Your immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues and organs that defend your body against infection and repair injury. Compromised immunity makes you more susceptible to illness and diminishes your body's ability to properly heal. As such, a healthy immune system is vital to overall health and well-being. Several herbs may enhance your body's natural immunity. Before taking medicinal herbs, consult your doctor.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herb for enhancing immunity. It's an aster family plant, with tall stems and large purple flowers containing a central cone. The roots, seeds and flowers are used to make medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, echinacea enhances immune system activity, diminishes inflammation and relieves pain. Herbal medicine practitioners employ echinacea to prevent the common cold or shorten its duration, as well as to relieve ear infections, sinusitis, hay fever, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections and athlete's foot.
Garlic
Garlic, also known by its Latin name Allium sativa, is widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It lends foods its characteristic pungent flavor and it has a warming effect on the body. Practitioners of herbal medicine use garlic to treat many health problems, including cardiovascular conditions and various infections. UMMC reports that garlic may prevent the common cold or diminish the severity of its symptoms. The medical center adds that garlic may also aid the immune system in preventing cancer. Garlic's main active constituent is allicin, which fights bacteria, viruses and fungi, which can otherwise invade the body and cause infection.
Astragalus
Astragalus is a legume family herb that grows in China, Mongolia and Korea. The root is used to make medicine and its taste is sweet. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western herbalism use astragalus to lower blood pressure, address diabetes and improve liver function, as well as to support the immune system and prevent colds and other infections. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," says that astragalus is especially helpful for individuals who experience frequent illness and poor digestion.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb from the buttercup family. The root is used medicinally, and as the plant name suggests, it's a bright yellow-brown color. According to Tilgner, goldenseal treats digestive problems, gallbladder ailments, liver disorders and infections. Goldenseal contains alkaloids that help your immune system to combat colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections, pinkeye and intestinal infections.
Caution
Herbs can have strong effects on your body and may interact with certain medications. Consult a botanically trained health care professional for safety considerations and personalized advice on herbal combinations, forms and dosage.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: What Is the Immune System?
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astragalus
