seeds for the mind :: body :: spirit

Immune Boosting Herbs

Nature’s pharmacy is abundant and the therapeutic use of herbs has been used widely for centuries.  When consumed correctly, there are many herbs that can assist in healing the body. Herbology spans the world and dates back to prehistoric times.  Sources state that only about 15 percent of the estimated plant species on earth have been explored for medicinal use.  Up until the early 1900’s herbs were widely used in the US and the pharmaceutical industry was originally based on these natural ingredients.

My own interest in natural health and healing led me to work in an organic market learning about and specializing in vitamins, herbs, minerals, food supplements and natural body products.  I believe the renewed interest in drug-free remedies may be in response to the growing concern of ingesting synthetic drugs and their possible side effects.  This information is shared for those that may be interested in exploring natural alternatives to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual health.

Top 5 Immune Boosting Herbs
Immune stimulating herbs are a helpful defense during cold and flu season.  In addition to a healthy diet, these herbs aid the immune system in fending off viruses and lowering the risk of colds.  There are several additional herbs that strengthen immunity, while our list addresses overall immune system health.

Astragalus:  This Chinese herb contains certain potent anti-viral properties and helps boost white blood cell fighting properties.  It is used in cases of wasting illness and to improve the vitality of a person during and after a debilitating illness.

Echinacea: Echinacea increases the levels of a chemical in the body which activates part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defense mechanisms against bacteria and viruses.  It may be used to treat respiratory infections and reduces the frequency and duration of colds.

Elderberry:  Used topically for infections, inflammations and swelling and as a wash for skin healing and complexion purification. As a tea to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory distress.

Garlic:  Offers numerous beneficial properties including blood cleansing, maintaining healthy bacteria in the gut, acting as an antibiotic and boosts the immune system. It has also been shown to help blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. Garlic also acts as an antioxidant and is an excellent antiseptic and lowers blood cholesterol.  Raw cloves of garlic are the best form or try "Aged Garlic Extract."

Ginseng:  One of the most popular healing herbs used today throughout the world, this herb increases mental and physical efficiency and resistance to stress and disease. Due to its substance that helps the body to adapt to stress, these qualities help balance the body. It is known to normalize blood pressure, increase blood circulation and aid in the prevention of heart disease.

Please note that this article is in no way intended to diagnosis any sort of illness and choosing natural remedies is a personal choice.  Consult your physician to discuss any possible interactions with prescribed medications.

Resources
An herbalist is an individual that practices botanical medicine which is founded on the use of plants and their extracts to treat numerous ailments and symptoms to aid in the healing of disease.  To find an herbalist in your area based on your zip code, visit medfinds:  http://www.medfinds.com/provider_finder.html

Phyllis Balch, CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition.  A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements.  Avery, 2006.

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Living in Gratitude

As you experience the ebb and flow of life, moving through changes and unexpected challenges, thinking about what is working well will attract more of the same.  You may be familiar with the idea that what we focus our attention on naturally expands.  When you simply notice all that you appreciate and brings you joy, this practice consciously shifts your thoughts away from what may be lacking.  One of the remarkable aspects of actively experiencing gratitude is that it is not possible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and focus on a negative emotion like fear or resentment at the same time. Being thankful enables you to recognize all that is going right while illuminating the path to personal fulfillment.

Benefits of Embracing Joy

Realizing the Fullness of Life:  Begin by visualizing that your feelings of gratitude are like a magnet that is drawing all that you seek towards you.  Spaces that may have felt empty will begin to fade away and be filled with a sense of optimism.   A positive perspective has the ability to accelerate the sensations of comfort and clarity.  When we actively express our appreciation inwardly and to others, we instantaneously begin to feel an enhanced state of happiness and relaxation.  It is also believed that daily gratitude exercises result in higher levels of alertness, confidence, enthusiasm, resolve and energy.

Enhanced Healing:  Studies have shown that an appreciative attitude inundates your body with immune-boosting endorphins and improves overall health. Beneficial physiological changes take place in your body when you focus on feelings of thankfulness for at least 30 seconds causing levels of the stress hormones called Cortisol and Norepinephrine to decrease.  These feelings also produce a flood of favorable metabolic changes. Evidence has shown coronary arteries will relax resulting in an increased blood supply to your heart.  In addition, the oxygen levels of your tissues are elevated when your breathing becomes deeper.  Rhythmic breathing enlarges the diaphragm muscle, expanding the lung’s air pockets, invoking a relaxation response while massaging the lymphatic system.

Immediate Sense of Well-Being:  Research on the subject of gratitude suggests that feelings of thankfulness have significant value in helping people handling daily problems, especially stress and feelings of anxiety.  Studies from Universities in both California and Miami found that participants that were experiencing depression had tremendous improvements in their mood and sense of well-being when they kept a “Gratitude Journal.”  In some of the studies, participants that kept journals achieved greater emotional improvements than those that were prescribed anti-depressants.

Easy as 1, 2, 3

To exercise this theory of living in gratitude, consider these possibilities:

1. Gratitude or Joy Journal:  Create a notebook to record joys by writing down 3 to 5 things that you genuinely appreciated about your day.  You might wish to write in your journal in the evening to review all the day’s events in your mind.  Your notes may include acts of courtesy; like a person that held the elevator for you, your state of good health, a hug from a loved one, or the vivid colors of autumn.  As you write, be mindful of your emotions.  Focus on each entry and how it makes you feel for at least 30 seconds.  Are you smiling when you close your journal?
2. Anonymous and Random Acts of Kindness:  Never underestimate the impact of a single act of kindness.  Any act of altruism has the ability to illicit feelings of euphoria and inner contentment for both the giver and the receiver.  Do one small act of kindness each week.  For example, put a few coins in a someone else’s parking meter, participate in neighborhood or park cleanups, or offer to share your umbrella with someone who doesn't have one.  Have fun and tap into your creativity!  Benevolence is contagious.
3. Thank You Notes:  Actively write notes of appreciation at least once a week.  This can be done with a greeting card, a handwritten letter that you send in the mail or via e-mail.  Be specific when describing what you appreciated about that person and their actions in the given situation.  When busy with the day-to-day, we often feel internally grateful towards others, but it is most satisfying when thoughtfully expressed. 

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© 2009 Anita Flower :: healing arts