Autumn is a time to return to our roots and reconnect with energy. It's a great time to take stock of our lives and health, slow down the frenetic activity that summer's solar energy provides, and nourish our bodies more deeply. Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine encourage us to adapt our diet and lifestyle to the changing seasons.
Herbal medicines are truly powerful allies in boosting immunity and preventing flu during this time of year. They can (and should) be your primary choice for health and healing, along with diet, rest, and a healthier lifestyle. Many plants have powerful antiviral and immune-boosting effects, with very safe and gentle effects on your body.
And what better way to do this than with autumn-focused medicinal herbs? Also including some immune-boosting roots and mushrooms that are truly autumnal. These fall plants can be included in your meals, in infusions, and as natural remedies.
Medicinal mushrooms :
Mushrooms themselves require antibacterial and antiviral compounds to survive in nature, so they naturally harbor many of these substances. They contain powerful constituents called beta-D-glucans, beta-glycosides, and other substances that have been determined in some studies to significantly stimulate our innate immune system. Some mushrooms are rich sources of selenium, magnesium, and zinc, which may play a direct or indirect role in their anti-influenza properties.
You should include more medicinal mushrooms in your diet and in your Herbal Medicine Kit at this time of year.
These are four mushrooms you should look for whenever you need to optimize immunity.
Shiitake mushrooms are a staple of Asian cuisine and are readily available in supermarkets. Whole shiitake mushrooms, as well as their purified fractions, have been shown to have antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as influenza (flu).
Shiitake mushrooms are especially tasty (not all medicinal mushrooms taste so delicious!). Other adaptogenic mushrooms include reishi, maitake, and cordyceps, which can be taken in powder, capsule, or tincture form.
By stimulating natural killer cells in the human immune system, as well as decreasing viral replication, certain mushrooms may be beneficial when you're fighting a cold or flu.
Another antiviral fungus is the woody and therefore inedible reishi mushroom. Reishi has been recognized as a medicinal "mushroom of immortality" for thousands of years.
It has the ability to fight many viruses, such as herpes, Epstein-Barr, and hepatitis. It has also been found to be effective in killing the influenza A virus, which causes many flu outbreaks throughout the season, including the highly virulent and dangerous H1N1 strain.
It can be taken as an extract in capsules, tincture or powder.
Maitake
In a Japanese study, maitake mushroom extract significantly inhibited influenza A virus replication and stimulated the production of antiviral cytokines such as TNF-alpha. Interestingly, maitake mushroom extract was even more powerful when combined with shiitake mushroom extract. Both shiitake and maitake are edible mushrooms that can be easily added to our diet, but they can also be found in tincture and capsule form.
Although the cordyceps mushroom is not technically a mushroom, but a parasitic fungus, it is considered a "cure-all" in many ancient cultures. Cordyceps are known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as improving fatigue and libido. The anti-influenza effect of cordyceps extract is believed to be driven by increased natural killer cell activity along with other virus-killing cytokines. Additionally, cordyceps has been shown to improve lung health by decreasing inflammation in chronic asthma and other lung diseases.
Echinacea
This natural medicinal plant is probably one of the best known among us all and one of the most widely used to prevent colds and flu. No wonder! It's been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds. Echinacea is a natural immunomodulator with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It contains polysaccharides that increase the body's production of white blood cells, which help fight infections.
It also has the function of blocking the release of inflammatory cytokines, which further perpetuate viral infections and slow down the body's healing process.
If you're one of those people who gets sick every flu season, take it in capsule form when fall arrives and you'll be surprised to find that you rarely get sick!
Echinacea is available in tincture or tablet form, making it very easy to obtain as a daily dose needed for your immunity.
Astragalus root
This root is an adaptogenic plant, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Known for its immunomodulatory properties, a capacity acquired through its complex polysaccharides, it is effective in fighting invading viruses and bacteria. Recent research confirms its ability to combat the influenza virus. You can find astragalus in capsules, tinctures, or powdered form to add to teas and smoothies.
Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, has protective properties that prevent the development of pneumonia and infections such as sinusitis. Two separate clinical trials have shown that garlic supplementation prevented and decreased the overall duration of colds and flu, as well as the severity of symptoms such as sore throats, headaches, and fever. Use fresh, organic garlic and add it to your recipes in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve the allicin. The best way to use it is to include two to three garlic cloves in your dishes every day—in soups or freshly squeezed into salad dressings (e.g., pesto and guacamole).
Elderberry contains quercetin, an antioxidant with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. These active compounds have a "moderate inhibitory effect" during the early stages and the potential ability to prevent a virus from entering the body and replicating, as well as boosting the immune response. It's a warming herb, loved by children and adults alike. It's best used as a syrup or tincture. Studies have shown that elderberry extract can significantly shorten the duration of the flu while also reducing the need for medication, compared to a placebo.
Ginger:
Ginger is a powerful antihistamine and decongestant that helps combat cold symptoms. It has antimicrobial effects. Research shows that ginger inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The root (rhizome) of the ginger plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years to warm the body, fight chills, and reduce digestive pain and discomfort, as well as colds. Organic ginger can be used fresh or powdered. Take a shot first thing in the morning, add it to smoothies or other recipes, or make a tea.
Follow the recipe
To make ginger tea, use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root and steep it in 2 cups of water preheated to 100°C, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain and add a lemon slice and a tablespoon of raw honey.
Make a Mix!
Do you take the same medicinal herbs year-round? It may be time to change your routine and shift your daily choices according to the seasons. This fall, load up on nourishing roots and immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms for a change of pace, less medication use—and a healthier season.
We wish you health during the flu season.
