In light of complex healthcare needs and global health crises, there has never been a better time to explore the benefits of using plant-based products to support our immune systems and promote resilience. Mother Nature has gifted us with an abundance of natural remedies, and botanicals are at the forefront of these healing resources.
Whether sipping on a cup of chamomile tea to ease anxiety or rubbing arnica on sore muscles, humans have long turned to plant medicine to alleviate various ailments and promote overall wellness. Botanical medicine is the keystone modality in traditional healing systems such as Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as modern-day Western herbalism to enhance the immune system's function, thus protecting the body against infections and diseases.
Continue reading for a closer look at specific immune-supportive botanicals you can incorporate into your health regimen. And be sure to browse the Vervain Collective’s curated selection of plant-based products, including our available herbs and tinctures (or shop your local apothecary for comparable items).
Oregano Oil
Origanum vulgare
This potent botanical is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant and is used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive support, and allergy relief properties. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds that fight against harmful bacteria and viruses, thus reducing the risk of infections.
Recommended for short-term/acute use, oregano oil is a powerful anti-microbial that has been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, which is important for a strong immune system. (For long-term/preventative use, I recommend incorporating the herb into your cooking as a whole food.) Oregano oil may also relieve symptoms of allergies, as it helps to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Forms: Oregano oil can be purchased in pill or capsule form. Oregano essential oil can also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
This fragrant herb is commonly used in cooking and is valued for its medicinal properties. Thyme’s immune-boosting benefits are thought to be due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and respiratory support properties. Thyme contains anti-microbial compounds and is also rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, thyme is believed to be an effective expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and airways, and therefore reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
Forms: Thyme can be consumed fresh and dried, or applied topically as an essential oil. Featured in Vervain’s Respiratory Relief tea blend, we recommend a steam inhalation with the tea to loosen congestion, followed by consumption of the tea with a little raw, local honey.
Sambucus
Sambucus Canadensis / Sambucus nigra
Also referred to as elderberry, sambucus is a dark purple berry that has anti-inflammatory effects, antiviral properties, and is rich in antioxidants. It has been used to prevent and treat illnesses such as the flu and colds for centuries and is shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus and reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Sambucus has mucolytic properties that help to break up mucus in the lungs and airways, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. It’s also known to modulate the immune system by balancing and regulating its activity. This can improve the body's ability to fight off infections and other illnesses.
Forms: Sambucus is commonly available in supplement form or as a syrup. The Vervain apothecary carries Sambucus in multiple forms.
Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus refers to a large genus of over 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties. Astragalus has been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus and reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. It is particularly rich in compounds such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, antioxidants that activate the body’s natural defense system. Astragalus is also considered an adaptogen, which means it can support the body in adapting to stressors and maintaining balance.
Forms: Astragalus root is sliced and dried, then ground into a powder, steeped as tea, or even added to the stock in stews. It can also be found as a tincture or in capsule form.
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal is another bitter herb that provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits via berberine. Like Oregon grape, it is used to support digestive health, fight infections, and stimulate the immune system. This herb also supports balanced gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria. Goldenseal has broad leaves and produces small white flowers, and is native to and commonly used in the eastern U.S. (we recommend using OR Grape since Goldenseal is an increasingly threatened species due to overharvesting).
Forms: Goldenseal is found as tablets and capsules (containing the powdered root), liquid extracts, glycerites (low alcohol extracts), lotions, drops, sprays, eyewashes, and in some feminine hygiene products.
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Oregon grape is a bitter herb that contains berberine, a plant compound with powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-balancing effects. Like Goldenseal, it is commonly used in herbal medicine to support digestive health, fight infections, and stimulate the immune system. Oregon grape has holly-like leaves and produces clusters of small yellow flowers. It is native to North America and commonly used in the western United States, and is widely available and sustainable.
Forms: Like goldenseal, Oregon grape is found in many forms (as tablets and capsules, liquid extracts, glycerites, lotions, drops, sprays, eyewashes, and in some feminine hygiene products).
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
This popular botanical can reduce the severity and duration of illnesses, with benefits thought to be due to its immune-stimulating, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its active compounds, including polysaccharides, alkylamides, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid, can boost the body’s natural defenses.
Forms: Echinacea is commonly available in supplement form or as a tea, and should be taken frequently (three or four times a day) for best results.
Amla
Phyllanthus emblica
Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla is a fruit believed to have immune-boosting effects, primarily due to its high vitamin C content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, immunomodulatory effects, and antimicrobial activity. Not only can it boost the immune system and fight off infections, amla can help to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Forms: Amla is commonly available in supplement form or as a powder.
Baical Skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis
This herb is believed to have immune-boosting effects, primarily due to its active compound baicalin. Baical skullcap’s benefits are believed to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It has also been studied for its potential anti-tumor effects, as it may support the immune system in fighting off cancer cells.
Forms: Baical skullcap is commonly available as a tincture or tea.
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Mullein is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine for various respiratory conditions. It has expectorant and mucolytic properties — helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract and improve breathing. The botanical’s immune-boosting benefits are thought to be due to its respiratory support, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties.
Forms: Mullein is commonly available in supplement form or as a tea.
Licorice Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Love it or hate it, licorice root has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits, including immune system support. It has been traditionally used for respiratory conditions such as coughs and sore throats. The immune benefits of licorice root are thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties, as well as for respiratory support.
Forms: Licorice root is commonly available as a supplement.
Elecampane
Inula helenium
Elecampane, also called horse-heal or elfdock, is an herb that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, especially for respiratory conditions such as coughs and bronchitis. The benefits of this botanical are thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, respiratory support, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties.
Forms: Elecampane can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Marshmallow Root
Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow root has traditionally been used to soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation. By supporting the digestive system, marshmallow root can improve nutrient absorption and promote a healthy immune system. It is also known to soothe and moisten the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, making it easier for the body to expel phlegm and reduce irritation, easing symptoms associated with respiratory infections (such as coughs and sore throats). Marshmallow root also contains compounds such as mucilage, which has anti-inflammatory effects. These benefits, in addition to its antioxidant activity and immune-modulating effects, make marshmallow root a natural support for your immune system.
Forms: Marshmallow root can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
This herb has long been used in traditional medicine to support the immune system. Andrographis is believed to have immune-modulating effects as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. It has also been shown to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, which can support the body's ability to fight off respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu.
Forms: Andrographis can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Propolis
Sometimes referred to as “bee glue,” propolis is a waxy substance produced by honeybees from the resin of trees and other plants. Bees use propolis to construct and repair their hives by sealing openings and cracks, smoothing out internal walls, and creating a protective barrier against invaders. Humans have also used propolis since ancient times, with its benefits thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects, wound-healing properties, and potential anti-tumor effects.
Forms: Propolis can be found in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and throat sprays.
Nervines
Nervines are a class of herbs that have calming effects on the nervous system and can indirectly benefit the immune system in a myriad of ways. Many nervines, such as holy basil and ashwagandha, are adaptogens, meaning they can assist the body in adapting to stress and promote overall wellness (therefore supporting the immune system). Nervines such as passionflower and lavender can improve sleep quality (this supports immune health because during sleep the body produces cytokines, a type of protein that helps fight off infections). Some nervines, such as ginger and fennel, can improve digestion and support a healthy gut. Other nervines include catnip, chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, rose, skullcap, and tulsi.
Forms: Many nervines can be grown in the garden and can be used in their raw state to make teas, tonics, and tinctures. These herbs may also be available as tablets, capsules, and powders.
In a world where synthetic drugs dominate, botanicals offer a refreshing alternative — a natural and often more gentle way to support our well-being. And these are only a few examples of the many powerful plants that can improve overall health and immunity. Consider incorporating them (and others!) into your diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system and fight off illnesses.
Note: It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before using any herbs or supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.