Is it too late to support immunity?

I was speaking with a friend that was suffering with a seasonal cold.

She told me about all the natural remedies she was using to relieve the cold and stop its progression, but she said, “It descended into my lungs. Every time I get a cold, it always goes into my lungs, and there it stays for weeks.”

That’s very telling about her condition.

Unfortunately, even though she was doing everything she could to treat the cold before it went deeper into her body, the best time to support her system would have been BEFORE she got the cold.

Treating her recurring chronic condition, would NOT begin at the onset of the sickness, it would begin when she was feeling well.

I’ll explain.

Every time she gets sick with a cold her lungs are negatively impacted. This shows us that there is a weakness and/or a deficiency in her body that needs her attention.

Healing her condition begins with strengthening her “Wei Qi” and lungs BEFORE the onset of the next sickness.

The Wei Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is similar to the way our Immune System protects us.

It is the body’s protective barrier; the defensive energy that acts as the body’s first line of defense against external pathogens, like viruses and bacteria, wind and cold.

If someone has a strong Wei Qi, they generally have a robust immune response and quick recovery from illness.

If someone has a weak Wei Qi (like my friend), they are more vulnerable to colds and flu that linger, they may fatigue more easily, and don’t have enough defense strength to stop the progression of an illness, or to heal quickly.

After she heals from this current lung infection, that would be the best time to deeply nourish her system with the foods and herbs that have been used for thousands of years to support the Wei Qi (immune system), spleen, and lungs. This would be true preventative medicine and would support her healing process.

If you struggle with poor immunity, slow recovery, and recurring illnesses, see below.

Top 3 Ways to Strengthen your Defenses Using Food and Herbs as Medicine:

#1: Eat Warm, Deeply Nourishing Foods

Raw or cold foods can weaken Spleen Qi and reduce energy production. Instead of beginning the day with cold cereal and milk, yogurt with berries, or a frozen protein smoothie, start the day with a warm breakfast like savory cooked oatmeal with breakfast sausages, or a creamy congee.

Congee prepared with the medicinal herb, Astragalus Root, is one of my favorite ways to strengthen immunity before the next illness settles in: Immune-Boosting Congee

 

#2 Add Warming Herbs and Spices to Your Recipes

If your body is feeling cold (internally) you’ll surely invite a “cold” into your system. It’s common knowledge that colds thrive in cold environments – and that includes inside your body.

Warm up your digestive system, and get your blood moving with ginger, garlic, scallions, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, turmeric, chili pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper.

Here’s a delicious Spiced Squash Soup to warm up your body deliciously: Cinnamon and Nutmeg Spiced Squash Soup

#3 Use Tonic Herbs to Support Energy

Most people think of using medicinal herbs only when they get sick, but tonic herbs are the everyday heroes that can be used regularly over a long periods of time to build energy, strengthen your internal systems, and rebalance your body.

“Tonic herbs and herbal formulas commonly include herbs that are gentle and nourishing. They feature many herbal adaptogens like licorice and schisandra. They also often include medicinal mushrooms like reishi and other plants that support a balanced immune response.”[1]

Common tonic plants to support immune and lung health include:

• Ginseng
• Ashwaghanda
• Astragalus Root
• Shizandra berries
• Reishi mushrooms
• Cordyceps
• Tulsi (Holy Basil)
• Nettles

Here’s one of my favorite Lung Support teas to sip on throughout cold and flu season to keep your lungs healthy and well. It contains Shizandra, Tulsi, and Mullein.

Don’t wait for the next illness before you start taking preventative medicine. Start now to give your body a better fighting chance to protect you and keep you healthy and well.

Want to learn more about natural healing?

Join me inside my Health is Wealth Community. We prepare you and your beautiful body (and mind) for all of the seasonal illness BEFORE they come knocking at your door.

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[1] https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/blogs/ppj/the-basics-herbal-tonics