We are in the middle of the holiday season, and my family is quarantined. However, we are not alone. Covid cases have increased all across the nation. Only one of us so far has tested positive, but I am using my knowledge of herbs and the immune system to help the entire family.

The first thing that I do, is make sure that my family is eating and sleeping correctly and staying hydrated. When an individual becomes sick, they might not have an appetite, or they could have trouble sleeping due to certain symptoms they are experiencing. Every person is experiencing this virus differently, and each individual should be taken into account. If eating is an issue, I try to offer a liquid diet of healing broths. If they cannot drink fluids, I will offer sips or I will sit them in a tub of water and let the skin absorb it. Sometimes, liquids are easier to take than solid food. I take this into consideration depending on their individual needs.

Luckily, my family is able to eat, sleep, and stay hydrated right now. At this point, I look at keeping the immune system supported with food and herbal medicine. One of my favorites is astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus). This tonic and adaptogenic herb is a good choice to balance the immune system due to its amphoteric properties. In other words, it will stimulate the immune system, or calm it down depending on the body’s needs. It is considered modulating and strengthening. It is also considered antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory which can help in viral situations with respiratory symptoms. I like to make a decoction of the root using:

2 cups of water

1/2 cup of dried Astragalus root

Place both in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for twenty minutes. After the twenty minutes, take off of the heat and cover to steep the root for another twenty minutes. Strain this and drink it directly, or you can add alcohol to preserve it. I will also add the dried root when making broths or soups. Astragalus root is sweet tasting and considered warming and moistening.

A formula that I like to use works well when there is a fever with chills, or when you need extra help eliminating the virus. It uses equal amounts of yarrow, peppermint, and elder flowers. This formula offers antiviral and diaphoretic properties to help rid the body of the microorganisms responsible for the symptoms. Pour boiling water over the herbs, cover, and let them steep for twenty minutes. Strain and add a little honey if needed. Drink 1 cup three times a day to support the body.

At this point, I will help the body as I see symptoms arise. I help the body expel any phlegm or mucus, help the body’s elimination channels stay open, reduce nasal congestion, reduce aches and pains, or alleviate nausea with herbs I have on hand. This is where I allow the virus to run its course but direct the body when it needs extra help. I also continue to use food for nutrition and other herbs for medicinal purposes such as garlic, onions, cayenne, and ginger.

I am looking forward to the new year with the possibility once again of interacting with others in one of my in-person classes and speaking events. In the meanwhile, I do offer online classes for everyone which you can find on my events page. Happy New Year to all of you and I hope you are filled with health and happiness.