A Whole New World
“And then the whole world walked inside and shut their doors and said we will stop it all. Everything. To protect our weaker ones, our sick ones. Our older ones. And nothing, nothing, in the history of humankind ever felt more like love than this.”
Those words were handwritten on a piece of computer paper and found taped to a utility pole in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania one Tuesday in March, 2020. Those words reflect this strange and uncertain situation that all the people of the world collectively find ourselves in. It is unprecedented and indefinite and is taking monumental, unexpected collateral. To have sweeping death tolls of our elderly and their life-earned wisdom and patient love. To ask younger generations to sit out rights-of-passage, no senior proms, no graduation ceremonies. To lose jobs and incomes and come face to face with debt and fear. Yet as terrifying and heartbreaking as this is, there must be some good in it.
The earth is breathing while we rest and stay at home. And so, so many people across the world are taking this opportunity to nurture and cultivate their tiny portion of this earth, many for the first time. Taking the time and intention to begin to grow more of their own food, and more of their own medicine. We are building local communities again. We are nurturing and encouraging those around us. People are coming together to provide aid to those who need it on an incredible scale. It’s inspiring to feel the interwoven strands of our communities becoming tighter, stronger, more self-sufficient as a whole. Yes, this is a time of solitude and trepidation. But imagine the celebrations we will have with our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, when this is over. We will dance in the streets together. We will eat from each other’s gardens all the abundance we have grown. We will share stories and skills, things we learned and things we gained new understanding of while in social isolation. We will value what is local, because that kept our communities strong. We will delight in our creativity, because that is what cannot be taken away. We will go outside more, because sunshine brings joy and a roof cannot contain our joy.
As I write this, there is no vaccine for COVID-19, and no manufactured pill you can take to recover from the virus. What we do have is a world-wide explosive demand for medicinal herbs and traditional knowledge. These plants can, without question, build stronger immune systems, fight viruses, give our bodies more stability, alleviate the symptoms without dangerous side-effects, and hasten recovery for many. So I want to talk about some of the herbs we can use in this time of returning to the land, returning to our families, returning to whole systems, returning to food as thy medicine. We have never seen this virus in humans before, so we are still learning much about it, and much is unknown. The following information pertains to general viral infections and respiratory infections, and is not specific to COVID-19.
Vitamin C is vital to the overall function and health of the immune system. It’s easy enough to get your daily dose of Vitamin C by eating citrus fruits, tomatoes, or consuming rosehips in teas or tinctures. Vitamin D is necessary for our bodies to process other nutrients, and Vitamin D can also reduce the risk of respiratory infections and viruses. Zinc is a great mineral for building strong immune systems and preventing the onset of respiratory infections.
Astragalus root has traditionally been used to strengthen the immune system and to treat colds. Studies have shown that certain compounds in astragalus increase the production of white blood cells, particularly T cells and macrophages, and other cells important for immune system function, and astragalus has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects.
Echinacea is a powerful herb for preventing and fighting infections, as it has anti-viral properties and has been show to increase white blood cell production. Echinacea is anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, anti-microbial, and offers lymphatic support (the lymphatic system rids the body of toxins and waste).
Elderberry is a common herb used to address viral infections. Elderberries are anti-viral, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. They are most frequently used for prevention of upper-respiratory infections as well as to shorten the duration of a virus. Elderberries contain a hemagglutinin protein which has been shown to inhibit a virus’ ability to penetrate cell walls, which then stops its ability to replicate.
Elecampane helps to clear out excess mucus that impairs lung function. It is a natural antibacterial agent for the lungs, helping to lessen infection particularly for people who are prone to lung infections.
Licorice Root is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, and stomach and cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support . It has an expectorant action and loosens phlegm in the respiratory tract so that the body can expel the mucus. Compounds within this root help relieve bronchial spasms and block the free radical cells that produce the inflammation and tightening of the air ways. The compounds also have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Mullein flowers and leaves are used for soothing the lungs and calming coughs. It is a mild relaxant to the lungs and also a mild demulcent. It soothes inflammation and dryness whether it is particulate matter in the air or symptoms from asthma or an upper respiratory infection.
Garlic has been proven to inhibit certain viruses and influenza strains. Garlic contains a compound called allicin which has been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells in the body when a virus is encountered.
Coltsfoot has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the lungs. It clears out excess mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes while soothing the mucus membranes in the lungs.
Peppermint contains menthol and is known to relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract and promote free breathing. Paired with the antihistamine effect of peppermint, menthol is a fantastic decongestant. Many people use chest balms and other inhalants that contain menthol to help break up congestion.
As always, please reach out to myself or any other herbalist if you have questions about the usage, safety, or side effects of taking herbs.
Be well out there, dear ones. You are loved, and it is because you are loved that we are staying home and staying safe.