We are living in interesting times. The novel coronavirus is making its mark in North America. It is likely that within the next few weeks, you or someone you know will be directly affected. No one yet knows how to fully address this. What we do know is that younger, healthier patients have less severe infections with fewer symptoms, and in some cases may be completely asymptomatic. In younger patients the immune system is more active and resilient, and there a smaller likelihood of pre-existing health conditions. The less challenged your body is when faced with a pathogen, the greater chance of a quick and efficient response and recovery from infection. Boosting the immune system while lowering overall inflammation and stress on the body is key to successfully overcoming any pathogen.
I will outline some basic preventative home care steps for colds and flus that address both upper respiratory and mild lung involvement that are used for the common cold and flu season.
Vit C between 2000 and 4000mg daily. 4000mg for a week or two during the acute phase of a respiratory infection, 2000mg as a maintenance dose, either pre- or post-infection. Vit C can upset the stomach in doses higher than 4000mg. For those with acid reflux, use buffered Vit. C.. There are abundant options for Vit C at most health food stores and pharmacies.
Immune boosting mushrooms, in particular CORDYCEPS. Cordyceps has been shown to greatly improve lung function in medical studies. There are several brands available to healthcare practitioners, some of which can also be found on online for the general public. My favorite is Kan Mycoherb line, a close second in effectiveness, Designs For Health Cordyceps PS, and last but most well known, Host Defense immune mushroom line. ALL are currently on back order. It is an important herb to boost lung function so good to keep some around. It’s also the primary herb for altitude sickness, as it originates in the Himalayas, and was used extensively by the local populations.
Eucalyptus Radiata/Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil in a diffuser, and as steam inhalation. For the current viral situation, several therapists have expressed a preference for Euclyptus Radiata, which has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect, and is a bit less strong on the decongestion side, than the more widely available Eucalyptus Globulus. Any type of eucalyptus is fine. Also sage, lavender, pine are safe to diffuse. Stronger essential oils like peppermint or thyme have to be used with caution as they are irritating to the lungs. This is a remedy used in China to control respiratory infection. Also good in combination with sage, peppermint or lemon essential oils.
Herbal immune boosters and anti-virals: green tea, echinacea, elderberry, thyme, sage, astragalus, goldenseal, pau d’arco, colloidal silver. All these can be purchased online, or at your health food store. None of these will directly address coronavirus but they have been shown to strengthen your immune system and help you through this crisis.
Saline nasal rinse or Neti pot. Using a saline rinse daily will help clean out mucus along with bacteria and viruses that are accumulating in your nose and superficial sinuses. Why is that helpful? The fewer pathogens your body has to remove, the more strength it has to fight incoming ones. The clearer your airways are, the more oxygenated your body is. That leads to more optimal function in all areas, including the immune system. Clearer air passages also lead to fewer anxiety attacks - the feeling you can’t breathe can’t quite get established so easily. How often should you rinse? Daily, once or twice a day. Caution: some patients have anatomically intricate sinuses where the saline solution can get trapped for extended periods of time. If you are one of these patients, just use a simple vertical saline irrigation device or check with your ENT. If you have tried a neti pot before and the water seems to get lost and never resurface, that is probably the case.
Nasya Oil Nose Drops. This one may be weird for some, but in ayurveda (the indian holistic branch of medicine) herbal oil nose drops are often used to maintain nasal membrane integrity and protect against dryness and pathogens. Nasya drops are best used after a saline rinse. I use Banyan Botanicals Nasya drops - a blend of organic sesame oil and herbs. They work and they have worked well for my patients. Nasya oil is a generic term for ayurvedic nose drops. Just try some that you like. Your sinuses will thank you.
Hydrate. If your tongue has dry “fur” as we refer to it in Chinese Medicine, or even more so, cracks, you are dehydrated. How much water? It depends on how much water your body needs, your internal and external temperature etc. Your urine should be pale yellow, not colorless, not medium yellow. If you are drinking and urinating soon after, you are drinking too much plain water and flushing out nutrients. You need to drink more electrolytes. What does that mean? You need a higher intake of trace minerals to balance out what is being flushed out. Have water with some of these additions: lemon juice, a capful of apple cider vinegar, electrolyte mix (I like EmergenC Electromix or Ultima Replenisher as they are sweetened with Stevia, low or zero sodium and higher in magnesium than others) in but there are many many others - pick one with not too much sodium), a dropper-full of chlorophyl. Herbal teas, room temperature green juices and vegetable broths are other ways of getting electrolytes and hydrating. Hydrating keeps your mucous membranes (mouth, nose, throat and lungs) moist and less vulnerable to pathogens. When you are showing signs of dehydration, it takes about 2 WEEKS for your body to achieve normal hydration levels, so keep going!
Humidify! We are still in dry apartment heat season. You are drinking tons of water but your lips and throat are still parched, and your eyes are dry. Yes, you need a humidifier. Warm heat is better as the heat misting process kills bacteria in the higher temperatures. All generic drugstores carry one or more humidifier brands Get one, or two! Run it at night in the bedroom. If you are home a good part of the day, run it then also. It will help moisten dry mucous membranes, which are particularly vulnerable to pathogens.
What NOT to eat: Sugar, Dairy, Gluten, Alcohol. Poor quality animal products, specifically meat, and in genera ANY red meat. The first 4 are significant immune system depressants. Red meat generates a higher inflammatory reaction if the immune system gets triggered by an external pathogen. Having a low level of inflammation while healthy, k may help you keep the overall inflammatory response down when triggered by a pathogen, This allows your immune system to fight the pathogen without damaging other tissues.
