As the holidays approach, our minds are on many things--securing gifts for loved ones, accommodating guests, and preparing our favorite foods and traditions--but it is also an important time to consider our immune systems! Colder weather keeps us indoors where sickness is more likely to spread, and visiting family and friends can inadvertently bring pathogens into your home. It is more important now than ever to take steps to ensure your immune response is strong and healthy and ready to fight off sicknesses. To avoid feeling under the weather during the holidays this year, try some of the herbs, formulas, and supplements listed below!

Herbs & Mushrooms to Prevent Sickness

Echinacea

When it comes to natural immune boosters, echinacea is among the most widely-studied and effective herbs. Echinacea root, flower, and leaf have been used by Native Americans to treat sickness and infection as far back as 400 years ago. In the modern day, the herb has caught the attention of scientists due to its antiviral properties. In addition, studies have shown that the plant has the ability to stimulate white blood cells, your body's first defense against infection. Echinacea also promotes the production of cytokines, small proteins that are responsible for regulating immune function, and the antioxidant properties of the plant help prevent these immune cells from damage by free radicals.

• Echinacea Purpurea Root
• Echinacea Angustifolia Root
• Solaray® Echinacea Angustifolia Capsules
• Dr. Christopher's Echinacea Glycerine Extract
• Dr. Christopher's Echinacea Alcohol Extract
• Herb Pharm® Echinacea Extract
• Herb Pharm® Echinacea Extract - Alcohol Free
• Herb Pharm® Super Echinacea Extract

Elderberry & Elder Flower

Flowers and berries of the elder shrub have been used medicinally by cultures all over the world for thousands of years, known even by ancient peoples for their ability to help fight off and prevent sickness. Both elder flower and berry have a rich antioxidant content, which helps to protect immune cells and other parts of the body from oxidative stress. In addition, they have been shown to stimulate cytokine production, leading to an improved immune response. Elderberries and flowers can prevent illness through anti-viral active compounds in the plant, such as anthocyanins. These compounds work to prevent viruses from invading cells, stopping them before infection can begin.

• Elder Flowers
• Herb Pharm® Elder Flower Extract
• Dr. Christopher's Elder Berry Alcohol Extract
• Elderberry Family Farms® Whole Dried Elderberries
• Elderberry Family Farms® Elderberry Juice Powder
• Elderberry Family Farms® Elderberry Concentrate

Lomatium Root

Like elderberry and echinacea, lomatium is often used when one is actively sick to help with recovery and symptom reduction, but it can also work remarkably well as a preventative measure. Lomatium works in a few different ways, one of the most compelling being its richness in antiviral compounds. These compounds help to inhibit the reproduction of viruses, preventing their effects from spreading. At the same time, lomatium stimulates the immune system, keeping your body on guard for potential invaders. Its antioxidant content prevents oxidative damage that can weaken the immune system, and it even has anti-bacterial properties, allowing it to fight multiple types of infections.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus is known for its great capability to stimulate the production of white blood cells, interferons, and antibodies. While white blood cells serve as your body's army of defense against invaders, interferons and antibodies are created by the body to inhibit specific viruses or bacteria once they are identified. In addition, Astragalus contains compounds that are able to inhibit many viruses themselves, essentially adding to your body's arsenal of defense. This herb is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to reduce the effects of stress response in the body, which in turn promotes a stronger immune system.

Astragalus can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.

Garlic

Garlic has been used as a traditional medicine for over 7,000 years. Modern-day science has provided us with insight into how this herb works and why it is so useful in preventing sickness. Garlic is high in sulfurous compounds such as allicin, which have strong antimicrobial effects and can help fight viruses and bacteria alike. Garlic also enhances the ability of immune cells to identify and kill off harmful invaders, and can help to detoxify the liver, which assists the body in its ability to fight off sickness. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to improved immune function, and it can even aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which help to keep the immune system strong.

In addition to being eaten raw or cooked, garlic can be taken in supplement form as capsules, extracts, oils, or even tea.

Ginger Root

Ginger is known for its fresh, sharp flavor, but it can be used for more than just seasoning your food. Ancient Chinese medicine has long revered ginger root for its anti-inflammatory and immune effects. Active compounds in ginger root help the body combat infections by stimulating immune activity. Its antimicrobial effects directly contribute to the body's fight against pathogens, while its antioxidant effects keep the immune system strong. Ginger is also known to increase circulation, which can assist the body in transporting immune cells to the correct are of the body. Like garlic, ginger also promotes beneficial gut flora, which help contribute to a healthy, functioning immune system.

Aside from culinary use, ginger can be used as a supplement and is found in capsules, teas, and extracts.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric is very well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities, making it a popular choice for joint health and other body pains. However, the power of turmeric can be put towards many other uses, including immunity. Turmeric can help stimulate the immune system, and contains natural compounds that combat both viral and bacterial infections. Like astragalus, turmeric is both anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing, and it can support gut and liver health, all of which contribute to optimal immune function.

Turmeric can be used as a cooking ingredient, but it can also be taken in capsules, extracts, or teas/golden milks.

Goldenseal Root

Due to its capability to reduce inflammation, detoxify the liver, and stimulate white blood cells, goldenseal is an extremely powerful supplement for the immune system. However, it should be noted that goldenseal is endangered and becoming harder to find in many parts of the world. This is due to its increase in popularity leading to over-harvesting. If you wish to try goldenseal, but want to avoid contributing to its decline, look for cultivated goldenseal over wildcrafted goldenseal, and research your sources to ensure the plant is sustainably harvested.

Goldenseal is high in berberine, which exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe tissues and promote mucous production, which, especially in the respiratory tract, help provide a barrier against pathogens. In addition to stimulating immune response directly, goldenseal contributes to gut and liver health, both of which are important to overall immune funciton.

• Dr Christopher's Goldenseal Extract
• Herb Pharm® Goldenseal Extract
• Solaray® Goldenseal Capsules

Reishi

Reishi, a mushroom native to China and Japan, is an excellent supplement for improving the body's immune response. Reishi stimulates and enhances the activity of immune cells, and several of its compounds have been shown to have anti-microbial properties. Reishi is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping to protect and strengthen your immune system and prime it for potential invaders, and it is known for its ability to support the gut microbiome. Reishi can also help boost your immune system by assisting in your body's ability adapt to stress. 

Reishi can be taken as a powder, a tea, an extract, or in capsules.

Agarikon

Agarikon is a fungus native to North America and Europe that has been used medicinally for centuries. It has increased in popularity as a supplement due to its immunity-boosting properties, including its ability to regulate immune cells, support the respiratory system, and for its richness in antimicrobial compounds. It is also anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, helping to keep your immune system healthy and ready for signs of infection.

Maitake

The maitake mushroom is a popular food ingredient, but it is also well regarded for its many health benefits. When it comes to immunity, maitake works in a number of ways. Maitake is rich in beta-glucans, which facilitate the production of white blood cells, increasing your body's ability to fight off infection. In addition, the mushroom has both antiviral and antibacterial compounds, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties enhance the function of the body's immune system. Maitake has also been shown to help support gut health and assist your body in managing stress, allowing for stronger immune function.

Maitake can be taken as a powder, in capsules, or as an extract or tea.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps, a fungus found worldwide but native to southeast Asia, is known to help improve the function of the lungs and respiratory tract. This can help prevent pathogens from binding to tissue and causing upper respiratory infections such as colds. It also contains a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect immune cells. Cordyceps is stimulating to the immune system, contributing to the production and activity of white blood cells, and is believed to be anti-microbial. Cordyceps supports a healthy stress response and can help provide additional energy to cells, allowing the body's immune system to function properly.

Cordyceps can be taken in capsules or as powder, extract, or tea.

Chaga

Chaga is a fungus found in North America that has been used medicinally by many native tribes throughout history. Chaga is an extremely effective immune booster, due to many factors, including its high beta-glucan content and anti-microbial compounds. Chaga stimulates white blood cells production and can inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogens. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and contains a high level of antioxidants, both factors that can help protect and strengthen immune cells. Chaga is also known for its ability to help regulate stress and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, providing your immune system with optimal conditions to thrive.

Chaga can be taken as a powder, in capsules, as a tea, or as an extract.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail mushroom, named for its unique appearance that resembles the feathered tail of a turkey, is one of the most powerful mushrooms used to support the immune system. Turkey tail contains potent compounds that help immune cells detect and fight off invaders, and compounds in the fungus itself have been shown to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. This mushroom is excellent for gut health and helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, allowing for better immune function.

Turkey tail is often taken in capsules, as a powder, as a tea, or in an extract.

Formulas for Preventing Sickness

Dr. Christopher's Winter Season Formula

Formulated by Dr. Christopher as a daily supplement for colder months, Winter Season helps strengthen the body's immune system and reduce internal stress caused by the change in seasons. This blend contains garlic, rosehips, parsley, watercress, and rosemary.

Dr. Christopher's Immune System Formula

This synergistic blend of herbs helps promote a healthy immune response and prevent sickness. Astragalus, eleuthero, echinacea, and reishi work together to form a balanced approach to immunity.

Dr. Christopher's Echinacea & Goldenseal

Available in capsule or extract form, Dr. Christopher's Echinacea & Goldenseal combines two of the most popular immunity herbs into one easy-to-take product. Echinacea and goldenseal work together synergistically to enhance immune function and prevent sickness.

LifeSeasons Therapeutics® Immuni-T

This formula by LifeSeasons Therapeutics was created to assist in the body's natural resistance against infection. The herbs in this blend work together to inhibit the reproduction of viruses and bacteria and improve overall immune function.

Elderberry Family Farms® Elderberry Plus Immune Support

This product combines the powerful benefits of elderberry with echinacea angustifolia, echinacea purpurea, red raspberry, and rosehips for a comprehensive approach to daily immune support.

Herb Pharm® Daily Immune Builder

Created as a long-term option to help enhance general immune support, this formula is a great daily supplement during the cold and flu season. Echinacea, astragalus, reishi, schisandra berry, and prickly ash bark combine their efforts to bring your immune system to its prime and keep germs away.

Herb Pharm® Golden Echinacea

Perfect for short-term use after exposure to pathogens, Herb Pharm's Golden Echinacea combines the infection-fighting properties of echinacea purpurea and organic, cultivated goldenseal. This formula also comes in an alcohol-free option.

Traditional Medicinals® Immune Zoom Tea

Available in two delicious flavors, each with their own herbal benefits, Immune Zoom features powerful anti-illness herbs such as echinacea purpurea and licorice root.

Traditional Medicinals® Echinacea Plus

A combination of echinacea purpurea, lemongrass, spearmint, and echinacea angustifolia that was formulated to boost your immune system and improve protection against invading pathogens.

Traditional Medicinals® Stress Ease Immune

A synergistic tea blend created to reduce stress and fortified with the immune-enhancing benefits of astragalus, reishi, and eleuthero.

Buddha Teas® Echinacea Elderberry Blend

The combination of elderberry and echinacea in a warm, soothing tea is a delicious way to boost immunity during cold winter months.

Host Defense® MyCommunity

MyCommunity by Host Defense was created as a comprehensive supplement to support the body's natural immune response. Combining the effects of 17 different species of mushrooms, this formula seeks to cover all the bases. MyCommunity comes in powder, capsule, and extract form.

Host Defense® MycoShield Spray

MycoShield Spray offers a unique, convenient travel-friendly option for immunity support. This spray combines the benefits of five different immune-enhancing mushrooms with compounds that support natural immunity, and is available in several pleasant flavors. MycoShield Sprays come in 1oz or 0.5oz sizes for on-the-go carrying and easy access whenever your immune system needs a boost.

Host Defense® Stamets 7

Formulated as a daily immunity support supplement, Stamets 7 combines seven species of mushrooms that work together to support general body functions, increase white blood cell count, and assist the body in adapting to stress. This formula is available in powder or capsules,

Host Defense® MycoBotanicals - Immune

This superfood powder includes the immune-boosting effects of both mushrooms and herbs such as agarikon, turkey tail, reishi, astragalus, and more. It is recommended for daily use to keep the immune system strong and ready to fight off infection.

Other Supplements to Prevent Sickness

Vitamin C

Due to the vitamin's ability to promote white blood cell and interferon production, improve the function of immune cells, and its high antioxidant content, vitamin C supplements are an excellent option if you are looking to boost your immune system. Whole-food-based supplements, such as the bottle pictured above, are recommended because they are much easier for the body to absorb and are therefore more effective.

• Truly Natural Vitamin C Capsules
• Truly Natural Vitamin C Powder
• Pure Essence® Whole-C
• Integral Wellness® D3 + Zinc + C

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 can not only help activate the immune response, but it promotes the production of antimicrobial peptides, which can inhibit bacteria and viruses. Data shows that those with adequate levels of vitamin D3 are less likely to develop respiratory infections. Vitamin D3 also promotes respiratory health, particularly the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, which help protect against infection.

• Liquid Health® Vegan Vitamin D3
• Pure Essence® Vitamin D 2000 IU
• Pure Essence® Vitamin D 5000 IU
• Integral Wellness® D3 + C + Zinc

NAC

N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is known for its positive effect on the brain and nervous system, but also for its contribution to healthy immunity. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, an extremely important antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can weaken the immune system. In addition, NAC is known for its respiratory benefits and its ability to reduce mucus buildup, decreasing likelihood of respiratory infections. NAC also reduces inflammation, improves function of immune cells, and may even have anti-viral capabilities.

Quercetin

 

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can help reduce damage to the immune system. It has also been shown to be able to modulate immune cell activity and support the body's ability to respond to infections. Like NAC, Quercetin supports respiratory health, leading to decreased likelihood of infection, and some studies suggest it may even have anti-viral properties.

Probiotics

About 80% of the immune system is located in the gut, and the balance of microorganisms in your gut is a major contributor to proper immune function. High levels of "good" bacteria can contribute to fighting off pathogens by out-competing them, and they help maintain the barrier in the gut that protects against harmful invaders. These are some reasons why gut health is so important to immunity, and why the prebiotic properties of many of the mushrooms listed earlier contribute to their ability to support immunity. Another way to supplement for gut health is through the use of probiotics. Probiotic supplements are strains of "good" gut bacteria and other microorganisms that are ingested, helping to repopulate the gut with these healthy bacteria. Our current pick for a comprehensive and effective probiotic supplement is the Friendly Force probiotic.

Conclusion

As we hunker down for the coldness of winter and become preoccupied with the festivities of the season, we must remember that this is the most important time of the year to be looking after our immune health. With the right knowledge, we can take steps to remain sickness-free this winter and provide ourselves (and our families) a holiday season of joy and good health.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Christopher's Herb Shop!

 

About the Writer Emori Brown has worked for Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop since 2018. In addition to writing blog posts and newsletters, Emori cashiers and works in the shipping department. She is passionate about providing people with the tools for improving their health and is excited to share knowledge surrounding the formulas and services we have here at the Herb Shop.