When people talk about immunity, the terminology used is almost always one of warfare. Our immune system is fighting, reert the forces, overcomes disease.
Although these metaphors are useful in understanding certain aspects of our immunity, they give the impression that the only task of our immune system is one of defense. This perception hinders our ability to best support this essential part of ourselves. In fact, the role of our immunity is much more complex and more beautiful.
As herbalist David Hoffman describes it, immunity is: “A complex and beautiful dance of elements that flow back and forth between the human body and the rest of the world.” Immunity can then be seen less as a struggle, and more as a process of adaptation and harmony with the world around us.
This means that the colder seasons not just staying healthy about pulling out the Echinacea when a viral precursor is at the door of your body. It is about setting up a daily routine of herb and food union that will help your body adapt more efficiently to the qualities of the season. Here are a few thoughts about how to think about which allies you might want to choose.
Heat the body
If the weather is cold and stormy again, your body needs more support to stay warm. Herbs such as ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, angelica and cardamom improve digestive fire and heat the body from the core to the outside. Ginkgo, Gotu Kola and hawthorn improve blood circulation to the periphery and keep fingers and toes warm, and support a good circulation to the brain.
Gingko
Feed your carrots
Winter is a time for deep food, which offers nutrients dense food that build up vitality and protect against the dry and cold qualities of the environment. Foods and herbs that build up immunity, feed the endocrine function and moisten the body help us to maintain our vitality through these cold months. Eat a diet rich in colorful root vegetables, healthy fats, mushrooms, seaweeds and leafy vegetables. Record root -feeding adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Codonopsis, Eleuthero, Lothwood and Reishi.
Strengthen your exterior
Just as plants thicken their exteriurs and close vulnerable tissues to protect themselves in the cold months, we too can strengthen our barriers and make it harder for pathogens to hold. Vitamin C and flavanoid rich citrus fruits and berries such as elderberry, rose berries and lemon strengthen connective tissue and improve immune function. Lymph vessels such as Calendula, Echinacea and Burdock keep the lymphatic system in motion and clean up waste products more efficiently. Diaphoretics such as Elderflower, Tulsi and Yarrow Shunt Blood to the periphery and clear waste through the skin. Of course all these herbs also have anti-pathogenic properties!
Danielle Charles Davies has a BSC in herbal science of Bastyr University and also completed two years of clinical training in the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. She wrote for the guild of the American Herbalists and also served as a food columnist. Her reflections and recipes can be found on her blog, tea cup Chronicles.
Only for educational purposes. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease.
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