Here in New England, the cold season runs from the first frost in October through the slush of March. It's long. Traditional herbalism approaches it in two distinct layers. Understanding the difference is the key to using immune herbs well.
- The foundation: tonic herbs taken daily, for weeks or months, to support a resilient immune system over the whole season.
- The responders: herbs reached for when you feel run down, are around sick people, or are traveling.
Layer 1: The daily foundation
Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus) is the classic immune tonic of traditional Chinese practice, where it's used to strengthen the body's defensive energy. It's a slow, deep herb that yields the best results when taken consistently over time. Traditionally it's started in the fall and continued through winter.*
Medicinal mushrooms
Reishi, turkey tail and chaga are rich in beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that are widely studied for their role in supporting healthy immune activity.* See our guide to medicinal mushrooms.
ImmuMend
If you'd rather take one formula, ImmuMend combines nine adaptogens for deep, long-term immune support: astragalus, dang shen, cordyceps, reishi, jiaogulan, holy basil, Asian ginseng, schisandra and licorice. It's designed to be taken consistently through the season.*
Zinc
Zinc is essential for normal immune cell function, and it's easy to fall short on in winter.* Zinc Ultra provides 30 mg per serving. Read more in our zinc guide.
Layer 2: The responders
Elderberry
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the best-known seasonal herb in Europe and North America. Its dark purple berries are rich in anthocyanins, and it's traditionally used to support the immune system and upper respiratory health throughout the cold season.* Note that raw elderberries must never be eaten. They need to be properly prepared, as in our extract.
Echinacea
Echinacea is native to the North American prairies, where it was among the most widely used plants of Native American peoples. Our Double Echinacea combines the roots of two species, E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. Echinacea & Goldenseal pairs it with goldenseal for additional support of the mucous membranes.*
Propolis
Propolis is the resin bees collect from tree buds and use to seal and protect their hives. It's traditionally used to support the immune system, the throat and the respiratory system.*
Andrographis and olive leaf
Andrographis, known in India as the "king of bitters," and olive leaf, rich in oleuropein, are both traditionally used for active immune support.*
ViraVade
Our ViraVade formula combines four traditional herbs: wildcrafted lomatium root, Mediterranean cistus, olive leaf and licorice. It's designed to support the body's natural immune response when you need an active immune responder.*
For throat and sinuses
- ClearThroat and FluFighter are sprays for the back of the throat.
- SilverSinus and SinusGuard are nasal sprays. SinusGuard is especially soothing when the air is dry and indoor heat is on.
Ready-made kits
We put together two bundles for exactly this season:
- Mini Immune Bundle: ViraVade, Pine Needle 2X, Elderberry and Zinc Ultra. A compact kit for when you feel run down, or for travel.
- Large Immune Bundle: adds ImmuMend for daily foundation support, plus Propolis and SilverSinus.
The non-herbal basics
No herb outperforms sleep. Through the winter, prioritize rest, warm and nourishing food (soups, broths, garlic, ginger), fresh air even on cold days, hydration with dry indoor heat, and washing your hands. If you feel run down, rest early instead of pushing through.
Safety
Skip echinacea if you're allergic to plants in the daisy family. Goldenseal and andrographis aren't recommended during pregnancy. Licorice isn't suitable for people with high blood pressure if taken in large amounts or long term. Astragalus and echinacea may not suit people with autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressant drugs. If symptoms are severe, include a high fever, or last more than a few days, see a healthcare provider.
Shop this guide: Elderberry · Astragalus · ImmuMend · ViraVade · Mini Immune Bundle · Large Immune Bundle
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Photo: Sambucus nigra by H. Zell, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.