Protecting Yourself from the Coronavirus

What is happening… 

The recent news regarding has some people in a near panic and others dismissing information. The reality is the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this outbreak as a pandemic and public health emergency. The word pandemic only refers to the geographic spread of disease. As announcements are made by the WHO, other countries, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); it is important to pay attention to the words used in reports.

This is the first time they have seen this virus as a pandemic. The WHO organization is encouraging governments to take action to prevent the spread of the virus based on the risk in that country. Some counties are requiring a quartine period when entering their country, another is suspending community transportation, and organizations are canceling events. This is only meant to slow down the spread of the virus. They are continuing to assess the risk of the disease every day (hour by hour) and give updates. The WHO is confident this is the first pandemic that can be contained.

Not every country is reporting cases of the coronavirus. Whether this is because they do not have the ability to test, haven’t tested, or actually have no cases I am not sure. Although it is important to go off of data, it is important to keep in mind the ability to test for the virus could be affecting the infected and death numbers.

What Can I do… Do Not PANIC…The CDC recommends first and foremost (wash your hands)!!! The coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported to survive on surfaces for up to 3 days. It can also stay in the air for up to 3 hours after it has been aerosolized. Covering your mouth when you sneeze and cough is imperative (not with your hand but shirt or elbow). Medical professionals are encouraging people not to touch their face without washing their hands (eyes, nose, mouth…), stay out of crowded areas, stay home if sick, and stop all unnecessary travel.

Building up the immune system…  Making sure your immune system is at its peak is another way to prepare and fight off this infection. Since there is currently no cure for the coronavirus or specific treatment regimen (hospitals are only supporting symptoms with breathing treatments, controlling fevers, ventilator treatment when needed…), it is important to take a stand by boosting your health. As a medical professional myself, I have been taking herbal supplements, using essential oils, and drinking plenty of water to ensure my immune is ready for whatever I may come in contact with. I am also encouraging friends and family to do the same.

Herbs… 

There are different herbs where are known to aid in boosting your immune system. Lately, I have been taking but not limited to elderberry, ginger, and garlic every day adjacent to my essential oil regimen to aid in keeping my immune system at its most ready.

• Elderberry

  • Elderberry is one of my favorite herbs. This herb is known to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes. A randomized controlled study from 2004 showed taking 15ml of elderberry syrup 4 times a day for 5 days relieving symptoms on an average of 4 days. Another study from 2016 showed the effectiveness of elderberry in shortening sick time.

  • When I am sick I take elderberry two to three times a day along with some in my tea. When I am in prevention mode I take it at least once per day. I prefer the syrup to the capsules.

• Garlic

  • Garlic is a known anti-infective. It helps build up your immune system while also fighting bacteria and viruses. It also has anti-inflammatory which is great for reducing inflammation in the body (mild fevers, allergies, joint pain…). I take one tablet a day to keep my immune system strong. This herb also helped me during my pregnancy to keep my uterus healthy. Garlic also has antiplatelet/coagulant properties meaning it can take a little bit longer for you to clot. If you already take an anticoagulant best not to take a capsule stick to placing it in dishes.

• Tumeric

  • Tumeric is another one of my favorite herbs. I mainly use this one for anti-inflammatory reasons such as allergies, pain, tension headaches but, it is also a potent antioxidant. I take a capsule to two a day during allergy season and before work. I add it to my tea (in tincture form) when I am sick to aid in opening up my airway and reducing congestion. I also give this to my son (in tincture form) to help him if he gets sinus headaches. **not everyone likes the taste. It is hot/spicy.

  • A study was conducted in 2017 which showed a reduction in oxidative stress markers and inflammation for chronic disease and other pathological processes while also increasing antioxidant activity after consuming Tumeric. If you have arthritis, allergies, soreness after working out… you may want to review the study and add a Tumeric capsule or two, to your daily health regimen.

  

• Ginger

  • Ginger is another known herb for many things such as aiding with upset stomachs when pregnant but it is also a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and does contain compounds that aid in preventing many diseases.

  • I now take a capsule of ginger every day before work to aid in keeping my immune system strong. I also add ginger to my tea (in tincture or crystal form) when I am sick to help open up my airway, reducing mucus build-up, and giving me energy.  **This is spicy/hot

• Oregano

  • Oregano is another herb I use usually once I get sick but lately, I have been putting it in my tea about one to two times per week. I usually add about 10 drops to my tea with honey or 10 drops in a shot glass with other immune-boosting herbs. **This herb is hot and probably shouldn’t be taken straight. It can burn. I like it in my tea with honey the best. It helps it go down smoothly.

  • Oregano is high in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

• Echinacea

  • I mainly use echinacea once I feel a cold coming on. It also has antioxidants that also have an immune-boosting effects on the body. In school, I learned you shouldn’t consume echinacea longer than 12 days at a time. It is important to give your liver a break at that time.

Essential Oils… 

Along with my regimen of herbs, I use essential oils daily to aid in boosting my immune system, balancing my emotions, and cleaning/ freshening my home.

Lately, I have been diffusing eucalyptus, lemongrass, Thieves blend, OnGuard blend, wild orange, and peppermint at different times in my home. I have been adding tea tree and lemongrass in my cleaning products and dishwater to aid in disinfecting areas around the home. I have also been adding lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, OnGuard, and thieves in my water at different times to aid in boosting my immune system. I also put different oils in the bathtub with my daughter to relax while healing from a rough day/night.

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    • I use Young Living and Doterra essential oils. Doterra has contributed both financially and with products to different areas affected by the coronavirus. Doterra continues to work with many medical professionals to increase knowledge regarding the power and effectiveness of plants.

Plants are powerful and can help aid you in staying healthy, shortening your sick time, and aiding in your recovery. Your body can use different plants to heal. It is truly amazing and eye-opening to see what the body can do. Today research continues to be done to prove the effects of plants and essential oils.

As we continue to move forward at this time I hope you are able to find peace, comfort, and health. Remember to wash your hands, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, and try to maintain your emotional health.

Jasmine Hutchinson, BSN, PHN, RN

If you’re looking for a place to purchase essential oils…. I decided to purchase my essential oils from Young Living and Doterra, who both sell Therapeutic Grade Oils (Pure and organically grown). I chose them as a brand I trust because of what they stand for.

• My Doterra Member Number: 6339913; More information about Doterra

• My Young Living Member Number: 11817538; More information about Young Living

• Feel free to email or comment; I am here to help you on your journey.

DISCLAIMER…THIS BLOG IS INTENDED SOLELY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE TO HEALTH INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS, CAUTIONS, SAFETY CONCERNS, NATURAL REMEDIES, DIY RECIPES, AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH. THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF ANY HEALTH CONDITION OR CONCERN OR EVEN THOSE ASPECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOG. THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE–AND YOU SHOULD NOT USE IT AS–A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE GIVEN BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. BE SURE TO SEE A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO HELP ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY.