Why is convalescence important ? (and 5 plants to help)

Following a shock, injury or disease, we are tired, demineralised and our immune system is weakened. Convalescence is a crucial period of physical and mental rest required to recover from illness, surgery or an emotional trauma. Depending on the condition, this can take from several weeks to several months. Like most people, I’m impatient to return to my normal activities, however, if this period is not respected, recovery takes longer and there is an increased risk of relapse, secondary infection or chronic illness.

Nutritious food, clean water, fresh air, gentle exercise, sunlight and quality sleep are all essential during convalescence. Medicinal plants can also assist this process. Some plants have wound-healing properties, others can support a specific organ (for example, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) for the heart) or system (for example, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for the nervous system). Other plants act more globally by restrengthening the immune system. Here is a selection of five plants to assist you during convalescence :

1. Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Both the flowers and the berries of the Elder have immunostimulating properties. Elder reduces inflammation, is a powerful antioxidant and has a diuretic effect which means that it improves the elimination of toxins [1]. Extracts of Elder flowers and berries have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral actions. In addition, elder berries also regulate sugar and fat concentration in the blood and act as an anti-depressant [1]. Herbal teas, tinctures and supplements are medicinal forms of the plant. It is also used in recipes including jams, cakes, ice-creams and fermented drinks. For more information on identifying Elder in the wild, see the blog post « Elderflower champagne ».

2. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)

This plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medecine for over 2,000 years [2]. « Panax » comes from Greek and means « all-healing » [2]. Korean ginseng is classified in herbalism as an « adaptogen » meaning that it helps increase your body’s resistance to stress, restore balanced bodily functioning and is non-toxic in normal doses. Adaptogens support the immune system in a non-specific way and enhance overall adaptability and resiliance of organisms. Studies show that adaptogens can increase mental functioning, alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life during the convalescence period [3]. Ginseng can be taken in capsule or tablet form.

3. Astragalus (Astragalus membraneous)

Another plant with a long history of clinical application in Traditional Chinese Medecine is Astragalus, known as «Huang Qi » in Chinese. Astragalus root, which is harvested from 4-year old plants in the autumn, has an immuno-modulating action. Immunomodulaters work by increasing your immune response, for example by destroying cancerous cells, or by decreasing your immune response, for example, in the case of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease. One of the ways it can reach the overall goal of enhancing disease resistance is by regulating the actions of immune cells and messager cells (cytokines). The polysaccharides in Astragalus root have also been proven to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair and protect the liver [4]. In Traditional Chinese Medecine the root is used in the preparation of soups. In western herbalism, Astragalus is generally taken as a decoction or in capsule or powder form.

4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Not only does this plant have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress both of which contribute to fatigue. It is particularly useful in the case of respiratory infections. One of the simplest ways to take this herb is to add it to soups and stews or drink it as a tea. For more information on its preparation as a herbal tea, see the post « Thyme leaf infusion ».

5. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

The name « echinacea » comes from the Greek word « ekhinos » meaning hedgehog. This makes reference to the hard spiky seedhead of the mature flower. "Cone flower", "Snake root" and "Sampson root" feature among its common names. A perenial plant, native to North America, echinacea has used for centuries to relieve inflammation and enhance the immune system [6]. One of its actions is the promotion of phagocytes, these cells have the ability to ingest and destroy pathogens and foreign material [7]. It can be taken in tablet, capsule or tincture form.

Always check with your doctor before taking any of the above remedies, particularly if you are on other medication.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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[1] Młynarczyk K, & al. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018 Jan;40:377-390.

[2] Park HJ, & al. Ginseng in traditional herbal prescriptions. J Ginseng Res. 2012 Jul;36(3):225-41.

[3] Panossian A, Brendler T. The Role of Adaptogens in Prophylaxis and Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020 Sep 8;13(9):236.

[4] Zheng Y, & al. A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 24;11:349.

[5] Shashank M. & al. A Systematic Review on Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and Pharmacological aspects of Thymus vulgaris Linn., Heliyon, Vol. 7, Issue 5, 2021, e07054, ISSN 2405-8440

[6] Vieira SF, & al. On the Bioactivity of Echinacea purpurea Extracts to Modulate the Production of Inflammatory Mediators. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 6;23(21):13616.

[7] Roesler J, & al. Application of purified polysaccharides from cell cultures of the plant Echinacea purpurea to test subjects mediates activation of the phagocyte system. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1991;13(7):931-41.