Herbs to Support Your Immune System This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a joyful time of family gatherings, festive meals, and travel. It is also the time when our immune system can be challenged by stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to new environments. One of the best ways to support your body during this season is through herbs. Herbs have been used for thousands of years from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda not only for treating ailments but also for maintaining overall wellness. When used together, herbs can even have synergistic effects, meaning their combined benefits can be greater than the sum of their parts.
Astragalus Root
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a cornerstone herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for immune support. Its active compounds including polysaccharides and saponins enhance the activity of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages which help the body fend off infections (Block & Mead, 2003). Astragalus also supports healthy inflammation responses and helps protect cells from oxidative stress making it particularly useful during cold, flu, and travel seasons. A fun insight is that astragalus is often used as a long-term tonic, not just a quick fix, meaning incorporating it regularly can help keep your immune defenses strong.
Schisandra Berry
Schisandra chinensis is a unique adaptogenic herb meaning it helps the body manage stress while supporting multiple organ systems. Schisandra's lignans have been shown to modulate the immune system by enhancing the production of certain immune signaling molecules while also providing antioxidant protection (Panossian et al., 2010). This dual action makes it especially valuable during the holidays when stress levels rise. Additionally, schisandra supports liver function helping your body process richer holiday foods more efficiently, a subtle yet important way to maintain overall health during seasonal indulgences.
Ligustrum Berry
Ligustrum lucidum, or ligustrum berry, is another traditional herb that offers potent immune support. Rich in iridoids and polysaccharides, ligustrum enhances both the innate and adaptive immune responses, promoting resilience against infections and cellular stress (Zhao et al., 2012). In addition, its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals generated by emotional or physical stress. Ligustrum is commonly combined with other immune-supportive herbs creating a synergistic blend that strengthens the body's defenses more effectively than any single herb alone.
Bringing It All Together
Together, astragalus, schisandra, and ligustrum form a powerful trio that offers antioxidant protection, immune modulation, and stress resilience. Incorporating these herbs into your routine this winter can help you stay energized and healthy whether you are navigating crowded airports, attending family gatherings, or simply trying to maintain your wellness during a busy season.
Remember, herbs are not a replacement for basic health practices like proper sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition, but they can be a strategic support helping you enjoy the holidays without letting your immune system take a back seat. Stay healthy and enjoy the season!
References
Block, K. I., & Mead, M. N. (2003). Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: A review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2(3), 247–267.
Panossian, A., Wikman, G., & Sarris, J. (2010). Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): Traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine, 17(7), 481–493.
Zhao, Y., Wang, H., & Li, X. (2012). Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 141(3), 917–922.