Coronavirus Herbal Resources and Recommendations
Infectious diseases have been a part of life on Earth for humans and other species for as far back as we can tell. Although many bacteria, viruses, and other microbial organisms are actually symbiotic with human life, and in fact we need them to survive, when an imbalance occurs pathogenic organisms can thrive and cause sickness.
Fortunately the human immune system, as well as the vital and evolutionary forces of life in general, are well equipped to reestablish balance and health in the face of most pathogenic health threats when conditions are optimal.
That’s the caveat; when conditions are optimal in not just the individual but the social and ecological terrain as well. And our current world is dealing with far from optimal ecological functioning as our waters, air, and forests have been moved, removed, polluted, and destroyed leaving the natural checks and balances vulnerable and deficient leaving all species on Earth at a disadvantage.
The health of the Earth and the health of people are inextricably bound.
Bacteria and viruses also spread easily in a global society. These organisms are highly intelligent and have intricate and advanced communication systems that we are just beginning to understand.
Studies such as the one conducted by Tufts University microbiologist Stuart Levy have shown us just how intelligent bacteria are in response to the threat of antibiotics. Levy tracked how the administration of tetracycline to chickens via their feed on a small farm in 1974 led to the development of multi-drug resistant bacteria in the chickens being fed the antibiotics as well as in those that were not, and, even more fascinating, in the people living on the farm.
That’s right, the people living on the farm, and even some of there neighbors, who were not taking antibiotics developed resistant bacteria:
”Within six months, the people living on the farm also carried tetracycline-resistant coliform bacteria, which made up more than 80% of their intestinal microbes. The bacteria carried by both chickens and farmers contained plasmids that conferred traits creating resistance to multiple antibiotics, not only the original drug.” ~ Changes in intestinal flora of farm personnel after introduction of a tetracycline-supplemented feed on a farm.
I don’t want to go off on a tangent about vaccinations here but I’ll just say that, until we know much more about how pathogens innovate and adapt for their own survival we cannot predict the long term consequences of a population that has come to depend on vaccines to protect us from disease instead of developing species wide multi-generational innate immunity. Old pathogens will adapt and new ones will emerge in response to changes in the environment including our attempts to wipe them out.
“Western medicine (at a generous estimate) is 200 hundred years old. Its knowledge of viral pathogens and infections is only around 50 years old. Much of that is rudimentary or even incorrect (based as it is on outdated ecological models and medical understandings).” ~Stephen Buhner
In the meantime, we have a new and emerging virus that we are facing called the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or Covid-19. It is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China where the first cases where identified. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses most of which result in mild to moderate cold type symptoms in humans. There have been two other serious and life-threatening Coronaviruses to date; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or MERS-CoV.
Covid-19 is basically a respiratory infection that, for most people, is not life-threatening but has taken the lives of the elderly and those with underlying immune and other health conditions that make it hard to fight. The World Health Organization, The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) as well as other national and international health organizations have been mobilizing as fast as they can to mitigate the spread and come up with treatments.
I decided to make this post as a list of resources and recommendations. There have been many herbal protocols proposed and I’ll share a couple of here as well as my own recommendations.
I have linked throughout this post and will provide a list of each again at the bottom.
My recommendations are basically the same as they would be for any viral or respiratory infection:
Your immune system is the best defense you have against anything. This is the way your body defines its boundaries and makes the “terrain” or conditions of your tissues and cells inhospitable to infection. I have written in depth about germ vs. terrain theory HERE
Here are few suggestions for keeping your immune system optimal:
A well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients, healthy fats and good quality protein. Animal proteins are the most nutritious when they are derived from grass-fed and humanely raised animals or wild game. Vegetarian proteins are best sourced from organically grown plants.
A healthy microbiome/gut flora that includes a diverse population of “good” bacteria that promotes the complete digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
Sunlight, fresh air, and moderate exercise
Relaxation and perspective. This virus has been widely sensationalized by the news media to the point of creating hysteria. An overstimulated nervous system reduces the effectiveness of our immune systems.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take this seriously, it means that we have to take appropriate precautions as they become known and otherwise live our lives the same way we do during influenza season.
Calming our nervous systems is not something we can fake so this also means doing what we need to feel safe. That means honoring your own feelings and making the best choices for you.
Rest, rest, rest! At least 8 hours per night or more is essential to good health. Naps are like super heroes for your health if you can take them. Rest is difficult when we are stressed out or feel like we have too much to do but if you get sick with a chronic illness it will be hard to get anything done at all.
One of the ways that I gain perspective in situations like this is to inform myself from sources I trust. The World Health Organization is a source that I consult and they provide ongoing information on the Coronavirus right now.
They released a report on data collected from February 16-24 that is linked below. There are several important finding in the report but the one that gave me the most perspective is this:
“Most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover. Approximately 80% of laboratory confirmed patients have had mild to moderate disease…”
The full report: Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Herbs:
There are numerous accessible herbs that can be supportive during flus and other respiratory illnesses. Because this is a new virus we don’t have any past experience with what works but we do have experience with similar viruses. Here are few that you probably already have on hand or can buy locally:
Garlic: Always a favorite! This tried and true power plant has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is too strong and heating to use everyday, especially raw, but can be included as a regular ingredient in cooking to keep up overall health. During an acute infection it can be used on its own but I suggest diluting it in tea or crushing it and mixing with honey and butter on a cracker or bread.
Mullein (Verbascum thaspus): Can be taken as a tea or tincture everyday to support overall lung tone and health
Codonopsis/DANG SHEN (Codonopsis pilosula): Codonopsis is effective as an immune supportive restorative with a special affinity for the lungs. See my previous post about it here: 6 Herbs for Lung Support
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or angustofolia): Caution with Echinacea if you have autoimmune disease. Some people find it can aggravate their condition. Otherwise Echinacea can be a strong ally especially at first onset of symptoms. I have written extensively about Echinacea HERE
What’s the scoop on Elderberry? Everyone is saying use Elderberry but Elderberry is not an anti-viral panacea. Here is an article by herbalist Stephany Riley Hoffelt on when not to use Elderberry:
Other Recommendations:
There is lots of good herbal info coming out about how to address this right now. Below I have shared recommendations from two leading herbalists, who have also been my teachers, Matthew Wood and Stephen Buhner.
Matt Wood and The Thermoregulatory System:
Matt has shared both a video and PDF recommendations for the Coronavirus and specifically discusses how our “thermoregulatory shield” is our best defense. The thermoregulatory system is the way in which our bodies open and close to release or contain heat.
Because bacteria and viruses (often they are always there) first approach us via our skin and mucus membranes the way our skin reacts can either keep them from going deeper into the body or keep them out. When we get cold and our pores close up the balanced flow of heat and fluids is disrupted.
This involves the opening and closing of the pores/vents of the skin in response to the motion of our circulation to and from the periphery. Thermoregulation is one of the primary ways that our bodies expel pathogens as well as working coherently with the immune system. Our mast cells (a type of immune cell) are right below the skins surface and are attuned to the circulatory system.
For those of you familiar with herbal energetics, Matt points out here that the Chinese doctors have already determined that this Coronavirus is a disease of damp turbidity which Matt explains in the video below.
The video is available on Facebook which I will link to here: The Thermoregulatory System and Coronavirus… with Herbalist Matthew Wood
There is also two written PDFs, one 4 page document and one 20 page document, available with herbal recommendations. This is on Matt’s website. You can preview them for free but have to set up an account with your email. Once you have an account go to “freebies” and scroll down to the bottom of the list. I recommend doing so as he has several free offerings as well as a paid courses you can take.
Matt’s website: Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism
Stephen Buhner Article and Formulations
Herbalist, researcher, and writer Stephen Buhner has also published his recommendations for dealing with the Coronavirus preventatively as well as through the stages of the illness. He offers 3 formulas:
1) Core formulation: Scutellaria baicalensis (3 parts), Polygonum cuspidatum (2 parts), Pueraria (2 parts), Glycyrrhiza (1 part), decocted Sambucus leaf tincture (1 part). Dosage: 1 tsp 3x day, if acute 1 tsp 6x day.
2) Immune formulation: Cordyceps (3 parts), Angelica senensis (2 parts), Rhodiola (1 part), Astragalus (1 part). Dosage: Same as number one.
3) Cellular protection/cytokine modulation/spleen-lymph support: Salvia miltiorrhiza (3 parts), Ceanothus (2 parts), Bidens pilosa (1 part). Dosage: Same as number one.
4) 2 ounce Boneset Extract: This tincture is in lieu of the BONESET TEA that Buhner recommends.
Recommended dosage: IF ACTIVE INFECTION PRESENT:
Adults: 3 droppers full in hot water 3-6 times per day. Children: 20-30 drops in hot water 3-6 times per day. Infant dosage is 3-5 drops. (Or strong Boneset Tea up to 6 times per day).
His full recommendations and explanations is available here: HERBAL TREATMENT FOR CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS
These were available at Woodland Essence but are now out of stock until March 10th so check back with them: Woodland Essence
***Please read the full recommendations and their links before beginning any herbal protocol. And, obviously, check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or have other health concerns before beginning any herbal treatments or trying new herbs.
RESOURCE LIST:
Tufts University study by Stuart Levy: Changes in intestinal flora of farm personnel after introduction of a tetracycline-supplemented feed on a farm.
Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
6 Herbs for Lung Support by Lisa Fazio
Echinacea And All That by Lisa Fazio
When Not to Use Elderberry: Using a Little Discernment by Stephany Riley Hoffelt
Thermoregulatory System Facebook Video with Matthew Wood: The Thermoregulatory System and Coronavirus… with Herbalist Matthew Wood
Two PDF documents with herbal recommendations from Matthew Wood: Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism
Stephen Buhner’s Herbal Recommendations: HERBAL TREATMENT FOR CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS
Woodland Essence/Stephen Buhner Formulas for Coronavirus (out of stock until March 10): Woodland Essence