Dr. Briana Lutz, ND, RH
Brand Education Manager & Medical Advisor, St. Francis Herb Farm
With the cold and flu season around the corner, it’s time to fortify your immune system against harmful bacteria and viruses.
A balanced immune system — one that’s neither underactive nor overactive — is vital to protecting our bodies against the harmful bacteria and viruses that circulate in the colder months.
An underactive immune system has a decreased ability to create an effective immune response to infection, making one more prone to colds, flu, and infections. An overactive immune system means the body can’t distinguish a harmful substance from a benign one, resulting in inappropriate responses, such as allergies and autoimmune conditions.
A balanced immune system allows for both appropriate identification and the ability to respond to infection. “This will be through both our innate (non-specific) immune system, which we’re born with, and our acquired (specific) immune system,” says Dr. Briana Lutz, ND, RH, Brand Education Manager and Medical Advisor at St. Francis Herb Farm.
Herbs are unique in their ability to strengthen an underactive immune system and quiet an overactive one
Dr. Lutz
Herbal remedies effective in balancing immune system
Achieving a balanced immune system requires both a proactive and reactive approach. “Being proactive supports our innate immune system and strengthens a general response, which can be effective against a range of infections,” says Dr. Lutz. When infection does occur, a reactive approach will activate or stimulate the acquired immune system into action, also helping to lessen the frequency and severity of the infection.
One way to achieve a balanced immune system is through herbal medicine. “Herbs are unique in their ability to strengthen an underactive immune system and quiet an overactive one,” says Dr. Lutz.
The St. Francis Herb Farm Deep Immune® line of proactive immune support can be taken as part of a regular routine — three weeks on and one week off, starting several weeks prior to high exposure. For reactive immune support, St. Francis Echinaseal and Echinacea 2+ can help fight the infection. “It’s important to take interventions, such as echinacea, at the first sign of infection to signal the immune system into action and amplify its response,” says Dr. Lutz.
