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Immune System
The immune system protects the body from infection and disease. It includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and white blood cells. Many herbs have been traditionally used to support or modulate immune function. The herbs below are organized by category.
Allergies & Asthma
Cold & Flu
- Garlic — Antibacterial and antiviral. Best used fresh. Traditionally one of the most reliable herbs for colds and flu.
- Linden — Promotes sweating to help reduce fevers during colds and flu.
- Yarrow — Traditionally used for fevers and cold and flu symptom relief.
- Thyme — Taken as a tea or tincture for chest congestion.
- Sage — Tea gargled for sore throat. Also useful as an infusion during colds.
- Ginger — Traditionally used for nausea and to support the body during colds. Best prepared as an infusion.
- Goldenseal — Supports immune function against colds and influenza. Note: Goldenseal is on the United Plant Savers at-risk list. Source ethically.
- Pleurisy Root — Traditionally prepared as a decoction for pleurisy pain and respiratory inflammation.
- Slippery Elm — Eases sore throats and cough. A gentle demulcent for the upper respiratory tract.
- Oregano — Rich in carvacrol and thymol; traditionally used to support the immune system against colds and infections.
- Rosemary — Traditionally used to support immune function and as a warming circulatory herb during illness.
Immune Supporting
- Echinacea — One of the most studied herbs for immune support. Source ethically due to wild population pressure.
- Elder — Berries are traditionally made into a syrup for immune support. Never consume raw elderberries.
- Ashwagandha — Adaptogenic support for immune modulation, particularly during chronic stress.
- Burdock — Traditionally used for blood cleansing and immune support.
- Calendula — Lymph cleansing and gentle immune support. Gentle enough for use on children.
Respiratory Illness
- Mullein — Top herb for lung and bronchial congestion. Traditionally smoked or prepared as an infusion.
- Red Clover — Traditionally used to clear lung mucus and support respiratory health, including in children.
- Thyme — Expectorant and antimicrobial; particularly useful for chest infections and productive cough.
- Hyssop — Traditionally used as an expectorant for coughs, colds, and bronchial congestion.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.