A healthy immune system is your body's first defense against disease, and herbs can play a role in keeping your immune system working properly. Herbs for the immune system are called immunomodulators because they modify or regulate your immune response. These herbs send out signals that activate leukocytes, the white blood cells of your immune system that attack invading microorganisms and cancer cells. Herbs for the immune system can be taken as tinctures or teas.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a tropical woody vine traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases, including asthma, rheumatism and cancer. Cat's claw contains immune-stimulating oxindole alkaloids in the vine and root. A 2007 study in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that cat's claw protects the immune system is by activating macrophages, white blood cells that remove dead cells and debris from the body and trigger the immune response when they detect invading microorganisms or tumors.
Acanthopanax Root Bark
Acanthopanax root bark (Acanthopanax gracilistylus), also known as wu jia pi, is a woody shrub used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for rheumatism and muscle weakness. The root bark contains stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol, which are plant sterols (chemicals similar to cholesterol in animals) that protect cell membranes. A study in "Clinical and Experimental Immunology" found that acanthopanax root bark has an immunomodulating effect on lymphocytes: It activates macrophages, which produce antibodies, and inhibits the growth of tumor cells.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom used in Asian traditional medicine but found worldwide. Turkey tail, known as yun zhi in Chinese medicine, comes in a variety of colors and has a shape like the fanned feathers of a turkey. A 2004 study in "International Immunopharmacology" found that the polysaccharides in turkey tail had immune-stimulating properties and could enhance immunity in healthy people.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is an herb popular for its ability to modulate the immune system. It does this through the action of its polysaccharides, which stimulate macrophages to destroy cancer cells and pathogens. Echinacea can help your immune system fight colds and flu if taken early. Do not take echinacea if you are taking medication that suppresses your immune system, because echinacea is an immune system stimulant.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; The potency of immunomodulatory herbs may be primarily dependent upon macrophage activation; Groom SN, Johns T, Oldfield PR; March 2007
- "Clinical and Experimental Immunology"; Shan BE, Yoshita Y, Sugiura T, Yamashita U; Suppressive effect of Chinese medicinal herb, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, extract on human lymphocytes in vitro; October 1999
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Immunomodulatory effects of yun zhi and danshen capsules in health subjects--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study; Wong CK, Tse PS, Wong EL, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lam CW; February 2004
