Immunostimulant & Immunomodulant Herbs in Autoimmunity

When the immune system turns against the body, the effects can be far-reaching, impacting multiple body systems and presenting complex challenges to health and wellbeing. Understanding the intricate mechanisms behind autoimmunity opens the door to more thoughtful, individualized approaches to holistic support. In the Holistic Support for Autoimmunity Intensive in The Herbarium, our team of experienced clinical herbalists explores the underlying factors that contribute to autoimmune conditions and the many ways herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices can help support immune balance and overall wellness.

With autoimmune conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, the need for informed, integrative approaches to care has never been greater. Throughout this intensive, we explore common autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, and multiple sclerosis, while highlighting practical herbal and holistic strategies for supporting those affected. From immunomodulating herbs and adaptogens to dietary considerations, clinical case studies, and an in-depth herbal materia medica, this engaging intensive provides a comprehensive foundation for herbalists seeking to deepen their understanding of autoimmunity and confidently support those navigating these conditions.

Echinacea & Astragalus in Autoimmune Conditions  

The immune system is an intricate network designed to protect the body from harmful invaders while maintaining balance. While herbs like echinacea (Echinacea spp.) root and astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus) root can play a valuable role in supporting immune health, their effects are often more nuanced than simply stimulating or regulating immune activity. Understanding the distinctions between immune stimulation and immune modulation is essential when selecting herbs for those with autoimmune concerns. The video below is a sneak peek into Session 3 of the new Holistic Support for Autoimmunity Intensive, which explores immunomodulation with herbs and delves into a materia medica of 12 herbs that can provide support.

You’ll discover why herbs traditionally categorized as immune stimulants or immune modulators don’t always fit neatly into these categories, as many exhibit a spectrum of activity depending on the circumstances. In this video, clinical herbalist and Herbal Academy Assistant Director Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG), explores research into the immunomodulating and immune-stimulating properties of echinacea and astragalus, offering insight into why understanding these multifaced distinctions is so important when considering herbs for autoimmune conditions.

Inside the Intensive, you will find:

Session 1 | Understanding Autoimmunity

Explore how the immune system distinguishes self from non-self, what happens when immune tolerance breaks down, and how dysfunction leads to autoimmunity. You’ll learn which factors contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions and consider their prevalence and geographic distribution. You’ll examine dietary and lifestyle approaches, herbal immune modulation, and integration of these strategies alongside conventional treatment.

Session 2 | Common Autoimmune Conditions

You’ll dive into a clinical experience of autoimmunity and how to approach it from the holistic perspective of functional herbalism. You’ll examine many of the most commonly seen autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, with step-by-step strategies to approach them with the most relevant herbs, foods, and lifestyle considerations. Then, take what you’ve learned from theory to practice with two case studies.

Session 3 | Herbal Considerations and a Materia Medica for Autoimmunity

Discover 12 herbs through mini monographs with a focus on specific herbal actions as they apply to autoimmunity, as well as ideal preparation methods and dosing. You’ll delve into critical distinctions in understanding which autoimmune herbs are appropriate and when, including the foundations of immune physiology, immune modulation, adaptogens, and inflammation modulators.

Session 4 | Additional Resources

Explore a curated collection of trusted resources on autoimmunity, including scientific studies, conference lectures, cookbooks, and more, with an emphasis on integrative and herbal approaches. These resources offer further opportunities to deepen your understanding of this nuanced topic and continue learning about the impact herbs can have on autoimmunity.

SEE THE FULL LENGTH VIDEO  IN THE HERBARIUM!

The Holistic Support for Autoimmunity Intensive joins our extensive archive of intensives developed to provide holistic guidance and herbal support through all states of health and imbalance—it joins the Thyroid Health Intensive, the Herbal Support for Pregnancy Intensive, and An Ayurvedic Approach to Joint Pain—as trustworthy resources in The Herbarium. 

Would you like to learn more about what you can do to develop your understanding of autoimmunity? Get access to the Holistic Support for Autoimmunity Intensive today with quarterly or annual membership!!

The Herbarium is an ever-expanding, illuminating virtual collection of over 200 (and counting!) searchable herbal monographs, topic-specific intensives, masterclasses, and numerous articles, videos, ebooks, and helpful downloadable resources. Members also gain instant access to dozens of other intensives on popular topics, such as the Kitchen Herbalism Intensive,  Regenerative Herbalism Intensive, and Botanical Nootropics Intensive (and many, many more!). The Herbarium is crafted to help you learn and grow in your herbal journey!

Learn more and sign up for The Herbarium here.