Herbal immune support is a powerful tool to stay healthy through “cold and flu season.” Herbal medicines can help maintain a strong immune system all year long or be used when feeling a cold starting. Remember to get enough sleep, exercise, and well-rounded nutrition. If you are struggling with sleep or nutrition, Book a Consult with Dr. Whelan.
Dr Whelan’s herbal immune support top picks:
Elderberry
First, elderberry is a potent but gentle botanical medicine that is safe for everyone, even babies and pregnant women. As it’s name suggests, elderberry is derived from berries from the Sambucus tree. It’s primary use is against the influenza virus. In addition to being antiviral, it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. This herbal medicine is available and effective as a tincture, capsule, or tea.
Reishi
Another potent herbal immune support ally is Reishi. Although technically a medicinal mushroom, it falls under the category of herbal medicine. Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’ enhance immune function and may have antiviral properties. Reishi can be taken in powder form, as a tea, or in supplement form. It’s great for people who get sick easily, especially when under stress. As a side note, Reishi also supports the allergic response branch of the immune system and can help stabilize histamine release for food and seasonal allergies. Reishi is combines very well with elderberry and echinacea, having synergistic qualities together.
Garlic
Garlic is a common kitchen herb that has powerful antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. Amazingly, it is even effective against some antibiotic-resistant infections as well as candida (yeast) overgrowth. Garlic is easy to use when cooking, in hot broths, and even eating a raw clove when you are starting to feel a cold coming on.
Rosemary, Sage, Oregano
Some other kitchen herbs that are great herbal immune supports include rosemary, sage, and oregano. The active consistuents in these herbs are antimicrobial and antioxidants. If you are starting to get a sore throat, may a hot tea infusion of 1 tsp dried oregano in a cup of boiling water, boil or steep for at least 5 minutes. Oregano specifically can help break down the bacterial biofilms involved in sore throats.
Long term safety and Dosage Instructions:
Most of the herbal immune supports in this article are safe to take long term but are also effective when using them to fight off a cold or flu. For much more immune support information, check out Dr Whelan’s Immune Support and Cold Care Protocol on Fullscript. AND a Bonus Protocol specifically for Children’s Immune Support.
Hormones and your Immune System
Also, reach out to schedule a Healthy Hormone Breakthrough Session! Hormones – including estrogen, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, etc- are all involved in the immune system. Additionally, for reproductive aged women, our immune systems are “weakest” during our menses and around ovulation because so many resources are going to these cyclic processes. So it’s super important for all-around health to have balanced hormones.
Wishing you a healthy and vibrant autumn season! Looking forward to meeting you!
P.S. If you can think of a friend or relative who could benefit from truly wholistic women’s healthcare, forward this article😊