Our immune system is an incredible, complex ecosystem designed to protect us from the litany of microbes, pollutants and environmental toxins we are regularly exposed to. A strong immune system in a healthy body does a good job of keeping most things at bay, but there are of course times when our immune system becomes overwhelmed and we suffer the uncomfortable consequences. Fortunately, we have powerful plant-based allies at our disposal that work in perfect synergy with our bodies to strengthen and support us.
At WishGarden, we harness the power of plants to create an extensive line of immune-supporting herbal tinctures. These powerful natural remedies provide safe and effective strategies to boost our immune response and provide relief when we are suffering. As humans, we are all unique, so even though we are all exposed to similar triggers, we tend to respond to them differently. WishGarden understands and develops with this variation in mind. We offer a wide range of formulas to meet challenges in every possible way. At the same time, with so many options, it can be a bit confusing to navigate which formula to use and when. After getting these questions over and over again, I created a guide to help you choose the best formula for whatever your immune system needs right now.
Herbal remedies for stronger immunity
Daily immune builder – This formula is your ultimate daily immune booster. It’s all about the immune system power supply – give your cells the building blocks they need to work optimally. The key herbs in the formula are elderberry, which provides important nutrients, and Astragalus, an immune boosting herb that protects and strengthens. In traditional Chinese culture, Astragalus is often cooked in rice, soups and stews so that its healing properties are included in the daily diet.
Elderberry – This is a real example of food as medicine. Elderberry is the fruit of the elder tree. Elder trees are plentiful in many parts of the world. It’s almost as if Mother Nature knew what she was doing ;-). Elderberry is rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and many other nutrients. This is one of the few herbal tinctures we offer – it’s that good.
Strategy: Tonic use. These formulas work best when taken tonically (on a regular basis). One serving 2-3x per day, especially during seasons when immune challenges increase (think back to school and winter). They can be taken in water, juice, tea or even mixed into a smoothie.
Herbal remedies for acute immune response
No matter how strong our immune system is, we’re all hit by the ‘icks’ sometimes. Whether for mild discomfort or severe symptoms, herbal remedies provide an essential helping hand without harmful side effects. Our acute immune formulas support lymphatic movement, neutralize insects and restore healthy inflammatory balance among many other actions. Let’s look at the different ways they help us feel better faster.
First line of defense
Kick-Ass immune activator – If you know WishGarden, you know Kick-Ass Immune. This is our signature product and bestseller for a reason. Kick-Ass Immune consists of a robust team of herbs that help with this activate your immune response to fight back more effectively against whatever comes. This formula is most effective at the beginning; start taking it as soon as you feel the first signs and symptoms of something coming on, and often you’ll catch it before it even gets to you! It’s the perfect support when you’re surrounded by germs, such as on an airplane or in a busy public space.
Strategy: Move through it. Take one serving every 1-2 hours for a day or two and then reduce to every 2-4 hours as you get better. Do not use this strategy for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor.
Condition-specific support
Kick-Ass biotic – This is our cure for big guns. We affectionately call it our zombie apocalypse formula, because it’s the one thing you want to have on hand, no matter what life throws at you. When symptoms are acute, when nothing else works and when your body needs to return to a healthy microbial balance, Kick-Ass Biotic is your favorite superhero. I always say, if I could only have one formula on a desert island, this would be it.
Serious V-Fighter – Body aches, chills, fatigue. We all know the symptoms and we all want them to go away as quickly as possible. Serious V-Fighter is the formula you need for healthy overall immune support during the cold season. This formula can alleviate some of those painful discomforts of the moment and help you recover faster.
Deep lung – When seasonal ailments make the rounds, for many people it goes straight to their lungs. No one likes that uncomfortable, stuffy feeling, the rattling cough, the struggle to breathe properly. It is no coincidence that Deep Lung is one of our best-selling formulas. This mix purifies the air, so to speak. Tonifying and soothing herbs help strengthen lung tissue, while expectorants chase away gunk. Deep lung restores a healthy inflammatory balance and provides relief to an overloaded respiratory system.
Severe cough – Wet and productive? Dry and rattling? Chronic, persistent and just plain annoying? Serious Cough is a talented switch hitter who is especially good at rebalancing the body against all kinds of complaints. Serious Cough is especially effective against those coughing fits that seem to linger forever. I recently had a woman tell me that Serious Cough is the formula that made her mother believe in herbs! And I’ve heard dozens of similar testimonies…
Kick-Ass Sinus – Whether you have chronic sinus problems or are temporarily suffering from the dreaded cold, Kick-Ass Sinus is your comprehensive upper respiratory support. We call this a ‘mucosal normalizer’ because whether your symptoms are wet and productive or dry and impacted, this formula eases discomfort and brings things back to a healthy balance. The real all-stars are the lymphatic herbs that drive active compounds into all those nooks and crannies of the head, pushing out irritating invaders. Bye busy, hello again breathing through your nose!
Strategy: Move through it. Take one serving every 1-2 hours for a day or two and then reduce to every 2-4 hours as you get better. Do not use this strategy for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor.
Final stages
Get over it! – You know that feeling Finally get some relief after being crappy for days? It’s like a break in the clouds – your energy returns, you’re no longer blowing through tissues like you own shares in Kleenex, you feel better overall, but something still lingers… a rattling in the chest , congestion in the head, a cough that you can’t get rid of. You didn’t quite get over it. This formula is your answer. Deep, loosening herbs find the stuff that’s stuck and hiding issues the deportation order. Finally, move it out so you get back to 100%.
Strategy: Move through it. Take one serving every 1-2 hours for a day or two and then reduce to every 2-4 hours as you get better. Do not use this strategy for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor.
Thank you for choosing WishGarden! We like to keep you healthy.
Jamie McKeown has a BA in Film & Communications from the University of Michigan. She has studied holistic nutrition and natural healing for over 15 years. She is a certified health coach and herbalist and director of education for WishGarden.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
Read further