IN SEASON: FORAGING FOR HEALTH
Previously published November 2020.
Following recent events in 2020, the UK has been put through one lockdown, while another one is scheduled to start in 48 hours, which should last for another month. What transpires from all of this is that scientific advice and government measures completely disregard the innate ability of the body to provide sufficient defences against the environment, especially microbes.
Unprecedented measures have locked people indoors. Non-essential shops are forced to close for the entire duration of the lockdown. Consequently, many people have lost their jobs and the prospect to find another one in such circumstances is pretty thin. It will take a long while before we can pretend to be back to normality. Although, 'normal' is a concept long gone.
Anxiety disorders are on the rise and tactics from the media to inspire fears have done their trick, in an attempt to create the biggest headlines and capture audiences. Let's not forget that news is after all a commerce and creates revenue. The more readers and the more viewers a platform captures, the greater the content it can provide.
But what about our immune system?
It seems that herd immunity is no longer the option, which allowed our immune system to build up defences (including antibodies) and fight off viruses.
Actually, a recent report has indicated that the level of antibodies is dramatically decreased within 3 months of exposure to COVID, but not in health workers, meaning that constant exposure offers a greater barrier against the virus.
If our immunity decreases over time, this opens the door to possible reinfection.
Data came from the Imperial College London, through a program called real-time assessment of community transmission (REACT) using home testing for SARS-COv-2 (COVID-19) to track the progress of the infection across England. The study was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care. It is the largest research tracking past infections and monitoring how the virus is spreading across the country. 365,000 people took part, using a finger-prick home blood test kit.
The result: there was a noticeable reduction in immunity, particularly in people over the age of 75.
Cohort studies seem to indicate that these reductions in antibody levels are influenced by factors such as the severity of the initial responses, age and co-morbidities, as well as continued exposure to the virus.
Since health workers are shown to maintain high levels of antibodies, it is very likely that ongoing exposure is key to building resistance.
Seasonal herbs to build resilience:
Building a supporting a strong immune system is key to warding off infections, especially at this time of the year when flu becomes a real problem for many.
Citrus fruits are in season in winter, boosting our intake of vitamin C, which plays an important role in supporting the body's defences.
Elderberry (Samubucus nigra) is also rich in vitamin C and it is shown to offer the most benefits when taken preventatively. Rumours raised concerns about elderberry creating a cytokine storm in response to coronavirus, but it appears not to be the case (as always discontinue any supplementation if symptoms appear).
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), leaves and root, help with detoxification and elimination (its bitter taste encourages the flow of bile, which is key to digesting fat. Bile is also a natural laxative, helping with elimination via the faeces) of toxins, relieving some of the pressure on the liver and other detoxification organs that are more able to deal with foreign pathogens.
Hawthorn berries (Crataegus spp.) can be found almost anywhere in rural areas and are usually used to support the cardiovascular system, particularly heart health, by regulating blood pressure. It is also traditionally used for anxiety (and worry-induced insomnia).
Rosehip (Rosa canina) is another great source of vitamin C. Traditionally, it was made into a syrup (often drizzled over ice cream), which is great to have in your fridge and use during the winter months to maximise vitamin C intake. Rosehip should be picked when they are red and bouncy.
How to make your own elderberry syrup:
Only pick the darkest berries and remove them from the stems. Discard any green berries (they may make you vomit).
Cover with hot water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Take off the heat and strain. keep the liquid.
Mix 600 grams of honey for every half litre of liquid. (you can also use regular sugar or coconut nectar. 300 grams is plenty)
Bring the liquid back onto the hob until the sugar has dissolved or honey has melted and mix properly into the liquid.
Bottle the liquid in sterilised bottles.
Use as required, up to 10 ml, 4 times a day.
What other elixir do you make in winter to protect yourself from viruses?
(comment below)