Green Medicine: 15 Botanicals for Natural Healing
In light of complex healthcare needs and global health crises, there has never been a better time to explore the benefits of using plant-based products to support our immune systems and promote resilience. Mother Nature has gifted us with an abundance of natural remedies, and botanicals are at the forefront of these healing resources.
Whether sipping on a cup of chamomile tea to ease anxiety or rubbing arnica on sore muscles, humans have long turned to plant medicine to alleviate various ailments and promote overall wellness. Botanical medicine is the keystone modality in traditional healing systems such as Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as modern-day Western herbalism to enhance the immune system's function, thus protecting the body against infections and diseases.
Continue reading for a closer look at specific immune-supportive botanicals you can incorporate into your health regimen. And be sure to browse the Vervain Collective’s curated selection of plant-based products, including our available herbs and tinctures (or shop your local apothecary for comparable items).
Oregano Oil
This potent botanical is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare) and is used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive support, and allergy relief properties. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds that fight against harmful bacteria and viruses, thus reducing the risk of infections.
Recommended for short-term/acute use, oregano oil is a powerful anti-microbial that has been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, which is important for a strong immune system. (For long-term/preventative use, I recommend incorporating the herb into your cooking as a whole food.) Oregano oil may also relieve symptoms of allergies, as it helps to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Forms: Oregano oil can be purchased in pill or capsule form. Oregano essential oil can also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
Thyme
This fragrant herb is commonly used in cooking and is valued for its medicinal properties. Thyme’s immune-boosting benefits are thought to be due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and respiratory support properties. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) contains anti-microbial compounds and is also rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, thyme is believed to be an effective expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and airways, and therefore reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
Forms: Thyme can be consumed fresh and dried, or applied topically as an essential oil. Featured in Vervain’s Respiratory Relief tea blend, we recommend a steam inhalation with the tea to loosen congestion, followed by consumption of the tea with a little raw, local honey such as Hot Eric turmeric-based blends.
Elderberry/Sambucus
Blue and black elderberries (Sambucus Canadensis / Sambucus nigra) feature dark purple fruit that has anti-inflammatory effects, antiviral properties, and is rich in antioxidants. Elderberry has been used to prevent and treat illnesses such as the flu and colds for centuries and is shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus and reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Sambucus has mucolytic properties that help to break up mucus in the lungs and airways, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. It’s also known to modulate the immune system by balancing and regulating its activity. This can improve the body's ability to fight off infections and other illnesses.
Forms: Sambucus is commonly available in supplement form or as a syrup. The Vervain apothecary carries Sambucus in multiple forms including tincture, syrup, and DIY kits so you can make a big batch to enjoy daily.
Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) refers to a large genus of over 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties. Astragalus has been shown to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus and reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. It is particularly rich in compounds such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, antioxidants that activate the body’s natural defense system. Astragalus is also considered an adaptogen, which means it can support the body in adapting to stressors and maintaining balance.
Forms: Astragalus root is sliced and dried, then ground into a powder, steeped as tea, or even added to the stock in stews. It can also be found as a tincture or in capsule form.
Goldenseal and Oregon Grape
Berberine is a bitter constituent that provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits and is found in botanicals like Oregon Grape (Hydrastis canadensis) and Goldenseal (Mahonia aquifolium). Both herbs are used to support digestive health, fight infections, balance blood sugar, and stimulate the immune system. These herbs also support balanced gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria. Goldenseal has broad leaves and produces small white flowers, and is native to and commonly used in the eastern U.S., Oregon grape has holly-like leaves and produces clusters of small yellow flowers. It is native to North America and commonly used in the western United States, and is widely available and sustainable.
Forms: Goldenseal and OR Grape are found in many forms: as tablets and capsules (containing the powdered root), powdered formulas, tinctures/liquid extracts, glycerites (low alcohol extracts), lotions, drops, throat sprays, eyewashes, and in some feminine hygiene products.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular botanical that can reduce the severity and duration of illnesses, with benefits thought to be due to its immune-stimulating, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its active compounds, including polysaccharides, alkylamides, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid, can boost the body’s natural defenses.
Forms: Echinacea is commonly available in tincture, supplement form, or in tea blends, and should be taken frequently (three or four times a day) for best results.
Amla
Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla (Phyllanthus emblica) is a fruit believed to have immune-boosting effects, primarily due to its high vitamin C content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, immunomodulatory effects, and antimicrobial activity. Not only can it boost the immune system and fight off infections, amla can also help to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Forms: Amla is commonly available in supplement form or as a powder.
Baical Skullcap
This herb is believed to have immune-boosting effects, primarily due to its active compound baicalin. Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) offers benefits that are believed to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It has also been studied for its potential anti-tumor effects, as it may support the immune system in fighting off cancer cells.
Forms: Baical skullcap is commonly available as a tincture or tea.
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine for various respiratory conditions. It has expectorant and mucolytic properties — helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract and improve breathing. Mullein’s immune-boosting benefits are thought to be due to its respiratory support, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties.
Forms: Mullein is commonly available in tinctures, supplements, or tea blends.
Licorice Root
Love or hate the flavor, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits, including immune system support. It has been traditionally used for respiratory conditions such as coughs and sore throats. The immune benefits of licorice root are thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties, as well as for respiratory support.
Forms: Licorice root is commonly available in supplement, tincture, and tea blends such as Alterative Tea.
Elecampane
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is an herb that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, especially for respiratory conditions such as coughs and bronchitis. The benefits of this botanical are thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, respiratory support, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties.
Forms: Elecampane can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has traditionally been used to soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation. WIth its mucilaginous properties, marshmallow root can improve nutrient absorption and promote a healthy immune system. It is known to soothe and moisten the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, making it easier for the body to expel phlegm and reduce irritation, easing symptoms associated with respiratory infections (such as coughs and sore throats). Marshmallow root’s mucosal membrane healing benefits, in addition to its antioxidant activity and immune-modulating effects, make marshmallow root a natural support for your immune and digestive systems.
Forms: Marshmallow root can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Andrographis
This herb has long been used in traditional medicine to support the immune system. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is believed to have immune-modulating effects as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. It has also been shown to clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, which can support the body's ability to fight off respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu.
Forms: Andrographis can be found in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Propolis
Sometimes referred to as “bee glue,” propolis is a waxy substance produced by honeybees from the resin of trees and other plants. Bees use propolis to construct and repair their hives by sealing openings and cracks, smoothing out internal walls, and creating a protective barrier against invaders. Humans have also used propolis since ancient times, with its benefits thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antiviral effects, wound-healing properties, and potential anti-tumor effects.
Forms: Propolis can be found in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and throat sprays.
Nervines
Nervines are a class of herbs that have calming effects on the nervous system and can indirectly benefit the immune system in a myriad of ways. Many nervines, such as tulsi/holy basil and ashwagandha, are adaptogens, meaning they can assist the body in adapting to stress and promote overall wellness (therefore supporting the immune system). Nervines such as passionflower and lavender can improve sleep quality (this supports immune health because during sleep the body not only heals and regenerates damaged cells, but produces cytokines, a type of protein that helps fight off infections). Some nervines, such as chamomile and fennel, can improve digestion and support a healthy gut. Other nervines include catnip, chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, rose, skullcap, oats, lavender, and tulsi/holy basil. (Here is a wonderful article about botanical nervines which contains several soothing tea blends to try.)
Forms: Many nervines can be grown in the garden and can be used in their raw state to make teas, tonics, and tinctures. These herbs may also be available as tablets, capsules, powders, and tea blends.
In a world where synthetic drugs dominate, botanicals offer a refreshing alternative as well as companion therapeutics for everyday use — a natural and often more gentle way to support our well-being. These are only a few examples of the many powerful plants that can improve overall health and immunity. Consider incorporating them (and others!) into your diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system and fight off illnesses.
Ways to Continue Learning About Botanical Medicine:
Visit us at The Vervain Collective and consider taking a class or attending one of our educational events.
You can also make an appointment with Dr. Pierce for an individualized consultation; we will discuss your health history and you will leave with a comprehensive treatment plan which usually includes a custom herbal tea and/or tincture blend.
