3 Herbs for Immune Support

No one relishes catching a cold or the flu during anytime of the year; nevertheless, as summer gives way to fall and the days and nights become cooler, colds and flu become more common. [For some reasons why, see: Fact or Myth? Going Outside with Wet Hair Will Cause a Cold.] More and more people are fighting back by getting flu shots. Just as many people, however, choose, for whatever reasons, not to have a flu shot. What should these people do? Using herbs to boost the immune system is one way to stave off colds and flu.

Echinacea

One of the most popular herbs to use for immune support is echinacea, that lovely purple coneflower that can be found blooming in so many gardens. There has been some controversy over the years, however, as to the effectiveness of echinacea. Some say it is of absolutely no use, while other studies indicate that this herb can shorten the duration and severity of colds and flu. More recent studies seem to support the latter claim. While in the past it has generally been believed that echinacea has no preventive qualities and should only be taken at the first onset of a cold or flu. A 2007 study, however, conducted by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy found that echinacea can reduce the risk of contracting a cold by about 58 percent.

Warnings: Consult your physician before taking echinacea if you suffer from an autoimmune disease, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.

Astragalus

The Chinese call astragalus huang qi, meaning "strengthener of chi." This herb, used for centuries by the Chinese to treat a variety of ills, especially those that cause fatigue, was used in 1983 at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to treat patients, who were being given immune-suppressing chemotherapy drugs. This study and later studies discovered that astragalus does cause T-cells and white blood cells to become more active, thereby, boosting the body's ability to fight off infections.

Warnings: Long-term use of astragalus is not recommended. There is a chance that large doses and extended use may cause cell mutation, making astragalus a possible carcinogen. Use only the recommended dosage and only for a short time in order to lessen the duration and severity of your infection.

Turmeric

You might think of turmeric as that yellow-gold spice usually found in American versions of curry powder; however, turmeric -- also known as curcumin -- has been used as a healing herb in both Indian Ayurvedic medicine and in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While the herb is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses from arthritis to cancer, it is useful to note, for the purposes of this article, that it does help to strengthen the immune system. You can use the herb (or spice, in this case) regularly in your cooking or take capsules found at any health food store. (Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.)

Warnings: Turmeric is not known to cause any side effects; although, large amounts may cause stomach upset.

As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Using herbs to boost your immune system can help you to naturally fight off colds and flu. As with any herbal remedy, consult your primary healthcare professional and/or a certified herbalist before taking, especially if you are on any prescription medications. Generally pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take any herbal medications. Do not give herbal remedies to children under the age of two.

References:

Booth, Barbara, ed. The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 2009.

Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Inc., 2009.