Which immune-boosting herbs help us fight cold and flu? We will tell you which medicinal herbs for a strong immune system you can easily grow yourself.
With the cold season, colds and flu become more common. But in order to stay healthy in winter, we need a strong immune system that helps us fight off viruses. In order to strengthen our immune system, however, it does not have to be vitamin tablets or other drugs from the pharmacy. Herbs have been used since ancient times to strengthen the immune system and support our health in a natural and sustainable way. The best thing about it: You can easily grow medicinal herbs in your own garden, on the balcony or on the windowsill. In our article, we introduce you to the eleven best herbs for our immune system, which you can easily grow yourself so that you can grow your own medicine cabinet.
contents
- thyme
- coriander
- sorrel
- Caraway seed
- coneflower
- oregano
- parsley
- sage
- chamomile
- rosemary
- lemon balm
thyme
Even Hildegard von Bingen appreciated thyme (Thymus vulgaris). The Mediterranean herb is one of the most important medicinal herbs for colds and respiratory diseases. But thyme is also an effective helper for a strong immune system. Packed with essential oils and zinc, it can be used dried for flavoring, as an oil, or as a tincture. Infused with water, thyme makes a wonderful tea for a strong immune system.
coriander
coriander (Coriandrum sativum) know many from the Asian kitchen. But did you know that it can also be used as a medicinal herb to boost the immune system? This is of course due to the ingredients in the herb: coriander is full of essential oils, coumarins, phenolic acids and sterols. The herb has an antibacterial effect and is a natural antibiotic. Fresh as a tea, oil or tincture, coriander can contribute to your health as a medicinal herb.
sorrel
sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is full of vitamin C and is therefore able to strengthen our natural defences. The acidic herb is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E. Prepared fresh in a salad or dried to make sorrel tea, sorrel is an effective medicinal herb.
Caraway seed
Caraway seed (Carum carvi) is used not only as a spice but also as a medicinal plant. The seeds are digestive, antibacterial, antiseptic and a natural antifungal agent. Cumin is also one of the immune-boosting herbs.
tip: Some Herbs for Colds you can also easily grow in your own garden. You can find out more about this in our special article.
coneflower
One of the most popular herbs for the immune system is coneflower, also called Echinacea. The sunhat (Echinacea) originally comes from North America, but has been known to us for a long time and grows very well even in our climate. The plant contains numerous essential oils, flavonoids, polysaccharides and vitamin C, which actively strengthen the immune system and can thus prevent colds. As a remedy, echinacea can be used as a tincture or tea.
oregano
Another natural antibiotic from your own garden is oregano (Origanum vulgare). Of course, the herb tastes delicious with pizza, pasta and co; but its healing effect should not be underestimated. As an oil or tea, oregano has an antibacterial effect and thus supports our immune system in a natural way.
parsley
Whether curly or straight - hardly any other herb is more popular with us than parsley (Petroselinum crispum ssp. crispum). It is full of vitamin C, calcium and zinc. It not only supports our immune system, but also has a positive effect on the bladder and kidneys.
Tip: Healthy herbs need a healthy soil to grow and develop their full healing power. Our Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil lets your herbs sprout and does not require any chemicals or artificial additives. Our special herbal soil is therefore gentle and sustainable for you and the environment and at the same time offers the best conditions for the growth of your herbs.
Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil
Organic, peat-free & climate-friendly:
For aromatic herbs and for
successful sowing, cuttings
propagation & for pricking out
sage
Just the name of the sage (Salvia) gives an idea of its healing effect: "Salvare" means something like "heal" in Latin. The Mediterranean herb is particularly effective against sore throats, but its positive effect on our immune system should not be underestimated either. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, sage tea is a powerful means of strengthening the immune system.
chamomile
In our body, white blood cells are responsible for destroying bacteria, viruses and fungi in the body. chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps the body produce white blood cells. Thus, chamomile tea is a wonderful way to activate our immune system. A steam bath made from chamomile tea also clears the airways and helps with colds.
rosemary
With its wealth of rosemary oil, camphor and bitter substances also counts rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) undoubtedly among the herbs that strengthen the immune system. As a tea, essential oil or tincture, rosemary has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a positive effect on digestion, blood flow and the circulatory system.
lemon balm
One of the main causes of a weak immune system is stress. Luckily, there is also an effective remedy for this in the herb garden. lemon balm (Melissaofficinalis) has a calming effect, helps with anxiety disorders and helps us to fall asleep. So when asked which tea strengthens the immune system, we can answer “lemon balm tea” without hesitation.
Not only herbs help to strengthen the immune system. Spices also help to ensure that our immune system is armed for the next wave of flu. Of course you can also grow them yourself. For example, they are particularly immune-boosting ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum) and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana).
Have you ever grown your own herbs? With our Plantura herb growing set it works very easy. The set contains 5 types of aromatic herbs and everything you need for cultivation - from substrate and biodegradable potties to plant labels and a reusable one mini greenhouse.
Plantura herb growing set
Cultivation set with 5 delicious types of herbs,
potty, substrate & mini greenhouse,
including instructions, also ideal for beginners
Another health-promoting effect basic herbs to have. You can find an overview of these herbs and their effects in our special article.
...and receive concentrated plant knowledge and inspiration directly in your e-mail inbox every Sunday!