
We should stay healthy and boost our immune systems. If you catch the virus you need to manage its symptoms and reduce its severity.
But social distancing and remaining at home are stressful and can cause poor sleep, anxiety, and depression. We must be as strong as possible in the coming weeks and months.
Herbal medicine is not competing with conventional treatment and we need to be clear about the distinctions. Herbal medicine cannot prevent infection or cure the respiratory disease caused by the virus.
Here's what we medical herbalists can do. I treat each individual as a whole. After a consultation I prepare a unique blend of herbal medicines. I have 130 herbs in my dispensary and select the most beneficial herbs for you.
They might include those that boost the immune system. Some modulate and enhance our immunity. Other herbs have an antiviral action that has been shown to prevent viruses from entering cells or replicating within the cell.
I recently treated a man in his sixties who often suffered from respiratory infections and wanted to prevent infection. His treatment included Echinacea, Astragalus and the medicinal mushroom Reishi to enhance immune function, elderberry and liquorice for antiviral action and Rhodiola to enhance the body’s ability to tackle stress.
Many different herbs can treat symptoms of respiratory infections. These include herbs to soothe sore throats, reduce coughing, ease breathing, reduce congestion, and bring down a temperature. Herbs with anti-inflammatory action also reduce the severity of the infection.
An effective herbal tea to reduce fever and treat the symptoms would contain elderflower, meadowsweet, peppermint and yarrow with possible addition of other herbs such as thyme, sage, liquorice, elecampane, plantain and ground ivy.
Our mental health matters massively too. Many of us are experiencing anxiety about the enormous changes we are experiencing. Herbal medicine can help us manage these.
Herbs that act on the adrenal gland improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. Borage is particularly good for giving strength in times of fear and worry. Herbs such as valerian and passionflower help relax and can be taken as part of treatment for poor sleep and insomnia. A good night's sleep helps mental wellbeing and ensures a healthy immune system. For those who experience low mood there are herbs such as St John’s wort and Vervain which are effective antidepressants.
Please contact me if you feel you would benefit from herbal treatment. Let herbal medicine help.