Immune Boosting Herbs
Wish We Had Acres top 5 herbs to boost your immune system for the cold and flu season.
Larrea tridentata aka Chaparral
Astragalus
Andrographis paniculata
Phytolacca americana aka Poke weed
Ganoderma lucidum aka Reishi mushroom
HERBS FOR BUILDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM FOR THE COLD AND FLU SEASON AHEAD
Larrea tridentata is one of my favorite herbs although not local to NC it does a fantastic job enhancing one’s immune system. This herb is native to the desert southwest and is used as a tea or tincture to either prevent illness and build the immune system and/or increase one’s body to recover and heal during an illness.
Larrea is highly anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal. Used topically in a salve can also decrease psoriasis and eczema flare ups.
Make a small amount of Chaparral tea can be a potent immune system protector as well. With that said a little bit goes a long way!
To make a pot of tea I would recommend about 1 TBS of dry herb (Leaf) in about 20oz of water and let steep for 20mins. Drink 6oz 2-3 times daily.
Typical Dosage: 10-20 drops 2-3x daily.
Astragalus membranaceus is an herb with a variety of functions it can improve your fatigue, support heart function, and most importantly enhance your immune system.
It is extremely beneficial as an anti-viral.
Astragalus has a mildly sweet flavor and can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in powder form. I most often take this herb as a tincture.
It has a mildly sweet taste.
The polysaccharides contained in astragalus support the immune system. It promotes normal levels of specific immune cells and aids in their function giving ones body deep immune support.
Astragalus is often used to decrease stress by assisting the adrenals. This is particularly helpful for those who lead stressful lives and want the added benefit of building their immune system and managing a lower stress level.
Typical Dosage: 10-30 drops 2-3x daily
Andrographis paniculata, I use this herb in a variety of different ways but it’s main actions are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, adaptogen, and hepatoprotective. This herb has high antioxidant effects due to it’s high flavonoid content.
I usually make a glycerin of this herb and add it to cold and flu formulas due to it’s wonderful taste on the palette.
I often find this herb helpful for patients who suffer from Tick borne illnesses as well due to it’s blood purifying nature and ability to manage spirochete type bacteria. If you haven’t already give this herb a shot!
Typical Dosage: 20-30 drops 2-3x daily
Phytolacca americana, aka poke weed. This herb often doesn’t get a lot of credit. The root of this herb is a fantastic blood and lymph mover. It can reduce the size of lymphnodes, decrease inflammation in the vessels through out the body (in turn reducing blood pressure mildly, it is also know to be a great remedy for breast cancer as well. I often add a small portion of this herb to my herbal tinctures to either improve drainage, reduce lymph node size or other glands. It can make a huge difference for those who are congested. But remember a little bit of this herb goes a long way. I typically will dose this herb at 5-10 drops 2-3x daily.
Ganoderma lucidum aka Reishi mushroom.
This wonderful mushroom is strong immune modulator, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-oxidant powerhouse, and some mild anti-inflammatory actions. I use this herb in many immune building tonics but dose this along with many other mushrooms to fight infection or reduce the effects of chemotherapy/radiation in cancer patients.
This mushroom is great taken as a tincture or cooked in a soup. Get this anyway you can.
Typical dosage: 20-30 drops 2-3x daily.
If you have questions about herbs feel free to contact Dr. Dave Hamilton or your local herbalist!
Come visit Dr. Dave and Laura at Atherton Mills Farmers Market and Triple C Brewery This Saturday Nov. 29th 8am-5pm.
Add to your own home apothecary or bath!
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