Seasonal Spotlight: Boosting the Immune System
Cold weather is here, and it’s time to consider boosting your immune system. Colds and other viral illnesses are more common during the winter months when people are spending more time inside where viruses are more easily circulated in the dry air.
In addition to having a supportive diet, getting good sleep, and using preventive measures like washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, you can enhance your chances of not getting sick by supporting your immune system with medicinal plants. Below are some herbs that can help during this season — to strengthen the immune system (also known as adaptogens), to stimulate the immune system when you start to feel sick, and to address specific symptoms.
Immune Boosters to Strengthen the Immune System (these can be taken throughout the winter months):
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)
Elderberry (Sambucus sp)
Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)
Immune Stimulants/Antimicrobials (these can be taken at the first sign of sickness to stimulate the immune system and counter the microbes attacking your system):
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Elderberry and Elder Flowers (Sambucus sp.)
Mint (Mentha sp.)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Herbs that can be useful in addressing specific symptoms when you are coming down with an illness or already have an illness:
Bronchodilators to improve breathing
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Decongestants
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Expectorants
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Frankincense (Boswellia)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Cough Suppressants
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Ginger
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Nutmeg
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
You can use these herbs to make tisanes (also called “teas”) or take powdered herbs as capsules or use tinctures. Some of the herbs, such as Frankincense, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree, are effective as essential oils used with steam inhalation.
These herbs are available in Mountain Herbal Apothecary and will also be on display through the end of the year as the Seasonal Spotlight. For all herbs available in the shop, please visit our Products page.