6 plants that boost the immune system (and are good to know about for the upcoming months)
Under normal circumstances, this article would be summing up some cool and useful information about medicinal plants that can help get you through the winter and boost your immunity against all sorts of colds, flus, and whatnot. But we’re not living in normal times, and with the second wave of COVID-19 in full swing, putting in some extra effort to prevent catching “the virus” is now more important than ever. As the days start to get darker and colder, we tend to feel a bit more tired than usual and our immune system usually weakens, which is why we are more vulnerable to infectious bugs like viruses and bacteria. So, what can we do to boost our immune system and how can phytotherapy help?
DISCLAIMER: In this article, you will read about medicinal plants that help boost the immune system and/or contribute to improving our general wellbeing. These plants, or a combination of them, do not cure COVID-19 as such. Please always consult with your doctor or local pharmacist before taking products based on medicinal plants.
Echinacea
These days, we’re all used to seeing Echinacea in our gardens at the end of the summer. However, this plant has been traditionally used by native American tribes such as the Sioux, who considered it to be an all-purpose remedy.
Three species fall under the name Echinacea: E. angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Scientific studies have shown how their extracts help the body's natural defence mechanism:
🌿 They increase the number of white blood cells and strengthen their activities: our innate defensive barrier.
🌿 At the same time, they stimulate the production of antibodies: our specific defensive system.
🌿 And finally, they have wound-healing properties which stop the progress of infectious bugs on connecting tissues.
Echinacea is more of a preventive herb and must be used early in the winter season. Drink an infusion of Echinacea roots (ratio: 2.5g or 1 teabag per mug of boiling hot water) over the course of 10 minutes, 3 times a day.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and are known for their ability to help the body in resisting stressors of all kinds, whether they be physical, chemical, or biological in nature.
Stress is one of the most virulent deterrents for a healthy immune system. The human body has three stages of stress — alarm phase, phase of resistance, and phase of exhaustion. The first 2 phases of stress are meant to help energise the body, establish clarity of the mind, and provide a “boost to fight the stressor.” Then, the last phase dumps us out into exhaustion once the stressor or threat has passed.
Adaptogens can hack into these stress responses and stretch out the phase of resistance. This allows us to hang out in the most powerful phase for much longer, making adaptogens one of the best plants that boost our immune system.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) - pictured above
Ginseng is a plant known for its general tonic effect. And because of this stimulating effect, it is recommended to consume it in the morning. Research shows that ginseng is an ally to help boost the immune system, combat physical and intellectual fatigue, and help convalescents regain their strength. The plant is also rich in Vitamin A, B, and C.
🌿 Herbal decoction: boil 1 to 2g of dried root in 250mL of water for 15min. Drink a cup twice daily (morning and noon) for 3 weeks.
Side effects (rare but possible with high doses): nervousness, insomnia, morning diarrhoea, high blood pressure.
Contraindication: should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of gynaecological cancer.
Eleutherococcus (Acanthopanax senticosus)
Also known as Siberian Ginseng, its effects will be like those of ginseng, but it will be more indicated when prepping for both intense physical activity and/or exam period. The plant is rich in active substances called eleutherosides that give the plant its adaptogen and powerful immunostimulant properties. The plant is also very rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
🌿 Herbal tea: boil 2 to 4g of dried root in 250mL of water. Drink 1 cup twice daily (morning and noon) for 3 weeks.
Contraindication: should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or a case of gallstones or severe hepatic insufficiency.
Rhodiola (Rhodioloa rosea)
The plant is known in Russia and Scandinavia as it has been used for centuries to cope with the cold Siberian climate and stressful lifestyle. The root extract contains more than 140 compounds that act directly on the cerebral cortex, increasing attention, memory, and intellectual capacity as well as relieving physical and psychological symptoms of stress when overworked and reinforcing immunity.
🌿 Dried root powder in capsule: 100 to 300mg capsule to take 30min before meals twice daily (morning and noon).
Overwork: follow the posology for 15 days then stop 15 days – then 1 week per month if necessary.
Side effect: may cause overexcitation and agitation.
Contraindication: should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with a manic-depressive tendency.
Essential Oils
Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora CT 1,8 cineole)
Ravintsara is the most-used EO when it comes to helping out the immune system in the prevention of winter diseases. It contains eucalyptol (or 1.8 cineole), which helps strengthen the mucous layer of the respiratory walls and therefore helps to better evacuate microbes by improving the defence barrier.
Eucalyptol will also stimulate white blood cells in the immune system, increasing the number of antibodies.
🌿 as prevention: place 2 drops of ravintsara essential oil on the wrists every morning 5 days a week. Increase the dosage by applying 3-4 drops 3-4 times a day when sick.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree essential oil is well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties due to its high content of terpinen-4-ol. It will, therefore, help the body to eliminate bacterial and viral infections that the immune system cannot fight off.
Terpinen-4-ol will also have positive effects on the immune system, which involves stimulating the activity of white blood cells. Among other things, the effects achieved include an increase in the number of antibodies and a limitation of the non-beneficial reactions of the body towards infections (i.e. the anti-inflammatory response).
Tea tree essential oil is, therefore, perfectly adapted to this synergy reinforcement effect on the immune system and its lines of defence thanks to its antibacterial and stimulating properties of the white blood cells.
Essential oil blend for adults:
- 100 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 30 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 10 drops of Thyme Thymol essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon essential oil
Mix well, then label your bottle.
Usage:
Apply 3 drops on the thorax and 3 drops on the back.
Top up 3 times a day 1 to 3 weeks.
Who can use it:
YES. Adults, children over 6 years old.
NO. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old.
In general, remember that essential oils are PROHIBITED in the first 3 months of pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding.
Be careful:
This synergy is photosensitizing. Don’t expose yourself to the sun within 12 hours after its application.
People with asthma and epilepsy should seek advice from their doctor prior to usage.
Perform an allergic test with the mixture in the crook of the elbow before any use.
Essential oil blend for pregnant women:
- 40 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 10 drops of Lemon essential oil
- 140 drops of Nigella vegetal oil
Mix well, then label your bottle.
Usage:
Apply 3 drops on the thorax and 3 drops on the back.
Top up 3 times a day 1 to 3 weeks.
Who can use it:
YES. Pregnant women over 3 months, breastfeeding women.
NO. Women who are less than 3 months pregnant.
In general, remember that essential oils are PROHIBITED in the first 3 months of pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding.
Be careful:
This synergy is photosensitizing. Don’t expose yourself to the sun within 12 hours after its application.
People with asthma and epilepsy should seek advice from their doctor prior to usage.
Perform an allergic test with the mixture in the crook of the elbow before any use.
Essential oil blend for children over 3 years of age:
- 90 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 30 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 30 drops of Linalool Thyme essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemon essential oil
Mix well, then label your bottle.
Usage:
Apply 3 drops on the thorax and 3 drops on the back.
Top up 3 times a day 1 to 3 weeks.
Who can use it:
YES. Children over 3 years old
NO. Pregnant women over 3 months, breastfeeding women, children under 3 years old.
In general, remember that essential oils are PROHIBITED in the first 3 months of pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding.
Be careful:
This synergy is photosensitizing. Don’t expose yourself to the sun within 12 hours after its application.
People with asthma and epilepsy should seek advice from their doctor prior to use.
Perform an allergic test with the mixture in the crook of the elbow before any use.
Bath that stimulate the immunity:
In a small and clean container:
- 20 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 10 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil
- 100 g of Dead Sea Bath salt
Mix well.
Usage:
Pour the entire mixture into your bathtub already filled with hot water (about 100L). Stir well so that the salt dissolves and distributes properly.
Enjoy your essential oil bath for about 20 minutes.
Who can use it:
YES. Adults and adolescents, pregnant women over 3 months and breastfeeding, children over 3 months.
NO. Women pregnant for less than 3 months, infants younger than 3 months.
In general, remember that essential oils are PROHIBITED for babies under 3 months and in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Be careful:
People with asthma and epilepsy should seek advice from their doctor prior to use.
Perform an allergic test with the mixture in the crook of the elbow before any use.