Herbs to boost immune health.
Immune health has been a hot topic since Covid-19 hit in 2020 and something I discuss often with my family, friends and patients.
There are many different herbs that can be taken to support your immunity but which ones are best?
I want to introduce you to some of the key players that I recommend:
Echinacea
Also called Purple cone flower this attractive daisy-like plant contains polysaccharides which stimulates white blood cell production. White blood cells are part of your immune system which go around destroying invading pathogens such as viruses.
Clinical trials in test-tubes have shown Echinacea to have anti-viral effects against different coronaviruses including SARS-Cov-2 which causes the Covid-19 infection (1).
Echinacea can be safely taken long term and by pregnant women. It has should avoided by those with allergy to daisy-family plants or if on immune-suppressant medication.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Elderberry
Traditionally used to treat colds and flus studies now show Elderberry to be effective against influenza A and B (2) as well as having antibacterial effects (3).
Elderberry can help reduce the length of time a respiratory infection lasts for as well as preventing infection in the first place.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Garlic
The volatile oils in Garlic are considered to be anti-viral (4) and anti-bacterial with a long history in the use for colds and chest infections. The volatile oils are excreted through the lungs (5) and are helpful in thinning and expelling catarrh from the respiratory system.
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 (Allium sativum)
These plants can be taken on a regular basis to support your health and wellbeing. For personalised immune support please book a consultation with Klayr Hunter.
1. Signer, J., Jonsdottir, H.R., Albrich, W.C. et al. In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2. Virol J 17, 136 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01401-2
2. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40. doi: 10.1177/147323000403200205. PMID: 15080016.
3. Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, et al. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:16. Published 2011 Feb 25. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
4. Rouf R, Uddin SJ, Sarker DK, et al. Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Trends in Food Science & Technology,Volume 104, 2020, Pages 219-234.
5. Jin ZY, Wu M, Han RQ, et al. Raw garlic consumption as a protective factor for lung cancer, a population-based case-control study in a Chinese population. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013;6(7):711-718. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-13-0015