Creating sustained wellness: Strengthening the immune system

Garlic Bulbs

Creating sustained wellness means actively participating in your own self care. Honoring your body’s physiological and psychological needs with a holistic approach, by incorporating herbs, supplements, vitamins, minerals, and whole foods into your diet will enable you to view wellness as second nature rather than something to work hard to attain.

It isn’t always easy to change things for the better.  There is access to much temptation which can easily side-rail progress. Having a positive support system is extremely helpful. When that support system extends to family and friends who are experiencing their own changes in well-being through conscientious care taking, the road to wellness becomes a shared journey.

The level of societal stress is the root of many chronic ailments.  People work increasingly long hours, their children are busy each hour of every day with school and activities, vacations are cut shorter and shorter and people simply cannot catch a break.

A weakened immune system is what allows disease to enter into the body and when defenses are down it is much more difficult to fight even the most common cold. 

Immunity is often suppressed by inflammation. Inflammatory diseases are one of the main causes of illness in the Western world. Asthma, IBS, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Pain and Fatigue and Cancer are all caused by inflammation in the body to which the immune system reacts by attacking itself.

There has been incredible research within the last several years regarding the herb Turmeric, primarily used in Ayurvedic medicine. Indian curry recipes often call for Turmeric, recognizable by its vibrant orange hue. This delicate spice is scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used by athletic trainers to decrease swelling after a sports injury.

Among the most powerful herbs used to build up the immune system and its defense response are, Goldenseal, Astragalus, Echinacea, Garlic and Onion.

• Although Goldenseal has gone through a period of over harvesting in this country, due to its incredibly powerful immune-support properties we are seeing a comeback of this vital herb. This herb should be used with caution while pregnant, but it can be helpful in fighting infection and can act as a natural anti-biotic.

• The Chinese medicinal herb Astragalus made its appearance in the herbal marketplace quite some time ago, but only recently gained worldwide attention by its immune strengthening actions. This tonic herb is used to strengthen the entire body system and is wonderfully supportive to the digestive tract by helping the body assimilate nutrients.

• Echinacea is an anti-viral and tonifying root which has been profoundly used to aid in boosting the immune system during cold and flu season. With such results, the pharmaceutical community has even stood behind this well known herb. Echinacea can be taken all year round for increasing immune response.

• Garlic and Onion, each part of the same biological family of food herbs, may also be taken daily to support the body’s disease fighting abilities. Garlic and Onion are both anti-bacterial and anti-viral, support digestion, and build immunity.

In Western culture, where disease is typically viewed as something to fight, something outside of the self,  it is important to know that one can increase their fortitude nutritionally, and with herbs to strengthen and build their defenses. Rather than attack the problem, people can cultivate an environment of sustained health through the use of herbs and ally themselves with the resources available to them from the natural world.  In the end people build strength within themselves and are better able to protect themselves when they do get sick, creating an environment of sustained wellness all year long.