Medical expert of the article
New publications
Herbs that enhance immunity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Herbs that enhance immunity are valued for their medicinal properties and the ability to restore the protective functions of the body. Let's look at what kinds of herbs there are for boosting immunity, how to brew them and when to take them.
Herbs to enhance immunity are effective herbal remedies that strengthen the immune system and take care of the performance of all body functions. But most importantly, medicinal herbs are absolutely safe for the body, both children and adults. The most effective herbs for strengthening the immune system are: ginseng, echinacea, dandelion, garlic, celandine, St. John's Wort, red clover and others.
The immune system is a protective barrier that protects us from harmful substances formed in the body or coming from outside. The immune system produces immunocompetent cells, that is, plasmacides, lymphocytes and antibodies, which are biologically active substances that recognize and destroy antigens, fungi, bacteria, viruses, chemicals and so on. It is reduced immunity, that is, a weak immune system - this is the cause of frequent illnesses in both adults and children.
What herbs enhance immunity?
What herbs enhance immunity? How to properly take them and most importantly, when you need to support and stimulate the immune system with the help of herbs. Let's look at the most popular herbs that enhance immunity.
- Ginseng - for a long time this plant is used to maintain the immune system. Ginseng is a plant that is rich in dopamine (a hormone of happiness and pleasure). The plant strengthens the protective functions of the body, increases efficiency and good mood. Very often, ginseng is used as the main component of various medications, immunostimulating and tonic agents.
Ginseng is recommended to use in the form of alcohol tincture. Take the medicine you need once a day, three to four times a week. Typically, dosage is used in twenty drops of ginseng diluted with water to maintain the immune system during the cold season.
- Eleutherococcus spiny is a plant from which a medicinal extract is made. For medicinal purposes, roots and leaves are used. The main properties of Eleutherococcus are toning and stimulation of the immune system. The plant improves vision, increases physical endurance and performance in general. The effect of using herbs that increase immunity will make itself felt after two weeks of regular use. From the plant prepare an alcohol tincture, which must be taken before meals.
- The roots of Manchu aralia are a popular herbal remedy used to prepare medicines that strengthen the immune system. The plant tones up and favorably affects the central nervous system. And taking the roots of the Manchu Aralia after severe illnesses helps restore health and a damaged immune system. From the grass, make alcohol tincture, which is taken on 40 drops three times a day.
- Rhodiola rosea - used as an adaptogenic agent. The plant increases mental and physical abilities, strengthens the immune system. Leaves and rhizome are most valued. From the plant make a tincture, which take 10-20 drops three times a day before meals. In addition to a weakened immune system, the plant also has other indications for use - increased fatigue, decreased mental and physical activity, vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Echinacea for immunity
Echinacea for immunity is used as an immunostimulant, which raises in the blood the amount of phagocytes (cells that absorb harmful substances, that is, bacteria, dying cells and foreign particles). Echinacea affects the immune system as a complex treatment for children and adults. The main action of the plant is to suppress the multiplication of herpes and influenza viruses, E. Coli, staphylococci and streptococci.
Tincture of Echinacea can be bought at the pharmacy, but you can cook at home. Let's look at the recipes for tincture and decoction from Echinacea.
- Tincture: crushed grass 100 g pour boiling water 200-300 ml and put in a water bath for 15-30 minutes. After this, the infusion should be cooled, filtered and taken on a quarter cup three times a day.
- Decoction: the roots of Echinacea (pre-crushed) 300 g pour boiling water and put in a water bath for 40-50 minutes. After that, drain the decoction and wring out. Take a tablespoon three times a day.
Altai herbs for immunity
Altai herbs for immunity are valued all over the world. Since it is these herbs growing in the Altai that have absorbed the special energy of the mountainous area with healing air and amazing natural beauty. Altaic herbs make various balms, syrups and tinctures that help strengthen the immune system, cure a cold or cope with cardiovascular diseases. For the preparation of medicinal extracts, such herbs as licorice, dog rose, St. John's wort, meadow geranium, chaga, penny and others are used.
When preparing extracts to strengthen immunity from Altai grasses, water is used, which allows to extract valuable biologically active substances from plants. Altai herbs have healing power, so they are dried and made with teas, herbal preparations, balms and extracts.
[7]
Collection of herbs for immunity
Collection of herbs for immunity is the most popular medicinal herbs that are used to restore the immune system. Let's look at an effective herbal remedy that boosts immunity. The fee includes:
- Wormwood (three lobes);
- Licorice root (three lobes);
- Motherwort (two lobes);
- Dandelion root (two lobes);
- St. John's Wort and the Witch Doctor (two lobes);
- Peppermint and hips (two lobes);
- Raspberry leaves and birch leaves (six lobes).
Herbal collection is valued for its immunostimulating properties. Collection of herbs protects the liver cells and produces a choleretic effect. Collection has a fortifying effect. Since the herbal collection is presented in fractions, that is, the percentage of certain herbs, it must be brewed in a special way. One tablespoon of herbs is poured with steep boiling water 500 ml and infused. Drink collection is necessary before meals.
Infusions of herbs for immunity
Infusions of herbs for immunity are a popular alternative, which helps to strengthen the immune system in the most safe and effective way. Most often for infusions use ginseng and echinacea, as these plants activate the immune system. But it is necessary to take the infusions of herbs very carefully, since the use of some herbs leads to intensive consumption of enzymes and substances that are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body. That is why prolonged use of infusions of herbs that increase immunity, can lead to exhaustion of the body.
Let's consider the most effective and popular herbal infusions for immunity and recipes for their preparation.
- An excellent tonic drink can be prepared from hawthorn, dog rose and raspberry. All the vegetable components must be crushed thoroughly and poured with boiling water. Infuse for 30-40 minutes until completely cooled down, eat like tea.
- Infusions that enhance the immune system, can be not only useful, but also delicious. You need 1-2 kg of fresh beets, as many carrots, 1 kg of pomegranates, 1 kg of lemons and 1 kg of floral or herbal honey. The ingredients are crushed and poured with honey. Insist 24 hours, take in the morning before meals and at night one teaspoon.
- Mix the herb of dried mint, St. John's wort, lemon balm and lime blossom (on a tablespoon of each). The grass should be poured with boiling water and insist for 15-20 minutes. Take during the day.
- Mix the leaves of Echinacea, leaves of black currant, lemon balm, rose hips and strawberry leaves. Herbs are best insisted in the thermos for 3-5 hours. Drink in small portions throughout the day. The course of treatment with herbs that increase immunity is 18-20 days.
- This recipe will not only strengthen the immune system, but also improve digestion. A glass of oats and 100 g of dog rose should be poured with boiling water and insist for 12 hours (infusion is best done at night). Take tincture in half a cup 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 30 days. Note that you can add dried fruit to the dog rose for a more pleasant taste.
Herbs that improve immunity in children
Herbs that increase immunity in children help to safely restore the immune system of the child, to protect children's body from viruses and infections. To date, most children have weakened immunity, which can not cope with infections and viruses. Because of this, kids of different ages often get sick. We offer recipes for infusions and herbal decoctions, which will help to increase weakened children's immunity.
- Aloe is one of the effective and affordable herbal ingredients to enhance the immune system in a child. Mix several leaves of aloe with 100 ml of homemade milk, 3 tablespoons of honey, lemon juice and walnuts. Ingredients should be insisted for 48 hours and taken on a teaspoon 2-3 times a day for half an hour before meals.
- Flowers of black elderberry allow to increase the activity of cells, which are responsible for the protective functions of the immune system. A tablespoon of elderberry is poured with boiling water and insisted. Infusion should be filtered and drunk before bedtime.
- Walnut leaves are another available herbal remedy that perfectly improves the functioning of the immune system in children. Pour a couple of spoons of leaves 500 ml of boiling water and press for 12 hours (best done at night). Infusion should be filtered and take half a cup twice a day.
The best herb for immunity
The best herb for immunity, more precisely for its restoration and maintenance, is Echinacea, St. John's Wort, dandelion and many other herbs. The most effective herbs that increase immunity, both in adults and in children, are selected individually and depend on the availability of contraindications to their use.
Herbs that enhance immunity are a natural storehouse of health that helps to safely and effectively restore the immune system and cope with various diseases. Herbal medicine refers to the methods of alternative medicine. Despite the medicinal properties of herbs, some of them have contraindications and certain rules of use. Therefore, before dealing with the restoration of the immune system with the help of herbs, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.