The purpose of the immune system is to protect the body from disease causing organisms (pathogens) and foreign substances such as dust and chemicals (antigens). Pathogens include harmful viruses, parasites, some types of fungi and some types of bacteria. The immune system is not so much a system as many parts of the body working as a team to identify pathogens, devise a plan of attack and then communicate to other cells to destroy and remove. It works much like our own little military machine to prevent enemies from invading and if they do get past the first lines of defense “soldiers” are deployed to either remove or destroy them. With the combination of good nutrition (Lesson 1) and a healthy gut (Lesson 2), your immune system can work as it was designed to by our Creator.
First Lines of Defense
Skin
The first line of defense is the skin, which is a barrier between the outside world and our internal organs. It even produces certain chemicals that will kill pathogens as they come into contact it. Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer and other chemicals can destroy these protections so be mindful of what you put on your skin. You can purchase or make your own products that will only target harmful bacteria and leave your skin’s protections to do their job.
The first line of defense is the skin, which is a barrier between the outside world and our internal organs. It even produces certain chemicals that will kill pathogens as they come into contact it. Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer and other chemicals can destroy these protections so be mindful of what you put on your skin. You can purchase or make your own products that will only target harmful bacteria and leave your skin’s protections to do their job.
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Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and Throat
- Eyes produce tears which flush out and can even kill certain pathogens.
- The nose contains hair that captures dust and germs and then produces mucus which breaks down and removes the pathogens.
- Saliva in the mouth will break down and kill pathogens which are then carried into the stomach where even more acid mixes with them, killing what may have been left.
- Mucus is also produced in the mouth, throat, lungs, and digestive tract to serve the purpose of capturing, breaking down, destroying where possible and then carrying away pathogens from the body. For this purpose, you should not use cough or mucus suppressant drugs so your body can eliminate the mucus which happens through coughing, blowing it out the nose and even swallowing it.
If pathogens make it through the first two lines of defense the internal components of the immune system are ready to kick in . These include the lymphatic system, white blood cells and friendly flora residing in the gut.
Lymphatic System
This system filters and removes waste, dead cells, toxins and pathogens through vessels and glands all over the body. It also produces hormones that aid in immune function. The lymph vessels do not have a pump like the blood so movement is important to keep this system flowing and preventing clogs, which are swollen nodes.
- Tonsils & Adenoids - trap pathogens and make antibodies which bind to toxins, disables them and aids in their removal. This is why you may get a sore/swollen throat when you aren’t feeling well.
- Thymus - produce T-cells which are the “soldiers” that fight and destroy pathogens.
- Bone marrow – produces white blood cells which are the military force behind the immune system. They organize attacks, record invaders as an enemy for instant kill on future attacks, ingest and dispose of pathogens, produce antibodies which can bind to toxins or pathogens and then disables them.
- Spleen - acts as a large lymph node that filters the blood, removes pathogens, and stores half of the pathogen destroying white blood cells.
- Appendix - acts like the tonsils in trapping pathogens and producing antibodies.
Lymph Care
- Build a strong nutritional foundation (Lesson 1).
- Exercise regularly. Jumping jacks and yoga are good ones for lymph flow.
- Drink purified and distilled water to keep the “pipes” clean.
- Avoid toxins as much as possible (Lesson 10).
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Take deep breaths regularly.
Foods that promote lymph flow
Stimulate and cleanse the lymph system
A sluggish lymph system can manifest as the obvious swollen or sore lymph nodes but can also show signs in the body as arthritic conditions, skin issues, digestive disorders, frequent headaches, sinus infection, excess weight and chronic fatigue. In addition to following the above suggestions for lymph care there are herbs and other remedies that can help as well.
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- Angelica
- Cleavers/Sweet Woodruff
- Hyssop
- Oregon grape root
- Burdock root
- Dr. Christopher’s Glandular Formula Lymph
- Massage with Glandular oil or plain olive oil.
- Alternating hot and cold packs.
- Lemongrass essential oil (apply over areas of concern with a carrier oil).
- Tapping or massaging any of the above over the chest where the thymus is located can stimulate that gland to produce and send out the "soldier" cells. Thyme can also stimulate this gland.
Microbiome
As we discussed in Lesson 2 on gut health, the friendly flora that reside in our gut are an important part of our immune system. They act like a little Pac Man, gobbling up the pathogens as Pac Man does the ghosts in the video game. Refer to Lesson 2 for how to heal, build and strengthen your microbiome.
Immune Responses in the Body
“Symptoms” that show the immune system is working on healing a problem in the body include:
All these symptoms are actually the body working to kill or dispose of a toxin, virus or bacteria and bring about balance. It is the immune system in our body that heals – everything else we do with food, herbs and other remedies are an aid to the body healing itself. If you use drugs to suppress these symptoms you will put a halt to the immune system function.
- Scabs
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Excess mucus in sinus cavities and lungs which would trigger coughing and sneezing
- Stuffed or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsils and lymph glands
- Fever
- Aching bones and muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Etc.
All these symptoms are actually the body working to kill or dispose of a toxin, virus or bacteria and bring about balance. It is the immune system in our body that heals – everything else we do with food, herbs and other remedies are an aid to the body healing itself. If you use drugs to suppress these symptoms you will put a halt to the immune system function.
Individual Constitution
As mentioned in Lesson 1, each person is designed in a unique way and each of us have different lifestyles. All these factors determine how strong our immune system functions and how our body will react to pathogens.
Weakened Immunity:
Strengthened Immunity:
Weakened Immunity:
- Poor nutrition
- Inadequate sleep
- Unhealthy habits – addictive substances.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Stress and anxiety
- Negative thoughts and emotions, including fear and anger.
- Negative, hard and heavy music
Strengthened Immunity:
- Meditation and prayer.
- Positive thinking, gratitude, and love.
- Uplifting, relaxing music (classical, meditation, Enya esc, etc).
- Exercise – reduces stress and strengthens the body.
- Diet full of whole foods, lots of fruits, veggies and herbs.
- Healthy microbiome
“Our thoughts influence our character, shape our attitudes, determine our behaviors, affect our spirituality, and even influence the immune system.” A Better Way to Think by Norman Wright
Building and Strengthening the Immune System
- Follow the factors just mentioned for strengthened immunity.
- Incorporate cultured foods and/or probiotics into the diet.
- Avoid refined sugar, it does the opposite and depresses the immune system.
- Avoid refined and processed foods and fast food. (A good rule to follow is 80% whole foods and 20% other foods).
- Make sure the digestive system is functioning correctly (Lesson 6). Average bowel movement at least once a day, coming out easily.
- Foods: arugula, asparagus, kiwi, mangoes.
- Carotene foods strengthen and protect the thymus and enhance white blood cell function. Dark green, yellow and orange in color such as carrots, yams, orange squash, red peppers, dark green leafy vegetables.
- Blue fruits such as blueberry, huckleberry, and blackberries.
- Adaptogenic herbs enhance the ability to deal with emotional, physical, and environmental stress which strengthens the immune system. These are great tonic herbs to be taken on a daily basis and include; licorice root, medicinal mushrooms: shitake, reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, ashwagandha, astragalus, eleuthero, tulsi, tumeric or holy basil, rhodiola and schisandra.
These can be taken as daily tonics to both promote a balanced body and help when dealing with illness:
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Immune Stimulants
At the very onset of any illness the following herbs will stimulate the immune system and increase its function.
Harmful Bacteria (Pathogens)
Most of our bodies already contain many pathogenic bacteria, but in small enough numbers that the friendly flora keeps them from causing harm. If we become sick or have a weakened immune system (see list above), or our numbers of friendly flora are low and not being replenished, the pathogenic can get a hold on our system and we will then be dealing with a bacterial infection. At this point an antibiotic may be prescribed. A problem we now have is antibiotic resistant bacteria. Because of the overuse of antibiotics, and because they are chemically produced, not living, the bacteria are adapting to resist what once worked. In his book, Herbal Antibiotics, Steven Harrod Buhner states:
“Not only have the bacteria spread, not only have they learned antibiotic resistance, but they are increasingly learning how to survive environments that formerly would have killed them.”
As each generation adapts and increases, they also become stronger and more intelligent. Luckily, the Lord has provided everything we will ever need to live on earth and so he gave us His medicine – plants. They are also living, and they can think and adapt as well. The resistant bacteria cannot figure out the “code” of an herbal antibiotic because of how complex God designed them.
Herbal Antibiotics
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- Black walnut hull (the green covering over walnuts on a black walnut tree)
- Cloves
- Eucalyptus (used in the form of essential oil)
- Oregon grape root
- Usnea (algae-fungus that grows on the tops of trees in moist, cool areas)
- Juniper berry
- Licorice
- Black Pepper
Viruses
A virus is a microscopic pathogen that invades cells and then replicates itself until the cell bursts and spreads to other cells. The Latin meaning of the word virus is toxin or poison, which gives an idea why many diseases today are caused by them. I am giving a very brief overview of what a virus is and if you would like to learn more details, which there are many, I highly recommend the book Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner.
Your immune system is the only thing that will destroy a virus in your body so working on building and strengthening your immune system is the best thing you can do so that when a virus invades, your body can immediately kick into action to attack and remove it.
All viruses are not designed the same but the treatment for them can be. The first step is the prevention mentioned above for a strong immune system. Most healthy persons will not even know they had a virus because the body took care of it before it became a problem. For those that start showing signs that there is a problem (symptoms in the body) I have found the following protocol to be helpful:
Your immune system is the only thing that will destroy a virus in your body so working on building and strengthening your immune system is the best thing you can do so that when a virus invades, your body can immediately kick into action to attack and remove it.
All viruses are not designed the same but the treatment for them can be. The first step is the prevention mentioned above for a strong immune system. Most healthy persons will not even know they had a virus because the body took care of it before it became a problem. For those that start showing signs that there is a problem (symptoms in the body) I have found the following protocol to be helpful:
- Continue to strengthen the immune system by following preventive measures.
- Break down the protein coat covering the virus with protease enzymes.
- Take antiviral herbs to aid the body in destroying the virus.
- Detox the body to remove dead cell waste.
- Treat individual symptoms.
Break Down Protein Coat with Protease Enzymes
Some viruses are nastier than others and will take a little more work to get through the protein coat protecting the virus. That is where protease enzymes come in. Protease enzymes break down or change the composition of proteins, which will break down that coat so the immune system can recognize the virus and start the attack process. Some protease enzymes are thought to improve inflammation (anti-inflammatory) and strengthen the immune system so I highly recommend incorporating them in your diet. The following foods contain protease enzymes:
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Sprouts of any kind
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- Pineapple
- Papaya - can also use papaya supplements.
- Kiwi
- Whole grains - sour dough bread
- Kimchi/Kraut
- Dr. Christopher's Plague Remedy
Herbal Antivirals
Once the protein coat is dismantled and the virus is revealed, antiviral herbs would then be helpful in fighting the virus. Some of the best antiviral herbs include:
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- Licorice
- Usnea
- Black Walnut
- Lomatium
Detox
It is important to help the body remove the waste and toxins produced by the virus through the elimination passageways.
- Herbs that assist the lymphatic system such as mullein, cleavers and calendula.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including distilled water and bone broth.
- Redmond Clay and Epsom salt bath. This could be a full bath or a foot bath. Make the water as hot as your can stand and drink plenty of fluids while soaking. Use 2 parts salt and 1 part clay.
- Drink a quart of clay water per day: 1 tablespoon of Redmond Clay in a quart of water, stir to combine.
- Use the same herbs and remedies from the SWEEP OUT portion of the gut healing protocol in Lesson 2.
- Detox Yoga session (search on Youtube)
Treat the Symptoms
Viruses affect people differently and some viruses are known to target specific body systems. Once the protein coat has been broken down, antiviral herbs taken, and detox herbs flushing out the waste, it is time to focus on building and supporting the systems being affected. During this course we will be going over each body system and how to strengthen and support them with food, herbs and home remedies. As we discuss each system they will be linked here for reference when needing to treat a specific body system.
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Assignment
- Evaluate what steps you need to take or changes you need to make in order to strengthen your immune system.
- Prepare one of the herbal remedies we discussed in this lesson in preparation for cold and flu season.
Resources
David Christopher on viruses - video
Understanding Herbal Actions and How they Support the Immune System
Herbal Legacy - Antibiotics
Herbal Legacy - Ashwagandha
Herbal Legacy - Viruses Love Sugar
A Better Way to Think: How Positive Thoughts Can Change Your Life
Herbal Antibiotics
Herbal Antivirals
The Herbal Academy
School of Natural Healing
Understanding Herbal Actions and How they Support the Immune System
Herbal Legacy - Antibiotics
Herbal Legacy - Ashwagandha
Herbal Legacy - Viruses Love Sugar
A Better Way to Think: How Positive Thoughts Can Change Your Life
Herbal Antibiotics
Herbal Antivirals
The Herbal Academy
School of Natural Healing
Disclaimer: The Information contained on this blog is for educational purposes only and as a guideline for your personal use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prescribe or replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. Those who follow these suggestions do so at their own risk.
