In conjunction with plenty of sleep, vitamin D, exercise and a healthy diet, some herbs can help keep fight those bugs. I have formulated an immune tonic based on the herbs below.
Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Astragalus is called an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. The dried root is used medicinally.
Astragalus is used for common cold, upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and to strengthen and regulate the immune system. It is also used for fibromyalgia, as an antibacterial and antiviral tonic. People with autoimmune disease should speak with their doctor or herbalist first before taking Astragalus because it may stimulate the immune system.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somniferous, fam. Solanaceae) is commonly known as “Indian Winter Cherry” or “Indian Ginseng”. It is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) used for millennia as a Rasayana for its wide-ranging health benefits. The root and the berry are used medicinally.
Ashwagandha is traditionally used for arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, tuberculosis, and chronic liver disease. It is also an adaptogen. It is used for immunomodulatory effects, improving cognitive function, decreasing inflammation and fibromyalgia. It also appears to reduce stress-induced increased by plasma corticosterone.
Echinacea
Traditionally used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, Echinacea (Echinacea Echinacea Angustifolia; Echinacea pallid; Echinacea purpura) is probably the most widely known herb. #It is a beautiful genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae and is also known as the American coneflower.
Elderflower
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) has been used in traditional medicine all over the world for it's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when properly prepared, but all leaves, sticks, and roots should be avoided.
Orally, elderflower is used for sinusitis, cold, influenza (flu), swine flu, bronchitis, and diabetes. It is also used as a laxative for constipation, as a diuretic, to promote sweating, and to stop bleeding. It is rich in antioxidants. Because of its great taste, elderflower is often used as in a cordial. It is very well tolerated and a very gentle herb suitable for all ages.
Wild Oats
Oats (Avena sativa) are primarily used for acute or chronic anxiety, excitation, and stress. People with nervous exhaustion, depressive states and insomnia benefit from this herb.
Although there is unlikely to be any problem with Wild Oat infusion or tincture for celiac patients I don’t prescribe it because patients feel anxious about it in the remedy. This is traditionally used as a very nourishing herb for stamina in the nervous system. Particularly good for exhaustion from chronic stress especially with a poor sleeping pattern. It is suitable for all ages.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family and is considered to be a calming herb. It is native to North Africa, the Mediterranean region, south-central Europe and Central Asia. The leaves are used to make medicine and have a mild lemon aroma.
Orally, lemon balm is used for anxiety, insomnia, dyssomnia, restlessness, dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, colic, and for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Lemon balm is also used for Graves' disease (overactive thyroid), painful periods, cramps and headache. It is also used orally for Alzheimer's disease, melancholia, nervous palpitations, vomiting, and high blood pressure. Topically, lemon balm is used for cold sores (herpes labialis).
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris; Thymus zygis) is also a member of the mint family. It is an evergreen herb. It is best cultivated in a hot, sunny country with well-drained soil. The flowers, leaves, and oil are used as medicine.
Orally, thyme is used for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat. Thyme contains the essential oils and several other constituents It also contains flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, and other constituents.
Thymol, the primary constituent of thyme is rapidly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Preliminary research suggests that thyme has antimicrobial activity and modest antibacterial effects. It also seems to have antiviral activity.
Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, and soothing properties. The applicable part of licorice is the root. It has a lovely sweet taste.
Licorice is used for stomach and duodenal ulcers, sore throat, bronchitis, gastritis, indigestion, colic, adrenal glands insufficiency of the adrenal cortex and cough.
The effect of licorice on the Adrenal Glands is beneficial for most patients. However, a small group of patients is sensitive to the effects on blood pressure. Under normal circumstances, this would not be significant for short term low dose use. It can be monitored by taking blood pressure and many chemists have a blood pressure machine patients can check during treatment if you do not have resources to check the blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a long history of use for helping
with digestive issues such as loss of appetite, nausea and motion sickness. It's room, or underground stem (rhizome) can be consumed, fresh, powdered as a spice or juice. Ginger belongs to the same family as cardamom and Tumeric.
Ginger is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, for the promotion of sweating, as a circulatory stimulant and for treating stomach-ache, diarrhea, and nausea for any reason. It can also be used for reducing pain.
