Immune Health: A Holistic and Natural Approach

The Pacific Northwest is notorious for its long, wet winters.  The good news is that nature has provided several ways to maintain better health.  Taking an active role in your own health concerns takes little effort, and exploring the benefits of several herbs that naturally grow very well in the Northwest might just help in the prevention and recovery of wintertime ailments.

Top 10 Simple Solutions for Better Immune Health

The Immune System is a combination of body systems, organs and glands that work together to protect the body.  One-half of all the cells in our body play a part in supporting our immune system.  Our environment is full of microbes waiting for a chance to invade the body and make us feel less than optimum.

Building, supporting and strengthening the delicate balance between the immune system and neuroendocrine system is a very important step in achieving good health.

1. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep significantly reduces disease-fighting white blood cells.
2. Wash your hands frequently. Since most germs are transmitted through our hands to the mouth, nose and eyes it is best to have clean hands AND be mindful of touching your face.
3. Get fresh air, even in the cold. In the winter we spend too much time indoors in contact with other people's germs. It is good to open a window and get outside as much as possible.
4. Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Fresh produce, especially those that are colorful, boost antioxidant activity in the body, which promotes a strong immune system.
5. Reduce stress. The stress hormones that are created when we feel stress wreak havoc on the adrenal glands, and the entire body. These hormones suppress white blood cell production in the thymus gland. Try meditation, yoga, relaxation exercises and massage.
6. Eliminate, or reduce, coffee and processed sugar. Coffee puts us in a "hyper" state, dehydrates us and stimulates our adrenal glands. This can reduce our immune system function. Sugar, even in small quantities, lowers the activity of the immune system for several hours.
7. Stay hydrated. Water helps our kidneys and liver to flush toxins from our body. An excess of toxins is a burden to the body and reduces the immune system activity. Sufficient water helps keep the mucous membranes moist so that they can combat the germs they may encounter.
8. Eat citrus fruit. A great source of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids to boost your immune system.
9. Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise increases the numbers of all types of white blood cells and makes natural killer cells become more active and effective. It also circulates antibodies, flushes out toxins and reduces stress- all factors which improve immunity.
10. Be Happy.

Herbs that Support Immune Health

Oregon Grape

Since Oregon Grape (Mahonia sp.) is the state flower of Oregon, we thought it would be nice to spend a little time telling you about the Pacific Northwest's best kept secret.

As we have mentioned before, specific plants grow in the areas that people and animals live - not only to provide them with a food supply, but also to protect them from the stressors of living in such areas.  Oregon Grape is no exception.

This evergreen thrives here in the Great Northwest, and grows deep in the coniferous forest.  It likes shade and gets very little sun.  Growing close to the ground the conditions are very damp, where bacteria and fungus thrive.  The leaves are sharp and very bitter.  So, you would NOT find the deer eating them.  The bark is yellow to yellow-green, and the roots are almost orange.  Right under the bark, you will find a very yellow alkaloid, the primary bioactive agent of Oregon Grape, called berberine.  Berberine is the same alkaloid found in Goldenseal, which is what also gives Goldenseal its yellow color.  Berberine has been traditionally used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Oregon Grape also contains the alkaloids oxyacanthine and oxyberberine, which function similarly to berberine.  It has a long history of traditional use as a bitter, and it helps to flush out the liver by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and bile.  Oregon Grape is considered the Northwest's Goldenseal, having very similar qualities but at 25% the price.  And, since Goldenseal is an endangered species, Oregon Grape is a great choice, as it can be found in good supply in the wild.

More Information:

• Oregon Grape Vegetarian Capsules
• Oregon Grape Extract
• Oregon Grape root c/s

Astragalus

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root has been highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine, where it originates from. Fortunately this herb grows extremely well on our certified organic and Biodynamic® farm. For centuries, Astragalus has been recognized as a replenisher of "qi" (chi), or "vital energy." Renowned for its safe and gentle properties, this tonic herb is suitable for long-term use as an important aid in strengthening the natural defense system of the body. Because it is an extremely versatile and powerful immune enhancer, Astragalus is a good choice for every member of the family seeking to build and strengthen their immune system.

Here are a few others that you may want to try: Elderberry, Goldenseal, or Echinacea.

More Information:

• Organic Astragalus Vegetarian Capsules
• Organic Astragalus Reishi Vegetarian Capsules
• Organic Astragalus Extract 
• AF Astragalus root
• Organic Astragalus root c/s
• Organic Astragalus root powder

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Natural Immune Supporting Herbs

So this winter, rather than dread the grey and rain and resign yourself to feeling less than stellar, embrace all that there is to enjoy about this time of year. With a little herbal assistance, you can have an edge on illness, and have a better chance at staying healthy all winter.

 

 

*Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or health condition. It is also recommended that patients check with their doctors before taking herbs, to ensure that there are no contraindications with prescription medications.