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Beyond Black Elderberry: Exploring Lesser-Known Herbs for Immune Support

Published on January 20, 2020


Let's begin by saying that we love Black Elderberry and it will always live at the top of our list of favorite herbs for immune health.* What's not to love... Elderberries are not only fabulous for supporting overall health and wellness, but they are also delicious and can easily be used in many recipes.*

Lucky for us, we are not the only ones that love our Black Elderberry line. Our organic Black Elderberry syrup is the #1 best-selling Elderberry syrup in America and a perennial customer favorite. Now that we have established our perpetual love for all things Elderberry, let us share with you some lesser-known herbs to help sustain immune health, which also deserve space in your seasonal wellness cabinet.*

4 Lesser-Known Immune-Supporting Herbs

Echinacea

Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. They are native to North America and most people can easily recognize these gorgeous flowers that grow in prairies, along roadways, and in wooded areas. In late summer at the Gaia Farm, we have two different kinds of Echinacea in full bloom in all of their bright pink glory, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. Both of these particular species of Echinacea have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat various ailments. And numerous studies have found that Echinacea may help support your immune system.*

Using Gaia-grown™ herbs, our Echinacea Supreme combines both varieties of Echinacea flowers mentioned above to support your body’s immune defenses and to help you stay feeling your best year-round.*

Are you feeling run-down? Is your body giving you signals that a seasonal challenge is in your near future? Our Quick Defense is a great formula designed to help you when you need it the most - at the first sign of an immune challenge.* By combining Echinacea with Elderberry and Ginger, Quick Defense provides powerful immune support at onset.* Our Turmeric Supreme® Immune Support. also contains Echinacea, with Turmeric, Black Elderberry, Andrographis, Ginger, Black Pepper, and Vervain. This is a great formula to support your immune defenses so you can stay feeling your best.*

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been traditionally used by Native Americans for hundreds of years to support a number of different areas of the body. Today, this herb is most popularly used for supporting overall immune health.* During a time of heavy harvesting around the 1800s, the population of Goldenseal greatly decreased, leaving this plant endangered and almost to the point of extinction.

We have long been a supporter of United Plant Savers (UPS), whose mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. UPS has recently launched their Hope for Hydrastis project, raising funds to help preserve Goldenseal for future generations. We encourage everyone to read more about this important project and how you can help this iconic American herb flourish.

The Goldenseal used in our Goldenseal Root Liquid Extract is ethically sourced to ensure that we are not further endangering this important species. Containing Goldenseal root, a natural source of the phytochemical Berberine, our formula supports your body's immune defenses.* Our liquid extract comes in a small glass bottle that is easy to tuck in a purse or bag, making this a convenient choice when you are on the go. Our Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray is another great travel addition, made with Echinacea, Goldenseal, Propolis, Licorice, Peppermint, Oregon Grape, and Thyme. This harmonious blend is a great choice for anyone experiencing throat stress.*

Nettle

If you are ever stuck on a deserted island and can only choose one herb to take with you, we would recommend Nettle. Nettle may be the most versatile herb as it can be eaten, used to make tea, build a shelter, and is also a valuable tool for immune health.*

Nettle is native to several parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Europe. Commonly referred to as Stinging Nettle, the plant has several stinging hairs on its leaves and stems called trichomes. These trichomes inject histamine, formic acid, and other chemicals that create a stinging sensation that can be felt after touching or brushing on the plant. Nettle has long been used to maintain upper respiratory health and for sinus support.* It's an especially popular herb during the change of seasons or when plants are in bloom as it can help keep your sinuses healthy and you breathing easy.* Our Nettle Leaf Liquid Phyto-Caps® and liquid extracts are made from Nettle grown entirely on our Certified Organic farm in Brevard, North Carolina.

Olive Leaf

When you think of Olives, you probably immediately picture Olive oil or even Olives that you can snack on. What you may not think about is how the Olive leaf can help support your immune health.* The Olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region and in ancient times was revered as a symbol of life. The leaves of the Olive tree were even used to crown the victors at the Olympic Games. Olive Leaf is a revered herb with antioxidant properties that is traditionally used to maintain immune defenses and to help support overall well-being.*

Plant-Powered Immune Support*

It's essential to support your immune system, especially during times where immune stressors are high and seasonal challenges are in full effect. In addition to immune supporting herbs, you also need to take the time to take care of yourself, so that you can stay feeling your best. Read tips on how you can take your immune health to the next level.