During the current global pandemic, one of the most important things to focus on is the body’s natural defenses against infection. Our continued health and wellness begins with a strong immune system, as it is our first line of protection against invasive flus, colds, and other illnesses.

There is much that you can do to naturally strengthen and protect your body’s resistance to infection: Getting enough restorative sleep each night, eating nourishing meals filled with healthy nutrients, exercising, and finding ways to maintain your inner balance can all help to keep your immune system in great shape. 

Yet, as we face an unprecedented challenge, we can also look to tangible ways to support the immune system. There are many natural, immune-supportive herbs that can give your body the edge it needs to stay strong. 

Here, we will focus on some powerful herbs and medicinal mushrooms with unique properties that can help us manage the present situation in the healthiest way possible. Most notably, these include astragalus, elderberry, medicinal mushrooms such as turkey tail, maitake, and reishi, and other herbs collectively known as adaptogens.

How do these ingredients help us?

Astragalus has been shown to increase production of specific cytokines, chemical messengers that are released by cells in our body and which regulate aspects of our immune response, including to certain viruses. As a premier herb in traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is used to provide 'deep immune support' and to help restore vitality after illness. Astragalus does double-duty as an exceptional adaptogen, a special group of herbs (and medicinal mushrooms) that modulate our physiological response to stress and its effects upon our immune system.

Elderberry fruit is a rich source of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give the berries their distinctive purple color. Anthocyanins have been shown to support a healthy immune response by boosting production of specific cytokines that may help improve resistance to flu and shorten duration of symptoms. Antioxidants such as anthocyanins (and others including vitamin C) play an important role in protecting our cells from damaging free-radicals that are byproducts of infection and inflammation.

Turkey Tail mushroom contains high levels of a special type of polysaccharide, beta-glucans, found in the cell walls of many medicinal mushrooms, bacteria, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants. Certain beta-glucans have been shown to support the immune system by stimulating the production of chemicals that play a role in resisting and overcoming infections. Turkey tail is also one of nature's best adaptogens, helping to effectively improve our resilience to stress and protecting us from its damaging effects.

Maitake mushroom is another rich source of beta-glucans, supporting multiple aspects of the immune system to help maintain overall healthy immune function. Maitake is additionally beneficial to brain and nerve function which can help maintain a healthy and balanced nervous system.

Reishi mushroom has been used for centuries in Asia as a longevity tonic. Reishi's powerful immunomodulation properties help support the body's natural defenses to infections. Reishi is also notably beneficial to the respiratory system, helping to open the bronchial airways and ease breathing and congestion.

Adaptogens are a special group of herbs and mushrooms that help our body deal with the effects of stress, which can have a significant adverse effect upon the immune system. Adaptogens help to strengthen and protect our immune system, especially when there is chronic stress. They also improve energy, support your nervous system, help restore calm and balance, and promote restful sleep.

When times call for a strong immune system, Natural Wellbeing’s Immune Sure supports your body's natural ability to resist immune challenges.

Immune Sure contains a powerful and protective blend of the organic immunosupportive herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and adaptogens mentioned here to strengthen your body's natural immune defenses.