Immune support with herbs – autumn is just around the corner – here are 3 recipes

My own confusion — and what helped me find clarity

I’ll be honest: for a long time, my head was a mess.
Bosco is allergic (we don’t know exactly to what — most likely something environmental), and I spent ages researching and asking around how I could help him.

In one place I read: “You shouldn’t strengthen the immune system, because allergies are an overactive immune response.”
Somewhere else: “Just give an immune booster and don’t overthink it!”
Even vets often have different opinions.

So for a long time, I didn’t dare to “mess with it” — I didn’t give Bosco any immune support.

Then I started my canine herbalist training, and we kept coming back to the same conclusion:
With allergies, a holistic approach often matters — supporting detox pathways, digestion and immune balance.

Bosco hasn’t had medication for nearly a month (he used to take Apoquel) and touch wood — so far, no bumps.
He’s on a herbal protocol, and I can see changes with my own eyes: clearer eyes, calmer ears, no bumps, digestion improving, no bad breath, and more.

Holistic thinking is different

Before we get to the recipes, a quick note: holistic thinking focuses on root causes.

Here’s a simple example to keep in mind whenever you turn to herbs:

Medication can kill viruses/bacteria and suppress symptoms.
Herbs help create an internal environment where viruses and bacteria can’t settle and thrive.

Feel the difference?

I’m not against medication. Sometimes there is no other option, and I deeply respect vets — they do incredible work.
At the same time, I also believe many issues can be prevented.

Important: never dose herbs “mindlessly”

Herbs should never be given without care or in unlimited amounts. More is not better.
If your dog is unwell, they won’t recover faster just because you increase the herbal dose. In fact, some herbs can have different effects at higher-than-recommended amounts.

So please always follow dosing guidelines precisely.

Why support immunity in autumn?

Because the immune system protects us — and our dogs — from viruses and bacteria, and also helps defend the body against harmful substances, inflammation and more.

Now let’s get to the recipes! 🌿🐾

1) Immune & lymph-support herbal “bomb”

Ingredients

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• Sweet violet leaf (Viola odorata)

Preparation

Add 1 tbsp echinacea, 1 tbsp calendula and 1 tbsp violet leaf to a jar.
Bring 250 ml of water to a boil, then let it sit for 2 minutes after boiling. Pour it into the jar.

Place a piece of silicone-free baking paper under the lid (to prevent unwanted substances from the lid leaching into the infusion), then close the jar and let it steep for 20 minutes.
Strain.

Stored in the fridge, it keeps for 3–4 days.

Dosage

2 teaspoons per 5 kg body weight, added to the food.

2) Immune-support & detox mix

Ingredients

• Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Preparation

Add 1 tbsp burdock root and 1 tbsp astragalus to a jar.
Bring 250 ml of water to a boil, then let it sit for 2 minutes after boiling. Pour it into the jar.

Place a piece of silicone-free baking paper under the lid, close the jar and let it steep for 20 minutes.
Strain.

Stored in the fridge, it keeps for 3–4 days.

Dosage

2 teaspoons per 5 kg body weight, added to the food.

3) Immune & gut-support herbal “bomb”

Ingredients

• Rosehip powder
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Preparation

Mix 60 g rosehip powder, 60 g echinacea and 60 g chamomile.
Store in glass or paper — avoid plastic containers.

Dosage

• Medium-sized dogs (12–25 kg): ½ tbsp twice daily
• Small dogs: half the amount
• Large & giant dogs: double the amount

A quick tip when buying herbs

Please try to avoid herbs sold in plastic bags. Plastic isn’t just bad for the environment — it can also reduce herb quality and potency. If you buy herbs packaged in plastic, the recipe may not work as well as it should.

Have a healthy day!
Magyari Detti
canine herbalist