A Special Wellness Edition (Natural Health and COVID19)
Time in Nature
When we spend time in nature we realize that we are more than just humans on this planet. It can be comforting to remember that we don’t have to rely on our unpredictable species for our peace of mind. The more than human world has adapted to great stress and impossible obstacles. We can do the same. Find yourself outdoors more for the next couple weeks. Breathe in the life-giving and immune-boosting phytoncides from our plant friends and see if there is a message for you.
Truly, outside in nature is one of thee best places you can find healing.
Formulas I’m using
Host Defense® MycoShield® spray combines five powerful polypore mushroom species to provide a unique “shield” of immune support* An oral spray serves as a first line of defense in mouth and throat to help ward off a virus before it gets into the body. I believe we will continue to further our understanding of mushrooms for health, to fight off viruses and other diseases via polysaccharides that increase the activity & impact of natural killer cells and macrophages. Reishi mushroom is another excellent choice.
Elderberry Syrup
Here is one herbalist’s favorite and one high-potency recipe to make your own:
4 cups dried elderberries
¼ ounce freshly grated gingerroot
½ teaspoon ground cloves
Honey
Read more - you may also find the link for a go-to elderberry syrup sold online and in stores.
Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Stephen Harrod Buhner is a trusted resource with an astounding depth of knowledge. Buhner developed the first comprehensive knowledge base and subsequent text on potent, systemic antibacterial plants which are effective in the treatment of resistant infections that do not respond to pharmaceuticals—and his protocols are top of my list to take care of myself and my family during the COVID-19 crisis.
Be mindful of optimal daily intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Probiotics (fermented food or supplement), and Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens with a fat, like olive oil, cod liver oil).
What’s on hand in my medicine cabinet
Echinacea Goldenseal with Olive Leaf by Planetary Herbals
Boneset tincture
Elder flower dried herb
Yarrow dried herb
Breathe Deep tea by Yogi Tea
Children’s Defense by Prairie Star Botanicals (found on my Shop)
Healing Foods to focus on
Garlic (raw is best), onions, ginger (fresh as tea), oregano
Chicken broth (soup)
Zinc-containing foods like seeds (sesame, hemp, pumpkin), lentils, grass-fed beef, dark chocolate and cocoa, peanuts, garlic, chickpeas
Steamed leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes
Fresh and frozen berries
Shiitake and maitake mushrooms
Fermented foods (kraut)
Reduce
Sugar, alcohol and soda, dairy (cow), greasy and fried foods
Visualization for Resilient Health
The mind-body connection is powerful. Scientific studies show that guided imagery can produce changes in immune activity on a cellular level—elevating immune system functioning, affecting corresponding white blood counts, and increasing “natural killer” or NK cells.
Simply take a minute to picture the healthy and strong cells in your body. Make a health declaration.
Here is a short guided meditation for healthy cells and vibrant health.
Be well, my friends.
Suggestions made above are for educational purposes only, and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.