We’re entering flu season, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have tools at our disposal to help make our way through. A number of herbs can be incredibly beneficial in improving our immunity and setting our bodies up for greater success in avoiding sickness.
We’ve compiled 10 herbs below you can incorporate this fall and winter, though this list is truly just the beginning of what different herbs can do for you.
1. Elderberry
Elderberry is a versatile herb that not only boosts your immune system, but it also reduces inflammation and stress while helping to protect your heart. It can be used to both prevent and ease cold and flu symptoms like joint and muscle pain, headaches, fever, and more.
2. Oregano
That’s right, oregano isn’t just for spicing up a dish. It decreases inflammation, helps fight bacteria, and it can reduce viral infection. It’s rich in antioxidants, the very compounds that help fight damage in the body.
3. Olive
A staple of the Mediterranean diet, the olive leaf is shown to lower rates of illness within communities who consume it regularly. Its antioxidants give a helping hand to your immune system, and it’s also shown to play a role in preventing cognitive decline and improved cardiovascular health.
4. Echinacea
Using echinacea, more commonly none in this region as a coneflower, reduces your chances of catching a cold. It lessens the possibility of respiratory infection and the associated complications, especially in children. Plus, as a bonus, it’s shown to improve skin health and anxiety.
5. Yarrow
Yarrow is diaphoretic—meaning it increases our perspiration. That paired with its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties supports our body in eliminating toxins. If you’ve already caught an illness, it can be a great addition to tea to help with congestion and digestion.
6. Mint
Mint packs a punch, and it’s one of the most common herbs we might have on hand. A mint tea can be used to relax tight muscles, reduce gas or bloating, and it also carries anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
7. Bonset
This has a history of being used as treatment for fevers, making it helpful for the flu. Bonset also supports your body against additional symptoms associated with the illness, such as body aches. To top it all off, it stimulates the immune system.
8. Yerba Sante
Yerba Sante can be used to alleviate cough or even for asthma relief. If you’re looking for respiratory support, this is a great herb to incorporate.
9. Thyme
Most of us have Thyme in our kitchen, but we don’t know the power of its medicinal qualities. Anti-inflammatory and calming, this is an easy and powerful herb to use for tea when you feel illness coming.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile does it all—nervous system support, anti-viral, antimicrobial, and great for the respiratory system. Also, it’s delicious in a tea. Make sure to have some on hand for any illness you might find coming your way.
While this list isn’t all encompassing, it's a great place to start when investigating how herbs can be incorporated into our daily lives to support our immune system. Check your cabinets and see what you might already have on hand to protect you this fall and winter!
Written by: Annie Lindenberg, MFA Creative Writing, Menari Blogger