8 Immune Supporting Herbs You Should Know About

One of the most ‘on trend’ topics right now is how to keep your immune system as strong as possible. Let’s talk about immune supporting herbs!

Herbs are a complex mixture of many hundreds of compounds, which offer intricate information and buffer against harmful effects. Despite the western trend towards isolating individual compounds for a specific therapeutic quality, ORGANIC INDIA supplements are produced in accordance with traditional Ayurvedic prescribing principles. This philosophy advocates that the sum of the actions of all of the compounds found in the whole herb is more balanced than any one single constituent in solution. This respect for the intelligence of nature is reflected across the range of ORGANIC INDIA supplements, which are produced in herbal formulas as close to their original form as possible.

ORGANIC INDIA has a range of certified organic teas and supplements that are made from the highest quality herbs, using this whole herb philosophy. The herbs are grown following ethical, ecological and environmentally friendly biodynamic farming techniques, harvested by hand and locally pressed. In this form, your body can most easily absorb them.

Here are just eight of the immune-supporting herbs you will find in ORGANIC INDIA teas and supplements and where to find them!

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is known for being a powerful adaptogenic herb and as one of the best nervine tonics, traditionally used for stress and anxiety due to its ability to be both strengthening and calming.

It is also know to support a weakened immune system and protect it from becoming depleted due to immunosuppressive drugs or lifestyle (1).

Find it here:

TULSI

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has been shown to boost the immune response against infective threats in non-stressed and stressed animals and healthy humans. It is also helpful in treating fevers and flu, clearing mucous from the lungs and upper respiratory tract, assisting with lung capacity, and providing support for digestion, liver detox and stress resilience. (2).

Find it….in ALL our Teas and here:

AMALAKI

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is considered the ultimate carer and healer. It is renowned in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenative and adaptogen that promotes immunity, virility and balanced health.

Find it here:

NEEM

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is known as a famous healing plant in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered to be a great immune booster due to its detoxifying effects. It’s also known to support clear breathing and a healthy respiratory system. (1)

Find it here:

KUTKI

Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) is a bitter root that is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is considered Ayurveda’s premier liver tonic. Traditional medicine also values it to support healthy immune function as well as digestion, elimination, skin, and respiratory function. (4)

Find it here:

TURMERIC

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known in traditional medicine to boost the immune system, help purify the blood, strengthen digestion and eliminate toxins.

Turmeric is known to be antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, antiseptic and so much more. (3)

Find it here:

GINGER

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is known at the universal medicine and the herbalist’s best friend, benefiting all diseases. Ginger is known to support digestion, healthy lungs and circulation and as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping to fight infections. (1)

Find it here:

CINNAMON

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is well known for its positive effects on the immune system, as an immune stimulator and for helping you fight off colds. Researchers have identified Ceylon Cinnamon for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. (5)

Find it here:

REFERENCES

• Pole, S. (2013) Ayurvedic Medicine: the principles of traditional practice.
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
• https://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-supplement-facts/kukti/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318386

https://organicindia.nz/sustainability-report/

About the Author: Sarah Holloway is an ORGANIC INDIA team member with a keen interest in Ayurveda and a background in environmental resource management. She is a proud Aunty and lives near Byron Bay with her husband and beloved pooch.