Natural Medicines for Immune Support: An Evidence-Based Approach
Course Overview
The human immune system is a complex network composed of organs and trillions of cells that work together to defend the body against infection, injury, and disease. As public interest in natural immune support continues to rise, healthcare providers require evidence-based information on the immune effects of popular herbs and supplements.
This course will provide an evidence-based review of several commonly used natural supplements for immune health, including vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, elderberry, and turmeric. We will explore their proposed mechanisms of action in supporting immune function, summarize current clinical research, discuss potential risks and side effects, and consider practical tips for patient counseling.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the main components of the immune system and how they protect the body against infection and disease.
- Evaluate the clinical evidence for natural medicines commonly used for immune support, including vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, elderberry, and turmeric.
- Compare dosing information for key immune-supporting supplements across different patient populations.
- Identify common adverse effects associated with natural immune support supplements.
- Discuss potential interactions between natural immune support remedies and conventional medications, supplements, or medical conditions, and provide appropriate counseling to patients on management strategies.
About the Author/Presenter
Natalie Yates, PharmD, Assistant Clinical Editor at TRC Healthcare for NatMed, specializes in Natural Medicines. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco. Before joining TRC in 2023, Natalie worked as a freelance medical writer and served as a clinical pharmacist at Marin Community Clinic and Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, focusing on medication management and the safe use of complementary and alternative medicines. Her professional interests include natural medicine research, preventative medicine, patient education, and mycology. Natalie is dedicated to helping integrate natural medicines with conventional treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
