Cold and flu season is here!
Nobody likes getting sick. Luckily there are many herbs that can help support our immune systems this winter, especially our youngest family members who are still building their immune systems.
Here is a rundown of our TOP 3 HERBS for pediatric immune support:
Common Name: Astragalus
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Actions: adaptogenic, immunomodulator, anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, protects kidney function, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypotensive, antioxidant, hepatoprotective
Contraindications and Interactions: Contraindicated with autoimmune diseases. Interactions with cyclophosphamide, immunosuppressants, lithium.
Common Name: Echinacea
Botanical Name: Echinacea spp.
Actions: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulator
Contraindications and Interactions: Contraindicated with organ transplants, lupus, autoimmune diseases, atopy, AIDS. Large amounts can cause male infertility. Interactions with caffeine, cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2)/P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates, etoposide, immunosuppressants.
Common Name: Elder
Botanical Name: Sambucus spp.
Actions: diaphoretic, expectorant, nervine, alterative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild laxative
Contraindications and Interactions: Avoid eating raw or unripe. Seeds can be irritating to GI tract. Avoid large doses. Berries contraindicated with autoimmune diseases. Flowers contraindicated with diabetes, surgery.
At Luna Lactation & Wellness, we have many herbal options to help you get through cold and flu season. Along with ready-made items, we also specialize in custom herbal blends for all ages and stages. As a clinical herbalist, Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC, is honored to provide wellness support for a wide range of issues.
To book a wellness/herbal consultation with Melissa:
For clinicians wanting to learn more about these herbs, check out our herbal database and herbal support course:
Herbal Database: Lactation & Postpartum Care
Herbal Support in Lactation and Infant Care for the Health Professional