Why do we get sick in the fall? Studies show that times of seasonal change are those with the highest spikes in infectious diseases, including upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (1-3). Modern medicine attributes the seasonal spike in upper respiratory illnesses to the increase in time spent indoors.

The theory is that when the weather is cold, people are more likely to spend time in closed areas where they can spread infections to each other more easily.

While there is some truth to this theory, there is much more to the problem than time spent indoors (3). There appears to be a direct correlation between flu season and the lack of exposure to the sun which is a reminder of how important Vitamin D is for our everyday life and immunity (4). Thus, the best way to support a strong immune system is to ensure maintaining overall health and wellness and provide the body with its needs. A healthy lifestyle is, perhaps, the best way to ensure continuous immune support.

Immune health is a branch of health that gives us resistance to infections and diseases. Immune health can be innate, meaning that an individual is born with it, or adaptive, meaning that it is acquired through exposure to disease-causing agents. (5)

Innate immunity also includes physical barriers and probiotics. Physical barriers such as the skin or mucous membranes, prevent pathogens from entering the body. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help to fight off infection. Together, these defences help to keep the body healthy and free from disease. (6)

An immune system is a place of great complexity and high synchronicity. It thrives on the multidimensional approach, meaning that it functions optimally by utilizing many overlapping defences for the same purpose. Such overlap prevents invaders from falling through the cracks.

Another reason for the overlap is that the immune system is designed with safety in mind. Immunity is made to maintain the moderate activity of all defences to be conducive to life.

Having one over-functioning defence can be highly destructive to the body if it goes out of hand and becomes too keen on breaking down both body tissues and predators. Thus, a healthy immune system is always watchful and sharp yet, never overzealous with its efforts to protect the body. (7)

Immune-supportive herbal remedies are those taken to improve the overall function of the immune system. They can either be immunostimulants or immunomodulators.
These herbs work by indirectly supporting the health of the immune system through various mechanisms.

The most common mechanism is by increasing the production and/or activity of white blood cells. White blood cells are the soldiers of the immune system. They are responsible for identifying, neutralizing, and/or destroying pathogens that enter our bodies. (8)

Other mechanisms by which immune-supportive herbs work include reducing inflammation, modulating cytokine production, and stimulating detoxification processes.
It is important to specify that herbs with antibacterial properties may and may not be immune-supportive. The same rule applies to botanicals that possess antiviral properties. Nonetheless, antimicrobial herbs can have many positive effects when combined with other medicinal herbs that support healthy immune function.

Inflammation is a normal and necessary response to injury or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to various diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Immune-supportive herbs help to reduce chronic inflammation by modulating the activity of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are produced by white blood cells and play an important role in regulating inflammation. (9)

Cytokines are small proteins that play an important role in cell signalling. They help to regulate the immune system by controlling the activity of other cells such as white blood cells. Some cytokines can promote or inhibit inflammation.

Certain immune-supportive herbs have been shown to modulate cytokine production. This means that they can help to control the activity of the immune system by regulating the production of these important signalling molecules. (10)

Many of our organs including our skin, liver, and kidneys play an important role in detoxification. Detoxification is a process by which our bodies eliminate or neutralize toxins.

Exposure to toxins can occur through various sources such as the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the products we use on our skin. Toxins can also be produced internally as a result of metabolic processes. Some examples of toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.

Exposure to these toxins can lead to oxidative stress, which is a condition caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies. Free radicals are reactive molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation and disease. Antioxidants are molecules that help to neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage. (11)

Immune-supportive herbs help to stimulate detoxification processes by increasing the activity of certain enzymes involved in detoxification. This helps to remove toxins from our bodies and reduce oxidative stress.

Immune health is essential to overall wellness, and a variety of natural ingredients can help to support immunity. Echinacea is a popular herbal supplement that has been traditionally used to help fight off infections. Astragalus Root is another immune-supporting herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Elderberry is a rich source of antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce inflammation. Holy Basil is another herb with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Black Pepper contains a compound called piperine, which has been shown to boost Immune health. Finally, Ginger Root is a well-known remedy for nausea and vomiting, but it also has Immune-supporting benefits through anti-inflammatory pathways. These natural ingredients can all help to support Immune health and promote overall wellness.

Immune stimulation and immune modulation are two different approaches to Immune health. Immune stimulation is the process of activating the Immune system to fight infection or disease. Immune modulation is the process of regulating the Immune system to prevent overreaction and autoimmune disease. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks. Immune stimulation can be beneficial in the short term, as it can help the body to fight off infection more quickly. However, it can also lead to Immune system exhaustion, making the body more susceptible to future infections. Immune modulation, on the other hand, helps to keep the Immune system functioning properly over the long term, but it may not be as effective in fighting off immediate infections. Ultimately, the best approach for Immune health depends on the individual's needs and medical history.

For example, echinacea contains compounds that can boost the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off bacteria and viruses. Long-term use of the herb is discouraged as it may overstimulate immunity.

Astragalus root is an immunostimulant, meaning it helps to Stimulate the Immune System by stimulating the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Astragalus should be used with caution, especially for those with an over-active immune system.

Black Seed is a Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern botanical that is used both for culinary purposes and for medicinal purposes. In ancient times, the health benefits attributed to black seed oil were too many to count. Due to its many health benefits, black seed oil was used as a health tonic on a daily basis.

A quick search for scientific evidence demonstrating the health tonifying properties of Black Seed reveals properties that are almost too hard to believe. Verified with lab studies, in silico (computer model) trials, animal studies and clinical trials, the following are a few of Black seed's effects on the body:

• Tonify white blood cell count
• Tonify neutrophils
• Tonify cell-mediated immunity
• Improves pulmonary function tests
• Decreases allergic markers
• Inhibits histamine release from mast cells
• Improves allergy symptoms
• Exhibits anti-microbial and anti-viral properties
• Improves immune function as an anti-oxidant (12,13)

Black seed oil can have an effect that is trackable with a blood test known as The Complete Blood Count (CBC). Ask your doctor if it is appropriate for your case to have a CBC ordered prior to and after Black seed oil use. Other markers to track include inflammatory markers like ESR, CRP, and RF. As a powerful antioxidant, black seed oil may also have healthy effects on the lipid profile.

Do not forget that Black seed oil has platelet lubricating, vasodilating, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. All of those effects make Black seed excellent as the anti-oxidant of choice in times of immune stress. (9, 14-16)

Ask your naturopath about using Black seed as soon as you feel any symptoms of cold and flu. It is advised to utilize aromatic essential oils several times a day for best results. Remember that moving the Black seed oil around in your throat may help it effectively combat sore throat and cough.

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