- Dr. Olivia FieldsSanta Monica, CA(310) 948-1284
Immune System
Adaptogens for Immune Fortification: Astragalus & the Meaning of “Tonifying”
As summer wanes and classrooms fill again, our collective immune systems are asked to rise to the occasion. This is the season when colds and flus ripple through households, and when many people look for herbs that can fortify their defenses. Astragalus membranaceus, a golden root revered in Chinese medicine, is one of the finest immune tonics for this time of year. But what does it actually mean when we say an herb tonifies the body?
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Germ Theory: 101
Why do some people always catch a cold, and others don’t?
Viruses, germs, and bacteria are everywhere. They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink, but not all of them are bad or harmful.
Think of the immune system as your body’s security detail. The cells, tissues, and organs that comprise it help repel foreign invaders like harmful bacteria, parasites and other microbes that can cause infections. Disorders of the immune system range from everyday annoyances like mild seasonal allergies to serious illnesses like leukemia. Stress, lack of sleep and other common conditions can contribute to a weakened immune system, which can make you vulnerable to infections. continue reading