Body systems

Immune System

The body’s defence network — barrier tissues, white cells, and lymphoid organs that detect and clear pathogens.

General herbal approach

The herbal toolkit splits into two complementary strategies. Immunomodulators and deep immune tonics (astragalus, reishi, medicinal mushrooms) are taken over weeks to months to train and strengthen baseline resilience. Immunostimulants (echinacea) are used acutely at the first sign of infection to rally a rapid response. Alongside these, antimicrobials, antivirals, and diaphoretics help the body meet and move through an active infection, while lymphatics and alteratives support clearance and recovery.

Key herbal actions

The actions most often called on for the immune system: Immunomodulator, Immunostimulant, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Lymphatic. Each links through to the herbs that carry it.

Herbs for the immune system (53)

Albizzia Albizzia lebbeck Andrographis Andrographis paniculata Arjuna Terminalia arjuna Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Asian Ginseng Panax ginseng Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus Black Ant Polyrhachis spp. Black Horehound Ballota nigra Camu-camu Myrciaria dubia Cannabis Cannabis sativa/indica Cat's Claw Uncaria tomentosa Catuaba Trichilia catigua Chaga Inonotus obliquus Chinese Skullcap Scutellaria baicalensis Codonopsis Codonopsis pilosula Cordyceps Cordyceps sinensis Cryptolepis Cryptolepis sanguinolenta Devils club Oplopanax horridus Echinacea Echinacea purpurea Elderberry Sambucus nigra Eleuthero Root Eleutherococcus senticosus Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium Fish Mint Houttuynia cordata Frankincense Boswellia serrata Garlic Allium sativum Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis Graviola Annona muricata Holy Basil Ocimum tenuiflorum Horopito Pseudowintera colorata Jatobá Hymenaea courbaril Juniper Juniperus communis Kid Ginseng Pseudostellaria heterophylla Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra Lion's Mane Hericium erinaceus Manuka Leptospermum scoparium Nigella Nigella sativa Olive Leaf Olea europaea Pau D'Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa Peony Paeonia lactiflora Peppermint Mentha × piperita Pine Pinus spp. Rehmannia Rehmannia glutinosa Reishi Ganoderma lucidum Rosewood Aniba rosaeodora Samambaia Polypodium leucotomos Sarsaparilla Smilax spp. Shatavari Asparagus racemosus Suma Pfaffia paniculata Wireweed Sida acuta Wormwood Artemisia absinthium Yerba Maté Ilex paraguariensis