Health

Notes From The Health & Wellness Breakout Group

The following notes are from the Health & Wellness Breakout Group at the April 7th Cortes Island Virtual Town Hall meeting.

In our breakout group we addressed how to best take care of ourselves during the pandemic crisis. This is a summary of our conversation. Importantly, NONE OF THIS REPLACES APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE SHOULD RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS OCCUR. And of course, no herbs or supplements are known to be effective against COVID-19. Herbal medicines should not be used by anyone taking medications regularly before consulting a licensed health care professional.

The COVID-19 virus is so virulent because it triggers a massive inflammatory immune response in the lungs. Controlling our inflammatory nature through diet and perhaps targeted supplements, we build a strong foundation and are more likely to be resilient to the virus. 

Mature Mullein

Herbs & Vitamins

  • A basic multivitamin that has vitamin A and zinc, making sure you keep taking vitamin D as long as you don’t get significant sun exposure, and taking a probiotic or eating probiotic food are worth considering, now and always.
  • Some specific herbs were discussed:
    • anti-inflammatory herbs and herbal extracts: curcumin, mullein, licorice
    • herbs for promoting immune health: astragalus, andrographis
    • herbs for promoting expectoration: cedar, thyme, mints
    • other herbs used historically for lung infections: osha, elecampane
    • mushrooms: Paul Stamets says pure polysaccharide extracts (including teas) should be avoided due to the theoretical risk of ramping up the inflammatory response; others have suggested the same possible risk with echinacea, which works similarly. He says whole mycelial and fruiting body mushroom extracts, which are anti-inflammatory, are safer and more likely to be helpful.

Other Treatments & Therapies

  • Simple steams can help relieve congestion and stimulate expectoration. Use a drop or two of essential oil in a cup with a small amount of steaming hot water, place the cup under the chin, and wrap pinky fingers around the top of the mug and thumbs and index fingers around the mouth and nose to create a kind of seal. 
  • A qi gong sequence for stimulating immune function was demonstrated. We discussed the importance of movement in the joints and movement in general for promoting circulation and lymph drainage.
  • Breathing exercises can support lung health: one example was to take as deep a breath as possible and hold for 10 seconds and slowly exhale as fully as possible and repeat.
  • We were reminded that being in the forest exposes us to chemicals that reduce stress and increase immune function. How lucky to be on Cortes at this time!
  • We discussed evidence that gargling with plain water and saline nasal lavage may help reduce susceptibility to common colds. The solution for the nasal lavage is ¼ teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 cup warm water.
  • Cold water therapy (such as 60 second cold rinse after a hot shower) is used historically to promote healthy circulation and drainage, prevent infections, and generally build fortitude. Body brushing is another method for achieving this.
  • Staying socially connected, while physically distant, and practicing stress-reduction/relaxation are key to keeping us resilient.

Top photo credit: Young Mullein plant, Spring by jacinta lluch valero via Flickr (CC BY SA, 2.0 License)