Healing Holistically with Covid
What a year this past one has been but we have to acknowledge the reason 2020 was so different than many others. Covid or Coronavirus to everyone’s understanding is known to be a severe flu. What it can do to your body is completely different than what it will do to the next person, each case is so different. I firsthand can tell you my experience and yes, covid is extremely taboo once you tell someone you had it, but here I am speaking about it. I’m a healthy 30-year-old woman with no underlying health issues except for having higher than normal stress levels and anxiety which this pandemic didn’t help. The last month of the year I somehow got the virus, I knew something felt off and felt a little achy along with horrible sinus pressure, which I thought was just a sinus infection. I’m very aware of my body and knew something felt off and low and behold it was covid.
It is obvious that symptoms were showing up differently within males and females but all that I knew was that it affects the lungs, upper respiratory, and causing blood to clot. With prior knowledge of Chinese medicine, I knew where to begin and what organs this virus was attacking so I made sure that my lungs were strong. Having good Wei qi is key when you have covid because it is your defense system and that controls your lungs. I drank a lot of liquids, because keeping your body moist and hydrated is the main concern. Taking hot showers and hot baths to keep your lungs moist with steam is also essential. Using slices of ginger on your body helps to bring out stagnant mucus in the chest. Sleeping on your side or propped up is helpful because the stagnation of fluids can cause pneumonia and buildup in the lungs.
I stayed away from any over-the-counter cold/flu medicine and did everything to the best of my ability to take only natural supplements. Below I compiled a list of supplements and remedies that worked for me. Apple cider vinegar, ginger shots, hot broth, and teas were all of my go-to’s. These items are good staples to have in your pantry at all times and are easy to access at the grocery store for a low cost.
Giving yourself the rest you need is also a major part of healing, trying not to rush to feel better in this faced paced lifestyle. There’s a point where you have to step back and realize you have to let yourself get better to feel the best. Rest does not just mean sleep but putting your phone away for a while and taking a mental break.
Having a virus that is so unknown to many people can get in your head and that’s where the mental wellness part steps in. A few ways to ease your mind can be meditation, taking a hot bath with your favorite podcast, listening to a Spotify playlist, or talking to loved ones. Below is a link to one of my favorite mellow playlists.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4z3810a9krmtKKjWlMNG70?si=1db6ce227bdd46f1
The worst part of it all was the loss of taste and smell for about two weeks and since those two are linked it makes it difficult to gain an appetite when you can't taste anything. Although that is the best time to nourish your body is when you’re feeling sick because you need nutrient-rich food that is comforting. Stay away from sugar and limit dairy because it is extremely mucus forming. Eat foods that help ease your stomach and body such as rice, broths, warm tea, and porridge with minimal spices. It’s good to know how to take care of your body during this time because you can use these same tools in case of a cold, flu, or whenever your immune system is low.
Having qi vitality will help immune resistance and make your body stronger when viruses enter the body. This virus looks like it’s here to stay and might be the new strain of flu, so for the time being stay educated and healthy in case you and your family come in contact with it.
Supplements/Vitamins:
Source Naturals Wellness Formula
Magnesium Glycinate 400
St. Johns Wort (mood support)
Real Krill
Vitamin D3
Vitamin A
Jarrow Formulas Zinc Balance
Source Naturals Melatonin (studies show that it can reduce inflammation)
Super Echinacea tincture
Astragalus tincture
Honey Gardens Elderberry Syrup
Chlorophyll drops (blood cleanser)
*all supplements above are vitamins that I took daily or every other day to build my immunity.
Herbal Remedies:
Hot tea consisting of boiled ginger, lemon, and added vitamin d3 drops
Ginger, lemon, and cayenne wellness shot
Turmeric, ginger, lemon, honey wellness shot
Ginger, oregano oil, garlic, and cayenne wellness shot
Broth made from boiled kombu seaweed, ginger, onion, and miso paste.
Echinacea Tea with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel