few herbs and plants that will target the body’s production of white blood cells and other immune responses.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is my go to for most health needs. First, be sure it’s raw, organic and with the mother. You can use ACV in so many ways, but for the immune system specifically, apple cider vinegar is fermented so offer probiotics - giving your gut the good bacteria that maintains a healthy digestive system. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to help fight off pathogens, as well as can regulate blood sugar and lower blood pressure. Put a little ACV in your water in the morning, or warm with honey. Read more on studies here.
2. Black Elderberry
This is most commonly found as Elderberry Syrup. This berry is high in antioxidants and flavonoids such as Anthocyanin, which offers anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer/heart disease properties. They are high in vitamin C, high in dietary fiber, and a good source of phenolic acid, an antioxidant that can reduce the damage from stress in the body. Read more about a study on Air Travel and Elderberry.
3. Echinacea
This flower, also known as purple cone flower, is also commonly used to fight the common cold. Research has shown that this herb increases the white blood cell count, the blood cells that our system sends out to fight infection. Read more on studies here.
4. Astragalus
This herb is an adaptogen, herbs that help the body and nervous system calm and counter stress. When we are stressed, all systems of our body are negatively affected. Studies have also shown that Astragalus increases the number of T cells in your body, which are prime players in your body’s immune response to pathogens. Read more here.
5. Ginger
Though some may not classify this as an herb, ginger root is one of our most powerful immune-boosting allies! Using fresh ginger root is the best to receive all it’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. There are well-documented studies of strong anti-cancer and anti-diabetes properties as well. Boil some ginger to make a strong tea or add fresh cut ginger to any dish! Read studies and more here.
6. Honey and Propolis
Most are aware of honey and it’s healing benefits (be sure you are using pure raw honey ideally from a local beekeeper!) Give propolis a try as well, most often found in tincture form. The bees use propolis to seal the honeycomb to protect the eggs and the population healthy from infection. It can do the same for humans and is especially known to help in the fight of viruses. Read official studies and more here.
Jessi teaches a Vinyasa based practice to combine elements of dance and natural movement with traditional yogic sequencing. She incorporates attention to rhythm of the breath and allows for organic movement to flow in each pose. She is grateful for the journey of yogic creativity and loves to share this movement of bliss with others along the way.
Jessi, along with her husband Zach and her parents, created Seven Springs Retreat Center in her mountain home of East Tennessee. Inspired by retreat centers from around the world, Seven Springs provides a natural and holistic space for local and global communities to experience high quality holistic education in the United States. Retreats offered vary from yoga, massage, natural medicines and foods, creativity, social innovation, team-building, eco-building and permaculture.