As COVID-19, colds and flus are still widely circulating, I wanted to check-in to share some basic reminders of how to prevent the spread of viruses.  Luckily, we have learned SO much in the past few years and we also have many anti-viral treatments from plants; all the way from Chinese Herbal Formulas like Yin Qiao San, Gan Mao Ling or others containing Andrographis, Isatis, and Scute Root, to more local and Western remedies like Elderberry Syrup, Oil of Oregano, Thyme Tea, Olive Leaf, Lauricidin (extracted from coconut), as well as Vitamin C, D, and Zinc.  You can also cook with more ginger, thyme, and garlic, yum!  Above is a photo of some of the herbs I was using last cold and flu season and at the bottom of this page is a list of some things you should have on hand for whenever you or a loved one might need it. Feel free to text me anytime @510.717.WOOD to set up a telephonic herbal consult by donation, too 🙂

Here are some basic precautions that should be part of your daily routine, as with every cold and flu season:

● Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Recommit to stopping the spread of viruses.

● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.  Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-90% alcohol if soap and water are not available.  COVID-19 can transmit through both respiratory droplets and via stool, so careful hand-washing is critical.  Here is a video to visually show the steps to make sure you get soap on all parts of your hands.  

● Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can and wash or sanitize your hands.  Cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hand if you do not have a tissue available.  If you contaminate your hand and then touch other objects, you will spread the virus. 

● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

● Get plenty of sleep and rest, both are crucial for immune function. 

● Eat nutrient-rich foods, and prioritize a healthy diet.  Your diet provides building blocks used by your immune system to fight illness.

● Optimize your vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C levels.  You can order supplements here.  Sun your face. 

● Stay hydrated. Water is at the foundation of our health. 

● Stay calm.  Surges can be scary.  Prolonged, chronic stress inhibits immune function, so whether it is fear about the virus or excess stress at home or work, do what you can to give your system a break and restore.  Exercise, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal supplements recommended by your healthcare practitioner, qigong, yoga, meditation, or whatever your “go-to” to unwind must take priority now.  These are not luxuries!  Take care of yourself.

Keep practicing spacious solidarity and take care of one another!

~Erin Wood, L.Ac.