Photograph of summit by Denys Nervozhai

A Beginner’s Guide to Immunity Boosters

Are immunity boosters a path to better health? From fighting the common cold to training for a triathlon, booster devotees are looking for the remedy that gifts longevity or a magic trick for endurance. What is a starting point for boosting your own immunity?

Here is a growing list of over 25 boosters that support immunity function and response in your body. Whether these boosters will truly enhance your own immune system depends a lot on your environment and health history. You might find that this guide makes clear one simple truth about healing, well-being and resilience. Immune boosting is a path of aligning and harmonizing your own individual experience with the abundant resources and natural rhythms of the Earth.

“Immunity, the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells; protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.” Photograph of Mushrooms by Timothy Dykes

Adaptogens: This New York Times article explores how these herbs and mushrooms assist adaptive functions in the body. Adaptogens are used in traditional chinese medicine (TCM) and ayurveda. Some examples of adaptogens are ashwagandha, cordyceps, shatavari, maca.

Antioxidants: The Mayo Clinic defines antioxidants as substances that protect against free radicals. What are free radicals? When you’ve been around tobacco smoke or radiation, you’ve been exposed to these damaging toxins. Examples of antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, blueberries, raspberries, artichoke, kale, spinach, dark chocolate, pecans, beans, beets, pomegranates, matcha green tea.

Cacao: Cacao is from cocoa beans. Cocoa butter and chocolate are made from its seeds. It is considered very rich in antioxidants. Believed by the Aztecs and Mayans to be a superfood as it is naturally high in iron, magnesium, zinc. Here is an article by The Wellness Project, Cacao-The Superfood of the Gods. Medium writer Romany Rose Pope describes how ceremonial cacao is different than regular cacao.

Elderberry: Cleveland Clinic notes that elderberry has proven effective in boosting immune response to the flu or the common cold. Elderberry is an herbal remedy taken as syrups, tonics, tinctures, capsules, teas. There are different types of elderberry in Europe, United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama. Here is a video from the…