5 Best Herbs for Boosting Your Immune System

At a time where your immune system needs the most support, you might think of turning to over-the-counter medicines to fight off colds, influenza and other common illnesses. While most of these remedies can help you get better if you’re sick, they might have an adverse effect on your health.

Herbal remedies provide a much safer and more natural alternative. Herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and have proven useful in boosting immune function and fending off illnesses. So what are the best herbs for enhancing your immune system?

The Most Effective Immune Boosting Herbs

Most herbs are hard to come by in their natural, unprocessed form. They only grow in specific locations and under certain conditions, making them difficult to access for a vast majority of the population.

Herbal supplements make a convenient and effective way to reap the benefits of many medicinal plants. The herbs are processed in a way that allows you to take a variety of herb supplements in capsule, powder, oil or softgel format, making it easier to keep your immune system in optimal condition.

Which are the best herbs for your immune system?

1. Ginseng

Ginseng is a plant with potent medicinal properties that grows in cooler climates throughout Canada and the United States, and some areas of Russia and Asia, including China and Korea. The ginseng root contains two main compounds — ginsenosides and gintonin — that work in harmony to provide incredible health benefits.

Cultivating ginseng is a long process as the roots of the ginseng plant need to grow as much as possible before they are harvested. For example, Organika Korean Red Ginseng capsules are made with a six-year-old root source, which has potent and proven benefits in regulating immune function,lowering stress and boosting vitality.

2. Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin — found in the rootstalk of the turmeric plant — has many uses and a great many benefits. It’s a powerful antioxidant herb with immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can influence the way the immune system operates. It does this by moderating and activating T cells, targeting specific antigens and protecting the body from foreign substances like germs, viruses, and bad bacteria.

Turmeric grows almost exclusively in South Asia, but you take advantage of the many health benefits curcumin has to offer with BestVitamin Best Curcumin vegetable capsules. In supplement form, curcumin can be used to treat autoimmune conditions like arthritis, Crohn's disease, and eczema.

3. Cordyceps 

Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to improve energy levels and as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. In more recent times, the fungi has been adapted for use in formulations like Organika Cordyceps Mushroom Extract to maintain a healthy, active immune system.

As a herbal supplement, cordyceps has a broad range of powerful immunostimulatory effects that can combat numerous illnesses and diseases. It accomplishes this by stimulating macrophage activity, which are white blood cells that engulf microorganisms and removes them from the body. This greatly benefits the immune system and helps fight bacterial and viral infections.

4. Oregano  

Commonly used in cooking to add flavour to many culinary dishes, oregano can help protect you from colds and other infections with its strong antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It’s even been shown to work as effectively as some antibiotic drugs, as it efficiently inactivates bacteria. For the maximum benefit, a supplement like Platinum Oregano-8 Cold and Flu works in several ways to combat infections before they turn into a cold or another illness.

5. Garlic

Also commonly found in the kitchen, garlic has several properties that make it highly effective at enhancing the immune system. While some might not be fond of the taste, you can still get the benefits of garlic without the strong flavour by taking a supplement such as Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (Immuni-Shield). 

Research has shown that garlic can prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions and other common yet highly damaging ailments with its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Reaping The Benefits of Herbal Supplements

Taking herbal supplements to improve your immune system is a safe and convenient way to promote wellness, stave off illnesses and prevent diseases. If you suffer from a chronic condition or are concerned about a persistent health issue, you should always speak to a medical professional before taking any health supplement. Otherwise, you can enjoy the many immune-boosting benefits these herbal supplements have to offer and take advantage of natural supplements that make Better Health Simple.

Discover a wealth of natural, non-GMO herbal supplements that have the potency to improve your immune system and get free shipping on all orders over $59.