What is the immune system?

The immune system is a connected network of different organs and chemicals reactions that works in synergy to protect the integrity of the body against environmental agents like microbes (bacteria viruses) and chemicals. The first defense is skin, and lungs, digestive tract, and beyond that is a series of cascade-like reactions to protect the body and destroy foreign invaders. The immune response primarily engages the follow systems, while still impacting the entirely of the body …

-white blood cells

-antibodies and complement system of antibodies

-lymphatic system

-bone marrow

-thymus which

-spleen

-Intestines and gut microbiota  

Lymphocytes, cytokines, mast cells, histamines, B and T cells, natural killer ells, it’s literally a whole body coordination that must work in synergy. 

The efficacy of this immune response depends on the immune system’s recognition of self, and its response to non self.

A fever is an immune response, as rise in temperature kills microbes and triggers the body’s repair processes. Rashes are an immune response as is mucus forming in the lungs and sinuses during an infection. But sometimes that immune response can go haywire and turn overactive and end up attacking itself via processes of inflammation. In fact, many immune conditions relate to overactive responses such as allergic diseases like asthma and autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, treatments like chemotherapy and corticosteroid therapies can dampen the immune response as well as viruses such as HIV/AIDS which directly destroys various parts of the immune response.

How can plants impact immunity?

Plants and herbs and certain whole foods and their nutrient composite don’t directly attack threats, they ignite the body’s own ability to heal. This is a subtle but very profound distinction.It accounts for why plant medicine can take so long, sometimes months before noticing a shift in symptoms. It is a process of patience, but it can target the root of an issue and shift something deep in the body. 

What does antiviral plants even mean? 

Antiviral plants work differently than antiviral drugs. They don’t exactly attack viral cells, but they rather inhibit a viral cell's ability to latch on to a healthy hell, slowing down viral spread enough for the immune system to sweep in with all its troops and clear out the infection. 

Inflammation and immune response

Inflammation is not all bad, but rather a part of the body’s immune response. Inflammation is the way the body fights off foreign invaders. But too much inflammation, meaning an overactive immune response, can cause damage to the body itself. This is why when targeting immunity with plants, you must also target inflammation to help keep the immune response in check. Anti-inflammatory herbs aren’t directly dampening the immune response, but rather treating a symptom of it.

When targeting immunity, it is always best to use plants in synergy. Very often they target the same systems and have the same benefits, but incorporating plants that have antiviral properties, lower inflammation, boost immune function, support digestive, circulatory, lymphatic, liver and kidney health at once is the best way to support the body as a whole.

Immunity and Anti-inflammatory Tincture

Ingredients

1 liter apple cider vinegar (or high proof alcohol or edible vegetable glycerine)

Dried immune regulating/anti-inflammatory/Hormone-balancing plants and mushrooms:

Reishi mushroom

Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Tremella mushroom blend

Echinacea

Elderberries

Astralagus

Stinging Nettle

Mugwort

Skullcap

Aswhagandha

Fresh ginger, sliced

Fresh turmeric, sliced

Recipe

Add a small handful of each plant, along with the ginger and turmeric, to a large glass mason jar and cover entirely with apple cider vinegar.

Place the jar in a dark, cool place and let it infuse for one to two weeks to 2+ months (the longer the extraction, the stronger the potion). Agitate the jar every few days so the herbs are equally exposed to the liquid.

Separate the plant matter from the tincture liquid.

Take 1-2 tablespoons a day as prevention for cold/flu and up to six tablespoons a day while sick.

Can be stored up to 1 year.

Use the tincture as you would any vinegar: In salad dressings, vegetable purées, or add to fish or meat while cooking.