Elderberry: The berries of the Elder tree have been studied for their ability to inhibit viral replication. In addition, they are high in antioxidants which help to reduce inflammatory damage. Elderberry is also an immune stimulant and tonic, meaning that it works deeply on nudging the immune system into action while strengthening core function.
Echinacea: You have probably heard of this one when you consider cold/flu season as an immune system booster BUT did you know that its actual primary action is blood and lymph purification? This means that it works directly on flushing out waste and toxins from the body. Echinacea does also have action with the immune system directly, in which it helps to raise white blood cell count and improves the response time when an invader/pathogen enters the body.
Mullein is a demulcent herb meaning that it contains mucilage that primarily acts to soothe, cool, and hydrate the mucous membranes, with a great affinity for the respiratory tract. This means it is deeply strengthening, nourishing, protective, and restorative to the lungs, sinuses, and throat.
Lobelia: She has a curiously fantastic effect on the nervous system with the ability to both soothe and relax while stimulating and balancing (including peripheral nerves). Lobelia is one of our favorite herbs to work with for her seemingly contradictive intuitive abilities (also sometimes referred to as an herb being "amphoteric"). If there is atrophy, she stimulates. If there is tension, she relaxes. This is a phenomenal action on the nervous system as some of us are living in constant states of fight or flight. In addition, Lobelia is one of the most powerful diffusives, meaning she helps to drive the other herbs in the formula to where they are most needed.
Astragalus: Nearly unmatched for its restorative abilities, Astragalus is included here as one of the core remedies to help repair, rebuild, and strengthen the immune system and organs so that if an offending pathogen makes its way into the body, you are ready to defend and rebound with less downtime, if any at all. In addition, Astragalus will work to regulate the nervous system and restore adrenal functions. One of my favorite actions of Astragalus though, is in rebuilding and strengthening tissues and organs that have been weakened through stress and or infection… making it a phenomenal post-illness recovery ally. This is one herb however that is contraindicated in active infection due to its ability to build and strengthen cellular wall structures. If you find yourself in an acute illness state, please consider using caution with Astragalus.
Reishi: one of the powerhouse adaptogen mushrooms, Reishi is a key helper in building immune strength from the core. It has been studied extensively as an immune amphoteric, meaning that it has the ability to stimulate a weakened immune response as well as calming a hyper-reactive immune system (in the case of auto-immune conditions especially). Reishi acts on the deepest level, strengthening vital reserves to truly restore and strengthen the immune system from the root.
