Can we influence our immune system? Are there any herbal immunity boosters out there? What foods can help me strengthen my immunity? As the Corona Virus threatens the health and even the lives of the most vulnerable amongst us, many are asking these kinds of questions.
Especially those with less than optimal immunity – chronically sick, cancer patients, pregnant women, and the elderly – are at the highest risk of contracting and potentially dying from the disease.
Rather than panicking, we should take steps as individuals and as societies to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the results of a potential infection. One sure way to improve our odds is to fortify our immune system by employing herbal immunity boosters and other natural ways.
Aside from taking common-sense preventative measures such as handwashing, avoiding mass events, not touching our face, nose, and mouth; we can attempt to strengthen our immunity by consuming immunity-boosting foods, herbs, and minerals, and adding some other modalities to protect ourselves.
- Immunity Definition
- Can We Boost Our Immunity Naturally?
- Herbal Immunity Boosters and Other Foods for Your Immune System
- 1. Elderberry: The Old School Protection
- 2. Small but Mighty: Mushrooms for Immunity and Health
- Related Post: Medicinal Mushrooms for Immunity and Health
- 3. Enjoy Watermelon Not Only in the Heat of the Summer
- 4. Make Plain Yogurt Your Friend
- 5. The Green Monster: the Mighty Spinach
- 6. Drink Tea (Especially Green Tea)
- Some Other Immune Boosting Foods
- Related Post: Top Benefits of Moringa for Health and Beauty
- More Strategies to Boost your Immunity
- The Takeaway
Immunity Definition
First of all, let’s establish what is the immune system and how does it work.
The immune system is the first line of defense that the body has against a microorganism that might enter it.
Our immune cells are designed in such a way that they, if functioning properly, can easily discern what is “self” and what is “other,” and then act accordingly, neutralizing the stranger and hence protecting us from a full-blown illness.
The human immune system is made up of various organs, the lymphatic system, and individual cells and proteins.
The surface on the outside of our body (skin, hair) is there to offer the first barrier to alien microorganisms, while on the inside, we have very smart mucous membranes that act as protection against the germs that enter the body.
The stronger your immune system, the lesser chance of you falling ill.

Immunity cells
The human immune system is highly complex. There are varied immunity cells that either circulate throughout the body or reside in a particular spot. Each type of immunity cell plays a role against a specific type of pathogens.
For example, as this NIH study explains, basophils and eosinophils are important for host defense against parasites and are also involved in allergic reactions.
Neutrophils, on the other hand, patrol for problems by circulating in the bloodstream and can literally ingest bacteria when they detect them.
Natural killer (NK) cells are important for recognizing and killing virus-infected cells or tumor cells.
There are also B cells and T cells that can adapt to the specific danger and neutralize the antibodies that the pathogen creates to avoid detection. Read a more in-depth analysis of the different kinds of immune cells here.
Can We Boost Our Immunity Naturally?
A healthy immune system reduces the chances of viral and bacterial infections and flu and possibly the new coronavirus. Adopting some natural ways to boost this system of protection can increase your immunity and prompt a better response of your immune system to possible infections.
From better sleep to eating a balanced diet and increasing physical activity, there are simple yet proven ways to increase the body’s strength and responsiveness against the encroaching microorganisms.
Herbal Immunity Boosters and Other Foods for Your Immune System
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There are many foods and herbs that can bolster your immune system. Here are just a few:
1. Elderberry: The Old School Protection
Elderberry or Sambucus nigra is a bush or shrub whose fruit is used to make tinctures, syrups, and lozenges.
The humble elderberry has antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties and it is also very high in flavonoids and vitamins.
Elderberry syrup or tincture has been known for centuries as a remedy for colds, the flu, and other viral and bacterial infections. Basically, the compounds present in the fruit can reduce the swelling in mucus membranes and can thus help the mucous layers act as a protective barrier against germs.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for an elderberry syrup from a trusted source, Mountain Rose Herbs:
If it’s too much hassle to make your own – I get it, we are all busy – you can get an excellent quality syrup from a trusted source like
Organic Elderberry Extract
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.
Even though elderberry has so many benefits, it is important to remember that there are some interactions with other remedies and medicines (such as diuretics, laxatives, steroids, and chemotherapy amongst others.)
Always check with your medical team before adding any new remedy to your regimen.
2. Small but Mighty: Mushrooms for Immunity and Health
Mushrooms of all kinds (button mushrooms, portabella, shitake, Chaga, reishi, etc.) are high in all kinds of B vitamins (most importantly riboflavin and niacin), polysaccharides, and selenium, all of which are crucial for the immune system to remain in optimal form.
You can add mushrooms, or fungi, to your diet in so many forms:
- Add them to omelets and scrambled eggs.
- Use them as pizza topping.
- Make a mushroom soup or just add them to other soups, stews, or salads.
- Make a mushroom burger in place of a meat burger.
- Stuff them to make an interesting and healthy snack or finger food for your next party.

Shiitake Mushroom Powder – $18.00
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.

Organic Red Reishi Mushroom Powder – $22.08
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.
Related Post: Medicinal Mushrooms for Immunity and Health
3. Enjoy Watermelon Not Only in the Heat of the Summer
Watermelon is probably one of the best tasking immune-boosting foods. It is a great source of vitamins A, C, and B6, glutathione, and potassium.
It’s also not very high in calories, although most of its calories are from sugar, so it must be consumed with caution if you’re a diabetic or watching the GI index of your food.
4. Make Plain Yogurt Your Friend
Around two-thirds of your body’s entire immune cells are found in the gut walls. To keep your gut in top form, so that it can also metabolize and remove bodily toxins, try adding plain yogurt on a daily basis to your diet.
Aside from being an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin B2, plain yogurt is crucial for providing the body with vitamin D and other nutrients that are necessary for strong immune function.
Most importantly though, plain yogurt can provide you with probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus, all of which will bolster the immune function of your gut. Beneficial gut flora is crucial for proper digestion and detoxification, in addition to helping establish a robust immune function.
I make my own using heirloom live cultures from Cultures for Health.
5. The Green Monster: the Mighty Spinach
Spinach is a veggie that has one of the highest contents of fiber, folate, vitamins A and C, iron, and magnesium.
The nutrients in spinach not only boost immune function but may also improve cell division and DNA repair.
In order to get the most out of spinach, it is best consumed raw (in salads) or just lightly sautéed to keep the nutrients intact. It is also a delicious ingredient for green juices.
6. Drink Tea (Especially Green Tea)
I wrote in this post about the benefits of tea, especially the delicious superfood, matcha green tea. Not only is tea (white, green, black, or oolong) delicious and a great way to help you hydrate your body, but it is also high in polyphenols.
The two most important polyphenols in tea are ECGC – the powerful antioxidant – and the amino acid L-theanine. These compounds have the ability to naturally boost T cell activity and therefore prime your immune system to respond robustly to any incoming challenge.
Personally, I up the ante by taking an Some Other Immune Boosting Foods
7. Ginger – Antioxidant compounds in the ginger root have potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties 8. Pomegranate juice – able to inhibit the growth of harmful types of bacteria. 9. Garlic – The bioactive compound in garlic – Allicin – has anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties which can potentially prevent illnesses, and there is some evidence it promotes cell death in some cancers. 10. Sweet potatoes – one sweet potato serving can provide over 100% of the daily value of vitamin A and 30% of the daily value of vitamin C. 11. Broccoli – very high in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and the whole bunch of B vitamins There are also other tweaks and changes that we can implement to help our immune system operate at its best. I wrote in this post more at length about the harm caused by chronic stress and some of the proven ways to deal with stress in your life. Most importantly, chronic releases the hormone cortisol which in turn can drastically suppress our immune system. Cortisol interferes with the T-cells and makes them less capable to ward off the dangers from outside. To lessen the impact of stress on your health and immune response, practice mindfulness, gratitude, journaling, yoga, or deep breathing. You are surely aware that excessive drinking can damage your liver and cardiovascular system, it can disrupt proper digestion, and even lead to cancers of the digestive tract. But many people are less aware that alcohol also damages our immune system, increasing thus the risk of falling seriously ill, even with potentially fatal consequences. Since the excess intake of alcohol can tamper with the immune system, drink in moderation. According to scientists, moderate consumption of alcohol can actually aid the overall health of the body. Vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, and E can bolster the immune system. Vitamin C might be the most effective booster. Try to get it from food rather than from a pill (where it is actually not very easy to absorb). You can get Vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, the aforementioned spinach but also kale, other cruciferous veggies, and apples and strawberries. Two plants that boast the most vitamin C are hibiscus and Kakadu plum. You can add them in powdered form to smoothies or make teas. For some, it might seem weird or yucky, but really, there is nothing to fear from the first milk from nursing mammals, called colostrum. We all know that human babies that were nursed by their mothers tend to have stronger immunity because breast milk transfers crucial antibodies from the mother to the baby. These antibodies help the baby fight through his or her early years before their own immune system is fully developed. No one would advocate drinking human breast milk past the age of babyhood, but we can supplement with the colostrum from other mammals, usually cows, but also goats or sheep. The powdered colostrum from these animals can easily be mixed into yogurt or smoothies or taken in pill form. Aside from the already mentioned elderberry, there are many other herbal immune boosters. One of the better-known ones is echinacea. You can get it in the form of a supplement or an herbal tea. There is also eleuthero root, astragalus, ashwagandha, Rhodiola, goldenseal, and other herbs that can help strengthen the immune system and hence reduce the length and severity of illness. Working out on a regular basis has been proven to boost the immune system. How so? Here again, do it in moderation. Too much and too strenuous exercise may actually weaken the immune system, leaving you prone to bacterial and viral infections. Sleep is so important for overall health! Lack of sleep will weaken your immune response by reducing the activity of T cells in the body. Since menopause, sleep is elusive for me. Still, I try my best to get at least seven hours of good, uninterrupted sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try melatonin or magnesium supplements or a lovely, relaxing herbal extract before reaching for prescription sleeping pills. And don’t forget the mighty essential oils to help you get some zzz’s.
Our Sleep Tight Set is designed to have everything you need to help calm and relax the … [More]
The first thing after a good-night-sleep should be a few moments (up to 15 minutes) in the sun. Not only will it help you reset your circadian rhythms by exposing you to natural light, but also it will make your body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system as it helps the body to produce antibodies. Low levels of this vitamin (which we cannot produce in any other way but sun exposure) are truly detrimental to overall health. Even better, you can combine two good things: walk briskly for 10-15 minutes in the sun, without sunblock on, and your immune system will be doubly happy: Exercise + Vitamin D. Dietary and lifestyle tweaks such as the ones mentioned in this post are not going to save you from getting the virus if you are exposed to it. However, if you get it and if your immune system is in top shape, the duration and severity of the illness could be much shorter and lesser. Following the steps above will help your body reduce and eliminate the harmful toxins from your body. You will be getting essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to boost your body’s natural defense mechanisms. Making your immune system as strong as it can be is not only important during the flu season or other viral outbreaks. Improving your immunity can ward off horrific diseases later on, such as cancer, and can help you remain youthful in your energy levels and appearance for years to come.
Related Post: Top Benefits of Moringa for Health and Beauty
More Strategies to Boost your Immunity
Reduce Your Stress Levels
If You Drink Alcohol Do So in Moderation
Load Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Colostrum to the Rescue
Herbs & Supplements
Be Physically Active
Get Sufficient Sleep
Relaxation Extract – $19.33
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.
Step Out in The Sun
The Takeaway
Before you go, check this out:
Amazing information! I’ve been extremely unhealthy lately and all of these wonderful tips made me motivated! Thank you (:
Great! As long as there are no major underlying health concerns, you turn your wellbeing around in a few short weeks <3
So many fabulous tips here for all of us. I need to get into the elderberry. I haven’t heard of powdered colostrum before. Sounds interesting.
I know! I only discovered it few years ago when my naturopath suggested it to help with leaky gut. It helped tremendously!
This is very valuable and insightful. I’ve been struggling to get my immune system back in track so definitely taking notes. Getting 15 minutes of sun as one of the first things to do in the morning sounds so great. Thank you, Joanna!
You’re welcome Inessa! I hope you can use some of the tips. Especially now with the pandemic still around, we all could use a stronger immune system.
In India we use a lot of turmeric in many food items for immunity and taste. This is a wonderful article. Very useful.
You have so many lovely spices and herbs in India! SO good for cooking but also skin and hair care. I love Amla, Ashwagandha, and Hibiscus as well.
In times like these building immunity is paramount. And this is an opportune post. I myself consume a lot of ginger and Indian herbs that help not only building immunity but also fighting season change when the body starts behaving in a strange manner. Great insight though!
I believe in Indian herbs too. I try to use turmeric a lot and also take it as supplement. Ginger, garlic are a must in cooking anything in my book!
I am building my immunity all the time since I am an autoimmune warrior! These are great natural immunity boosters that one can surely make the best of. Turmeric works wonders!
I agree! Turmeric is amazing! I’ve been using it as a crucial part of my anti-cancer and immunity-boosting regimen for years now.
Awesome tips. especially in these crazy times! Herbals and foods are indeed so powerful for our immune system.
Always best to find natural ways.
Thanks for sharing. I like the thought of boosting the immunity system naturally.
Thank you for sharing such a helpful list. I’ve been trying to get my family to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in the hopes of keeping our immune system strong– especially with the pandemic. I have a new appreciation for mushrooms now that I read your post. It’s definitely going on our next pizza!
Yes, mushrooms are great! Even the humble button mushroom has Beta-glucans which can boost our immunity!
Boosting the immune system is so important, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. You hit so many great points in this article – it’s a very useful guide! Thank you so much for posting and keep writing this great content!
Thank you Amanda!
This is a great list of herbal immunity boosters! I have an autoimmune disorder, and this will surely help a lot! I love that it’s all-natural and can surely help boost my immune system in the long run. Thank you so much for this!
That’s great! Happy to have helped a bit. Autoimmunity must be rough. I am already annoyed enough with my seasonal allergy:)
This is a very informative post. You’ve included some great tips to boost immunity. Thanks for sharing!
YOu’re welcome!
I am actually pleasantly surprised that I follow the majority of your health tips. Keeping stress levels down it has always been mission impossible, but otherwise – a pat on my shoulder ?
That’s great! Pat on the shoulder indeed!
I am really inspired together with your writing abilities as well as with the layout for your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to peer a great blog like this one nowadays..
I have just discovered your site, and LOVE it!!! Such useful, healthy content. Please keep it coming. I appreciate you and would even shop links/donate to keep you writing if possible or necessary. Your research seems spot on from what I’ve been able to do in my spare time.
Thank you Angela! Your words mean the world to me! SO glad to be helpful in some way:)