Immune

Fever

A raised body temperature, usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. Get medical help for a fever in a baby, a very high fever, a fever that lasts more than a few days, or a fever with a stiff neck, confusion, a rash or trouble breathing.

Herbs can't replace vaccines or medical treatment for infections. Several herbs promoted as immune boosters have caused liver or kidney damage, and some affect medicines that suppress the immune system. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have an autoimmune disease or take regular medicines. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.

23 herbs

Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.

Ackee LeafBlighia sapida
Parts of the ackee plant are traditionally used for fever. This use hasn't been tested in people.
AkuammaPicralima nitida
The seeds are a traditional remedy for fever. Not tested in people.
Alstonia BooneiAlstonia boonei
Traditionally used for malaria fever. A bark extract lowered fever in mice; not tested in people.
Bee BalmMonarda didyma
Monarda plants, including bee balm, were traditionally used by Native American tribes for fever. Not studied for fever in people.
Bengal QuinceAegle marmelos
Traditional use only: the leaves, root and bark are used for fever. Not studied in people.
BhringarajEclipta prostrata
Traditional use only: used for fever in India. Not studied in people.
Big SagebrushArtemisia tridentata
A leaf tea was taken to cause sweating and break fevers. Not studied in people.
BonesetEupatorium perfoliatum
A traditional Native American and folk remedy for fever and flu. Not tested in trials.
Cranberry HibiscusHibiscus acetosella
Leaf and shoot drinks are a traditional fever remedy in Africa. Not studied in people.
Duppy GunRuellia tuberosa
Used in Southeast Asian folk medicine for fever. This use hasn't been tested in people.
EpazoteDysphania ambrosioides
Used as a tea for fever in Morocco. A child died after repeated strong doses given for fever.
GreenthreadThelesperma filifolium
Cota tea is a Hispanic folk remedy for fever in New Mexico. Not studied in people.
HoneysuckleLonicera japonica
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for fevers. Not tested for this in trials.
Indian Trumpet TreeOroxylum indicum
Used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for fever. Not tested in trials.
Jack in the BushChromolaena odorata
Traditionally used for fever in Africa and Asia. It lowered fever in animal studies.
Lion's EarLeonotis nepetifolia
Traditionally used for fever in Trinidad. This use hasn't been tested in people.
MarigoldTagetes erecta
Marigold flower tea is traditionally drunk for fever in Mexico, Guatemala and Rodrigues Island. Not studied in people.
Qiang Li Yin Qiao Jie Du WanLonicera japonica, Forsythia suspensa and other herbs
A related decoction shortened fever in people with mild H1N1 flu in an unblinded trial.
Reed RhizomePhragmites australis
A traditional Chinese remedy for fever. Not tested in trials.
Southern MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora
Traditional use only: a review of historical records says Native peoples used magnolias such as this one for fevers. Not studied in people.
SpearmintMentha spicata
A traditional remedy for fever. Not tested in trials.
Tiger FlowerTigridia pavonia
A Mexican folk remedy for fever. Not studied in people.
White WillowSalix alba
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for fever with a cold.