Finding Balance: Understanding TH1 and TH2 in Immune Health
Our immune system is brilliant at keeping us alive and protected, but like all things in the body, it requires balance. One area that often gets overlooked is the relationship between TH1 and TH2 cells—two different “arms” of the immune system that need to stay in harmony.
What Are TH1 and TH2?
TH1 cells: Protect against viruses and intracellular infections. They work through a more cell-mediated and inflammatory response.
TH2 cells: Focus on antibody production to fight parasites and allergens. They represent a more humoral (antibody-based) response.
When TH1 and TH2 are balanced, the body can respond appropriately to threats without tipping into excess inflammation or oversensitivity. But when this balance is off, it can affect how we respond to infections, allergies, inflammation, and even autoimmune conditions.
A Closer Look: Hashimoto’s Disease
One condition that highlights this imbalance is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid.
Symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, brain fog, and hormone imbalances.
People with Hashimoto’s are often TH1-dominant, meaning their immune system leans toward a stronger, more inflammatory, cell-mediated response.
This is where things get interesting. Many people assume that any immune-stimulating herb will “boost” immunity, but in TH1 dominance, certain herbs can actually make symptoms worse.
For example, one of our teachers with Hashimoto’s once took echinacea, a well-known immune-supporting herb. Instead of feeling better, she felt sick—because echinacea further stimulates TH1 activity. On the other hand, she finds green tea supportive, as it provides benefits without overstimulating TH1 pathways.
Potential Patterns of TH1 vs. TH2
Instead of a chart, let’s break it down in words:
TH1 dominance is associated with conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. People leaning in this direction may feel worse when using herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, lemon balm, cat’s claw, licorice root, or certain medicinal mushrooms like reishi and maitake.
TH2 dominance is often linked to allergic and antibody-driven conditions such as asthma, eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergies, ulcerative colitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In these cases, certain plant compounds and extracts—like green tea, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, quercetin, or curcumin (turmeric)—may overstimulate the system.
The Bigger Picture
Reminder: These lists are general guidelines, not absolutes. Not everyone with an autoimmune or allergic condition will fit neatly into TH1 or TH2 dominance. The immune system is complex, and we are each unique biological individuals.
The most important practice is to stay in tune with your body. Notice how you feel after trying certain foods, herbs, or supplements. What supports one person may not support another.
Closing Thought
Finding immune balance isn’t about taking more stimulants or forcing your body one way or another. It’s about listening inward and making choices that honor your body’s unique signals. When you do, you create space for healing, balance, and resilience.