As the seasons change so do our bodies. Our bodies react to the changes in our environment. If we live in a moldy home, or if we are in a dusty, pollen filled area; our immune systems work over time to try to normalize our system. In the summer we receive more vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D increases immune function. We often drink more water, and get more exercise during the summer months; these actions increase our ability to heal faster. These activities invigorate our systems and increase circulation. As we move into fall and winter our bodies DNA reacts to the environmental change. Our body chemistry adjusts to the time period. Allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen cause reactions in the body. We always want of health to be to notch. During the fall and winter months we may be indoors more. The direct exposure to dust, mold, and other allergens may be taxing. Continue to drink a sufficient amount of water and get as much sun, and exercise as possible. These seasonal changes are normal. However over exposure to pathogens, and a poor diet contribute to a breakdown in the immune function. The good news is there are many immune building herbs that aid the body during these changing times. Herbs that will support our immune systems and give us the extra help we need to continue being healthy.
Eleven of the most immune boosting herbs are;
1. Astragulus- It is anti viral, a known immune builder used by the Asian population for centuries. It is used for treating cardiac arrhythmia, HIV infection, and pneumonia.
2. Echinacea- It reduces inflammations, improves skin problems, alleviates pain, it is used as a anti aging her, fights against colds and flu, used for bladder infection, fevers, breast feeding problems, blood poisoning, yeast infection, sinusitis, bacterial/viral infections, chronic fatigue, and athletes foot.
3. Elderberry- It builds up the immunity to colds, fights viruses, coughs, tonsillitis, fevers, good for asthma (when it is combined with mullein it works best to alleviate asthma or lung congestion), it is good to use for allergies, eye infections, and hay fever.
4. Olive leaf- It increases energy, anti viral, anti bacterial, reduces fevers, astringent, antiseptic, and dilates blood vessels.
5. Cat’s Claw- It stimulates the immune system by enhancing its ability to destroy pathogens.
6. Ginseng- Good for anemia, high blood pressure, internal bleeding, it contains vitamin A, E, and B12.
7. Ginger- It removes congestion, it is good for fevers, it has anti cancer properties, allergies, parasites, it is a germ killer, heart disease, warts, worms, infections, and it is high in potassium.
8. Oregano- Excellent for immune health, it contains vitamin E, calcium, Vitamin K, manganese, iron, and fiber. It is good for bone health; it destroys free radicals, and detoxifies the body. It is an antioxidant, and anti-bacterial.
9. Garlic- It kills germs, lowers high blood pressure, good for allergies, ear infections, cold congestion, to remove parasites, heart disease, fevers, arthritis, and toothaches.
10. Calendula- It is more popularly known as marigold. It is an anti inflammatory herb. Good for athletes foot, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, acne, and conjunctivitis. The Egyptians believed it had rejuvenating properties.
11. Turmeric- Last but not least turmeric, which contains curcumin. It is a strong herb used in many curries. It has a “Heal All” type of effect, it’s a tonic herb. It is also; Anti fungal, anti inflammatory, anti cancer, good for treating the following illnesses; diabetes, worms, headaches, swelling, gout, lice, pain- reliever, ulcers, it works to cure illnesses that require steroids such as lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are many herbs that should be added to the fall/winter diet. We need herbs that bring heat to the body, especially during cold weather. Here are a few to use as you need them;
1. Black pepper- antioxidant, antiseptic
2. Cardamom- expectorant
3. Cinnamon- digestive tonic
Lastly we also need a set regime that we can look back on as a base. It will enable us to center ourselves if we fall ill. Aa few valuable steps to follow are;
A good oxygen bases colon cleanse, drinking organic apple cider vinegar and water daily, eating lots of enzyme rich foods (LIVE FOOD), a few examples are; papaya, pineapple, avocado, bee pollen, grapes, wheat grass, fermented vegetable, buttermilk, and coconut water. Everything that has been mentioned has to be 100% organic. It makes no sense to eat foods that are genetically modified. They are full of poisons. This is the biggest contradiction of the century, trying to be healthy, while eating poison!
References;
2. www.nature.naturecommunications
3. www.immunedisorders.homestead.com
6. The Green Pharmacy By James A. Duke, Ph.D
7. Today’s Herbal Health, by Louise Tenney, M.H
