In our modern world the stance around staying healthy, as far as contracting illness from the environments we live in, has only become more polarized and pressing. As bacteria and viruses continue their constant pursuit to live in our tissues, many approaches have been developed to ward off the new bugs of each passing year. From the use of masks, to vaccinations, distancing, juicing, and even sleep there are several approaches when it comes to immunity. All of which was covered in our last herbal seminary, in July 2024. (Check for future classes!)
Put simply remaining healthy and not captive to a yearly bug has less to do with what we happen to come in contact with, and more to do with the state of our own body. An interesting metaphor to put this in context is what happens to stagnant water, of course, it will become infested with insects of all kinds. Although the mosquitoes and parasites have a close relationship with the stagnant water, they did not create it. We can think of our bodies in a similar way to this, the stagnant water representing a body primed for illness and the germs corresponding to the insects that thrive here. With this view, we can understand that germs are not necessarily the problem, but rather the issue stems from the balance within our body.
Young children for example get sick often, not because of a weak immune system, but rather because they have not yet had the opportunity for exposure. Several studies over the last century have concluded that illness in young children is an essential component of building a healthy immune system. Moreover, acute illnesses such as the yearly flu can be thought of as upkeep for the body. Providing much needed rest, and purging, is somewhat of an alliance made by the immune system. In the same way, a female’s monthly cycle is a cleansing and resting opportunity, sickness is in fact a natural part of existence. However, how we move through sickness gives us a great deal of information on our own bodies.
Just think about it, there's no avoiding potentially harmful pathogens, therefore the effort of sanitization is largely in vain. Not only are they all around us, but also within us. The same can be the same with microplastic, and chemical irritants, although they can be avoided to some extent the only true defense comes from building our system's ability to process and detoxify. The difference between someone who catches a seasonal cold, and someone who does not; is not always what they were exposed to, but the strength of their own immune system.
However, the immune system is not only integral in more acute illness but is also vitally important when it comes to the upkeep of our body’s cells. Allowing this part of our health to be compromised can lead to chronic illness, and autoimmunity that can be much harder to deal with than the seasonal flu. This is because rather than fighting an invader in this situation our body has become its own worst enemy. Luckily our bodies have a remarkable healing potential, and almost limitless capacity to recover when the proper tools are provided.
In our Herbal Seminary, we were able to experience some of most highly valued and well known immune tonics, and modulators. Herbs that can stimulate, and regulate the immune system make both cancer and autoimmunity far less likely. Both of these conditions stem from malfunctioning cellular processes. In these cases, immunostimulants like echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry, and prickly ash could do more harm than good. Rather, we want immunomodulatory herbs with the potential to balance the immune system. Herbs such as cats claw, reishi mushroom, and yarrow can bring homeostasis to the immune system.
Think about it in this way; Stimulating an immune system that is already not acting correctly can lead to more issues, so instead we want to help the body to establish balance. The question does remain, however, where did the disbalance come from? In this question, we can find our supporting herbs. If an allergen is related, then maybe an herb like nettle with antihistamine properties. If poor liver clearance is indicated then maybe an herb like milk thistle. But if the immune response may be the culprit maybe we choose supportive herbs with a cooling and soothing effect on the CNS such as Skullcap.
Although since our immune cells are not attached to any one organ system, calming the nervous system will lend itself to reminding an overactive immune response. For this reason, elevated stress hormones, as a result of the endocrine/nervous system connecting can lead to general febrile illness, as well as chronic autoimmunity. Yes, there is quite a complex interplay between the various systems within our body, it is almost impossible to talk about anyone without mentioning the others. Still, when it comes to the immune system the most closely related organ systems are the Lymphatic system and the respiratory system.
These are the first to become affected by sickness, both of these systems work as filters for the world around us. We mainly come in contact with pathogens through the air we breathe so that explains respiration. Yet whenever a germ is found in our vessel, it is the lymphatic system that first catches it and moves it out of the body through openings in our upper respiratory system. This is why swollen lymph nodes are a great indicator of illness in the body, and long term swollen lymph nodes are a serious concern.
Keeping a strong immune system therefore is not only about not getting sick, but also not needing to get sick. Which in other words means taking good care of the body, and even simulating sickness before the body forces it. As we discussed, immunity being intimately connected to general health, eating good vitamin-rich foods, having restful sleep, and even a healthy community life are all helpful medicines.
Our next Frontline Herbal Seminary will be diving into the hormonal network of the Endocrine System. This class will be a ride of the chemicals that give us the wide range of feelings we experience through life, and how we can support our bodies in this vital task.
Written by,
Akil-Kuumba Kelley
Frontline Farming Clinical Herbalist
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