Herbal heroes for immune health

Herbal remedies offer a natural solution to combat coughs and colds. Be prepared this winter by knowing how to boost your immune system.

Herbal remedies are perfect for strengthening the immune system at any time of the year, but are ideal as we head into the flu season. They can be used daily to prevent infection and also for acute infection to reduce severity and length of duration. Read on to find out more about what remedies I recommend.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra fructus)

Elderberries have antiviral properties and arrive in perfect time for the winter months. The berries can be harvested in autumn and should be cooked before eating as they can cause stomach upset if eaten raw.

Traditionally the berries would be made into a decoction by simmering in water to create the herbal remedy. 

Studies now show Elderberry to be effective against influenza A and B as well as having antibacterial effects.  Elderberry can help reduce the length of time a respiratory infection lasts for as well as preventing infection in the first place.

Elderberry tincture can be purchased from my online shop.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea)

Echinacea is an immune stimulator and modulator.  It is also called Purple cone flower and originates from North America.  This plant belongs to the daisy family and contains polysaccharides which stimulates white blood cell production.  White blood cells are part of your immune system which help your body fight colds and flus.

Echinacea can be taken a low dose throughout the winter months and increased at the first sign of infection.  It is safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding but should avoided by those with allergy to daisy-family plants or if on immune-suppressant medication.

Echinacea tincture can be purchased from my online shop.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Many medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides which are essential nutrients for our immune systems. Studies are being carried out to find out how they exactly work as they are important in strengthening the immune system against cancer.  Medicinal mushrooms have been an approved addition to cancer treatment in Japan and China for over 30 years (Ref: National Cancer Institute, 2024).  

Medicinal mushrooms can be taken regularly at the start of flu season to prevent infection and also taken at the onset of symptoms to reduce duration and severity of colds.  Shitake and Maitake mushrooms can sometimes be found in the supermarket either in fresh or dried form.  Look out for them and add to soups and stews.

Avoid in individuals with a confirmed or suspected mushroom allergy.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

The volatile oils in Garlic are often smelt on the breath after eating it because these oils are excreted through the lungs.  The volatile oils are helpful in thinning and expelling catarrh from the respiratory system.

These compounds are considered to be anti-viral and anti-bacterial with a long history in the use for colds and chest infections. 

It is well tolerated although some people have a sensitivity to it.  Best taken combined in a herbal formula, food, or other medium as fresh raw garlic can be acrid.  Normal levels are safe in pregnancy but prolonged high potency should be avoided.  Due to its blood-thinning effects high doses should be stopped in advance of surgery and avoided with blood-thinning medication.  Caution is advised with protease inhibitor drugs.

Garlic and Onion syrup recipe

A simple garlic and onion syrup can be made a home.

Ingrediants:

1 white onion

4-6 cloves of garlic

Honey/sugar (if you are vegan)

Method:

Finely chop one white onion and several cloves of garlic.  Place in a small jar and cover with natural honey.  Leave for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.  The honey will become infused with the antiviral and antibacterial compounds.  Strain off and retain the liquid.  Take 3-4 tsp/day in acute respiratory infection or 1 tsp a day as a preventative.  If you are vegan this can be made by alternating layers of sugar and onions/garlic in a jar.  Start with a 1cm layer of sugar and end with the same.  Left overnight it will liquify- this liquid is your remedy. Not recommended for diabetics.

If you are on any medication, pregnant, breastfeeding or unsure if a herbal medicine is right for you please contact me using the form below.