As our world opens up more and more again this summer, we’re doing all we can to keep our immunity stronger than ever. Last month, we ran this story with holistic nutritionist and women’s wellness expert, Kristin Dahl. Kristin got so thorough we decided to pull her recommendations for herbs specifically into a story of it’s own.

Whether your nerves are shot from 2020 (learn all about herbs for the nervous system at bottom!) or you’re just looking to supercharge your immune system from every angle,  here’s how we are incorporating more herbal tinctures into our daily routines now…

Supportive Herbs To Boost Immune System

Herbs can help to increase your body’s resilience and enhance your ability to fight off infections. And remember, it’s best to work directly with a holistic practitioner for individualized support.

Immune-supportive herbs help to prevent, fight, and clear illness while building, restoring, and nourishing immunity. Some herbs work as surface immune stimulants while others act as deep immunomodulators. At a time like this, we want to be working with a mix of both (or whatever you have on hand) to bolster immune defense. Powerful antivirals and antimicrobials such as goldenseal, oregano oil & olive leaf are best taken if, or only once, you become sick and only until well again.

Immune-Boosting Herbs + Anti-Virals
Best in tincture or capsule form

Astragalus, echinacea, rhodiola + elderberry are potent defenders that build immune system resiliency, build immune cells, and prevent and defend against viral infections. Herb Pharm has some incredible tinctures.

If you become sick, goldenseal, oregano oil and olive leaf (learn about olive leaf here) are powerful antivirals and antimicrobials that work to clear viruses from the body.

Immune-Boosting Mushrooms
Best in powder, tincture or capsule form

Immune-boosting mushrooms include reishi, chaga, cordyceps + turkey tail. Medicinal mushrooms help build blood cells and are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral in nature. Four Sigmatic is great, as is anything from Host Defense and Thorne Research’s Myco-Immune.

Nervines: Nervous System-Calming Herbs
Best as loose leaf teas and tinctures

Supportive not just to the nerves, but to the entire system as well, nervines are best as loose leaf teas and tinctures. Chamomile, passionflower, Holy Basil, lemon balm and skullcap help to calm the nerves, soothe anxiety and support restful sleep. Do a deep dive and learn all about nervine herbs here. Check out your local co-op for loose leaf herbs and Herb Pharm for tinctures.