3 Herbal Allies That Can Support Your Sleep & Immune Health

It's no secret that sleep and immunity go hand in hand. If you want to support your body's natural defenses, giving yourself proper rest and recovery1 is key. Every time we snooze, we help our T-cells, key players in the immune response, successfully fight off foreign invaders. On the other side of the equation, many things that we can do to support strong immunity—such as exercising and reducing stress—can also benefit our sleep.

Humans have been calling on elderberries for immune support for centuries. "Elderberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. These antioxidants work to keep the immune system strong and resilient. They are also believed to have antiviral properties," explains Seema Bonney, M.D., the founder and medical director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia. Rachelle Robinett, R.H., herbalist and founder of Supernatural, adds that elderflowers, which are safe to eat raw, have also long been used as a traditional herbal strategy.

Today, the berries are often turned into tinctures or syrups, while the flowers are popular in children's immune support remedies.

You'll also find elderberries incorporated into a number of sleep supplements thanks to their ability to support rest and recovery. Bonney notes that historically, Pagans also believed elderberries could even induce vivid dreams—the kind that tends to greet us when we're in deep sleep.

The lush smell of lavender is often associated with calm and relaxation. And compared to other essential oils used in aromatherapy, lavender has some pretty robust research behind it: One 2015 randomized controlled trial2 found that smelling lavender promoted sleep and reduced stress in a group of 60 people. Another found that when incorporated into a healthy sleep hygiene routine, lavender aromatherapy improved overall sleep quality3 based on Fitbit readings and sleep journals. And in a meta-analysis on 34 studies4 that looked into how various smells affect rest, lavender was shown to be the most effective at improving sleep quantity and quality.

Beyond its ability to promote sleep, lavender oil was also associated with enhanced immune function5 in one 2017 trial on pregnant women who received aromatherapy massages. Compared to a control group, those who lathered up with lavender had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and higher levels of IgA, an antibody blood protein, following their massages.

Lavender oil can also be taken orally in supplements, like mindbodygreen's calm+, which contains a trio of EU organic hemp oil, ashwagandha, and of course, lavender oil. This interacts with the nervous system in a neuroprotective way and is clinically shown to provide mood stabilizing and calming effects.*

Another herb with a long history, Bonney notes that chamomile can support muscle relaxation and sleep due to its calming effects. It's best known for helping to soothe the nervous system and ease the stress and anxiousness6 that tends to keep us up at night. Thanks to its antioxidants7, chamomile may also help support immunity and all-around health.

"Chamomile is calming, relaxing, and soothing," herbal educator Kami McBride previously told mbg. "[It] is one of the great teas to drink after dinner to help you unwind from the day."