These immune boosting tips might not be anything groundbreaking, but the lessons with the current Coronavirus scare are more about remembering than learning something brand new. Remembering how to be instead of what to do. This might feel scary, but simple self care is the best we can offer ourselves and our community currently.
Find calm
Easier said than done! However, our immune systems will thank us. With many of us spending hours at home, now is a great time to begin or deepen a meditation practice, try out breathwork, yoga, stretching, intentional awareness, Emotional Freedom Technique, visualization, and more. Feel into slowing down. There are tons of wonderful, free videos, podcasts, and resources available online. I really enjoy Tara Brach’s podcast on meditation and mindfulness, and Reene Sills’ podcast called “Embodied Astrology” for cosmic guidance and beautiful embodiment practices.
Drink fluids
There are rumors going around that it’s recommended to sip something every 15 minutes, as this will flush potential pathogens from your throat into your digestive system where they cannot live. The jury seems to be out on whether this is true or false, but either way, staying hydrated is extremely beneficial to our immune systems and overall physical functioning! Hot liquids like teas are great, as well as room temperature water.
Eat nourishing foods
Food is medicine! You’ve heard this before. Eat the rainbow, eat whole foods, eat traditional cultural foods, eat food that soothes your soul. Use spices and herbs in your dishes; even Black Pepper and Salt make the vitamins and minerals in our food more bioavailable. Garlic, cloves, cayenne, lemon, turmeric, oregano, thyme, and ginger are immune boosting and antiviral. Support your local farms and farmers. Feel gratitude for all that you eat, all the care and love that went into each bite, all the nutrients your body needs.
Herbs!!!
Our plant allies help so very much. Burn antimicrobial herbs like Cedar, Garden Sage, Yarrow, and Mugwort (or any of the Artemisias) to cleanse the air of microbes and unpleasant vibes. Drink herbal teas to support your immune system, old favorites like Elderberry, Echinacea, Calendula, Peppermint, Rosemary, Licorice, Dandelion, Ginger, Rosehips, Chamomile, Hibiscus, Turmeric, Lemongrass, Nettles, Lemon Balm, St. John’s Wort. Ask your local herbalist if you’re concerned about herbal interactions with medical conditions or medications. Read up on how your ancestors used herbs, and honor their ways.
Try Homeopathic Supplements
If you’re unable to source herbs or talk with an herbalist, I’ve had a lot of success with clients using drugstore homeopathic tablets, specifically Boiron’s Oscillococcinum for fever and flu-like symptoms like flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. There are so many homeopathic options out there; I’ve also used Sulphur iodatum for continued sinus issues after cold or flu, Rumex crispus for a dry, persistent cough, and Drosera rotundifolia for painful, spasmodic dry coughs that are worse at night. These remedies are widely available.
Energetic Boundaries
This is so important. Log off of social media and/or the internet if all the news and anxiety is stressing you out. It will be there in an hour, or 3 or 6 or tomorrow or the next day. Get enough sleep! Get SO much sleep. Get all the sleep you’ve been missing. Place a lavender or mugwort or rose sachet under your pillow for sweet dreams. Black Tourmaline is a wonderful mineral ally, keep a small piece in your pocket. Place Rose Quartz on your heart. Take Yarrow or Rose or Hawthorn as a flower essence, or burn these, or use in small doses as a tincture or tea to reinforce energetic boundaries. Visualize yourself in a golden bubble. Create something beautiful by yourself, for yourself. Enjoy yourself.
Wash your hands
For 30 seconds, with warm water and soap.
