Resourcefulness: Making Due With What We Have in the Wake of COVID-19

I'm an herbalist. Although I do not have a medical degree, I have been harvesting and edible and medicinal plants for nearly 30 years, and using them to help keep myself, my family, and when I was actively in practice, my community healthy.

I can’t stop thinking how important it is now, more than ever, for us to be able to take our health into our own hands. Yet, with a pandemic of these proportions, there are shortages of all manor of health-boosting supplements.

Our ability to be resourceful right now is, in fact a survival issue.

I feel it is crucial to have as many simple, effective tools as possible to work with, using what we already possess: water, air, and a few common plants. The following information was compiled from my research and experience. I hope it will be useful to anyone who needs it. Along with common sense hygiene habits, this information may help preserve health and manage early-stage and mild symptoms with items you already have at home.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Immune Boosting teas

Many common herbs in the spice cupboard have antiviral properties. Even if you don't have immune-boosting supplements you can use common herbs like thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), oregano (Origanum vulgare), basil (Ocimum basilicum.) Thyme can also be useful for lung ailments. These herbs can be part of a plan of action when feeling run-down or at the first signs that you're starting to fight something. Even better, you may have some of these herbs growing in your garden or in extract form.

Fresh garlic (Allium sativum) is another useful herb that you may already have in your refrigerator. It has a wide-range of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, and can be useful for boosting the immune system in general, as well as for a variety of lung complaints. It can be chopped and placed in a spoonful of honey (a favorite remedy of my kids) or made into a tea by itself or with lemon and thyme. Note that cooking reduces its medicinal properties.

The correct way to make aromatic tea is to steep it covered. This means boiling the water, then pouring it over the herbs and placing a lid on it - a saucer works nicely. You want to keep the volatile oils in the cup so they get into your body (instead of floating around the room.) Take one teaspoon of the herb and add it to eight ounces of hot water. This dose is based on an adult weighing 150 pounds, so if the person receiving the tea weighs more or less the dose can be adjusted.

For best results, start boosting the immune system as soon as you notice the first sign of symptoms.

If symptoms develop or change, the protocol should change too. The individual person as well as the overall symptom picture should be taken into account.

Energetics

The concept of herbal energetics can seem confusing at first. It is important to try to understand, however, that we all have a dominant energetic, as do symptoms, herbs, and foods. These energetics are described as being either hot/dry, hot/damp, cold/dry, cold/damp, or neutral. If symptoms are cold/damp (ex: low digestive fire, feeling cold, possibly clear mucous), it would be wise to work with herbs that are warming and drying; but if the symptoms began to change (ex: too much stomach acid, feeling hot or having yellow/green mucous) then a warming/drying herb would make symptoms worse.

Mentioning energetics isn’t meant to dissuade you, but it’s helpful to realize that although we may hear in the news that “echinacea is for the immune system” or “ginseng is for energy,” in reality, working with herbs - especially for acute issues - is much more three-dimensional than that. When using herbs properly, it’s a good idea to select those whose properties best match what the individual needs. In an illness that is as fast-paced and complicated as COVID-19 can be, it’s helpful to recognize this. Know that as symptoms change or progress, the herbal protocol should also evolve and change.

The herbs mentioned here can be used in ways that are simple, yet effective as an overall part of prevention and for those dealing with early-stage or mild COVID-19 symptoms. Many of the suggestions noted may also be helpful for those dealing with more intense symptoms at home, as many hospitals have been turning away more highly-functioning patients due to lack of space, supplies, and resources.

If you need additional help, please reach out to an herbalist in your area. I recommend searching the American Herbalist Guild database for qualified practitioners.

Gargle

For many, this virus begins with a sore throat. Gargling with salt water may help to help keep germs at bay. It is possible that it (combined with other actions) could keep the virus from progressing further- and it's easy to do and certainly doesn't hurt. Gargling with equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide or Listerine for at least 30 seconds, followed by 30 seconds of swishing the solution around in the mouth, three times a day may prove even more beneficial. Take care not to swallow the gargling solution.

the healing power of Onion

Onion plasters have been a go-to folk remedy across the ages for a wide range of lung complaints. They can be useful to increase circulation to the area, and their sulfur compounds can help thin mucous that's stuck.

How to make an onion plaster:

1. Chop an onion.

2. Cook it in frying pan with a little water until it’s translucent.

3. Place warm onion inside a dish towel.

4. Put this on your upper chest as warm as you can tolerate. It will feel soothing and nice. (Note that the open air cools it rapidly and this has to be pretty hot, so be prepared to use it right away.)

5. Cover the dish towel with a plastic bag.

6. Lie down and cover yourself with blankets.

7. Let the onion plaster sit for an hour or apply at bedtime.

8. Use up to two times per day.

Eating lightly cooked onions, drinking vegetable broth with onions, or taking onion syrup can also be helpful to address mucous. Onions are less heating than garlic and can be a wonderful regular addition to the diet when dealing with lung issues.

How to make onion syrup:

1. Chop an onion.

2. Place in a mason jar or similar glass container.

3. Add enough honey to just cover the onion.

4. Allow it to sit on the counter for several hours; the onion will soften.

5. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

6. Take approximately one teaspoon three times a day as needed in a glass of warm water.

Gentle Massage

Massaging the area below the collar bone may be helpful at this time. These are "lung points" on the lung meridian (Traditional Chinese Medicine.) They will be tender whenever there are lung complaints, but gently rubbing this area or lightly tapping it with finger tips can be helpful. Massaging the area around the sternum can also be beneficial.

Gentle “percussion” to the lungs is a technique used to increase circulation to an area and can be useful to break up stuck mucous. This is done by using cupped hands and gently taping to tolerance all around the lungs as much as possible (look online for instructions.)

Deep Breathing

If breathing is impaired or uncomfortable, it may feel instinctual to let breathing become more shallow. However, deep breathing is essential. Breathe from the belly, as deeply as comfortably possible. Any type of deep breathing exercise can be beneficial - you can look up pranayama online for some ideas but a simple and effective technique is to inhale the air (through the nose) into the belly to capacity, hold as long as comfortable and then release (through the mouth.) The idea is to gain capacity. This is great for the lungs and is also a good way to help keep airways open. I do daily deep breathing as a practice and when I have respiratory issues, I try to breathe deeply as much as possible throughout the day.

Fever

Many routinely turn to ibuprofen or acetaminophen when fever appears. Data is showing that taking ibuprofen can make COVID-19 symptoms worse. Before reaching for Tylenol, consider that fever is one of the body's chief ways to ward off illness. There's a lot of good information online about fevers. If unsure, research this before grabbing for something to try to bring fevers down.

Caution About Nebulizers and Steam

I have been reading that using nebulizers and steam inhalations can make this particular virus go deeper into the lungs. I advise researching this carefully before using either of these treatments.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are wonderful, but can be very drying energetically. I would not recommend using them topically or even in the air if there are COVID-19 respiratory symptoms.

Sleep

Make sure to get enough sleep at night. Nothing can replace this deeply restorative time!

Sleeping on your stomach or side is preferred, as lying on your back while having respiratory issues increases the risk of developing further chest fluid stagnation or pneumonia.

Postural Drainage

It is advisable to use postural drainage techniques several times a day for three to five minutes at a time. This can be done using pillows to support the body, laying over the edge of a bed or an inverted chair, or most simply leaning over a large exercise ball. The idea is to have the rear end raised higher than the head, so gravity naturally drains mucous from the lungs. Try to breathe deeply to expand the lungs while in this position, holding the breath a few seconds before exhaling. Images and techniques can be found for this online.

Gentle Exercise

Getting out for short walks in the fresh air and sunshine are very beneficial. If you have a mini trampoline and are up for it, even a few minutes of jumping really stimulates blood and lymph flow, which both help the body detoxify. Qi gong is a gentle form of exercise that is especially beneficial in the open air and is great whether in states of health or weakened conditions. You can find some qi gong forms online if you aren't familiar with this practice. Always listen to your body. There is a delicate balance; when ill it's counter-productive to push ourselves too hard. A little physical activity can go a long way. Try to rest as much as you need and get as much sleep as possible.

Hydrotherapy

Alternating hot and cold hand or foot baths can be a great way to increase body circulation and thus stimulate the healing response. Traditionally, this is done by placing the hands or feet in water as warm as tolerated for three minutes, followed by 30 seconds in icy cold, repeated several times. A teaspoon of mustard seed (Brassica nigra) powder from the spice cupboard can be mixed in the hot water to help further increase circulation and open up the lungs.

Warm baths with apple cider vinegar can help reduce viral load. Some like to use epsom salts or baking soda or a combination of the two to help detoxify.

Hydrate!

Keeping hydrated is very important. Warm fluids such as broth, herbal teas - like ginger (Zingiber officinale), sipped throughout the day, or lemon or apple cider vinegar in water are best. Adding 1/4-1/2 lemon to a cup of hot water is also an excellent way to boost vitamin C levels. Eating the lemon (rind and all) after drinking the water gives your body compounds like flavonoids that help you optimize its vitamin C content. A sip every 20 minutes or so of warm fluid is ideal. Keep your diet as clean and simple as possible - especially avoiding sugar, processed foods, wheat, and dairy. Oatmeal is very moistening and can be a good addition to your diet at this time.

Moisten Mucous Membranes

If at all possible, moisten the mucous membranes of the lungs with frequent regular doses of herbs such as marshmallow (Althaea officinalis.) For many other issues marshmallow root is steeped a long time to make the tea more thick and slimy. In this case, smaller doses with more water (warm, not cool) are best consumed right away (1/2 teaspoon to 8 ounces of hot water, sipped as soon as it's cool enough, 10-20 minutes after taking other herbs. Marshmallow tea can be mixed with other warming herbs, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), and/or cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) to balance out its cooling nature.

Log Symptoms

Make a log and keep track of symptoms and body temperature. It will help you to remember how you felt and what activities or remedies helped (or didn't help) you feel better. Be aware that temperature can fluctuate and at times during illness can be lower than normal as well. Keep in touch with your doctor or medical professional.

Addressing Fear

There seems to be a tremendous feeling of fear within and surrounding this virus. Bach Flower Remedies (like Rescue Remedy) can be helpful with this. Some herbal teas like chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and lavender (Lavandula spp.) can be helpful to nourish the nervous system. A small dose of passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) tincture or tea at bedtime be calming if your mind is in overdrive and can't seem to turn off.

Limiting exposure to news and other sources of media are helpful ways of reducing stress load. While important to know what’s going on in the world, it is crucial to find balance within our lives. Stress and worry wear down our immune systems. Part of being resilient involves setting healthy boundaries for ourselves.

This is an excellent time to deepen or begin a meditation practice. It’s fine to start slowly. Even a few peaceful seconds or moments will bring benefit to your life, which can be built upon.

Medications

Those taking medications should discuss herbal remedies, questions, and concerns with their doctors. A general rule is to space taking herbs and medication by two hours in order to lessen the chance of interactions. The herbs in this article are among the more common, readily used and traditionally regarded as safe.

Common Sense Approach

When introducing something new in life, start slowly and use a common sense approach. It's easy to think that if a little bit of something is good that having a lot of it will be better. It is wise whenever possible to start with a smaller amount of an herb and gradually build up the dose. If your body is in a weakened or depleted state (from fighting an illness, for example), you will likely respond more sensitively, requiring a lower dose than you ordinarily would.

Community Mindset

With regard to the herbs mentioned above, if you feel guided to purchase any, please do so with the mindset of taking only what you need. We generally need far less than we tend to think we will need. It has been difficult even for trained herbalists to get many herbs that have been touted as being "good for the coronavirus."

Good herbal medicine takes into account the individual, their condition, and symptoms. There is no one herb that is right for any one particular condition or for everyone.

The hoarding mindset has been prevalent, to the degree that it is difficult for hospitals and healthcare workers to obtain the proper face masks necessary to protect themselves, while facing this terrible virus on the front lines every day. It is difficult for us to buy items such as toilet paper because some have stockpiled resources, thinking only of themselves.

It is my humble belief that during times of crisis, we can only succeed when we are looking out for "WE" instead of "me." Although some feel that hoarding will help them survive, in order to truly thrive, we must learn to conserve the resources we have and to share freely whatever we can.

May you and your loved ones be healthy and have all that you need during this trying time.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Any questions or concerns related to your health should be discussed with your doctor. Any of the information provided on this site is used solely at your own risk.

3 Resilience-Building Tools for Those Newly Diagnosed with Cancer

by Rebecca Pine

Hearing the words, “You have cancer…” can feel like the world around you is crumbling, and your very foundation begins to shake.  It is important to acknowledge any feelings that surface.  There simply are no “wrong” reactions.  A cancer diagnosis comes as a shock.  Taking the time to allow yourself to process and express your feelings is both healthy and necessary.  Some of the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing may feel particularly uncomfortable.  You may feel depressed, angry, resentful, or numb.  These are all completely normal responses. 

When dealing with a cancer diagnosis, there is a sense of urgency to make major decisions quickly that will have an impact on the rest of your life.   You need to take on a lot of information and become aware of new terminology, tests, procedures, and treatments.  Some of the decisions can have an affect on your longevity; others affect the quality of your life.

Here are 3 tools to help make things a bit smoother as you settle into the whirlwind of this life-altering diagnosis, based on my experience as a survivor and through 5 years of working closely with cancer patients.

1.  Tackle the Critical, Toss the Rest

It can be tremendously helpful to apply a triage mentality as you sift through all the new information that comes along with your diagnosis.  Try to assess the situations at hand and tackle whatever is most critical immediately, noting what you can address later, and what you can let go of altogether for the time being.  Delegate whatever you can.  You don’t need to figure everything out.  You need only decide whatever is the next right thing to do.  This can be incredibly freeing. Take an overview of your current circumstances to see what the current priority is—it is, of course, completely normal that this will keep changing. 

You don’t need to figure everything out. You need only decide whatever is the next right thing to do.

2.  Be Gentle With Yourself

Remember that this is a time of upheaval.  Try no to judge the different reactions you may be having.  A diagnosis of cancer understandably brings up many dark and uncomfortable emotions and fears.  Seek out a trusted friend or family member to share your thoughts and feelings with.  Although it seems counter-intuitive, allowing yourself to experience and express will help you to move forward constructively.  As much as possible, be gentle with yourself.  Try to find regular, small ways of nurturing yourself.  A cup of your favorite tea, a nature walk, or some quiet time to write and reflect can help to provide a shelter from the storm.  These are important practices to lean on as you recover physically from surgery and treatment, and beyond.  Ask for help!  Chances are good that the people who care about you want to be helpful but don’t necessarily know what you want and need.  Being open to their help is a win-win.

A cup of your favorite tea, a nature walk, or some quiet time to write and reflect can help to provide a shelter from the storm.

3. Setting Limits

Although your hands are more than full, there may be people in your life who have no clue what it is like to go through an experience of cancer.  Some may continue to behave as though nothing has changed for you, still expecting you to fulfill responsibilities, expectations, or favors.  You may find it helpful to set limits to preserve your energy and make sure you have the time and energy you need to focus on your course of action, treatments, surgery, and emotional processing. 

It is empowering to remember that you can say “no thank you” to anything that feels unhealthy, at any time.  If acquaintances, friends, co-workers, or even family, are being negative or attempting to draw the focus from you to them, consider setting clear-cut boundaries with them.  Restricting or eliminating contact with people that feel unhealthy for you can make a positive impact on your health.  This is such an important time to focus on yourself and your needs.  Everything else will need to sit on the back burner.  Those who are truly there for you will understand this.  The others will have to accept this whether they understand or not.    

This is such an important time to focus on yourself and your needs.

A cancer diagnosis can appear to be a roller coaster of uphill struggles followed by free-for-all leaps of faith.  Remember to tackle the most critical issue at hand, delegate what you can, and toss the rest until time and energy are available to deal with them.  Be gentle with yourself and any fears or feelings that come up.  Find small, manageable ways to nurture yourself.  Ask for and welcome help whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to set limits.  This can protect your time and energy; others will adjust.   

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