If you’re looking for herbs to boost immune system function, I’m here to tell you that less is more! Having a select few staples in your natural medicine cabinet is all you need to be prepared for the most common types of sickness.
As a Functional Medicine Practitioner, RD, and mom of 2 young toddlers, I am always trying to find the most effective natural therapies for common colds, flu, viruses, and the dreaded stomach bug. Which, by the way, does it not feel like everyone is either battling a bug themselves or taking care of someone who is—spouses, kids, you name it?
If you’re nodding your head in agreement, I am so thrilled you stumbled upon this one because I know these protocols will be an incredible resource for you now and in the future!
No matter where you live, the same four things are making the rounds. As I’ve been helping my clients support their gut and immune systems while navigating this in real time, I’m noticing a similar pattern.
These are the four most common sicknesses circling right now:
So, why does it seem like everyone is sick right now?
Well, think about it—it’s cold, the sun is setting earlier, and most of us spend more time indoors. That means less vitamin D and movement, which takes a toll on our immune system.
This is why having your natural medicine cabinet stocked with key staples to boost your immune system against these viruses and bugs is an absolute must this time of year.
Quick note: There are so many incredible herbs, nutrients, and supplements that can support a healthy and robust immune system. The protocols I’ll be sharing are just some of my top picks for what’s currently going around.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Before beginning any new supplement protocol, consult your medical provider, who knows your health status, medication and herb interactions, and condition.
My top pick: Olive Leaf
Let’s break this one down because there are a million things you can do and take for the common cold and virus. I find olive leaf the most effective herb if you just need ONE really potent remedy to help you recover quickly.
Olive leaf is an herb with potent antiviral activity. It also has exceptionally high antioxidant activities compared to any other herb–surpassing green tea and turmeric.
The biophenols found in olive leaf has the potential to protect the body against infection. PMID: 38662719
Where to get it: You can search the catalog for Olive Leaf Supreme by Supreme Nutrition on the Doctor’s Supplement Store Dispensary (Code: NY3721 if you’re not already registered with an account).
Directions: Take 2 capsules, 3 times per day, for 4 consecutive days at the onset of symptoms. Then follow up with 2 capsules, 1 time per day for 7 days.
You can discontinue after that and keep it on hand for the next cold if you can use it again before it expires 6 months after it’s opened.
My top pick: Illicium
Think of this as your natural (and highly effective) Tamiflu swap! Illicium verum, also known as star anise, is one of the most sought-after herbs for its anti-viral effects.
It is also the source of the precursor molecule, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an antiviral medication for influenza A and influenza B. PMID: 31997473
Where to get it: You can search the catalog for Illicium Supreme by Supreme Nutrition on the Doctor’s Supplement Store Dispensary (Code: NY3721 if you’re not already registered with an account).
Directions: Take 1 capsule twice daily at the onset of exposure or symptoms. Discontinue after 7 days or when symptoms fully improve.
My top pick: Takesumi
I use Takesumi to support my clients exposed to mold, chemicals, EMF’s, and other environmental pollutants, along with the common stomach bug or norovirus.
Takesumi has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is derived from bamboo that is carbonized under very specific conditions. It adsorbs mycotoxins and endotoxins (and other bio-toxins) from various organisms. PMID: 19883973
Where to get it: You can search the catalog for Takesumi Supreme by Supreme Nutrition on the Doctor’s Supplement Store Dispensary (Code: NY3721 if you’re not already registered with an account)
Directions: Take 3 capsules, one time per day, at least 30 minutes before food, pills, or prescriptions or at least 90 minutes after.
My top pick: Oil Of Oregano + N-Acetyl Cysteine (not an herb but a helpful bonus)
Let me share a story first…
Back when I first started out as a nutritionist over 13 years ago, I worked in a health food store helping customers find the right remedies to feel their best. One day, a teary-eyed woman walked in. She was congested, miserable, and fighting an upper respiratory infection—just 48 hours before her wedding day.
Can you imagine? The clock was ticking, and she was desperate.
So, I quickly put my research hat on and came up with a plan. She walked out with only two things in hand–oregano oil and NAC, hoping for a miracle.
Fast forward to over a month later—she returned to the store, glowing and grateful. She told me that within 24 hours, she was back to 100% and walked into her wedding day feeling incredible.
And 13 years later, this is still the tried-and-true protocol for upper respiratory infections I go back to repeatedly. And let me tell you—hundreds of my clients who have followed this can chime in and agree that this WORKS.
How it works: Oregano oil is a potent antioxidant and anti-viral herb. The key is to ensure you are using a product with 80% carvacrol, which is the active component in the oil of oregano that supports respiratory infections. The problem with most oregano oil on the market is that it contains less than that amount. PMID: 29744941
N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is a glutathione precursor that opens lung pathways. The combo is a powerhouse for URI’s! PMID: 37760016
Where to get it: Oreganol by North American Herb & Spice is the best brand you can pick up at a local health food store near you.
There are many options for the NAC, but a favorite of mine is Thorne NAC 500mg, available on the Fullscript Supplement Dispensary.
Directions: Take 2-3 drops oil of oregano under the tongue and hold for 10 seconds before swallowing. Drink water afterward to wash it down (it is strong)! Repeat every 4 waking hours (up to 3 times per day).
Take 1 capsule of NAC every 2-3 waking hours (up to 4 capsules daily). Repeat for 2-3 days, then discontinue and keep on hand when needed again.
To keep this list condensed for the four most common things going around, those would make it to the top of my list!
If you want even more support so your immune system is equipped with the most advanced strategies to coast through sick season, you can instantly download and grab a copy of my Natural Medicine Cabinet eBook for only $27!
⭐️ For a limited time, we’ve added our Immune Support Supplement Protocols + a 7-Day Immune Support Meal Plan as a FREE bonus to the eBook!
Grab the bundle here while this offer lasts!
Remember, there are many foods, nutrients, and even lifestyle tweaks you can incorporate into your routine to support your immune system during this time–so don’t forget about the basics when it comes to fighting the common cold or virus.
Lifestyle Tweaks:
Dietary tweaks:
Whether it’s battling a cold, flu, or those pesky respiratory infections, having your natural medicine cabinet stocked with the right tools can make all the difference. You can save these for when you (or someone you love) might need them.
From olive leaf to oregano oil and beyond, these simple, effective remedies and 5 herbs to boost immune system can help you (and your loved ones) bounce back quickly.
If you’re ready to take your immune support to the next level, don’t miss out on my Natural Medicine Cabinet Bundle—a game-changer for staying ahead of those seasonal bugs! It’s only $27 with the extra bonuses for a limited time!
If you have success with these herbs, don’t forget to visit this post back and share your experience. I would love to hear from you!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This email is not medical advice. Before beginning any new supplement protocol, consult your medical provider, who knows your health status, medication and herb interactions, and condition.
"When it comes to balancing our body, healing the gut, reversing autoimmunity, and achieving optimal health—we are a lot like a car that won’t run right. In order to fix the problem once and for all instead of relying on jumper cables, we must get underneath the hood, run the diagnostics, and replace the battery so that it runs good as new."
-Nikki Yelton, RD
If you are ready to stop wasting precious time, get off the never-ending hamster wheel, and finally surrender trying to figure things out on your own—this is your moment.
You don’t have to settle for just getting by and hoping tomorrow is a better day. We both know you are a woman who deserves better and are made for so. much. more.