11 Best Herbs for the Immune System

Herbs have long been valued for their ability to support the body’s natural defenses. Modern research highlights specific plants that influence immune balance, reduce oxidative stress and provide antimicrobial protection.

From oregano and thyme to reishi and elderberry, these herbs contain bioactive compounds that interact with immune pathways in meaningful ways. This article explores 11 of the most studied herbs for immune support, their key properties and practical ways to include them in daily routines.

Best Herbs for Immune System

Below are 11 herbs that support the immune system that people can refer to:

Oregano

Thanks to its rich essential oil content, oregano is considered one of the best herbs for the immune system, offering immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

It strengthens immunity by stimulating macrophages, lymphocytes, and antibody production. The active compounds carvacrol and thymol act as natural antimicrobial agents, helping fight bacteria and viruses.

Oregano also works as a natural immune booster supplement, reducing inflammatory signals and cytokines in the body [1, 3]. While promising, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Research suggests oregano may improve gut barrier integrity and balance the gut microbiome, which indirectly supports mucosal immunity (Zou et al., 2016). Again, further studies are required to solidify these findings.

Oregano can be used in different forms: capsules or tablets for immune system support, herbal tea, steam inhalation, or essential oil diffusion.

Thyme

The main active compounds in thyme are thymol, carvacrol and various flavonoids, which contribute to its role as one of the best herbs for immune system support.

Thymol disrupts microbial cell membranes and exhibits activity against enveloped viruses, contributing to respiratory protection [4].

As having high content of phenolic flavonoids, thyme can neutralize harmful free radicals (ROS) and protect immune cells from oxidative damage. It also blocks the formation of inflammatory mediators (COX and LOX), thereby soothing inflammation in the respiratory tract (Khalil & Tazeddinova, 2020).

Thyme can be enjoyed as a daily immune booster in the form of tea, herbal sachets, steam inhalation, or as a culinary spice, making it one of the top immune boosting supplements for everyday wellness.

Mint

Different types of mint (such as Mentha piperita, spicata, rotundifolia) bring multiple effects for the immune system thanks to their active compounds like menthol, rosmarinic acid and various flavonoids.

Ethanol extracts of mint protect macrophages from oxidative stress, helping them maintain their ability to destroy pathogens.

Mint helps regulate excessive inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of immune system imbalance [5]. However, more human studies are still needed to confirm these findings.

This familiar herb works as a natural immune booster supplement, since it both inhibits harmful bacteria in the gut and respiratory tract and strengthens the intestinal barrier, reducing infection risk and blocking pathogen entry [6].

Some varieties (ex: Meknassi mint) are also rich in vitamin C, often regarded as the best vitamin C to boost immune system function, enhancing white blood cell activity and providing antioxidant protection [7].

That’s why mint is not only good as a tea or steam inhalation, but also as a daily immune booster, easily added to salads, drinks or cold dishes as part of routine.

Holy Basil

Basil (Tulsi) contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and essential oils that help regulate immune function.

It reduces inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-6), protecting tissues from damage due to inflammation and oxidative stress [8]. Basil also enhances macrophage activity, which helps control excessive lung inflammation and supports defense against bacterial pneumonia [10].

Notably, eugenol in basil is thought to have the potential to limit SARS-CoV-2 binding to the ACE2 receptor, suggesting antiviral potential (Ramesh Kumar Paidi et al., 2021). Basil also helps balance cortisol levels during prolonged stress, indirectly maintaining immune strength [11].

Like many other natural immune-boosting supplements, basil is often used in the form of tea, extract, or steam to support respiratory support.

Astragalus

Astragalus contains polysaccharides (APS), saponins (astragaloside) and flavonoids that work together to enhance both innate and adaptive immunity.

It helps “activate” macrophages to destroy bacteria and viruses more effectively, while restoring the activity of NK cells – the body’s natural pathogen-killing “warriors” [12]. Further clinical trials in humans are still needed to confirm these findings.

Astragalus also supports immune balance in individuals experiencing immune challenges by encouraging healthy T cell, which are key players that control and attack pathogens. This helps the body generate stronger immune signals for comprehensive protection [13].

In addition, astragalus improves the ability of immune cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells [14].

It can be consumed as a decoction made from dried astragalus root, or in standardized extract form, often included in top rated immune support supplements, tablets for the immune system and other top immune boosting supplements used as a daily immune booster.

Echinacea

Echinacea extract provides antibacterial, antiviral and immune-modulating effects.

It helps macrophages “eat” and eliminate pathogens more effectively, activates NK cells, and promotes the release of antiviral compounds, reducing viral load and symptom severity [15].

It also balances immune responses and supports longer-lasting protection (Ahmadi, 2024).

Some studies suggest echinacea may support overall respiratory wellness and help people feel better sooner during seasonal challenges. When taken at the first sign of discomfort, it may support the body’s natural recovery process [17]. Of course, more clinical trials in humans are still needed.

Laboratory and in-vivo studies also suggest echinacea can inhibit influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses [18].

Take echinacea tablets daily to support immune health. At the first sign of symptoms, use lozenges or throat sprays for quick relief. As a home remedy, drink echinacea tea up to three times a day to strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

Reishi

Reishi mushroom contains β-glucans and triterpenoids, considered some of the best herbs for immune system support.

β-glucans act as a strongest immune system booster by activating macrophages, enhancing their ability to capture and destroy pathogens through increased production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide [19].

Polysaccharides stimulate B cells to produce more antibodies, while also promoting dendritic cell maturation and T-cell growth, leading to a stronger and more sustained adaptive immune response (Tyagi et al., 2025).

Reishi also works as a natural immune booster supplement by neutralizing free radicals and blocking NF-κB signaling, which lowers inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, thereby helping reduce chronic inflammation [21].

Common use: standardized extracts or mushroom powder (2-3 g daily, mixed into smoothies or soups).

Andrographis

Andrographis contains andrographolide, a labdane diterpenoid with strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

It slows down inflammatory signaling, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory substances and protecting tissues from damage [22].

It also helps macrophages destroy pathogens more effectively, activates NK cells to fight viruses and bacteria, while easing intestinal inflammation and strengthening the mucosal barrier [23].

Andrographis further promotes the production of cytokines that support cell-mediated immunity, while keeping immune responses balanced, making it one of the best herbs for immune system health and a reliable daily immune booster [24].

Common forms of use: standardized extract, Andrographis tea.

Black Elderberry

Black elderberry is rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids and polysaccharides, has direct antiviral effects and immune-stimulating actions.

It helps block influenza A/B viruses and common respiratory bacteria by managing viral attachment to host cells and reducing bacterial adherence (Krawitz et al., 2011).

Polysaccharides in elderberry also enhance immune memory, while anthocyanins act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, activating the body’s own defenses and supporting gut health by promoting beneficial microbes (Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces boulardii). Together, these effects provide a natural way to strengthen mucosal immunity [24].

Black elderberry is available in multiple forms such as standardized extracts, syrup, lozenges or tea infusion.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains the alkaloids berberine and hydrastine, offering multiple benefits for the immune system.

It influences bacterial communication signals and drug efflux pumps, supporting the body’s natural defenses against harmful microbes [26].

Berberine also reduces free radical production in immune cells, which helps limit inflammation and limit tissue damage [27].

In addition, goldenseal influences macrophage activity and strengthens adaptive immunity, particularly by enhancing CD8+ T cell memory for long-term protection [28].

Goldenseal can be taken as an extract, capsules or applied topically to the skin or mucosa. Standardized natural immune booster supplements should be used under professional guidance for safe and effective immune support.

Olive

Olives are rich in phenolic compounds such as oleuropein, which act as powerful antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress.

By regulating cytokines in immune cells, olives help maintain immune balance and manage inflammation. They also have antibacterial properties, supporting both mucosal and systemic immune defenses (Hooda et al., 2023).

Standardized olive leaf extract (high in oleuropein) is commonly used orally as a daily immune booster. Extra virgin olive oil, when included in the diet, provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while topical olive products can soothe inflammation and protect the skin from bacteria.

Conclusion

By using these herbs wisely, people may experience gradual improvements in overall health and immune function.

Understanding the benefits and unique properties of each herb can also help individuals make smarter, more proactive choices in caring for their physical well-being.