The Back to school season has begun and with it comes the dreaded exposure to germs, and the resulting potential for a ‘case of the crud’. Luckily, our plant-based allies are there for us! They can be a great help in preparing our immune system.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent many cold seasons just treating the symptoms and hoping the season will ease up on you. However, you don’t just have to treat the symptoms: you can prepare your body and immune system by taking the right types of herbs.
The two types of herbs that are important when it comes to building and modulating the immune system are alternative herbs And deep immune activators. You may hear alternative herbs described as “blood cleansers.” Although these herbs do not actually help cleanse the blood, they may have been given that nickname because of their balancing and supportive nature in all parts of the body, including blood health.
Alternative herbs help support the body’s detoxification pathways, including the liver, kidneys, lymph and skin. Some alternative herbs stimulate digestion, others do so immunomodulatorsand some others work by promoting the function of the liver and kidneys1.
Alternative herbs are important in supporting a healthy immune system because they help the body work and function optimally. When the body’s natural detoxification pathways function properly, the body can respond to, clear, and remove pathogens more efficiently. Essentially, alternative herbs help your body do what your body does – but more effectively! Some of my favorite alternative herbs are cleavers, nettles, red clover, calendula and burdock.
Deep immune activators are the second must-have when building and preparing the immune system for back-to-school season. These herbs do not necessarily stimulate the immune system, but rather are deeply supportive and modulatory of the immune system, supporting optimal function. They reach deep into the immune system to promote its effectiveness and support a healthy response. Two of my favorite deep immune activators are Astragalus and reishi. Many medicinal mushrooms are deep immune activators, including shiitake! It is important to note that profound immune activating herbs are not always appropriate in an acute situation; they are best as tonic herbs used over time.
Start now with some deep immune activators and alternative herbs that can help prepare the body for when we go back to school. Consider these herbs your herbal violation!
References
Hofmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press; 2003.
Jade Sullivan began her journey in natural healing as a child. She dealt with multiple illnesses, which gave her the unique opportunity to gain insight into holistic healing through first-hand experience. Jade’s love for plants is in her blood; her mother comes from a family with a long history of farming. Throughout her life, Jade’s mother passed on that knowledge and helped her cultivate a deep connection with nature. In the spring of 2016, Jade began pursuing her certification in Herbal Medicine. Since graduating from school, she has continued to enroll in various programs to grow in holistic wellness. With her Herbalism certification, she landed a job at WishGarden Herbs in the Customer Service department. And in the fall of 2018, she began training for her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – to obtain her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist license. Through horticulture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine and emotional/spiritual healing, she hopes to have a positive impact on the world around her.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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