10 of the Most Effective Chinese Herbs for Immune Support This Winter

10 of the Most Effective Chinese Herbs for Immune Support This Winter

Winter is the season when our immune systems face the most pressure. Between cold weather, indoor gatherings, and seasonal stress, the body’s natural defenses are constantly challenged. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of using herbs to support wellness and resilience during these colder months.

winter tea

Every winter, families across China simmer pots of Astragalus and Codonopsis alongside warming broths. These traditions weren’t about chasing trends — they were about building resilience, protecting energy (“Qi”), and preparing for months of wind, cold, and fatigue. Today, modern research on herbs like Astragalus, Reishi, and Cordyceps confirms what healers have known for centuries: these plants help support balance, energy, and the body’s natural defenses.

Here we’ll explore 10 of the most trusted Chinese herbs for immune support, how they are viewed in TCM, and simple ways to use them this season.

1. Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)

  • Why it’s used: One of the most famous immune-support herbs in TCM.

  • TCM perspective: Strengthens Qi, reinforces the Lung and Spleen, and is said to protect the “wei qi” (defensive energy).

  • How to use: Simmered in soup, tea, or added to long decoctions.

2. Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi)

  • Why it’s used: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” valued for resilience and vitality.

  • TCM perspective: Calms the Spirit, nourishes Qi, and supports balance in the body.

  • How to use: Brewed as tea, taken as capsules, or used as a concentrated extract powder.

3. Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi)

  • Why it’s used: A famous five-flavor berry used to harmonize and strengthen the body.

  • TCM perspective: Astringes Lung Qi, supports Kidney essence, and is said to help conserve energy.

  • How to use: In teas, tinctures, or powdered blends.

4. Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

  • Why it’s used: A harmonizer that makes many formulas more balanced and gentle.

  • TCM perspective: Tonifies Qi, moistens the Lungs, and harmonizes other herbs in formulas.

  • How to use: Found in countless classical TCM formulas and often added to immune-support blends.

5. Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen)

  • Why it’s used: A classic herb valued during seasonal immune challenges.

  • TCM perspective: Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and supports throat and Lung health.

  • How to use: Commonly decocted or taken as granules or teapills.

6. Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua)

  • Why it’s used: A cooling, cleansing herb often used in seasonal support formulas.

  • TCM perspective: Clears “wind-heat” and supports the Lungs.

  • How to use: Brewed as tea or used in formulas such as Yin Qiao San.

7. Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu)

  • Why it’s used: Strengthens digestion and energy, which indirectly supports immunity.

  • TCM perspective: Tonifies the Spleen and supports the body’s protective Qi.

  • How to use: Decoction, powder, or capsule form.

8. Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

  • Why it’s used: A rare and valuable herb traditionally given for stamina and resilience.

  • TCM perspective: Strengthens both Lung and Kidney function.

  • How to use: Powder, capsules, or infused teas.

9. Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao)

  • Why it’s used: Often paired with honeysuckle for seasonal support.

  • TCM perspective: Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and disperses external wind.

  • How to use: Decoctions, powders, or formulas like Yin Qiao San.

10. Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root)

  • Why it’s used: Sometimes called the “poor man’s ginseng,” valued as a Qi tonic.

  • TCM perspective: Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi, supports energy, and is often used in immune formulas as a gentler alternative to ginseng.

  • How to use: Decoctions, soups, or concentrated powders.

Quick Facts: 10 Chinese Herbs for Immune Support

  • Best time to start: Before and during winter season

  • Main benefits: Support Qi, balance energy, and reinforce the body’s natural defenses

  • Herbs included: Astragalus, Reishi, Schisandra, Licorice, Isatis, Honeysuckle, Atractylodes, Cordyceps, Forsythia, Codonopsis

  • Forms available: Bulk herbs, teapills, extracts, powders

  • Backed by: Centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine + modern PubMed studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take Astragalus daily in winter?
Yes, Astragalus is traditionally used long-term as a Qi tonic during winter.

Q: What’s the difference between Codonopsis and Ginseng?
Codonopsis is a gentler, more affordable Qi tonic often substituted for ginseng.

Q: Which herbs are best for the first signs of seasonal challenges?
Honeysuckle, Forsythia, and Isatis are classic first-response herbs in TCM.

Q: Are teapills as effective as bulk herbs?
Both are widely used. Decoctions are stronger, while teapills are more convenient.

Folklore & History Callouts

  • Astragalus (Huang Qi): First recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Han dynasty), praised for strengthening “wei qi” (defensive energy).

  • Reishi (Ling Zhi): Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” painted on ancient scrolls as a symbol of longevity and peace.

  • Codonopsis (Dang Shen): Sometimes called “the people’s ginseng” — a gentler tonic used by rural families to replace expensive ginseng root.

  • Forsythia (Lian Qiao) & Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua): Famously paired in the classic TCM formula Yin Qiao San, used during the very first signs of seasonal imbalance.

Immune Support Chart: 10 Chinese Herbs for Winter Cold & Flu Season

Herb When to Use How to Use Why It’s Traditionally Used in TCM
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) Best used before cold/flu season or for long-term daily support Add slices to soup, simmer in decoction, or use powder/capsules Strengthens Qi, reinforces Lung & Spleen, supports the body’s “defensive Qi”
Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi) Ongoing daily use to support resilience and balance Brewed as tea, taken as extract powder or capsules Nourishes Qi, calms the Spirit, promotes overall wellness
Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi) Throughout winter, especially if feeling run down Teas, tinctures, or powders Astringes Lung Qi, conserves energy (Jing), harmonizes body systems
Licorice Root (Gan Cao) Anytime during the season, often as part of a formula Brewed in teas or taken in formulas Tonifies Qi, moistens Lungs, harmonizes herbs within formulas
Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen) At the first signs of seasonal challenges (scratchy throat, exposure) Decoction, granules, or teapills Clears heat, supports throat and Lungs, resolves “toxin” in TCM
Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua) At the onset of cold/flu exposure Brewed as tea or taken in formulas (e.g., Yin Qiao San) Clears wind-heat, supports Lungs, helps seasonal imbalances
Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu) For ongoing digestive and energy support in winter Decoction, capsules, or powders Strengthens Spleen Qi, helps reinforce protective Qi
Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) During cold season if energy feels weak or depleted Powder, capsule, or infused tea Supports Lung and Kidney function, boosts stamina and resilience
Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao) At the very first signs of “wind-heat” in TCM (seasonal onset) Decoction, powders, or formulas like Yin Qiao San Clears heat, resolves toxicity, disperses external pathogens
Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) Daily support or recovery after illness Simmer in soups, decoction, or powdered extract Tonifies Spleen & Lung Qi, gentle Qi tonic for immune support

How to Use These Herbs Wisely

  • Daily tonics like astragalus, reishi, and codonopsis are often taken long-term.

  • Seasonal support herbs like honeysuckle, forsythia, and isatis are generally used at the first signs of seasonal challenges.

  • Balance is key: TCM emphasizes matching herbs to your individual constitution.

  • Source matters: Always choose herbs that are lab-tested for purity and authenticity.

  • How to Combine Herbs Safely (Traditional Pairings):

    • Daily Tonics: Astragalus + Codonopsis + Atractylodes = Gentle daily Qi and energy support

    • Seasonal First Response: Honeysuckle + Forsythia + Isatis = Short-term use at onset of seasonal challenges

    • Resilience Blend: Reishi + Schisandra + Cordyceps = Nourishes stamina and supports balance

Final Thoughts

Chinese herbal tradition offers powerful tools for supporting your immune system through the winter months. From Qi tonics like astragalus and codonopsis to seasonal defenders like honeysuckle and forsythia, these herbs reflect centuries of wisdom in helping the body stay resilient.

Adding these herbs into your winter wellness routine—whether through teas, decoctions, or trusted TCM formulas—can help you feel more balanced and supported this season.

Forms Available at 1st Chinese Herbs:

  • Bulk raw herbs (for decoctions and soups)

  • Concentrated powders (easy to mix into teas or smoothies)

  • Teapills (classical formulas like Yin Qiao San)

  • Capsules & extracts (for convenience and consistency)

Trust & Quality Assurance

Author: Written by Sarah Aries, M.S., Holistic Herbalist 

Our Commitment: All herbs at 1st Chinese Herbs are sourced from GMP-certified facilities and lab-tested for purity, identity, and safety.

(Note: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before adding new herbs to your routine.)

References:

Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi)

  • Studies show Schisandra chinensis constituents influence cytokine release in immune cells PubMed+5PMC+5PubMed+5.

  • Polysaccharides from Schisandra enhanced lymphocyte, humoral, and non-specific immune functions in animal models PubMed.

Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

  • Licorice and glycyrrhizin show immunomodulatory, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant activity across studies PMC+15PMC+15PMC+15.

  • Polysaccharides from licorice enhanced immune organ indices and activated CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cells in mouse models PubMed.

Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen)

Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua)

  • Honeysuckle exhibits anti‑inflammatory and immune‑regulating properties, reviewed for IBD treatment potential PubMed+3PubMed+3PubMed+3.

  • Fermented honeysuckle improved immune markers in functional food applications PubMed+1.

  • In geese, honeysuckle extract enhanced immune performance and gut health PMC+15PMC+15PubMed+15.

  • More recent research suggests honeysuckle extracts may help inhibit SARS‑CoV‑2 in vitro PMC+3PubMed+3PMC+3.

Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao)

  • Forsythia is a traditional component in colds/flu formulations with long history in Kampo medicine PMC.

  • Fruit extracts demonstrated anti-allergic effects in animal dermatitis models PubMed.

  • Extracts rich in forsythiaside inhibited mast‑cell degranulation, suggesting modulation of immune responses PMC+2PMC+2.

  • Recent studies report anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral benefits PMC+1.

Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu)

  • Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides (PAMK) showed immune‑enhancing effects in poultry models PubMed+9PubMed+9PubMed+9.

  • PAMK modulated immune responses via TLR4 signaling pathways in mammals and poultry PubMed.

  • Ultrafine powder preparations enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and immune cell balance PMC+15PMC+15PubMed+15.

Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)

  • Codonopsis polysaccharides demonstrated immunomodulatory activity, including balancing T-cell subsets in mice PMC+6PubMed+6PMC+6.

  • Modified forms (selenized) promoted phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in immune cells PubMed.

  • Combined extracts with Astragalus improved immunity, antioxidant defense, and gut health in piglets PMC+2PMC+2.

  • Recent research (2025) shows promotion of gut health and immunity in livestock frontiersin.org.

Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

  • A human RCT found Cordyceps militaris beverage supported immune responses in healthy adults PMC+5PubMed+5nature.com+5.

  • Reviews highlight stimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of Cordyceps polysaccharides PubMed+2PubMed+2PMC+2PMC+2.

  • Animal and lab studies demonstrate enhanced macrophage, lymphocyte, and dendritic cell activity PubMed.

  • Additional evidence suggests broad immune‑supportive roles and systemic modulation ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Astragalus (Huang Qi)

  • A comprehensive review highlights the immunomodulatory effects of astragalus polysaccharides, showing promotion of macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes, and expression of cytokines and chemokines PubMed+6BioMed Central+6PubMed+6PubMed+2PubMed+2.

  • Another review underscores Astragalus membranaceus’s roles in immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory action, and antioxidant activity backed by both experimental and clinical studies Wikipedia+3PubMed+3PubMed+3.

  • A systematic animal and computational study demonstrated that Astragalus membranaceus enhances immune function via increased spleen and thymus indices, lymphocyte proliferation, and NK cell cytotoxicity Wikipedia+15PubMed+15PMC+15.

  • Historical biochemical research further shows Astragalus polysaccharides activate immune cells including macrophages and B cells through TLR4-mediated pathways PubMed.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, Ling Zhi)

  • A human clinical trial found that Reishi-derived β‑glucan supplementation significantly enhanced immune cell populations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, NK cells), improved CD4/CD8 ratio and increased serum IgA—without adverse effects PubMed+7PubMed+7PubMed+7.

  • An extensive review concludes that Reishi (Ganoderma) broadly modulates immune function in vivo and in vitro—promoting innate, humoral, and cellular immunity PubMed.

  • A mouse study showed Reishi extract increased splenocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, macrophage phagocytosis, and cytokines (IL‑6 and IFN‑γ) in BALB/c mice PubMed.