Immunity Within Community
Posted
Updated September 08, 2025
Posted
Updated September 08, 2025
Immunity:
noun
1 : having a high degree of resistance to an illness or disease. 2 : of, relating to, or involving the body's immune system and immune response. 3 : not influenced or affected by something.
As human beings - especially Indigenous people - we have a history of survival within us. Our bodies are literally always fighting for our survival, no matter what food we eat, what we drink or what we do the night before.
Our bodies will continue to fight for our survival. Indigenous people have been fighting off diseases for centuries. We have an inherent thread of resilience, adaptability and wisdom - and after going through this pandemic, so do each and every one of us.
That is what makes 2020 such a catalyst of a year. It has now become apparent more than ever that we need one another for our survival AND for our thriving. Our actions have a direct effect on one another. We are advised to wear a mask to keep each other, especially our elders safe, and to stand six feet apart. We are all connected - and yet the virus has us thinking we are not. We may be apart physically - however, it is vital that we stay connected emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
In times like this, I return to teachings that remind me how to walk this earth in balance and in harmony. There is an Indigenous teaching of the Medicine Wheel - each nation/tribe has their own version of it and the teachings may slightly differ, but the foundation stays the same. The Medicine Wheel is a circle that represents the interconnectedness of everyone and everything. It is divided into four sections - four to represent the four races, the four seasons, the four directions and the four aspects to our wellbeing. In order to be balanced within life - you need to be balanced within your Medicine Wheel. When I studied yoga, I realized that yoga cultivates the same thing through balance and harmony of the mind, body and spirit connection.
It is a reclamation and a revival of ancient wisdom and teachings that will lead us forward. We must become immune to the virus within humanity, and that is separation. Separation from each other, but also within ourselves.
We must come into balance and harmony through a set of rituals, and ask for continued guidance from forces we may not be able to see, but are guiding us every day. How can you seek to understand our past, the wisdom that pours through the present and the knowledge that has the ability to shape and transform our future?
Intentions are one thing - however, it is the impact and action that we take individually that will mold a sustainable future for all.
A set of rituals that I have been using throughout this pandemic are...
What are some of the rituals you have begun to introduce in your life or would like to?
As an Nehiyaw Iskwew (Plains Cree Womxn) from Muscowpetung First Nations, Shayla Stonechild has always been a catalyst towards Indigenous youth and womxn unlocking their full potential, through reclaiming an indigenous worldview. Shayla is an award-winning TV Host, Yoga Instructor and Wellness Advocate making waves across Turtle Island. She is the founder of the Matriarch Movement, a non-profit organization amplifying Indigenous voices through story, meditation, movement, and medicine.
Find her on Instagram.
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We’re hearing a lot about the immune system these days, and for good reason. It’s the body’s line of defense against disease! While washing your hands often, practicing social distancing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily are still the best steps you can take to protect yourself, here are some tips to help keep your immunity thriving through it all: 1. Eat well The body needs nourishment and fresh is best. Fruit and vegetables are key, so is gut health. Zinc, magnesium and Vitamin C are good things to load up on, as are all foods that reduce inflammation. Nuts and seeds, citrus fruits, leafy greens and bone broth should be staples. 2. Get enough sleep There are so many reasons to make sleep a priority (as if you needed an excuse to take a nap!) Our bodies repair themselves while we sleep, stress levels are reduced, we’re in better moods and our waking hours are more productive when we’re well rested. 3. Reduce alcohol consumption With all that’s going on in the news, it’s tempting to pour ourselves a quarantini to take the edge off. While the odd glass of wine is okay, don’t overdo it. If you're really feeling the pressure, get creative! Why not make yourself a relaxing magnesium elixir or a collagen-boosting margarita instead? 4. Get some sun Fresh air is key, if possible. Take a solo walk and get a little vitamin D when the sun is shining. This may be hard to accomplish while avoiding social contact - if you need a little extra help getting the amount of vitamin D you need, our Serenity powder combines it with magnesium bisglycinate, a match made in supplement heaven. That way, you can give your body the support it needs from these two oh-so-important nutrients and help relieve all that tension your muscles have been holding while you’re at it. 5. Get some exercise Blood flow and movement are important, especially when you’re stuck at home. Download a couple of yoga videos, go for a jog or do a push-up or plank challenge. Get those endorphins pumping - and remember to treat yourself when you're done! Maybe a baking sesh is in order?
read moreIf there's one lesson to be learned from recent events, let it be this: health is a necessity, not a luxury. Everyone has been facing the facts and realizing they may have some work to do to help keep their bodies in tip-top shape. And we're here for it! We want you to live your healthy best - and to support you in getting there. So whether you're new to the wellness world, or a wellness expert looking for new ways to stay healthy, we've got you. Let's dive right in and get to know our immunity squad: essential supplements and superfoods to help keep your immune system thriving! THE IMMUNITY ALL STARS Bee Propolis Bee Propolis is a potent antimicrobial agent that bees use to protect their hives. We harnessed its power to create an immunity supporter that's second to none at fighting infections and inflammation, like sore throats. Locally sourced in the Okanagan Valley, BC, our bee propolis has a unique antioxidant profile, for well-rounded protection. Fights sore throat, canker sores and oral inflammations Diverse source of antioxidants for potent immunity support Easy to take liquid formula - especially for children and the elderly! Reishi Mushroom Extract The King of Mushrooms to the rescue! Reishi has been traditionally used for immunity and stress support for at least four thousand years. There are countless modern scientific studies that have proven what traditional knowledge put into practice. Modulates and supports the immune system Excellent source of antioxidants, to support immune function Adaptogen, helping prevent mental and physical fatigue related to stress Quercetin with Bromelain Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely found in plant foods, has been studied particularly for its antiviral properties. Bromelain, when in combination with quercetin, helps to improve its absorption. Studied for its antiviral, antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties Includes the naturally-occurring enzyme bromelain, which helps to decrease inflammation Spirulina Spirulina is an edible single-celled organism that contains all essential amino acids. An excellent source of chlorophyll and iron, which help with our blood health and detoxification pathways. Grown in alkaline freshwater pools for the highest purity. High in antioxidants, including beta-carotene Helps to alleviate symptoms of hay fever, and seasonal and environmental allergies Bone Broth Bone broth is a highly nutritious type of stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Add this clean, simple broth powder to your kitchen arsenal for a high protein, high collagen, low sodium alternative to conventional bouillon. Heal and strengthen the gut (where 70-80% of one’s immune tissue is found) Full of easy-to-digest nutrients, required to strengthen the immune system Free from added hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals and pesticides Chicken Bone Broth is sourced from cage-free USA chickens Beef Bone Broth is sourced from grass-fed Swedish cows Veggie Broth A harmonious blend of real organic vegetables, adaptogenic tremella mushroom and nutritional yeast, Veggie Broth is a vegan-friendly source of protein and B vitamins that’s worth sipping for. Vegan and vegetarian friendly alternative to bone broths Source of B vitamins and protein to support a healthy immune system With tremella mushroom, a source of fungal polysaccharides helping regulate the immune system Already knew all these great immunity builders? Find even more support with our Immunity Cheer Squad, lesser-known gems from our collection of immunity supplements you may not even know you needed!
read moreYour immune system is an amazing army of cells that act like superheroes, fighting off bacteria and viruses. These incredible cells protect you around the clock, and work hard to keep you in good health. When it comes to fueling our immune system, we need to provide it with the proper nutrition. Your immune system needs proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to be able to function optimally. What your immune system does NOT need is processed foods and refined sugars. Too much sugar can actually weaken your immune defenses for several hours after eating it. So, what can you eat for ideal immune function? Eating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, power-foods like shiitake mushrooms, and drinking protein-filled drinks like bone broth, will ensure adequate nutrition for your immune army. Why bone broth for the immune system? Bone broth packs a big punch, as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that fuel the immune system. It is also incredibly soluble, meaning that it takes very little effort for us to absorb and utilize it all around the body. Bone broth may also aid in repairing damage in the gut, that can result from poor diets, food-borne illnesses, chronic stress and disease. Because it is full of essential amino acids, bone broth provides food to the cells in our intestines, which play a big role in our immune system. Keeping our intestinal cells strong and healthy is vital in supporting immune function. What else can bone broth do? Besides supporting the immune system, bone broth can contribute to a number of functions all around the body, such as building and repairing. The proteins found in bone broth come from a rich source of collagen, which is used structurally in the body. Collagen helps the integrity of our skin stay strong and smooth. Protein from collagen is also used in the building and repair of our joints, muscle and tendons. When there is any type of injury, there is a need for quality protein to help repair it, and bone broth is a great source of this. Bone broth can easily be added to your health regime, daily or weekly. Check out our blog for some recipe ideas! This nutrient-rich food has been a dietary staple in many different cultures for centuries for good reason. There is no doubt that individuals are noticing the many benefits of bone broth and are keeping this awesome product in the market! Be sure to include bone broth in your next shop. "Stay healthy, eat well and be happy" Amy Wilson XO
read moreFollow @organikahealth for your daily dose of feel-good. #LiveOrganikally