Our Bodies in Autumn

Corinne Ferry-Moselle
Nov 15, 2023
4 min read

Every season comes with its splendor, drama, and ailments. The weather changes affect how we dress, eat, and behave. It only makes sense that our health would shift as well. In Autumn when the moisture and cold creep in, add a consistent reach for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween candy and you get FLU SEASON.

It's not a secret that processed sweeteners lower the immune system. Combine that with exposure to dampness and a chill in the air and suddenly you are receptive to every virus and bacteria that gets coughed in your direction. It's also worth mentioning that yeast and mold love to grow in a compromised body and symptoms of an overgrowth often mimic the common cold. Yeast and fungus feed off sugar, but that should probably be another post.

The term 'Flu Season' is interesting because it gives the impression that all we are in danger of is the flu. We should really be calling this period of time "Immunocompromised Season". You are susceptible to a myriad of illnesses during this time. Not just the flu. So what do we do about it?

We are inundated with candy, sweet drinks, and holiday desserts from October to New Year's. If you want to avoid getting sick and missing out on important holidays and quality time with loved ones during the darkest part of the year, consider being aware of your general well-being. Are you getting enough sun since daylight savings? How is your sleep quality?

I am not suggesting that you eliminate holiday food from your diet. I'm not a monster. But just be aware. Are you eating enough protein, fruits, and veggies throughout the day? Are you drinking enough water? I will be the first to admit I have eaten Halloween candy before lunch and then was unable to eat my lunch. We all know this is a slippery slope. This time of year in my area many of the fruits and vegetables I have gotten used to eating during the summer season are now either unavailable or not looking great in the produce aisle. I have to recalibrate my meals to reflect what is currently available and depending on how busy I am, it can feel like a lot.

Immune support is paramount during this time of year. Here is a list of herbs and one food-based supplement that will support your immune system as the wheel of the year turns:

Rosehips - 4 grams of rose hips steeped in 8oz of water at 185° for 6-8 minutes is going to give you the maximum effect of the dried herb. It contains high amounts of Vitamin C which is water soluble so it doesn't stay in your body very long. For long-term vitamin C benefits, you need to consume it daily. Too much heat and improper drying methods can significantly reduce the amount of antioxidants available in rose hips. Tea is not the only way to consume it. If you can source a tincture made with fresh rose hips, a raw honey-based jelly, or harvest your own and freeze them all the better.

Suntanned Mushrooms - Yup! Just take the culinary mushrooms you buy at the store and set them in a bowl in a sunny window for at least 20 minutes. A mushroom can produce Vitamin D well after harvesting. Most big mushroom growers keep their mushrooms in the dark so it's important to expose them to light if you are looking for Vitamin D benefits in this way. Man, mycelium is incredible.

Astragalus - Astragalus root acts as an immuno-modulant which is preferred for people with autoimmune issues as opposed to an immune-stimulant. Astragalus can be a support to the kidneys, liver, and respiratory system. Astragalus is considered an adaptogen and is meant to be taken daily to act as a preventative and a tonic to strengthen the body. It can be taken as a supplement in pill form, prepared as a decoction, or as a tincture. Astragalus root has such a mild flavor it is a great addition to bone broth.

Echinacea - Native to North America, the Purple Coneflower is a gorgeous perennial that delights many gardens. It also happens to be a powerful antimicrobial and immune stimulant. Echinacea agustifolia and Echinacea purpurea are two species that work really well together in herbal preparations. You can use the entire plant but often times people choose to use the roots. There are a lot of echinacea products out there in the form of teas, tinctures, and supplements. If you can, I suggest trying all the different forms and choosing the one you think you will take daily.

Elderberry - I live in North America where we have the Elderberry bush species Sambucus Canadensis, as far as I have found in my research, it is not nearly as effective as European Black Elder Sambucus nigra, which boasts many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of reducing respiratory and viral infections. The European Black Elder contains a myriad of antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrients to boost the immune system. However, it is important that these berries be processed; they must be cooked or steeped in boiling water. Consuming any raw elderberry species can give you a terrible stomach ache, so it's best to stick to jams, syrups, teas, and tinctures. This plant can do so much more and I highly suggest you take a Google cruise, if you like reading research papers, and check out what else this awesome plant can do.

Cod Liver Oil - A natural source of Vitamins D, A, and Omega-3's, is an important addition to your cold weather immunity protocol. We need Omega-3's for healthy brain function and skin support as well. It can be difficult to figure out which Cod Liver Oil product is the best quality. I am a big fan of Carlson's and Standard Process brands.