Use These Top Chinese Herbs To Boost Your Immunity Against COVID19
Now that we are faced with COVID-19, we need strategies on how to protect ourselves from contracting the virus and spreading it. This virus is very similar to the Influenza, but does have some differences. This type of Corona Virus is very contagious where 1 person can infect 1.4-3.9 people compared to Influenza that is about 2-3 people. The incubation rate varies from 2-14 days so those how are asymptomatic can easily spread it. Also, the death rate is higher with this virus at 1% compared to .1% from Influenza. Statistics are projecting that about 18 million Americans will die from this virus, which is about 1 person out of every 100.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONA VIRUS?
This virus causes many similar symptoms like the Influenza but the difference is that it drives deep into the lungs causing pneumonia, which is life threatening. We are also learning that the virus can enter the digestive symptom causing diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and poor appetite.
Common signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
fever that’s mild then spikes quickly, cough, SOB, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, and possible nasal congestion. Difference between flu and COVID-19 is flu hits you hard then gradually gets better while COVID-19 starts mild then gets gradually worse.
If you have these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact your primary care physician who will then determine if you need to admitted to the hospital. However, use your best judgement and call 911 if you need medical assistance.
What Can We Do To Protect Ourselves Against COVID19?
The #1 goal and best strategy is for everyone to focus on strengthening their immune system. This is why the elderly and immune compromised people are having difficulty fighting this infection. Also, people who have pre-existing conditions will find themselves in a struggle fighting this off. This virus doesn't discriminate against age, race, or class. So our best arsenal is to boost our immunity so we have a fighting chance.
In Chinese Medicine, our immune system is called Wei Qi, which means our defensive Qi and is governed by the respiratory system to distribute out the troops. Our digestive organs makes the production of Wei Qi, which we know most of our immunity is made in our gut. The last organ system that is associated with Wei Qi are the kidneys because it stores the essence and needs strong Kidney yang to transform it.
Now you can see why having optimal organ systems in the body are important when it comes to protecting yourself from COVID19. Do you think have any organ systems that need to be strengthen like your lungs, gut, or kidneys? I will share with you some ways to boost up your immunity using herbs at home. The goal is to strengthen your body's Yang, while supplementing your Lung Qi and digestion.
Chinese Herbal Therapy For Boosting Your Immunity
There are many different herbs out there that research shows that can support your immunity, so I listed my top favorites that are readily available to get. Chinese Herbalism focuses on balanced formulas to boost immunity, which means a combination of herbs that work together in harmonious way to prevent any side effects. The reason for using a combination of herbs is by using one single herb may harm the body if there are some underlying imbalances. There are many Chinese herbal formulas to build up your immunity, if you are interested I recommend that you see a Chinese Herbalist to get the correct prescribed formula based upon your diagnosis.
1. Garlic called Da Suan has an affinity for the lungs, stomach, and spleen. It is a potent antioxidant with anti pathogenic properties by increasing the production of T Cells and stimulates other immune cells that fight pathogens. It contains the compound allicin that gives it the antimicrobial effect. There are many ways to take garlic in forms of capsules, raw, or adding to your recipes.
Taking garlic as a prophylactic, chop 1 clove into small pieces (don't mince it, because it will be too strong to digest, trust me since I had to learn the hard way) and let it set for about 10-15 minutes to get the allicin enzymes to active. Swallow it down without chewing and take with a meal. It is recommend to take 1-3 gloves daily.
If you are struggling with epigastric discomfort, you can pickle garlic gloves and take half-1 clove per day. You can search online for a recipe that suites you or check out this recipe http://www.thehongkongcookery.com/2015/03/chinese-pickled-garlic.html
If you are ill with a cough, add from chopped up ginger and unfiltered honey with the raw garlic and swallow as above.
There are some contraindications for taking garlic. If have heat symptoms or Yin deficient, then this herb isn't ideal for you. Also avoid taking this herb if you take blood thinner medications, because it thins your blood even more.
2. Seaweed called Hai Zao enters the kidneys and lungs. It contains high amounts of minerals and most importantly iodine, which is needed to have a strong immunity and anti pathogenic properties. It comes in many forms from pills, powder, fresh, or dried. I recommend sourcing seaweed from Korea and not Japan.
3. Mushrooms and more mushrooms.
There a variety of different mushrooms to choose from like Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao), Reishi (Ling Zhi-mushroom of immortality), Lion's Main (Huo Tou Gu), Turkey Tail (Yuan Zhi), and Chaga (Hua Jie Kong Jun). This herb enters the lungs, stomach, and spleen. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and stabilize the immune system. You take these herbs in a variety of forms from powders, tinctures, capsules, and now my favorite as a coffee substitute.
I hope you enjoyed learning some powerful Chinese herbs to help boost up your immune system to keep you healthy against the Corona Virus. Stay well and healthy!
In good health,
Stacy
PS-if you would like a herbal consultation for immune boosting, please contact me. Chinese herbal formulas are very powerful, effective, and safe.
Disclaimer: Vibrant Life Acupuncture and it’s owner, Stacy Spence, and it’s employees do not in any way claim that Chinese Medicine, either Acupucture or Chinese Herbal medicine, can cure Covid -19, or any other chronic or acute disease.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds
Therapeutic Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Garlic, Shallot, and Their Biologically Active Compounds
A Role for Iodide and Thyroglobulin in Modulating the Function of Human Immune Cells
Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology
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