Supplements Immune-Boosting Herbs By Cathy Laws September 1, 2000 0 comment 0 Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Google + Pinterest Print Help your body resist illness with these immune-boosting herbs. This information is not intended as medical advice. Herb SymptomAdvertisement Function Side Effect Delivery Astragalus(Astragalus membranaceus) Colds, viral infections Boosts immunity, antiviral None known Capsules, tinctures, broths/soups Codonopsis(Codonopsitis lanceolate) Cough, congestion Demulcent (sooths inflamed mucous membranes), expectorant None known Capsules, teas Echinacea(Echinacea purperea, E. angustifolia) Colds, flu, cough, sore throat Antiviral, antibacterial, boosts immunity, tonic None known Capsules, tinctures Elder flower(Sambucus nigra) Colds and flu, sore throat, sinus congestion Boosts immunity, diaphoretic (promotes perspiration), tonic None known (root is a strong purgative; should only be prescribed by expert herbalists) Teas, tinctures Eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus) Bronchitis, cough, congestion Antibacterial, antiviral, decongestant Allergic reactions Steam inhalation; topically applied as oil Garlic(Allium sativum) Colds and flu Boosts immunity, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, tonic None known Capsules, powder, eating as food is best, raw or cooked Gingerroot(Zingiber officinale) Colds and flu, sore throat, sinus congestion, nausea Boosts immunity, respiratory system tonic, diaphoretic, stomach soother None known Powder or root made into teas, baths Goldenseal(Hydrastis canadensis) Colds and flu, bacterial infections Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory Strong GI astringent; use with caution in young children; endangered species Tinctures, teas Isatidis(Isatis tinctora) Colds and flu Antiviral, reduces swelling None known Capsules; works well with astragalus Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra) Sore throat Reduces swelling expectorant, cough suppressant Can cause sodium and water retention, loss of potassium Tinctures, teas Maitake mushroom(Grifola frondosa) Colds and flu Boosts immunity None known Powder; eat as food Onion(Allium cepa) Colds, flu Boosts immunity, decongestant None known Powder; eating as food is best, raw or cooked Osha root(Ligusticum porteri) Colds and flu Boosts immunity None known; endangered species Capsules Peppermint(Mentha piperita) Congestion, nausea associated with flu Pain reliever, antispasmodic, stomach soother, antiviral, antibacterial, diaphoretic None known Teas Sage(Salvia officinalis) Colds and flu, fever Stomach soother, reduces fever, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory None known Teas Shiitake mushroom(Lentinula edodes) Colds and flu Boosts immunity, antiviral, antibacterial None known Powder, capsules, root extract, eat as food Usnea(Usnea barbarata) Colds and flu Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral None known Tinctures, often used with echinacea White willow bark(Salix alba) Colds and flu Pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, reduces fever None known Teas, works well with cinchona bark Yarrow(Achillea millefolium) Colds and flu Diaphoretic, expectorant, reduces fever May cause contractions in pregnant women Teas 0 comment 0 Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Google + Pinterest Print Cathy Laws Related Posts Cognitive health and memory: Two ingredients backed by... September 14, 2012 Could probiotics whittle your waist? April 1, 2013 6 health benefits of probiotics beyond digestion June 11, 2018 3 in-the-mood herbs January 29, 2013 Supplement survey March 1, 2007 Herbs and supplements for joint pain and injuries January 7, 2010 FDA issues warning on acid reflux drugs (PPIs) February 9, 2012 Zesty! December 1, 2005 Herbs and supplements for hair loss June 1, 2005 Psyllium (Plantago ovata) April 1, 2005 Leave a Comment Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.
