11 Herbs That Strengthen The Immune System

Which immune-boosting herbs help us to be armed against colds and flu? We tell you which medicinal herbs for a strong immune system you can easily grow yourself.

With the cold season, colds and flu illnesses become more frequent. But to stay healthy in winter, we need a strong immune system to help us fight off viruses. To strengthen our defenses, however, it does not have to be vitamin tablets or other remedies from the pharmacy.

Herbs have been used since ancient times to strengthen the immune system and support our health in a natural and sustainable way. The best thing is that you can easily grow medicinal herbs in your own garden, on the balcony, or on the windowsill. In our article we present the eleven best herbs for our immune system, which you can easily grow yourself, so you can grow your own medicine cabinet.

Thyme

Even Hildegard von Bingen appreciated thyme (Thymus vulgaris). The Mediterranean herb is one of the most important medicinal herbs for colds and respiratory diseases. But thyme is also an effective helper for a strong immune system. It is full of essential oils and zinc and can be used dried for seasoning, as an oil or tincture. Infused with water, thyme makes a wonderful tea for a strong immune system.

Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is known to many from Asian cuisine. But did you know that it can also be used as a medicinal herb to boost the immune system? This is, of course, due to the herb’s ingredients: coriander is full of essential oils, coumarins, phenolic acids, and sterols. The herb has an antibacterial effect and is a natural antibiotic. Fresh as a tea, oil, or tincture, coriander can contribute to your health as a medicinal herb.

Sorrel

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is full of vitamin C and is thus able to strengthen our natural defenses. In addition, the sour herb is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E. Prepared fresh in salads or dried to make sorrel tea, sorrel is an effective medicinal herb.

Caraway

Caraway (Carum carvi) is used not only as a spice but also as a medicinal plant. The seeds are digestive, antibacterial, germ-inhibiting, and a natural antifungal agent. Thus, caraway is also one of the immune-boosting herbs.

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Echinacea

One of the most popular herbs for the immune system is echinacea. Echinacea originated in North America, but has been known in our country for a long time and grows very well even in our climate. The plant contains numerous essential oils, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and vitamin C, which actively strengthen the immune system and in this way can prevent colds. As a remedy, echinacea can be used as a tincture or tea.

Oregano

Another natural antibiotic from your own garden is oregano (Origanum vulgare). Of course, the herb tastes delicious with pizza, pasta, but its healing properties should not be underestimated. As oil or tea, oregano has an antibacterial effect and thus supports our immune system in a natural way.

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Parsley

Whether curly or smooth – hardly any other herb is more popular with us than parsley (Petroselinum crispum ssp. crispum). It is full of vitamin C, calcium, and zinc. Thus, it not only supports our immune system but also has a positive effect on the bladder and kidneys.

Sage

The name of sage (Salvia) alone gives an idea of its healing properties: “Salvare” in Latin means “to heal”. The Mediterranean herb is particularly effective against sore throats, but its positive effect on our immune system should not be underestimated. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, sage tea is a powerful tool to strengthen our defenses.

Chamomile

In our bodies, white blood cells are responsible for destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps the body to produce white blood cells. Thus, chamomile tea forms a wonderful means to activate our immune defenses. Also, a steam bath made of chamomile tea clears the respiratory tract and helps with colds.

Rosemary

With its richness in rosemary oil, camphor, and bitter substances, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is also undoubtedly one of the herbs that strengthen the immune system. As a tea, essential oil, or tincture, rosemary has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it has a positive effect on digestion, blood circulation, and circulation.

Lemon Balm

One of the main causes of a weak immune system is stress. Fortunately, there is also an effective remedy for it in the herb garden. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a calming effect, helps with anxiety disorders, and helps us fall asleep. So, to the question of which tea strengthens the immune system, we can answer “lemon balm tea” without hesitation.

Not only herbs help to strengthen the immune system. Spices also help to ensure that our immune defenses are ready for the next wave of flu. Of course, you can also grow these yourself. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Garlic (Allium sativum), and Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), for example, are particularly immune-boosting.