Immunity : 5 excellent plants for the immune system

1) Astragalus plays a role in the body’s defences

A potent medicinal plant from the Fabaceae family, astragalus is a large genus of many different species. Specifically, it is the Astragalus membranaceus variety which has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine... and is still used today in its modern equivalent.

Rich in polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids, this particular variety of astragalus directly supports immune health. It plays a role in:

• defending the body against external aggressors;
• maintaining physical and mental strength ;
• protecting cells and tissues against free radicals ;
• maintaining normal blood pressure and a healthy microvascular system (1-3).

The extraordinary properties of Astragalus membranaceus have earned it the name ‘huang qi’ in Chinese, which means ‘booster of energy flow’.

This plant is usually consumed as a herbal tea, soup or dietary supplement (such as Astragalus Extract).

2) Cat’s claw and immunity

Cat’s claw, or Uncaria tomentosa to give it its scientific name, is a species of liana native to Peru. Its name comes from the small, curved claw-like stipules at the base of its leaves. Used for more than 2000 years, this plant is considered sacred by many Amazon rainforest peoples such as the Ashaninka and Campo.

Cat’s claw contains multiple alkaloids, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, tannins... which are responsible for its benefits. The plant is known for its ability to support the immune system (4-6).

Since the 1990s, this Peruvian vine has continued to grow in popularity in Europe and North America.

If you’d like to benefit from the virtues of this jungle plant , one option is to prepare a decoction from the dried inner bark of cat’s claw, which has first been reduced to a powder. Alternatively, to prevent any possibility of dosage errors, you could take a cat’s claw supplement, in the form of pre-dosed capsules (such as AC-11®).

3) The effect of ginseng on the immune system and vitality

Part of the Araliaceae family, ginseng (or Panax ginseng) is the fundamental medicinal plant of traditional Asian medicine. The significant effects of ginseng root, which can sometimes resemble the shape of a man, were particularly prized by Chinese emperors.

Ginseng contains a sizeable amount of ginsenosides (also known as ‘panaxosides’), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, vitamins... As a result, it helps to:

• support the immune system;
• maintain good cognitive performance ;
• maintain good sexual activity;
• maintain vitality and prevent fatigue (7-9).

With its many virtues, it is often referred to as the ‘root of long life’. To benefit from its effects on immunity, you can take a course of dietary supplements with a high content of active ingredient , such as Ginseng 30% (standardised to 30% ginsenosides).

It is advisable to take ginseng in the morning

4) Echinacea for the defence system and upper respiratory tract

Echinacea hails neither from the Peruvian jungle nor China. This pink-flowered plant, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, first emerged in North America. It is the Echinacea purpurea species, in particular, which is used for medicinal purposes. It was even considered by Native Americans to be their most significant plant.

Echinacea purpurea is abundant in alkylamides, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids... A biological treasure trove, it thus supports:

• normal function of the natural defence system ;
• a healthy upper respiratory tract (helping to soothe sore mouths and throats, conferring a pleasant effect in the throat and vocal cords...) ;
• a healthy lower urinary tract(10-12).

How should echinacea be consumed? You have the option of either herbal teas, standardised solid extracts or nutritional supplements (such as Immunity Booster, a synergistic formulation which combines echinacea, beta-glucans, vitamin C and zinc).

5) The benefits of turmeric for the immune system

The last plant on this (by no means exhaustive) list, turmeric is well-known as a key ingredient in the blend of Indian spices used in various curries. In Europe too, references to turmeric date back to ancient times, but it was only in the 18th century that it began to be imported on a large scale.

Like ginseng, it is the plant’s root (or rhizome) which is generally used in cooking and in naturopathy.

Many of turmeric’s benefits come from the compound curcumin, a polyphenol pigment which is also responsible for the plant’s yellow-orange colour. This exceptionally powerful plant helps to:

• maintain immune system efficacy and resistance to allergies ;
• support nervous system function;
• maintain good liver health ;
• support healthycirculation ;
• and maintain healthy skin(13-15).

While you can consume turmeric root fresh (or in powdered form), you can also significantly increase your intake by taking a turmeric extract with a high curcuminoid content (such as Natural Curcuma, which is particularly rich in curcumin and other beneficial curcuminoids).