The document discusses several herbs that can help support immunity, including astragalus, nettle, rose hips, echinacea, elderberry, and slippery elm bark. It describes the nutrients and immune-supporting properties of each herb, and provides recommendations for how to integrate the herbs into teas or foods. While there is no conclusive evidence that herbs can prevent or treat illness, some research suggests they may shorten the duration of cold symptoms. The document concludes by providing resources for additional information on herbal remedies and immunity.

1. Herbs for Immunity
Jennifer Maestro
Kaplan University
HW499
Professor E. Davis

2. How can herbs help me?
▪ Herbs for immunity support
▪ Research on validity
▪ Resources
▪ Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace information provided by
your doctor. Before starting this or any new program, check with your doctor and
inform them of any herbs, vitamins, or medication your are currently taking, as some
herbs may interact with certain medications. This is especially important if you have a
medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

3. Astragalus (Astragalus memabranaceus)
(Garden Path Herbalist, 2011)
▪ Also called “milk vetch”
▪ The root of this herb has high vitamin A content
and glycosides, which may result in immune-building
properties (Henningsen MS, 2014)
▪ Can increase white blood cell immune activity
▪ How to integrate Astragalus
▪ Add to soups and stews by simmering a few
sticks for a couple of hours
▪ Simmer a few sticks for tea

4. Nettle (Urtica urens)
(Thomé, n.d.)
▪ Contains an abundance of micronutrients
▪ Iron, silica, potassium, manganese, sulfur, vitamin A
and C (Henningsen MS, 2014)
▪ Thought to stimulate the lymph system by affecting
lymph nodes and glands
▪ How to integrate Nettle
▪ Add to soups, stews, and dips
▪ Steam the leaves and stems for a tea
▪ Can also be used for anemia and eczema

5. Rose Hips (Rose canina)
▪ Contains vitamin C and is thought to support
adrenal and glandular function (Henningsen MS,
2014)
▪ Adrenal glands affect certain hormones (Starr, 2006, pp.
521)
▪ Cortisol- sugar metabolism
▪ Aldosterone- sodium balance
▪ Epinephrine/Norepiniphrine- stress hormones
▪ Rose hips can be used in a tea or a delicious spread
(Herbal Extracts Plus, n.d.)

6. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea/Echinacea angustifolia
▪ Stimulates the production of white blood cells
(Henningsen MS, 2014)
▪ Contains polysaccharides that have an antiviral
function, has shown antifungal properties, and helps
clear the lymphatic system
▪ Typical use is in tea and tincture form
▪ Begin taking immediately after being exposed to
someone who has a cold, when you have not begun
exhibiting symptoms but discontinue use after 10-14
days
(Herbal Extracts Plus, n.d.)

7. Elder (Sambucus nigra)
▪ Used to sooth and heal the upper respiratory
system after falling ill (Henningsen MS, 2014)
▪ Protects the mucous membranes from infection
and congestion, and the berries are high in
flavonoid compounds
▪ Can be simmered with honey or sugar and used as a
delicious cough and cold syrup, can also gargle a
cold tea made from the simmered flowers to quell a
sore throat
(Herbal Extracts Plus, n.d.)

8. Slippery elm bark (Ulmus fulva)
▪ Used to sooth sore throats and hacking coughs
(Henningsen MS, 2014)
▪ The chemical structure of the plant decreases irritation
to the membranes that line the respiratory passages by
coating them and creating an astringent environment
▪ By grinding the inner bark into a fine powder, it can
be mixed with cinnamon or nutmeg and used as a
nourishing food for children
▪ Most common preparation is tea by steeping it for 10-15
minutes
(Happy Herb Company, n.d.)

9. Research on validity
▪ According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative
Medicine (2013), there is no conclusive evidence that proves using
herbs prevent or relieve symptoms; however, use of zinc and vitamin
C may help reduce or lessen the severity of the common cold
▪ Fourteen studies conducted on 2440 patients concluded that the use
of herbs may shorten the symptomatic phase of the common cold
(Wu, Zhang, Qiu, Xie, & Liu, 2007)
(Female Fundamentals, 2011)

10. Resources
▪ National Institutes for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
▪ http://nccam.nih.gov/
▪ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
▪ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
▪ US National Library of Medicine
▪ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
▪ Chinese medicinal herbs for the common cold article
▪ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17253524
(Female Fundamentals, 2011)

11. References
▪ Female Fundamentals. (2011). Light Love Meditation. Retrieved from 10 Steps Towards Meditation:
http://femalefundamentals.com/blog/?attachment_id=1909
▪ Garden Path Herbalist. (2011, September 23). Astragalus – A Great Immune Booster. Retrieved from Garden Path Herbalist:
http://gardenpatherbalist.com/jons-blog/astragalus-%E2%80%93-a-great-immune-booster/
▪ Happy Herb Company. (n.d.). Slippery Elm Bark. Retrieved from Happy Herb Company: www.happyherbcompany.com
▪ Henningsen MS, K. (2014). Nutrition. Retrieved from Kaplan University Center for Health and Wellness:
http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/nutrition/Herbs%20for%20Fall%20and%20Winter%20Wellness.html
▪ Herbal Extracts Plus. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from Herbal Extracts Plus: http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/
▪ Micozzi, M. S. (2011). Fundamentals of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.
▪ Schlenker, E., & Roth, S. (2011). William's Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy Tenth Edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.
▪ Seaward, B. L. (2009). Managing Stress. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett.
▪ Starr, C. (2006). Biology: Concepts and Applications, Sixth Edition. Belmont: Thomas Higher Education.
▪ Thomé, D. O. (n.d.). Urtica dioica. Retrieved from http://www.summagallicana.it/lessico/o/ortica.htm
▪ Turner, R. (2013, April). The Flu, the Common Cold, and Complementary Health Approaches. Retrieved from National Institute for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): http://nccam.nih.gov/health/flu/ataglance.htm#cold
▪ Wu, T., Zhang, J., Qiu, Y., Xie, L., & Liu, G. J. (2007). Chinese medicinal herbs for the common cold. Retrieved from US National Library of Medicine :
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17253524

12. Questions?
www.freshstartintegratedhealth.webs.com
(Female Fundamentals, 2011)