Top 5 Herbs to Boost Immunity

Top 5 Herbs to Boost Immunity

Using herbs to stay healthy becomes a priority in the fall and winter.

Maintaining a strong immune system is one of the best ways to stay healthy. When cold and flu season comes, you'll want to have natural products on your side to fight infections. Herbs work effectively, especially when taken preventatively.

Herbs can be taken individually but often work better synergistically or with other herbs as part of a formula.

Herbs specific to the immune system activate the body's immune cells that fight infections to stay healthy.

Immune-boosting herbs are often one or a combination of the following: antioxidants, antiviral and antifungal.

There are 5 top herbs you should take to boost immunity. These are olive leaf extract, elderberry, echinacea, neem leaf and goldenseal.

Olive leaves are becoming increasingly known as an antioxidant to defend against viruses. The leaf, which comes from the olive tree, helps remove free radicals that attack the body's cells and tissues. Olive leaf extract also provides the body with more energy, and this is useful in fighting a cold or flu.

Elderberry (also known as Sambuca) is known to boost the immune system with bioflavonoids. These bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect cells.

Echinacea is an herb with a reputation for boosting the immune system. The herb stimulates the activity of certain immune cells that are responsible for fighting infections. Echinacea makes the body's immune cells more efficient by attacking viruses, bacteria, and other abnormal cells. It is best taken as a preventative herb.

Neem Tree, more specifically the bark of the tree, is known for a number of compounds that effectively regulate the functions of the immune system. It is known as an antiviral and antifungal herb.

Finally, Goldenseal fights colds and flu as it affects the mucous membranes and can be particularly effective in maintaining flow and preventing the occurrence of bacterial infections.

These herbs can be used individually, although they are stronger together. Herbs can be taken in tea form (although not recommended for olive leaf or goldenseal, which has strong flavors), tinctures, or capsules.

Capsules are one of the most convenient ways to take herbs. These enter the body's bloodstream relatively quickly to strengthen the immune system.

When taking herbs, it is important to know whether there are any side effects, whether the herb in question has contraindications with medications, or whether a pregnant or breastfeeding woman can take it.