Stay Strong: Herbal Remedies for Fighting Seasonal Illness and Boosting Year-Round Wellness
Last Updated: March 24, 2026
Plants grown in living, biologically active soil produce higher concentrations of stress metabolites, translating to more potent herbal medicine in your apothecary.
It is the cyanidin-3-glucoside in elderberry that blocks viral glycoproteins from latching onto host cells. It is the alkamides in echinacea that activate cannabinoid receptors to modulate immune signaling. It is the polysaccharides in astragalus that trigger TLR4 receptors on macrophages, waking up your innate defenses. These are not marketing terms. They are measurable defense compounds, and they are the reason some herbal preparations actually work during cold and flu season while others collect dust in your cabinet.
But here is the part most supplement companies skip: these compounds are not manufactured by the plant out of generosity. They are stress metabolites, chemical weapons the plant builds when it has to fight for survival in living, competitive soil. A plant coddled in sterile, industrial-scale growing conditions produces fewer of these compounds because it simply does not need them. At Sacred Plant Co, we view this through a regenerative lens. Our commitment to soil microbiology, documented by independent Haney Score data, reflects our belief that chemistry created by struggle, not comfort, is what separates real herbal medicine from expensive green powder.
This guide is your complete seasonal pharmacy. We cover immunity, respiratory support, digestive health, and stress resilience, with the science, sourcing standards, and preparation methods you need to build a year-round herbal wellness practice.
What You'll Learn
- Which specific phytochemicals in elderberry, echinacea, and astragalus support immune function, backed by clinical research
- How to identify premium dried herbs using sensory quality checks (color, aroma, snap test)
- Five DIY recipes, from elderberry syrup to garlic-turmeric soup, with exact measurements and timing
- How respiratory herbs like mullein and licorice root support lung health through different mechanisms
- A morning-to-evening herbal routine for building seasonal resilience
- Safety considerations including drug interactions, contraindications, and energetic profiles from TCM and Ayurveda
- Proper dosage guidelines for each herb, including when to scale up at the onset of symptoms
- Why soil health and regenerative growing practices directly affect the potency of your herbal remedies
How Seasonal Illness Affects Your Body Through the Year
True seasonal resilience requires shifting your herbal protocols to match environmental challenges before acute symptoms manifest.
Seasonal illness follows predictable patterns: winter brings colds and respiratory infections, spring triggers pollen-driven allergies, summer carries digestive disruption and heat exhaustion, and fall challenges the immune system as temperatures drop and routines shift. Understanding these rhythms is the first step toward building a proactive herbal defense rather than scrambling for relief after symptoms hit.
Winter's cold, dry air weakens mucosal barriers in the nose and throat, making respiratory tissue more vulnerable to viral entry. Spring's pollen surge triggers histamine cascades that inflame airways and sinuses. Summer brings dietary changes, travel, and heat that burden the digestive system. And the transitional months of fall create stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as circadian rhythms shift with changing daylight.1
Herbs offer a distinct advantage in this landscape because they work through multiple pathways simultaneously. A single herb like ginger, for example, provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive support in one preparation, rather than requiring three separate pharmaceuticals. Many of the herbs in this guide have been used for centuries precisely because they address the interconnected nature of seasonal health challenges, supporting immunity, respiration, digestion, and stress resilience as a unified system.
For a deeper exploration of which herbs align with each season, read our Seasonal Herbal Guide for building routines that shift with the calendar.
How to Identify Premium Immune-Supporting Herbs
The single most reliable indicator of herbal potency is sensory intensity: a vibrant, assertive color, a strong and complex aroma, and a crisp physical texture all signal high concentrations of the active compounds that drive medicinal effect.
When evaluating dried herbs for your seasonal wellness toolkit, use these checks:
Elderberry: Premium dried elderberries should be a deep, dark purple-black, almost inky. Grey, faded, or brownish berries indicate oxidation and degraded anthocyanin content. They should feel slightly tacky but not wet, and should smell faintly fruity-tart. If they smell musty or have no aroma, the antioxidant compounds have likely degraded.
Echinacea: Quality dried echinacea herb should retain some green color and produce a distinctive tingling sensation on the tongue when chewed. This tingling comes from the alkamides, the same compounds that drive immune activity. No tingle, no potency.
Astragalus Root: Look for clean, pale yellow slices with a slightly sweet, legume-like smell. Premium astragalus root snaps cleanly rather than bending, which indicates proper moisture content and storage. Flexible, rubbery slices have absorbed excess moisture and may harbor mold.
Ginger Root: Dried ginger should have a fierce, immediately pungent aroma that hits the sinuses. The gingerols and shogaols that provide anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits are the same compounds responsible for that sharp bite. Mild-smelling ginger is mild-acting ginger.
Mullein Leaf: Premium mullein is soft, velvety, and retains its sage-green color. Brownish or brittle leaves indicate over-drying and reduced saponin content. The leaves should still feel fuzzy and pliable.
For guidance on storing your herbs to preserve these qualities long-term, our guide to buying, storing, and using herbs in bulk covers light, moisture, and temperature best practices.
Herbs for Boosting Immunity
The most effective immune-supporting herbs work by modulating, not simply "boosting," the immune system, helping it respond faster and more precisely to viral threats while avoiding excessive inflammatory overreaction.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elderberry's reputation rests on its anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin-3-glucoside, which has been shown to block influenza virus glycoproteins and prevent viral entry into host cells.2 A systematic review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that elderberry may be a safe option for treating viral respiratory illness, with clinical data suggesting it can reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms.3 In one placebo-controlled trial with 312 subjects, the elderberry group had significantly fewer cold episode days and lower symptom severity compared to placebo.4
How to Use: Prepare as a syrup (see our DIY recipe below), steep 1-2 tablespoons of dried berries per cup of water for 15-20 minutes, or take as a standardized extract. For acute symptoms, increase frequency to 3-4 times daily for the first 48 hours.
Premium whole dried Sambucus nigra berries, ideal for syrups, teas, and tinctures to support seasonal immune resilience.
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For a step-by-step syrup-making guide with advanced tips on potency preservation, see our Ultimate Guide to Making Elderberry Syrup. Curious how elderberry stacks up against astragalus for daily defense? Our Elderberry vs. Astragalus comparison breaks down when to use each.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea's immune activity centers on its alkamides and polysaccharides, which stimulate macrophage function, increase natural killer cell activity, and modulate cytokine production.5 A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, encompassing 14 clinical trials, found that echinacea preparations reduced both the incidence and duration of the common cold, with one product showing a 56% reduction in cold incidence.6 A 2024 clinical trial further demonstrated that echinacea consumption significantly increased NK cell cytotoxic activity and key immune cytokines including IL-2 and IFN-gamma.7
How to Use: Most effective when taken at the very onset of symptoms. Brew 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup, steep covered for 10-15 minutes, or use a tincture (1-2 mL, three times daily). Echinacea is typically used in acute 7-10 day courses rather than continuous daily supplementation.
Premium dried Echinacea purpurea herb, prized for its immune-stimulating alkamides and polysaccharides.
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Dive deeper into echinacea's history and preparation methods in our Echinacea: The Robust, Revered Powerhouse of Immunity guide.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus takes a different approach than echinacea. Rather than acute immune stimulation, astragalus polysaccharides work as long-term immune tonics, promoting the proliferation of immune cells, stimulating the release of cytokines, and enhancing dendritic cell maturation.8 Research published in Frontiers in Natural Products documented how astragalus polysaccharides activate macrophages and natural killer cells through TLR4-mediated signaling pathways, essentially training the innate immune system to respond more effectively over time.9
How to Use: Astragalus is best used as a preventive tonic rather than an acute remedy. Add 3-5 dried root slices to soups and bone broths (simmer at least 30 minutes), or steep as a decoction. Take daily through the fall and winter months to build baseline immune resilience.
Cut and sifted Huang Qi root, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for long-term immune building and vitality.
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Herbs for Respiratory Health
Respiratory herbs support lung function through three primary mechanisms: expectorant action (loosening and clearing mucus), demulcent action (soothing irritated mucous membranes), and antimicrobial action (directly inhibiting pathogens in the airways).
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein's saponins act as natural expectorants, helping to break up and clear mucus from the lungs and bronchial passages. Its mucilage compounds simultaneously soothe inflamed respiratory tissue, creating a dual action that both clears congestion and reduces irritation. Mullein has been used for centuries across European and Indigenous American herbalism specifically for lung complaints.
How to Use: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaf in just-boiled water for 15 minutes. Always strain through a fine cloth or coffee filter to remove the tiny hairs, which can irritate the throat. Drink 2-3 cups daily during respiratory illness.
Soft, velvety dried mullein leaf prized for its gentle expectorant and demulcent properties in respiratory care.
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Because mullein works best in synergy, pairing it with other respiratory herbs can amplify results. Our Osha Root vs. Mullein comparison helps you decide which respiratory herb fits your specific needs, while Breathe Easy: Herbs for Lung Health covers the full spectrum of respiratory support.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound in licorice root, has documented anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It coats the throat and respiratory tract as a demulcent, reducing irritation and coughing, while its triterpenoid saponins support the body's own cortisol production to help manage inflammation naturally. In TCM, licorice root (Gan Cao) is called "the great harmonizer" because it enhances the effectiveness of other herbs in a formula.
How to Use: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried, cut root per cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Licorice root is especially effective when blended with thyme for respiratory complaints. Limit use to 4-6 weeks at a time due to its effects on blood pressure at high doses.
Premium cut and sifted Glycyrrhiza glabra root, the great harmonizer of herbal formulas for throat and respiratory soothing.
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If you are dealing with excess mucus and phlegm specifically, our Herbs for Phlegm: TCM and Western Herbs That Clear Mucus guide offers targeted protocols for different types of congestion.
Herbs for Digestive Health During Seasonal Changes
Seasonal dietary changes, travel, holiday indulgences, and stress-related gut disruption make digestive herbs essential companions through every transition, with ginger, peppermint, and fennel addressing nausea, bloating, and inflammation through distinct mechanisms.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger's gingerols and shogaols inhibit prostaglandin synthesis to reduce inflammation in the GI tract, stimulate digestive enzyme production, and accelerate gastric emptying. It is one of the most thoroughly studied herbal medicines, with a global track record spanning over 2,000 years in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research confirms its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive properties.10
How to Use: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried ginger root to hot water and steep for 10 minutes for a warming digestive tonic. Ginger is most effective when consumed 20-30 minutes before meals for digestive support, or at the first sign of nausea.
Premium dried Zingiber officinale root with a sharp, pungent bite that signals high gingerol content for digestive and immune support.
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Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint's menthol relaxes smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, which is why it is so effective for bloating, gas, and post-meal discomfort. It also has mild analgesic and antimicrobial properties. The cooling sensation that peppermint delivers is not just refreshing; it signals high essential oil content, which is where the therapeutic action lives.
How to Use: Brew 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaf per cup of just-boiled water, steep covered for 8-10 minutes. Best consumed after meals. Avoid if you have gastroesophageal reflux, as peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms.
Hand-picked, regeneratively grown peppermint with vibrant menthol aroma for soothing digestive support.
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For deeper digestive support, particularly around gut lining integrity, our Heal From Within: Herbs for Gut Health guide covers herbs that address the root causes of chronic digestive issues.
Herbs for Stress and Sleep During Seasonal Transitions
Seasonal transitions disrupt circadian rhythms, increase cortisol output, and suppress immune function, making adaptogenic and nervine herbs critical for maintaining resilience during the periods when illness risk is highest.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha's withanolides modulate the HPA axis, helping to normalize cortisol production during periods of chronic stress. This matters for seasonal illness because elevated cortisol directly suppresses immune function, particularly natural killer cell activity and T-cell proliferation. By managing the stress response, ashwagandha indirectly supports the immune system's ability to mount effective defenses.
How to Use: Take 300-600 mg of root powder daily, traditionally mixed with warm milk or added to smoothies. Ashwagandha is best used consistently over 4-8 weeks rather than as a single-dose remedy. Take in the evening if sleep support is the primary goal.
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Ashwagandha pairs beautifully with other adaptogens for layered resilience. For a head-to-head comparison of two leading stress herbs, read our Ashwagandha vs. Holy Basil breakdown, and for a complete winter adaptogen protocol, explore Adaptogenic Herbs for Winter.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Lemon balm's rosmarinic acid and chamomile's apigenin work through complementary pathways to calm the nervous system. Lemon balm modulates GABA receptor activity to reduce anxiety and improve sleep onset, while chamomile's apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors for gentle sedation. Both herbs also carry antimicrobial properties that provide an added layer of protection during cold and flu season.
How to Use: Brew 1-2 teaspoons of either herb (or blend both) per cup. Steep covered for 10-15 minutes to preserve volatile oils. Drink 30-60 minutes before bedtime for sleep support, or mid-afternoon for stress relief.
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Choosing between lemon balm and chamomile depends on your specific stress pattern and constitution. Our Lemon Balm vs. Chamomile comparison helps you identify which nervine matches your needs.
DIY Recipes to Fight Seasonal Illness
Homemade herbal preparations allow you to control ingredient quality, customize formulations for your specific symptoms, and build a deeper relationship with the plants you rely on for seasonal wellness.
Preparing your own remedies is also an act of intention. At Sacred Plant Co, we believe that the ritual of preparation, the attention you bring to measuring, simmering, and straining, is itself a form of care that supports the healing process.
1. Immune-Boosting Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients: 1 cup dried Elderberries, 4 cups water, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp grated Ginger Root, 1 cup raw honey.
Instructions: Simmer elderberries, water, cinnamon, and ginger over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. Mash berries gently with a fork or potato masher. Strain through cheesecloth, pressing to extract all liquid. Let cool to room temperature (below 110F to preserve honey's enzymes), then stir in honey. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Take 1 tablespoon daily for prevention, or 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours at the onset of symptoms.
2. Soothing Thyme and Licorice Tea
Ingredients: 1 tsp dried Thyme, 1 tsp dried Licorice Root, 1 cup boiling water.
Instructions: Combine thyme and licorice root in a teacup. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep covered for 10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly. Thyme's thymol provides antimicrobial support while licorice root soothes and coats irritated respiratory tissue. Drink 2-3 cups daily when experiencing sore throat or chest congestion.
3. Ginger and Lemon Digestive Tonic
Ingredients: 1 tsp grated Ginger Root, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp raw honey, 1 cup hot water.
Instructions: Add grated ginger and lemon juice to a cup. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the mixture and stir in honey. Sip slowly 20-30 minutes before a meal to stimulate digestive enzymes, or after a heavy meal to ease bloating and nausea. This tonic also provides vitamin C and anti-inflammatory support.
4. Mullein and Peppermint Respiratory Tea
Ingredients: 1 tsp dried Mullein Leaves, 1 tsp dried Peppermint Leaves, 1 cup boiling water, honey (optional).
Instructions: Add mullein and peppermint to a teapot or cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep covered for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth or coffee filter (this step is important for mullein to remove tiny leaf hairs). Sweeten with honey if desired. Mullein loosens and clears mucus while peppermint opens the airways with its menthol content. Drink 2-3 cups daily for respiratory support.
5. Immune-Boosting Garlic and Turmeric Soup
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced Garlic, 1 tsp grated Turmeric Root (or 1/2 tsp turmeric powder), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt, optional: 1 cup chopped kale or spinach.
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute garlic and turmeric until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add vegetable broth, black pepper, and sea salt. The black pepper is not optional here: piperine increases curcumin bioavailability by up to 2,000%. Simmer for 10 minutes. If using greens, stir them in during the last 2 minutes. Serve warm as a nourishing, anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting meal.
For a more potent medicinal brew, our Fire Cider recipe guide walks you through crafting the classic vinegar-based immune tonic with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and horseradish.
How to Incorporate Herbs Into Your Daily Routine
Consistency matters more than intensity: a daily herbal routine built around morning immune support, afternoon respiratory and digestive care, and evening nervous system calming creates layered protection that outperforms any single-herb, panic-mode approach.
Morning: Begin with a cup of elderberry or astragalus tea to activate immune pathways early. If you are in an active prevention phase (fall through early spring), add a tablespoon of elderberry syrup alongside your breakfast.
Afternoon: Sip thyme and licorice root tea or a ginger tonic to support respiratory and digestive systems during the energy dip of midday. This is also an ideal time for echinacea if you are in the first 48 hours of feeling "off."
Evening: Wind down with lemon balm, chamomile, or a blend of both to calm the nervous system and support restorative sleep. Quality sleep is your immune system's most powerful repair window.
Weekly: Prepare a batch of elderberry syrup or fire cider on the weekend so your daily doses are ready to go. Rotate your herbal focus seasonally: immune tonics in fall and winter, allergy-supporting herbs in spring, digestive herbs through summer travel season.
For a complete morning-to-evening herbal ritual framework, our Daily Winter Rituals guide maps out timing, dosing, and herb pairing strategies.
Safety Considerations and Contraindications
Most traditional seasonal herbs are well-tolerated by healthy adults, but responsible use requires awareness of drug interactions, pregnancy contraindications, and the distinction between biomedical contraindications and traditional energetic considerations.
Biomedical Contraindications (Evidence-Based)
Licorice Root: May raise blood pressure with prolonged use (more than 4-6 weeks). Avoid if you have hypertension, kidney disease, or are taking ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or corticosteroids. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is available for those who need the digestive benefits without the blood pressure effects.
Echinacea: Contraindicated for individuals with autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) due to its immune-stimulating properties. Individuals with Asteraceae/daisy family allergies should use caution.5
Ashwagandha: May interact with thyroid medications, sedatives, and immunosuppressants. Avoid during pregnancy. Start with lower doses if you have thyroid conditions, as it may increase thyroid hormone production.
Elderberry: Always cook elderberries before consumption. Raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid uncooked berries, leaves, and stems.
Peppermint: May worsen gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Avoid giving strong peppermint tea to very young children.
General: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a chronic health condition, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen.
Traditional Energetic Considerations (TCM and Ayurveda)
Traditional systems add another layer of nuance. In TCM, ginger and garlic are warming herbs that may exacerbate heat conditions (red face, irritability, inflammatory flares). Peppermint is cooling and dispersing, making it less ideal for individuals with cold, deficient constitutions. In Ayurvedic terms, ashwagandha is best suited for Vata and Kapha types, while individuals with high Pitta (excess heat) may find it overstimulating. These energetic considerations complement biomedical safety data and help personalize your herbal approach.
Our Commitment to Quality and Transparency
Every herb in our catalog is available with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) upon request, documenting third-party testing for identity verification, microbial contamination, heavy metals, and potency markers.
We believe transparency is the foundation of trust. When you are putting herbs into your body to support your health, you deserve to know exactly what is in them.
Request a COA by Lot NumberNot sure how to interpret a lab report? Our Guide to Reading a Certificate of Analysis walks you through every section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best herb for preventing colds and flu?
Elderberry and astragalus are the strongest evidence-based choices for cold and flu prevention. Elderberry's anthocyanins have been shown to reduce cold duration and severity in clinical trials, while astragalus polysaccharides build long-term immune resilience through daily tonic use. For best results, start taking astragalus daily in early fall and keep elderberry syrup on hand for the first sign of symptoms.
Can I take multiple immune herbs at the same time?
Yes, combining herbs with complementary mechanisms is a core principle of traditional herbalism. Elderberry (antiviral) pairs well with echinacea (immune stimulation) and astragalus (immune tonification). However, avoid combining multiple stimulating herbs at very high doses without guidance, and be mindful that more is not always better. A well-formulated blend of 3-4 herbs at moderate doses typically outperforms a single herb at a very high dose.
When should I start taking herbs for seasonal illness prevention?
Begin immune-building herbs like astragalus and elderberry 4-6 weeks before your region's typical cold and flu season begins. For most people, this means starting daily astragalus tea or elderberry syrup in September or early October. Acute herbs like echinacea are most effective when started at the very first sign of symptoms, ideally within the first 24-48 hours.
Are herbal remedies safe for children?
Many traditional herbs are used safely for children at reduced doses, but it is important to consult a qualified herbalist or pediatrician for specific guidance. Chamomile and lemon balm teas are generally well-tolerated by children over age 2. Elderberry syrup is widely used for children at half the adult dose. Echinacea research in children shows some benefit but the safety profile for very young children is less clear. Always avoid licorice root in significant amounts for children.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Properly made elderberry syrup stored in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator lasts 2-3 months. The honey acts as a natural preservative, but the water content means it will eventually ferment. Signs of spoilage include fizzing, off-odors, or mold. For longer storage, you can freeze syrup in ice cube trays for up to 6 months, thawing individual portions as needed.
What is the difference between an immune "booster" and an immune "modulator"?
An immune modulator helps regulate the immune system in both directions, supporting it when underactive and calming it when overactive, while an immune "booster" implies only upward stimulation. Most well-studied herbs, including elderberry and echinacea, actually function as modulators. This distinction matters because people with autoimmune conditions need immune regulation, not indiscriminate stimulation. Astragalus and medicinal mushrooms are particularly valued for their balancing, modulatory effects.
Does the quality of herbs really affect how well they work?
Absolutely. The concentration of active compounds, including alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and essential oils, varies dramatically based on growing conditions, harvest timing, drying methods, and storage. At Sacred Plant Co, our regenerative philosophy is rooted in the understanding that soil biology directly influences secondary metabolite production. Herbs grown in microbially active soil produce higher concentrations of the defense compounds that drive medicinal effects. This is why our sensory quality checks (color, aroma, texture) are so important: they are direct indicators of phytochemical density.
Thrive Every Season: Build Your Year-Round Herbal Practice
A consistent daily herbal practice builds a foundation of systemic wellness that single-herb, reactive treatments simply cannot match.
The most effective approach to seasonal illness is not reactive. It is built on daily habits, quality ingredients, and an understanding of how your body and the plants you rely on interact through each phase of the year.
Elderberry for viral defense. Echinacea for acute immune activation. Astragalus for long-term resilience. Mullein and licorice root for respiratory support. Ginger and peppermint for digestive ease. Ashwagandha, lemon balm, and chamomile for the stress and sleep disruption that leaves you vulnerable in the first place. These are not isolated tools. They are an interconnected herbal system, and when you use them with intention and consistency, they build a foundation of wellness that holds through every season.
At Sacred Plant Co, we are committed to providing herbs grown and sourced with the same care that traditional healers brought to their medicines for centuries. Our regenerative practices, our lab testing, and our transparency exist to ensure that when you reach for an herb, it works the way it is supposed to.
Continue Your Learning
Build Your Winter First Aid Kit: Our Winter Herbal First Aid Kit guide covers the essential botanicals to have on hand before cold season hits.
Top 12 Winter Wellness Herbs: For a broader survey of seasonal herbs beyond immunity, our Top 12 Herbs for Winter Wellness Rituals covers ritual use, preparation, and pairing strategies.
Natural Allergy Relief: When spring arrives and pollen triggers a different kind of seasonal challenge, our Allergy Relief Naturally guide covers the best herbal tinctures for seasonal and environmental symptoms.
References
- Cohen, S., et al. "Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; 109(16): 5995-5999.
- Torabian, G., et al. "Anti-influenza activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra)." Journal of Functional Foods, 2019; 54: 353-360.
- Harnett, J., et al. "Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review." BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2021; 21: 112.
- Tiralongo, E., et al. "Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers." Nutrients, 2016; 8(4): 182.
- Hudson, J.B. "Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases." Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2012; 2012: 769896.
- Shah, S.A., et al. "Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis." The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2007; 7(7): 473-480.
- Park, S., et al. "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on immune improvement effects of ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea in Korean adults." PubMed, 2024; PMID: 38743584.
- Wei, W., et al. "A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2020; 11: 349.
- Li, Q., et al. "Advances on immunoregulation effect of Astragalus polysaccharides." Frontiers in Natural Products, 2022; 1: 971679.
- Mao, Q.Q., et al. "Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)." Foods, 2019; 8(6): 185.
