HERBS FOR IMMUNE RESILIENCE
I fell ill twice this month.
The first time, I rationalized it to my body adjusting to a new winter at a new altitude. New city new germs. Flu season was upon us and everyone was falling ill. I stayed in bed, mounted a healthy fever, took herbs and rested for a week . I took care and felt better, but I didn't do any sickness aftercare. After a week, I began to feel sick again. This time my body has much less energy for a fever, the virus descended into my lungs, and I could tell my mucous membranes were much more compromised.
As a herbalist I felt very silly for my behaviour. Although I rested and recovered, I underestimated the impact of my first virus on my immune system and did not consider immune recovery post-viral infection. Here is a little education on colds and flu, and some tips for recovering well during flu season.
PATHOGENS
COMMON COLD
The common cold is caused by the rhinovirus, a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, essentially your nose, mouth, sinuses and throat. There are over 100 causative organisms responsible, therefore it can be difficult to develop immunity to whatever cold is going around. As the cold infiltrates the tissues of the upper respiratory tract, the mucous membranes respond by increasing mucous production, often clear white fluid observed as nasal discharge. This is accompanied with symptoms of fever, which is meant to weaken the virus and flood the body with immune cells. Often the throat becomes sore as a result of post-nasal drip, where infected mucous descends into the throat and can impact the vocal cords and make it sore to swallow.
THE FLU
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are three groups of these viruses and they are mutating constantly, preventing long term immunity and immunization guarantees. Influenza can begin as an upper or lower respiratory tract infection and has systemic symptoms, with sudden onset of fever, fatigue, and aching pains as the virus travels throughout the body. The lungs become sore with viral load and an unproductive cough is common. Viral shedding can continue for weeks for immunocompromised people.
Complications for viral infections most commonly includes bacterial infections of the sinuses or lungs, as evidenced by yellow or green sputum.
ACUTE HERBS
As self-limiting infections, both the common cold and the flu will resolve on their own, given time, and excluding more dire complications. To aid the body in a robust offence, it is ideal to support a healthy fever and tissue repair.
To support the fever, drinking a tbsp of fire cider every few hours is a time tested remedy. This traditional vinegar based infusion can be delicious and support circulation, sweating and provide anti-bacterial defence. I like to include ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne, thyme and calendula flowers when I make batches of fire cider in anticipation of flu season.
For acute anti-viral support, a high quality and low sugar elderberry syrup and a salt and thyme gargle can go a long way to reduce viral shedding in your respiratory tracts. Supplementing with Vitamin C and Zinc can aid tissue repair and immune system function, and with these gentle herbs, you should be feeling better in no time.
LONG TERM IMMUNE RECOVERY
This is a reminder to myself and others that once we are over our initial infection, the work of recovery IS NOT DONE! In a weakened state, our bodies are prone to reinfection and subsequent reoccurring coughs and colds. Here are some herbs I am using to support my long term recovery.
5 Mushroom Blend
Medicinal mushrooms are my go to immune modulation herbs, and a 5 mushroom blend gives excellent diversity in medicinal actions and constituents. Mushrooms are incredible remedials for chronic viral infections. Containing beta-glucans and complex polysaccharides, mushrooms can revive a tired immune system and provide energy for exhausted digestive microbiomes. It is scientificaly proven that medicinal mushrooms stimulate immune activity, and taken for several weeks post-viral infection, these often delicious herbs can help the body regain energy and strength. My personal favorite Mushroom Blend is a hot chocolate mix, but you can always mix in cocoa and natural honey for a yummy treat for recovery!
Milk Thistle Capsules
Traditionally thought of as a liver supporting herb, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a valuable aid in increasing gluathione levels in the body, our workhorse antioxidant and essential aspect of a functioning immune system. Glutathione aggressively scavenges for free radical molecules, byproducts of inflammation and stess. By reducing the amount of inflammation in the body, the immune system is able to regulate and focus on rebuilding, rather then chasing damaged cells and viral metabolites through the body. Additionally, as a liver herb, Milk Thistle promotes the filtration of blood and clearing inflammation through the liver and out of the body. This strategy helps the body shake off the virus and regain digestive and immune health over time.
Holy Basil
Not one of our typical immune herbs, the beautiful Holy Basil (Ociumum sanctum) is an incredible aid to the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Brightening and uplifting, this herb helps to clear stagnant mucous from the lungs and sinuses, relieving tension headaches from the nasal obstruction of coughs and colds. As a warming and stimulating plant, Holy Basil stimulates the appetite and desire for life, activating the liver to clear viral metabolites from the blood stream and return the gut to regulation. As an adaptogen, this herb has been shown in double-blind studies to increase immune response and white blood cell response, reinvigorating the immune system for long term recovery.
As always, my herbal practice is open to book through my website. I hope you recover well from this and every flu season!
xoxoxox
carmie
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please exercise caution with herbs and work from within your skill set and experience. this is not medical advice. contact a registered herbalist or physician with questions on safe use of herbs. tysm!
