Herbal suggestions for Covid-19
Hey all, been a minute since I’ve written anything here.. or even given my herbal practice the time of day (I started college, more on that later maybe), but there’s nothing like a global pandemic to snap oneself into action! I’ll try to keep this short, easy to access + as simple as possible.
What is Covid-19?
This virus is a strain of corona viruses, which attacks the respiratory tract. The most infamous strain in our recent memory is SARS (sudden acute respiratory syndrome). I’ve heard that the symptoms vary depending on one’s constitution, but usually include fever, cough, some stomach distress; in worse cases it can take a turn toward pneumonia quickly + create something called a “cytokine storm”. A cytokine storm is a process in which the immune system overreacts, akin to an autoimmune response. This process can cause harm to healthy tissues, usually lungs + sometimes other organs, which can potentially be fatal. Bad stuff. We saw this back in 1917, as soldiers returned home from WW1. Those with even the healthiest immune systems were dying, because their systems were overreacting.
Okay enough scary stuff. So what do we do?
Here is a list of easy to access herbal products + why they may be good to have on hand (I promise I’m not sponsored by Traditional Medicinals, they’re just good quality teas that are easy to find + work with):
Ginger root - make a strong decoction of the root + sip throughout the day. Try to drink a quart (4 cups) a day. Ginger can be found at most grocery stores + asian markets, though if you’re not going out right now here is a good box tea
Throat Coat w/ Eucalyptus - this blend contains herbs that help block attachment of the virus’ cells + help one find a nice deep breath when you’re stuck inside + stuffy.
Stamets 7 - this blend of medicinal mushrooms helps to modulate the immune system, which is key when dealing with Covid-19. We want don’t want to excite or depress an immune system response. Medicinal mushrooms support a healthy response without triggering a cytokine storm.
Here is a list of tinctures that Stephen Harrod Buhner recommends, however I’m not familiar with this company’s tincture quality. If you have a company you trust, seek tinctures from them, otherwise I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs. Providence buds, Farmacy Herbs has solid tinctures, not sure if they’re still open.
Mustard Packs are a great way to break up the sticky chest congestion that the virus creates.
Huff Coughing can help to move the sticky mucus up + out.
Elecampane root, thyme, sage + oregano are all good to have on hand. Recipe for Elecampane syrup below.
Addressing the Ambient Stress
Social isolation, fear for our loved ones, not being to access the things that sustain us + bring us comfort in our everyday lives; There are a lot of triggers surrounding this pandemic + the way it is being handled that can cause mental distress. Here are some suggestions for how to soften the blow:
Take baths with Lavender Epsom salts, which can be found at your nearby pharmacy or online.
Ear seeds can be used to calm the nervous system + support a healthy immune response. Here is a little guide to points, though the internet is rich with guides.
Make herbal tea! Cup of Calm or Chamomile are nice choices, especially if you’re feeling belly stress.
Here are some links that my herb school sent that may be helpful:
Recipes:
Other links:
How canceling events can save lives
What you need to know if you have chronic illness or are immunocompromised
corona virus, climate change + community care
Herbal treatment for corona virus infections (Buhner)
Report from the frontline in Wuhan
We’re gonna make it guys. It’ll probably be bad, but we’re gonna make it. Stay positive, love each other, check in on each other, make art, read books, remember what it’s like to be a kid (out of control of our circumstances, yet access to infinite worlds of our own making). Love y’all <3