Why do we get sick in winter? Your solution: black seed

Studies show that periods of seasonal change are when infectious diseases, including upper respiratory infections, peak. Modern medicine attributes the seasonal spike in upper respiratory illnesses to the increased time spent indoors.

The theory is that when the weather is cold, people are more likely to spend time in enclosed areas where they can spread infections more easily.

While there is some truth to this theory, the problem isn't limited to time spent indoors. There appears to be a direct correlation between flu season and lack of sun exposure, which serves as a reminder of how important vitamin D is to our daily lives and immunity. Therefore, the best way to support a strong immune system is to ensure the maintenance of overall health and well-being and meet the body's needs. A healthy lifestyle is perhaps the best way to ensure continued immune support.

Immune stimulation vs. immune modulation

Immune stimulation and immune modulation are two different approaches to immune health. Immune stimulation is the process of activating the immune system to fight infection or disease.

Immune modulation is the process of regulating the immune system to prevent overreactions and autoimmune diseases.

Both approaches have their pros and cons. Immune stimulation can be beneficial in the short term because it can help the body fight infections more quickly. However, it can also lead to immune system exhaustion, making the body more susceptible to future infections. Immune modulation, on the other hand, helps maintain proper immune system function in the long term, but it may not be as effective at fighting immediate infections. Ultimately, the best approach to immune health depends on the individual.

For example, echinacea contains compounds that can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting bacteria and viruses.

Nigella sativa and balanced immunity

Black seed is a botanical plant from the Mediterranean and Middle East that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In ancient times, the health benefits attributed to black seed oil were too numerous to count. Due to its numerous health benefits, black seed oil was used daily as a health tonic.

A quick search for scientific evidence demonstrating the health-boosting properties of Black Seed Oil reveals properties almost too hard to believe. Verified by laboratory studies, in silico (computer model) tests, animal studies, and clinical trials, here are some of the effects of black seed on the body:

• Boost white blood cell count
• Tone neutrophils
• Boosting cell-mediated immunity
• Improves lung function tests
• Reduces allergic markers
• Inhibits histamine release from mast cells
• Improves allergy symptoms
• Exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties
• Improves immune function as an antioxidant

It may seem like every advertised plant compound is a form of antioxidant. While it's true that many plant compounds are antioxidants, not all antioxidants have the same affinity or functionality.

Vitamin C, for example, is known to be a fast-acting, highly functional antioxidant. In contrast, beta-carotene is known to be a slower-acting antioxidant with an affinity for deeper tissue anti-oxidation.

Black seed , on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant with an affinity for the immune system. One of the most stressful aspects of maintaining immunity is oxidation overload. The immune system is a system that uses oxidation as a defense mechanism. The enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) synthesizes reactive oxygen species to neutralize pathogens.

While the immune system is generally excellent at maintaining balance, certain infections can disrupt the balance of reactive oxygen species. High oxidation in the blood is known to decrease immunity.

Due to its unique medicinal properties, black seed oil can be safely used on both overstimulated and weakened immune systems. Clinical studies demonstrate that black seed is a balancing agent, rather than an immune-boosting agent (which can sometimes be destructive).

Studies on conditions such as thalassemia and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) demonstrate the bystander oxidative effect. The bystander effect is a known phenomenon that involves the destruction of cells that are merely spectators to a cell-killing event. Thus, in order to de-stress the body and have the greatest number of immune cells ready to participate in the fight, it may be beneficial to protect the body from the bystander effect.

Books can easily be written on the benefits of Nigella sativa for the body's defense system. For the everyday user, it may suffice to say that black seed has an excellent safety profile. Black seed can be incorporated as a healthy component of seasonal defense preparation. Since black seed is a highly effective plant, it is always advisable to use it seasonally. This means that the use of black seed oil is only necessary for months at a time.

Ask your naturopath/healthcare provider about incorporating black seed oil into your morning routine for a period of 2 to 3 months and see if your defenses are stronger during this season of change (especially during the winter months).

 

Other Uses of Black Seed Oil

Remember that black seed oil has platelet lubricating, vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. All of these effects make black seed an excellent antioxidant of choice during times of immune stress.

Ask your naturopath about using black seed oil whenever you experience cold and flu symptoms. It's recommended to use aromatic essential oils several times a day for best results. Keep in mind that swishing black seed oil around your throat can help effectively combat sore throats and coughs.

Finally, remember that the most important ingredient in black seed oil is thymoquinone. If the content is not indicated on the bottle, it means that your oil is of food or possibly cosmetic quality but not therapeutic. Enerex's is the most concentrated on the market.

It's the same principle as with olive oil. The quality depends on the product and the extraction method, among other things.

Article written by Énerex