Natural Illness Recovery: Herbs to Help You Bounce Back
Congratulations--you've finally beaten your cold or flu! As your body adjusts and you go back to your daily routine, you may find that you're not quite back to 100%. It takes time for our bodies to recover from infection, and just because you are no longer sick, doesn't mean you won't feel some lingering effects. Whether it's a stubborn cough, mild aches, or lower energy levels, there are herbs and mushrooms that can help you feel more like yourself again.
Herbs, Mushrooms, & More for Illness Recovery
Astragalus Root
The immunity-boosting benefits of astragalus are, including its antiviral properties and ability to stimulate the creation of white blood cells, are well-known. Astragalus is excellent for post-illness recovery as it can help rebuild your immune system, address any remaining infection, and prevent future sickness. In addition, the plant is high in antioxidants and flavonoids that help to repair tissue cells and prevent future damage from free radicals. Astragalus can also support respiratory health and replenish energy, reducing fatigue associated with illness. Astragalus can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is known for its ability to promote healing, reduce fatigue, and boost immune function, all of which are important for recovering from a cold, flu, or other illness. Gotu kola's healing effect is the result of the herb's ability to promote collagen synthesis and speed up the repair of mucosal tissues. It promotes healthy energy levels by enhancing blood circulation and helping your body adapt to stress, and its anti-inflammatory compounds help relieve any lingering aches, pains, or swelling leftover after being sick. Finally, gotu kola supports gut health, which is crucial to immune function and overall health. This herb can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.
Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha, a shrub native to India and revered in Ayurvedic medicine, is a great choice for those who feel fatigued and drained after a bout of sickness. Ashwagandha root enhances the function of mitochondria, leading to increased energy levels, and it can help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress. This herb contains compounds that help to balance the immune system, preventing future infections, but helping your body to avoid an overactive immune response. Ashwagandha can also reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and balance hormones, helping to restore your body to optimal health after an infection. It is commonly taken as a tea, an alcohol or glycerin extract, or in capsules.
Ginseng
Like ashwagandha, ginseng can positively affect mitochondrial function, and is known for its energy-boosting properties. This makes it an excellent herb to help you bounce back after illness, when you are more likely to feel fatigued. Ginseng is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, and active compounds in the herb can help stimulate immune cells, revitalizing the immune system and preventing future infections. Ginseng can increase circulation and even regulate stress hormones, both of which can help to promote healing and recovery.
Licorice Root
Many people take licorice when sick, as it is thought to clear mucus and soothe sore throats and coughs, but it can continue to benefit you as you get better. Licorice has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects--meaning it can help ease any residual inflammation and protect your healing body from oxidative stress. It also helps support adrenal function, potentially decreasing stress, and it promotes healthy digestion, boosting the body's natural immune response and preventing you from falling ill again. It is commonly taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.
Milk Thistle Seed
Supplementing with milk thistle seeds after illness is often recommended due to their remarkable ability to detoxify the body, specifically, the liver. The seeds contain silymarin, a compound that helps to protect liver cells, improve their function, and promote their regeneration. Improved liver health, in turn, supports many functions across the body, including the immune system and the digestive system. Silymarin is also a potent antioxidant that helps to protect your body from oxidative damage, speeding up recovery and tissue repair. Milk thistle seed supplements can be found as capsules, alcohol or glycerin extracts, or teas.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
In addition to being anti-microbial and enhancing the immune system, holy basil (also known as tulsi) is known to reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and prevent oxidation. It also supports general respiratory health, promoting tissue healing and clearing any leftover congestion. Holy basil can help support the kidney and liver, allowing your body to remove toxins and supporting overall health. It may also promote balanced cortisol levels, reducing stress and encouraging faster healing.
Andrographis
Andrographis stimulates immune response, helping prime your defense system to kill off any lingering infections and reduce the chances of becoming sick again. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help provide relief from residual symptoms and support healing, and acts as a natural expectorant to help clear out leftover mucus. The herb is high in antioxidants to protect tissues from damage, and it is even known to promote energy levels and support digestion and liver health.
Burdock Root
Burdock root, known for its cleansing abilities of the kidney and liver, is a great option to help your body flush out toxins after having been ill. The root is also antibacterial and antiviral and can help stimulate the immune system, and its anti-inflammatory compounds help promote recovery. In addition, burdock root is high in antioxidants, and it is even thought to promote digestive health and support energy levels. This supplement can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.
Nettle Leaf
As an extremely nutritious herb, nettle leaf is the perfect supplement for replenishing essential vitamins and minerals that may have been depleted during illness. These nutrients are vital to recovery, helping you to regain your strength and good health. Nettle can also boost immune function through its rich antioxidant content and natural anti-microbial properties, and its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects help promote healing. Finally, nettle can help restore energy and is excellent for healthy digestion. This herb can be made into a tea or taken as capsules or an extract.
Mullein Leaf
Mullein is known for its powerful respiratory effects, including its ability to soothe inflammation of airways and sinuses, clear congestion, and soothe dry coughs. This herb is a great option for anyone experiencing a stubborn residual cough or congestion. In addition to its respiratory benefits, mullein enhances immune function, gently detoxifies the body, and reduces stress, all of which help your body to heal quickly. Mullein can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation due to its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin can help to soothe any swelling of the respiratory tract that may have lingered after illness, and its natural anti-microbial and immune-stimulating properties will help your body fight any remaining pathogens left in your system. Turmeric also cleanses the liver and bloodstream, helping to flush out remaining toxins. Turmeric is also high in antioxidants and promotes healthy digestion. Turmeric powder can be used as a cooking ingredient, and it is also commonly taken in capsules or as an extract or tea.
Ginger
Ginger root contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can provide relief for residual symptoms, and its ability to promote circulation can help your body heal more effectively. It is also known for its natural expectorant properties, which can help clear stubborn mucus in the sinuses and respiratory tract. Ginger root also promotes healthy energy levels, boosts immune function, and supports digestion. Ginger can be eaten raw or cooked or brewed into a tea, an it can also be found as capsules or an extract.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a natural detoxifying herb due to its ability to help the body produce bile, which the liver then uses to eliminate toxins, and its diuretic properties. It also promotes healthy digestion, and its rich antioxidant content helps enhance immune function and prevent damage to healing tissue. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and can even help support healthy energy levels. Dandelion root is often taken as a tea, as capsules, or as an extract.
Reishi
Reishi is known for its ability to promote a balanced immune response and prevent over-activity of the immune system, which is especially important once you begin to recover from illness. This mushroom is also highly anti-inflammatory and contains a wealth of antioxidants, and can help to promote healing. Reishi also supports detoxification, reduces stress, and contributes to overall health and wellness. Reishi can be taken as a tea, a powder, an extract, or in capsules.
Cordyceps
Known as the "longevity mushroom," cordyceps is an excellent choice for those looking to revitalize after illness and support their overall health. Cordyceps is known for its ability to enhance the production of ATP, the source of energy for all cells in your body. This leads to increased stamina to combat post-sickness fatigue. Cordyceps is also antimicrobial and provides general support for the immune system, and it has been shown to support lung function and promote respiratory health, especially important after infection. In addition, this mushroom reduces inflammation, supports detoxification of the liver and kidneys, and improves blood flow, all of which can assist your body in the healing process. Cordyceps can be taken as a tea, powder, in capsules, or as an extract.
Chaga
Chaga is antimicrobial and rich in beta-glucans, which help to stimulate the immune system, keeping it strong and guarding against returning infection. It is also anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and energy-boosting, all of which can help your body recover. Chaga can also help to reduce stress and contribute to healthy digestion, and its high antioxidant content protects cells as they are replenished. Chaga can be taken as a tea, a powder, in capsules, or as an extract.
Turkey Tail
Due to compounds in turkey tail that help regulate and activate immune cells, this functional mushroom promotes a modulated immune response, preventing the immune system from over-reacting while also keeping defenses strong. Turkey tail also supports the gut microbiome by providing the digestive system with prebiotic fiber, which in turn supports immune and overall body function. Anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidant properties, and liver and respiratory support all contribute to this mushroom's ability to support post-illness recovery and long-term health. Turkey tail can be taken as a tea, a powder, or in capsules.
Maitake
Like reishi and turkey tail, maitake supports a balanced immune response and can increase the activity of white blood cells. It also reduces inflammation, which can help relieve lingering respiratory symptoms, and contributes to healthy cellular energy levels. Similar to turkey tail, maitake also supports gut health through its prebiotic properties, and it can even contribute to liver function and detoxification. Maitake can be taken as a tea, an extract, or in capsules.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is packed with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, and its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties help support healthy immunity. These nutrients also promote the health of cells and support tissue regeneration and healing, while its carbohydrate and protein content help promote natural energy. It is also anti-inflammatory, mildly detoxifying, and supports the gut microbiome.
Probiotics
Some may be surprised that good gut health is incredibly vital to both immune function and overall well-being. Probiotic supplements are strains of "good" gut bacteria and other microorganisms that are ingested to repopulate the gut. High levels of these good bacteria can contribute to fighting off pathogens by out-competing them, and they help maintain the barrier in the gut that protects against harmful invaders. Healthy levels of good bacteria promote longevity by assisting in digestion, hormonal balance, inflammation management, weight reduction, mental health, and more. In addition, if you were prescribed antibiotics by a doctor when you were sick, probiotics can help replenish any good bacteria that were killed off in the gut. Our current pick for a comprehensive and effective probiotic supplement is the Friendly Force probiotic.
Multivitamins
Replenishing our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals after having been sick is essential to quick and healthy recovery. Vitamins C, D, B, and zinc contribute to immune health, while vitamins A & C, zinc, and iron promote recovery and tissue repair. Proper levels of different vitamins and minerals can help the body fight inflammation, restore energy levels, and promote sleep and hydration.
- Dr. Christopher's Vitalerbs Capsules
- Dr. Christopher's Vitalerbs Extract
- Dr. Christopher's Vitalerbs Bulk Powder
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Liquid Health® Complete Multiple
- Integral Wellness® D3 + C + Zinc Multivitamin
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a natural compound found in plants such as grapes, berries, and peanuts, is a powerful antioxidant and has been found to assist in immune function, heart, brain, and gut health, and inflammation reduction. Resveratrol is excellent for illness recovery due to its ability to promote tissue repair, boost energy, and reduce oxidative stress.
Formulas for Illness Recovery
Dr. Christopher's Respiratory Syrup
Formulated to support the respiratory and immune systems, this syrup is perfect for fighting a pesky, stubborn cough due to lingering mucus.
Dr. Christopher's Lung & Bronchial Formula
Dr. Christopher's Lung & Bronchial formula is a synergistic blend of herbs to support the respiratory system and is great for building back strength in the lungs after an infection. This formula comes in capsule, extract, or bulk powder form.
Dr. Christopher's Sinus Plus Formula
The Sinus Plus formula provides your sinuses with nourishing support that is especially needed as they heal and recover from infection.
Elderberry Family Farms® Elderberry Plus Respiratory Support
This formula from Elderberry Family Farms combines the immunity-boosting and antioxidant qualities of elderberry with herbs such as marshmallow root, mullein leaf, wild cherry bark, licorice root, ginger root, and lemon peel to promote health and healing of the lungs and respiratory tract.
Herb Pharm® Herbal Respiratory Relief
This blend of wild cherry, umckaloabo, skunk cabbage, licorice root, and thyme was made to keep your respiratory system healthy.
Host Defense® Stamets 7
Formulated as a daily immune support blend, Stamets 7 by Host Defense will help rebuild and prime your immune system to prevent recurring infection. Contains blazei, cordyceps, reishi, maitake, lion’s mane, chaga and mesima.
Host Defense® MyCommunity
A blend of 17 species of mushroom for comprehensive immune support that promotes a modulated and balanced response.
Host Defense® Breathe
A blend of chaga, reishi, and cordyceps formulated to improve respiratory, energy, and immune function.
Conclusion
As we finish out our third and final week of our immunity series, we hope you were able to learn something new about how to keep you and your family healthy this holiday season. Throughout these winter months, feel free to return to these posts to learn how to amp up your defense, care for a loved one who's under-the-weather, or rebuild your health.
Due to a holiday break, our next post will be out the first week of January. Join us then for tips for how to manage S.A.D. and seasonal mood changes. Until then, we at Christopher's Herb Shop wish you all a happy and healthy holiday!
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About the Writer Emori Brown has worked for Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop since 2018. In addition to writing blog posts and newsletters, Emori cashiers and works in the shipping department. She is passionate about providing people with the tools for improving their health and is excited to share knowledge surrounding the formulas and services we have here at the Herb Shop. |
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