Herbs for Immune Health

Strengthen Your Defences - Naturally

Sometimes the immune system needs a little extra support. Take cold and flu season for example, when nasty germs seem to be flying around everywhere and anywhere.

How are Germs Spread?

During cold and flu months we spend more time indoors, where airborne viruses can easily pass from one person to the next.

It’s thought that viruses are spread mainly by droplets that are made when people who have a cold or flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Those little drops can be inhaled by others or land in the mouths or noses of those nearby.

Take a Herbal Boost

Several herbs can help boost immune health, helping to prevent colds and flu, shorten their duration, and reduce symptoms once they’ve started.

Astragalus

Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Native to China, Mongolia, and Korea, astragalus contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.

Astragalus is used to support the immune system, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, and protect the liver. It appears that astragalus has antiviral properties and may stimulate the immune system, helping to prevent the onset of colds and influenza.

Major known ingredients: D-β-asparagine, 2’4’-dihydroxy-5,6-dimethoxyisoflavane, calycosin, formononetin, cycloastragenol, astragalosides, choline, betaine, kumatakenin, sucrose, glucoronic acid, β-sitosterol

Major Combination:

• With Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen) for general debility, reduced appetite, fatigue, and spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency.
• With Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) for weakness, and loose stools associated with Spleen qi deficiency.

Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can be found growing up to seven feet tall in the wild in parts of Europe and Asia. However, its extensive root system is what impresses, both biologically and medicinally.

Licorice root is used as a demulcent (a soothing, coating agent) and as an expectorant that rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract.

Major known ingredients: glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizin, uralenic acid, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, neoliquiritin, neoisoliquiritin, licurazid, formononetin

Major Combination:

• With Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) and Semen Pruni armeniacae (Xing Ren) for coughing and wheezing due to wind-cold attacking the Lungs.
• With Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (Jin Yin Hua) for damp rashes or acne.

Safe Use of Herbs

Many herbs contain compounds that can cause side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. It’s important to talk to your health care practitioner about what supplements are best for you.

References:

1. http://www.alive.com/articles/view/23544/herbs_for_immune_health
2. Bensky D & Gamble A (1986). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Incorporated