Boost Your Immune System With These Four Herbs

We all want to fight of infections; this year more than ever. Whether it's the common cold, the flu, or Covid, here are some herbs that just might be able to help us out.

HERB ONE:  ECHINACEA

Taking Echinacea after cold symptoms supposedly can help reduce the duration of your sickness and the severity of it. Echinacea supposedly can be beneficial for acute respiratory infections if taken at the onset of symptoms. The reason it works? Because it can decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are associated with inflammation and respiratory infections. (What the heck are Cytokines? A category of signaling molecules that regulate immunity and inflammation. Who knew).

HERB TWO: GARLIC

Garlic is an antimicrobial herb that is especially good for gut health. It is believed to be antibacterial and antiviral, and supposedly can even fight parasites. It can help fight off chest infections and respiratory infections. It is also believed that Garlic is ideal for strengthening the digestive system and has been found to help fight the common cold.

HERB THREE: GINSENG

Ginseng can also keep the immune system balanced by regulating various types of immune cells;T cells, B cells, natural killer cells. There's evidence that ginseng can fight off Influenza A in mice, but human research is still needed. Many people like to make a tea with fresh ginseng root, or capsules.

HERB FOUR: REISHI

Lucky for me, I love mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are believed to stimulate different types of cells in the immune system and fight off infections.