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The immune system is the body's most sophisticated defence network — a remarkable alliance of cells, proteins, and organs working around the clock to distinguish between self and non-self, to neutralise threats, and to remember past invaders so it can respond faster next time. Supporting this system is one of the most important things herbal medicine can do, and it does it beautifully. Echinacea is perhaps the world's most popular medicinal herb precisely because the evidence for its immune-supporting effects is so strong. But it is only one of many extraordinary plants that support immunity — elderberry, astragalus, andrographis, and reishi mushroom among them. The posts here explore all of these and more.
Allergies
20 May 2022
Herbal medicine is the rightful medicine of all human beings. Caring for yourself and your family by using herbs is an empowering experience—it allows you to tap into the power of nature and take responsibility for your health and well-being. Over the last thirty years at the ASOHM we’ve collected many rare, out-of-print books on […]
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Anxiety
14 October 2021
Peppermint is an aromatic perennial herb, native to Europe and Asia, that is a cross between spearmint and watermint. Its Latin name is Mentha x piperita which comes from the word “Mintha”, the Greek name of a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant, and “piper” meaning pepper, due to its spicy, pungent flavour. Used for thousands […]
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ASOHM News
6 August 2020
Influenza, commonly known as the ‘flu, is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus, which affects people of all ages and occurs more frequently during the colder months. It is transmitted from person to person through the respiratory tract, by means of inhalation of infected droplets resulting from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms occur some […]
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ASOHM News
12 November 2019
Plantain (Plantago Lanceolate), commonly referred to as Plantain weed is extraordinary for many reasons, including its almost endless possibilities to positively improve our health. Often found in many gardens and dismissed as a regular weed, the power of plantain can range from improving digestion and lessening inflammation. What is Plantain? The weed with many names, […]
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ASOHM News
13 August 2019
The Swedish Bitters’ formula has existed for hundreds of years, in many different forms and with a variety of names, and can be found in pharmacy books (called pharmacopoeias) dating back to the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 16th Century, the great medical reformer Paracelsus (1493-1541) developed an elixir of ingredients including aloe, […]
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ASOHM News
13 May 2019
Influenza epidemics have a long history and were first reported in 1610. The most severe and destructive flu outbreaks were those in 1889-90 and 1918, where it is estimated that 20 million people died within a few months and more than 50 times as many were sick. Other wide-spread epidemics include the 1957 Asian flu […]
Read article →Immune support through herbal medicine is not a single action but an ongoing practice — building resilience, reducing the impact of stress on immune function, and responding quickly when infections arise. These articles are designed to give you a thorough, evidence-informed understanding of what the plant world can offer.
It is difficult to single out just one, but echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia) has the most extensive body of clinical research behind it. It enhances both the innate (non-specific) and adaptive (specific) immune response and is most effective when taken at the first sign of an infection rather than as a constant daily supplement. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) comes a close second, with several trials demonstrating reduction in both the duration and severity of influenza.
This depends on the herb. Echinacea is best used short-term at the onset of illness or for a defined immune-boosting period of 6–8 weeks, with a rest period thereafter — this prevents tachyphylaxis (the body becoming accustomed to the stimulus). Tonic herbs such as astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and medicinal mushrooms (reishi, chaga, turkey tail) can be taken more continuously as they support long-term immune resilience rather than acute stimulation.
Autoimmune conditions require careful consideration when choosing immune herbs. Strong immune stimulants like echinacea may not be appropriate where the immune system is already overactive. Herbs with immune-modulating (rather than simply immune-stimulating) properties — such as astragalus, reishi mushroom, and turmeric — are generally better tolerated. Any herbal approach to autoimmune conditions should be guided by a qualified practitioner.
Chronic stress suppresses immune function through the sustained elevation of cortisol, which downregulates the inflammatory and immune response. This is why people under prolonged stress are more susceptible to infections and heal more slowly. Adaptogenic herbs — those that help the body respond to stress more effectively — are therefore also immune-supportive. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and siberian ginseng are key adaptogens in this regard.
Approximately 70–80% of immune tissue is located in and around the gut — a structure called the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). A healthy gut microbiome is essential for appropriate immune training and response. Herbs and dietary practices that support gut health therefore also support immune health. This interconnection is one of the most important insights in modern immunology.
Some immune herbs are appropriate for children in reduced doses; others are not. Elderberry syrup is commonly used for children's immune support and is generally well tolerated. Echinacea should be used with caution in young children and is not recommended for children under two. Always seek guidance from a qualified practitioner for children.
In the broadest sense, yes — mycotherapy (the therapeutic use of fungi) sits alongside herbal medicine as a form of natural medicine. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) all have substantial research behind them for immune support and other health benefits.
Lesson 10 covers the body's defence systems in depth — including the role of fever, inflammation, and the immune response — and discusses the herbal remedies most beneficial for immune support. Lesson 12 (Prevention and Cure) explores how preventative herbal care can reduce susceptibility to illness over the long term.
Immune health is woven through multiple lessons in our course — from the physiology of the defence system to the practical herbs for acute infection and long-term resilience. If you are committed to understanding your immune system and how to support it naturally, our online course provides that foundation in a structured, accessible way. View lesson packages and enrol today.