Herbs for Immunity
There are many ways to boost the immune system using herbs. We can turn to the classic immune stimulants, we can look to vitamins and minerals to restore us and try to ease our stress and nervous systems so we are less susceptible.
Immune stimulants like Echinacea and Elderberry have been quite popular recently, for good reason. They stimulate the immune system in small ways, teaching the body to begin to recover from any other foreign stimulants (colds, flu, viruses) with more ease. Echinacea is best taken when you are already sick as it will shorten recovery time. Elderberry is best taken to boost the immune system. Neither herb should be taken for more than 3 weeks. These herbs are stimulants and can burn out the body if taken for too long, it could also lead to liver tension since it requires so much processing. It is also contraindicated for folks with autoimmune diseases, especially those on immunosuppressants to take Elderberry or Echinacea. We love Potions by Liri Elderberry Syrup.
Balancing the Gut is another way to help improve immune function and boost the immune system. Taking inulin rich herbs like dandelion root or burdock root will help balance the gut flora. By having a healthy gut biome our immune system has a healthy home. Most of our immune system is in our gut. It is here that our body begins to recognize foreign cells and germs. If our gut it properly functioning we can catch foreign cells like viruses much faster.
We all hear that stress reduces the function of most of our body, this is especially true for our immunity. If you have been feeling fried or extra tired, you may have an overtaxed nervous system. We did a whole post on Supporting the Nervous System in October if you’d like to learn more. But an over taxed nervous system can interfere with the function of our immune system, very simply if you are too tired to fight, your body can’t fight. So you can boost your immunity be recovering and rebuilding your nervous system. Herbs that work wonders for the nervous system are milky oats, skullcap, linden, marshmallow and lavender to name a few.
Sometimes we just need to be making sure we nourish ourselves properly. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals your body is strong. Vitamin C, D, E & A are important for Immune boosting as well as trace minerals and magnesium. You can find these simply in leafy greens, citrus fruits and squash. You can also create a yummy sipping broth with a bone broth or vegetable base and add vitamin and mineral rich herbs like stinging nettle, comfrey, medicinal mushrooms, dandelion greens and even berries like goji or rose hips.
But most importantly listen to your body. If you need rest take it, if you are craving something in particular eat it. Energetically the Immune System is related to our Boundaries. Work on creating healthy boundaries in your life and that will energetically effect your immune system. You can work with herbs that have thorns like rose, plants that grow at the edge of the forest like mugwort or plants that are considered poisonous like ivy. Carry these plants like a talisman or meditate with the plant spirit for guidance. But overall make yourself and self care a priority.
Written by: Liridona Duraku, an herbalist, intuitive and ancestral guide living in Brooklyn, NY. You can book a virtual reading or healing session with Liri through Indigo. She also offers mentorships on creating a spiritual practice all your own. Visit our website to learn more about her services and book a session with her.