Top Immune Herbs: Boost Your Immunity This Fall
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Time to read 12 min
As the weather cools and children head back to school, it's time to think about bolstering our immune systems to stay healthy throughout the colder months. Fortunately, we have access to centuries of herbal knowledge, passed down through generations, that can naturally strengthen our defenses. Long before the advent of pharmaceuticals, our ancestors relied on the power of plants to promote wellness.
Across various cultures—from Native American tribes to the ancient Egyptians—people discovered and refined the use of herbs like echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus to support the body in times of need. These time-tested plants have proven their ability to strengthen the immune system and promote overall well-being. Modern science now validates much of what our ancestors instinctively knew: Mother Nature offers us potent plant allies for our health.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best immune-boosting herbs, drawing on the timeless wisdom of our ancestors to help keep you and your family healthy as the seasons change.
Echinacea: A Potent Ally for Winter
Echinacea has long been revered for its ability to support the body’s natural defenses. Native American tribes like the Cheyenne and Sioux used Echinacea angustifolia for snake bites, wounds, and other conditions that required enhances immune system function.
When European settlers arrived, they quickly adopted Echinacea, recognizing its ability to help the body maintain resilience, particularly during times of seasonal challenges.
Today, Echinacea remains one of the most popular herbs for promoting an enhanced immune response. Modern research has validated what our ancestors knew intuitively—Echinacea helps the body boost its defenses, especially during times when additional immune support is needed.
Energetics of Echinacea
From an energetic standpoint, Echinacea is considered cooling and drying. These qualities make it particularly beneficial for supporting balance in the body when systems become overheated or have excess dampness.
The Spirit of Echinacea
Echinacea symbolizes strength and resilience, serving as a powerful reminder to remain grounded and steady during challenging times. Like the deep roots of the Echinacea plant, which anchor it firmly in the earth, this herb helps us stay resilient, even during periods of seasonal or emotional stress. It reminds us to draw upon the natural world for strength, knowing that challenges are part of the cycles of life.
Why Freeze-Dried is Best
Our ancestors most often used Echinacea fresh, knowing it delivered the most potent benefits. Today, freeze-drying is recognized as the best method to retain Echinacea’s natural constituents. This modern preservation process keeps the plant’s active compounds intact, ensuring you receive the same benefits as if using the fresh herb. Freeze-drying helps preserve essential constituents such as alkamides and polysaccharides, which are crucial for supporting immune health and overall vitality.
Key Benefits of Echinacea:
- Supports Immune Health: Helps maintain the body’s natural defenses, especially during times when extra immune support is needed.
- Enhances Immune Response: Encourages the activation of immune cells, supporting the body’s ability to stay resilient and balanced throughout seasonal changes.
- Supports Respiratory Health: Its cooling and drying energetics provide respiratory support, helping to maintain ease of breathing and clear airways.
- Maintains Healthy Inflammatory Response: Encourages the body’s natural inflammatory balance, promoting overall wellness.
- Natural Support for Skin Health: Can be applied topically to help clear skin and for bumps and blemishes.
- Supports Emotional Well-being : Emerging research suggests that Echinacea may help promote a sense of calm by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood regulation and stress response, offering gentle support for occasional anxiety.
Our Freeze-dried Echinacea capsules are made with love from organically grown Echinacea right here in Oregon, ensuring you get the freshest, most potent version of this amazing herb.
What makes us different?
We use a freeze-drying process that locks in all the goodness of the plant, keeping it just as fresh as the day it was picked. Freeze-drying preserves the full range of active compounds that support your immune system, so you get the same benefits as using the fresh herb—something other drying methods just can’t achieve.
If you’re looking for the best Echinacea to keep you feeling strong through the seasons, our capsules are the perfect choice!
Give your immune system a boost and grab a bottle today! 🌿
Elderberry: A Traditional Immune-Boosting Powerhouse
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been revered for its immune-supporting properties, with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Known for its deep, antioxidant-rich berries, elderberry has been used for centuries in both European and Native American traditions to promote overall wellness, particularly during the colder months when the immune system may need extra support. Today, elderberry remains a beloved herb for its ability to help maintain immune function and support seasonal health.
History of Elderberry
Elderberry has a storied past, with roots in ancient European traditions. Throughout history, elderberry has been used in a variety of forms—teas, syrups, and extracts—for its health-promoting properties. In European folklore, elder trees were considered sacred, often planted near homes to protect against illness. Elderberry was also a staple in early herbal recipes, helping to support the body’s natural defenses.
In more recent times, elderberry has gained popularity due to its potent antioxidant content and ability to support the body during seasonal changes. Both Native American and European cultures harnessed elderberry’s properties for immune health, and its legacy continues in modern herbalism.
Energetics of Elderberry
Elderberry is considered cooling and moistening, which makes it particularly beneficial for soothing and nourishing the body during times of dryness or heat, such as during respiratory discomfort. Its cooling energetics align well with its traditional use to help maintain respiratory comfort and support healthy mucus production.
Why Traditional European Extraction is Best
Unlike other herbs that can be freeze-dried to retain potency, elderberry must be cooked to break down certain naturally occurring compounds in its raw form that can cause digestive upset. The most effective way to capture elderberry’s full benefits is by using a traditional European extraction method. This method involves simmering the berries to concentrate their beneficial compounds, resulting in an extra potent extract that preserves elderberry's rich anthocyanin and flavonoid content and provide powerful antioxidant support.
Key Benefits of Elderberry:
- Immune System Support: Elderberry helps maintain the body’s natural defenses, particularly during seasonal transitions, offering essential support for immune function.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, elderberry provides powerful antioxidant support, helping to neutralize free radicals and promote overall health.
- Supports Respiratory Health: Elderberry’s cooling and moistening properties help support healthy respiratory function and ease seasonal discomfort.
- Maintains Healthy Inflammatory Response: Elderberry promotes a balanced inflammatory response, helping the body maintain comfort during times of seasonal stress.
Our Elderberry Kids Glycerite is made with sustainably wildcrafted elderberries from the pristine forests of the Pacific Northwest, ensuring both quality and environmental responsibility. What makes our product truly special is the use of our Lloyd's Extractor, a unique piece of equipment designed by the legendary pharmacist John Uri Lloyd. We’re proud to have the only one still in use, allowing us to create a highly potent elderberry extract that retains the full spectrum of benefits this incredible berry has to offer.
Created by a naturopathic physician with his own children in mind, this glycerite is gentle enough for kids, yet powerful enough to offer real support during seasonal challenges. It’s formulated to be as effective as it is safe, so you can feel good about giving it to your family.
Support your child’s immune health with nature’s best—our Elderberry Kids Glycerite! 🌿
Larix (Larch Arabinogalactan): Dual Immune and Gut Health Support
Larix, derived from the larch tree (Larix laricina), is one of the most powerful yet gentle immune-supporting herbs available. Known for its polysaccharide content, specifically arabinogalactan, Larix has gained a reputation for its remarkable immune-modulating properties. Despite its potency, Larix is exceptionally safe, making it an excellent option for people of all ages, including children and even pets.
One of the standout benefits of Larix is its ability to support both immune function and gut health, which are closely interlinked. A large portion of the immune system resides in the gut, and a healthy microbiome is essential for maintaining a strong immune response. Larix serves as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and helping to maintain a balanced microbiome, which, in turn, supports overall immunity.
History of Larix
Larch trees have long been valued in healing traditions, particularly in Native American and Siberian cultures, where they were used to support lung health and immunity. These communities would use various parts of the tree for promoting respiratory health and resilience in harsh climates. In more modern times, Larix arabinogalactan has been recognized for its unique ability to support both the immune system and the gut microbiome, cementing its place in herbal wellness practices.
Today, it is commonly used in herbal supplements to provide targeted immune support, especially during cold seasons, while promoting a healthy gut through its prebiotic and immune effects.
Key Benefits of Larix (Larch Arabinogalactan):
- Supports Immune Function: Larix arabinogalactan is a powerful herb that supports both immune promotion and immune maintenance. It actively stimulates the body’s natural immune responses, helping to strengthen and enhance immune function, particularly during times of heightened need. At the same time, Larix helps maintain immune balance in day-to-day wellness, ensuring the body remains resilient and well-defended even in the absence of acute immune challenges. This dual action makes Larix an ideal choice for both proactive immune support and ongoing immune health, keeping the body strong and adaptable.
- Prebiotic Support for Gut Health: As a prebiotic, Larix nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestive health and overall wellness by encouraging a balanced gut microbiome.
- Promotes Respiratory Wellness: Traditionally used for respiratory support, Larix helps maintain healthy airways and ease seasonal respiratory discomfort.
- Encourages a Healthy Inflammatory Response: By promoting balance within the body, Larix helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response during times of seasonal or immune challenge.
Our Larix (Larch Arabinogalactan) is one of our most powerful immune-supporting products. Derived from the larch tree, Larix is known for its exceptional ability to both stimulate and modulate the immune system, helping to promote a rapid and effective immune response. This potent herbal ally supports the body's natural defenses, enhancing the function of key immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells, which play a vital role in maintaining strong immunity.
What sets Larix apart is its dual action. Not only does it boost immune function, but it also acts as a prebiotic, supporting gut health, which is critical for long-term immune resilience. Since 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, Larix helps create a strong foundation for overall wellness. It’s safe for daily use and is gentle enough for kids, making it a family-friendly option for those looking to maintain a robust immune system throughout the year.
Lomatium Dissectum: A Potent Immune Herb for Respiratory and Immune Health
Lomatium dissectum is a powerful herb long valued for its immune-boosting and respiratory-supporting properties. It has been used for centuries, especially by Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest, who recognized its ability to support the body during times of seasonal change and immune stress.
History of Lomatium
Lomatium dissectum, also known as desert parsley, was an essential herb for the Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Washoe, who used it for both food and medicine. The starchy root of the Lomatium plant was a dietary staple, often eaten cooked, dried, or ground into flour to make cakes that could be stored for later consumption. This dual purpose of the plant—both as a food source and a potent medicinal herb—made it highly valuable to the indigenous people of the region.
Lomatium’s healing reputation grew significantly during the 1918 influenza pandemic. The Washoe Indians used Lomatium so effectively during the outbreak that it caught the attention of the Western medical community. While many others suffered severe consequences from the influenza, those using Lomatium as part of their healing regimen were able to recover more successfully. The plant's ability to promote resilience and support the body during this challenging time highlighted its importance in Native American medicine.
Lomatium became one of the most important herbs in the Native American healing traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Today, Lomatium dissectum remains a powerful plant for supporting immune function and respiratory health.
Energetics of Lomatium
Lomatium dissectum is energetically warming and drying, making it particularly useful for clearing congestion and supporting respiratory health. Its warming properties help to stimulate circulation and ease respiratory discomfort, while its drying action helps reduce excess mucus and maintain balanced respiratory function.
Why Lomatium Isolate is the Best Form
While Lomatium is highly beneficial, its whole form can sometimes cause skin irritation due to certain compounds in the plant. To avoid this reaction, the best way to enjoy Lomatium’s full benefits is by using Lomatium Isolate. The isolate removes the compounds that can cause skin irritation while preserving all of the plant’s powerful immune-boosting and respiratory-supporting properties. This makes Lomatium Isolate the safest and most effective form for daily use.
Key Benefits of Lomatium Dissectum:
- Supports Immune Health: Lomatium helps promote the body’s natural defenses, making it an excellent herb for maintaining resilience during seasonal changes.
- Respiratory Wellness: Traditionally used to support clear airways and lung function, Lomatium is known for its ability to maintain respiratory comfort and health.
- Encourages a Healthy Inflammatory Response: Lomatium aids in maintaining a balanced inflammatory response, promoting overall comfort and well-being.
Our Lomatium Isolate Glycerite is the top-selling product for immune support during the winter months, and for good reason. We are the only company to offer the isolate form of this incredibly powerful herb. While traditional Lomatium extracts can sometimes cause skin irritation, our founder, a pharmacist and naturopathic physician, conducted groundbreaking research that led to the creation of an isolate that eliminates those side effects. This innovation makes our Lomatium Isolate both potent and gentle, offering all the benefits without the unwanted reactions.
Lomatium has long been valued for its ability to support both the immune system and respiratory health, making it an essential herb during the cold months. Its potent immune-modulating properties help the body maintain a strong defense system, and our isolate form ensures that you're getting the most effective and safest version of this herb available.
Trusted by naturopathic physicians year after year, our Lomatium Isolate Glycerite is a must-have for anyone looking to stay healthy during winter.
FAQs
Can I take these products together?
Larix can be safely taken with either Elderberry or Lomatium. Larix and echinacea haev similar effects so should not be taken together.
Are any of these products intended for long term use?
Yes, some of these products are intended for long-term use, depending on your specific wellness goals and needs:
1. Larix (Larch Arabinogalactan): This herb is excellent for long-term use because it supports both immune function and gut health. Its gentle yet powerful nature makes it safe for daily use, helping to maintain immune resilience over time. Larix is also a prebiotic, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to overall wellness.
2. Echinacea: While Echinacea is commonly used during times of immune stress, such as the onset of a cold or flu, it can also be used for immune maintenance over longer periods. Some prefer using it in cycles for ongoing immune support, while others use it more acutely during seasonal changes.
3. Elderberry: Elderberry is often used seasonally to maintain a healthy immune system, particularly during cold and flu season. It’s safe for longer-term use to provide antioxidant support and help the body stay resilient.
4. Lomatium Isolate: Lomatium is typically used during times of acute immune or respiratory support, rather than as a daily long-term supplement. However, its isolate form is safe for repeated use when needed.
For long-term wellness, Larix and Echinacea may be more appropriate, while Lomatium is better for shorter, targeted use.
The Author: Christine Alstat
Meet Christine Alstat, an internationally acclaimed naturopath and herbalist of Japanese heritage, whose profound expertise in plants and natural health has garnered recognition worldwide. As the dedicated CEO and owner of Eclectic Herb, Christine seamlessly intertwines her deep-rooted commitment to the Earth with her business, cultivating a space where her passion for plants is ever in full bloom. Her influential voice on herbal wisdom resonates across the globe through publications and panels, reflecting a lifetime commitment to nurturing both the plant kingdom and the earth.
Beyond her thriving professional life, Christine finds joy in the simple pleasures of hobbies. Whether she's spending time with her family, gathering herbs throughout the seasons, or concocting her own remedies in her home apothecary, Christine Alstat embodies a harmonious blend of nature, health, and the spiritual bonds that tie us all together.
