I just followed a link that read "A Healthy Immune System can Banish the Winter Blues." Forgetting the fact I was taken to a site trying to sell me on some pre-formulated compounds, it got me to thinking.
Now is the time to act if you get the cruds each winter. Most of come down with some type of cold, flu or other random "bug" as the weather gets colder, sending us in droves to the local Walgreens for some symptom relieving, over sweetened, fast acting wonder drug to make us feel better… now.
This year, why not try something different? One of the best ways to experience botanical medicine is by using immunomodulating herbs. Immunomodulators enhance the body's natural defenses. Think of it as shoring up the fort and putting in provisions to help in the fight. Keeping the wartime metaphors, immunomodulators don't go on seek-and-destroy missions like antibiotics or anti-virals. (Oh, and if you're new to herbalism, there actually is something you can do when you get a virus, contrary to what your allopath might tell you.) Immunomodulators are the craftsmen, bakers, farmers and all the others that make up the support-services for the army (in this case, your immune system.)
Medicinal mushrooms, like Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa), are wonderful immunomodulators. Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) and Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) work very nicely too. But don't expect miracles overnight. I'm not suggesting you start taking these botanicals when you get sick, not by a long shot. These are tonic herbs, meant to be incorporated into your diet for a period of months to have the desired effect. Yes, I realize that goes against the grain of Western lifestyle. Regardless, this is how they work. And in the case of Astragalus, you most definitely should not take this herb when you're sick, as it can exacerbate your symptoms.
So don't let winter get you down this year. See your herbalist soon!