Just leaving the house to go grocery shopping causes anxiety.
At home, moms are acting as gym, art, and school teachers – while raising smaller children as well.
Essential workers are stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
We’re losing friends, family, and parents due to Covid-19. For that, I am truly sorry for your loss.
All of this concern, leaves you wondering.. Is there hope in boosting your immunity to prevent Covid-19?
I’m writing to share how I’m integrating supplements and herbs into my family’s diet and how functional medicine doctors & master herbalists are helping clients with Covid-19 to recover faster.
>>Please note,I’m not claiming these herbs/supplements will prevent you from getting Covid-19, but they may, in fact, shorten your symptoms and boost your immunity for years to come.
By the end of this post, you’ll have my 13+ years of herbal medicine experience intertwined with master herbalists and functional medicine doctors who are helping our community get through and overcome Covid-19 with botanicals, supplements & diet.
The 4 little known ways you can boost your immunity during Covid-19:
#1 Reduce your inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet
#2 Boost your immunity with supplements & vitamins
#3 Reduce your stress to improve immunity
#4 Integrate herbs to enhance your health – {Post 2 of 2}
But first, these remedies and supplements NEVER take the place of your doctor. Please always see your doctor for ANY emergency and always consult them if you are taking medications.
What is Covid-19?
Stephen Buhner, Master Herbalist explains..
SARS-CoV-2 is an acronym, it is also known as Covid-19 (and sometimes as just the coronavirus or even SARS-2) which does make things confusing.
Regrettably, Covid-19 is also an acronym. It stands for COronaVIrus Disease of 2019, usually written COVID-19 (but also Covid-19). (It doesn’t mean that there were 18 Covids before this one.)
What are Covid-19 Symptoms?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposureto the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
-cdc.org
How is Covid-19 spread?
The virus is primarily spread through the air (inhalation) and transfers during touch between the infected and the non-infected areas.
What can you do to make yourself more resilient during Covid-19?
Consider these 4 simple steps to support your immune system.
#1 Reduce inflammation with diet
Diet is always first. Eating well, staying a healthy weight, and reducing medications will always be your best friend for fighting viruses.
Consider the following..
Focus on whole, unprocessed/unpackaged, organic foods as much as possible
Reduce sugar and starch as much as you can – to reduce inflammation
Stop drinking! Yes, I know this one is hard. But, alcohol suppresses the immune system and steals vital nutrients from your body. *
Drink herbal teas daily like fresh ginger, peppermint, and lemon balm to soothe your stress, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
Consider additional vitamins and supplements to reduce inflammation in your body. {See below}
*Many of us have turned to alcohol to soothe our stress. But, it is well-known alcohol is very inflammatory, depresses the immune system, and can disrupt your sleep – which is so important to your healing. Cut out the alcohol and replace it with a cup of herbal tea!
#2 Add in vitamins & supplements to boost your immune system.
Boosting Immunity with Vitamins during the Covid-19 pandemic can be beneficial to your health. Here are the vitamins functional medicine doctors are suggesting we integrate to reduce symptoms of Covid-19 and to boost immunity. Of course, always check with your doctor first!
Here are the vitamins and minerals that have proven to reduce cold and flu symptoms in years past.
a. Zinc Acetate {other forms are ok as well}
If you tend to get sick a lot or your children have signs of asthma, you’ll want to add zinc to your diet. (source)
One of the first indications of zinc deficiency may be the white spots on your nails. Do you have them?
My favorite: Pure Encapsulations is a great company
Zinc lozenges may help prevent viruses from replicating in the nasal passages, may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, have been shown to shorten the length of a cold by 2 to 4 days, and some studies have found zinc to be specifically preventative against certain coronaviruses, reducing their virulence and preventing their entry into cells. – Dr. Aviva Romm {source}
b. Vitamin D₃
Vitamin D₃ supplementation has been proven to reduce colds, flu & even asthma-like breathing in children. (source)
Food source: oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks, mushrooms
Adult Dosing: 5000-10,000 IU per gtt drop not dropperful/day during Covid-19 infection
Quercetin has antioxidant properties, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, and helps prevent heart disease and even cancer. {source} It’s derived from turmeric and works best when combined with black pepper.
Food sources for Quercitine: dill, broccoli, onions, apples, onions, berries berries, capers, grapes, onions, shallots, tea, and tomatoes, as well as many seeds, nuts, flowers, barks, and leaves. Quercetin is also found in medicinal botanicals, including Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, and Sambucus canadensis {elderberry}
Look for 8-12 servings every day
Supplemental Dosing: 500 mg 2x day
Children: Children over 5. Dosing: 150mg 1-2x day
Pro tip: Take Quercetin with zinc for full absorption, not to be taken during pregnancy.
After the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus outbreak, researchers in China found quercetin and other small molecules bound to the spike protein of the virus, interfering with its ability to infect host cells. (source)
d. Glutathione
Glutathione is known as an antioxidant, detoxifier, increases natural killer cells, and anti-inflammatory. It also is known to increase the function of the immune system. Glutathione levels in the body may be reduced by a number of factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress. Its levels also decline with age.
Food sources for Glutathione: cruciferous vegetables, green tea, garlic, onions, and shallots
Supplemental Dosing: 600mg 2x day
Pro tip: NAC boosts glutathione
e. Green Tea
If you change one thing, it would be to replace your cup of coffee with green tea! Green tea is known as an antioxidant and it produces Glutathione.
If you don’t like the taste of green tea, try a daily supplement.
Dosing: 4 cups a day or225 mg/day through a supplement
f. Vitamin C
Vitamin C may shorten the duration of a cold and prevent pneumonia.
Food sources: Think bright orange fruits Cantaloupe, Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit, Kiwi fruit, Mango, Papaya, and Pineapple.
Adult Dosing: 500-1,000 mg/day up to 4,500 mg/day during infection
Kids Dosing:
Age 2-5: 200mg
Age 6-11: 250-500mg
Age 12+: 500-1000
g. Probiotics
Good bacteria line our nasal system and gut lining and contribute to our overall health. Consider adding in a probiotic if you’ve had many doses of antibiotics throughout your lifetime and after every round of antibiotics going forward.
Food sources: yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses.
Dosing: follow the information on the package.
60% of our immune system is in our gut which is why it is critical to focus on gut health now. – Dr. Mark Hyman {source}
h. Melatonin
Melatonin has an antioxidant capacity and reduces oxidative stress. {source}
Dosing: 3-5 mg at night
i. Stress-Reducing herbs
Lowering your stress can be one of the best things you can do for your health today. When you have an increase in stress, you are more prone to illnesses.
For kids? Read this post to see my favorite sleepy time tea to help my kids sleep better and feel confident heading off to school each day!
87% of people have Post Covid Symptoms; including symptoms that are similar to Chronic Fatigue Symptoms- Dr. Mark Hyman
Read this post to see the herbs I would use during and after exposure to Covid-19. COMING SOON…
Conclusion
It’s well-known that many of us are lacking valuable nutrients causing us to be more susceptible to viruses of any kind; including Covid-19.
During the pandemic, is the most optimal time to take note of your health and begin taking steps to improve your health with diet and vitamins. These are the vitamins and supplements that have helped us reduce the flu most years and have helped my son overcome “asthma-like” breathing.
Always consult your physician before adding any new supplements or botanicals into your diet.
Wouldn’t it be great if women had a fast remedy for yeast infections?
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), or more commonly known as a yeast infection, is the second most common cause of vaginitis {inflammation in the vaginal area} in the US.¹
It’s caused by the fungus Candida albicans, however other species are becoming increasingly common.
But, wait up.
There are two other types of vaginitis;
Bacterial Vaginosis and
Trichomoniasis also cause itching and discharge
so you may want to see your doctor and get tested, especially if you are pregnant.
So, what are the symptoms you are looking for?
Yeast Infection Symptoms
A smell of yeast may be the first indicator that you notice.
Next may be a mild to severe itching and irritation of the vulva area.
You also may notice the vulva is red from scratching; which you want to try to avoid.
You could dip it into vegetable oil to ease insertion if you needed
Garlic is effective against the fungi E. coli, Proteus, Mycobacterium, and Candida species, but you may notice a garlicky smell!!
And…Watch for irritation or even chemical burns for sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Medications, antibiotics, and the use of tampons and vaginal lubricants can all affect the healthy flora in the vaginal area causing recurring yeast infections.
Addressing your gut health and integrating more natural products, could be the number one way to stop this irritating cycle.
Click below to see my favorite products to reduce yeast infections and urinary tract infections for years to come.
¹ Romm, Aviva; Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health pg. 258
Certified women’s herbal educator, Tara Gregorio is helping moms around the world reduce medications with herbs & homeopathy. Learn more about Tara here: https://taragregorio.com/
You’ve heard the rumors… we are facing an epidemic of antibiotic resistance.
Wouldn’t it be great if your doctor had other suggestions when you visited them for your child’s symptoms?
Think about this for a moment, if antibiotics don’t always work and they are causing other health problems, what are we to do?
It all boils down to this.
Was your child born via c-section?
Have they had 1+ round of antibiotics?
Are they struggling with their digestion?
Do they have Atopic conditions like allergies, eczema, and asthma?
If you answered yes to one of the questions above, you may want to be concerned.
Reality is, our children may need a round or two of antibiotics while they build their immunity; especially if they are in daycare or the public school system.
But, what if you knew how to use natural remedies to reduce the amount of exposure your child is receiving from antibiotic use?
What if you knew how to heal your child’s gut, so they wouldn’t have these symptoms and fear of antibiotics not working?
Here’s my promise to you.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand why we need to rethink antibiotics and consider integrating natural remedies to boost your child’s immunity for years to come.
95% of clinicians prescribe antibiotics even when they are not absolutely sure they are needed. – Dr. Aviva Romm
6 Dangers Of Antibiotic Use
1. Antibiotic Resistance
One of the biggest threats to our global health today is antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization suggests.
“Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.” ¹
Bacterial infections need antibiotics and if you overuse them, they may not work when you need them most. According to the CDC, “Each year in the U.S., at least 2 million people get an antibiotic-resistant infection, and at least 23,000 people die.” Source
We have to consider reducing antibiotics and integrating natural remedies.
2. Food Intolerances (gluten/dairy)
If you haven’t heard the word microbiome yet, get ready to learn more. These communities of gut flora run from our mouth to our anus and affect our weight, mood, mental health, and even our immunity. One of the ways we damage this flora is through yup, you guessed it, antibiotics.
And, children born via c-section are already compromised due to the one dose of antibiotics mom gets before surgery.
If you’re planning a C-section, consider Vaginal seeding to protect your child’s gut flora.
When your child’s microbiome is affected, they may have difficulty digesting gluten and dairy – some of the top inflammatory foods we consume.
One way around this is to try Goat’s milk formula or for mom to take dairy out of her diet if breastfeeding. Also, mom may want to take a digestive enzyme to help her digest the milk.
3. Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the intestinal wall causing headaches, food intolerances, allergies and joint pain in our child’s health.
Medications that lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome In Kids:
Antibiotics
Steroids
NSAIDS
Acid reducing medication
If your child is taking these medications regularly, you may want to consider the 4R approach. Read more about Leaky Gut Syndrom in kids Here.
4. Clostridium difficile
The leading cause of deaths in the hospital, Clostridium difficile or C. diff. is a bacterium that is normally present in the body in small numbers. When they are out of balance with the rest of your gut bacteria – due to antibiotic use or a compromised immune system, they may cause an infection and result in diarrhea.
This bacteria produces a toxin that causes inflammation of the colon and results in varying degrees of diarrhea, sometimes a bloody stool, and could potentially lead to death. Often, children with a compromised immune system have the greatest risk of getting C. Diff. If your child has bloody stool, please have it checked immediately for C. Diff.
C. diff can go hand in hand with Celiac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; please have your child checked if you suspect they have C. Diff.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest an antibiotic or to take the probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardi daily to replenish your gut flora. Read more here.
5. Eczema
An inflammatory skin condition, Eczema, affects 1 in 5 children and is increasing each year. Known as ‘the itch that rashes’ typically begins with the itch and ends with red, scaly skin. You may also have rough bumps, thick patches or bumps that leak fluid and crust over.
Those with Atopic dermatitis typically have a food allergy to wheat, dairy, peanuts or nuts.
Why is this happening? 3 reasons.
Their microbiome is out of balance – possibly due to medications either from mom or baby
Child or Mom has an inflammatory diet or a food allergy
Environmental toxins
What can you do about Eczema?
Address any gut imbalances in mom or child’s diet.
Cover the skin with a botanical cream like Calendula.
6. MRSA
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections generally begin as skin infections. The bacterium invades the skin through an open sore, cut, or scrape. For children, the most common source of infection is a simple cut or abrasion.
MRSA is different from other staph bacteria because it has built up a resistance to most of the antibiotics doctors usually use to treat staph infections.
What can you do about it antibiotic resistance?
Encourage your children to wash their hands with just soap and water, NOT antibacterial soap.
Eat grass-fed, antibiotic-free meat, and dairy to reduce exposure to antibiotics.
Do you want to trust and believe herbs will work for you, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking “is this going to harm me?”
Do you feel like your practitioner is selling you snake oil? That cure-all elixir with false claims.
Or do you have bottles of supplements, you’ve never used for fear of what is in them?
It’s hard to believe some supplements may work for you when you’re not sure what to look for.
One concern is the increase in lead or mercury in our herbal products.
A study published in the August 27, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that one-fifth of U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic products bought on the Internet contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic.¹
Purchasing online from a reputable company is important to your health. You want to know exactly what is in the ingredients you are ingesting and if you can trust the company from which you are purchasing.
When purchasing herbal products look for products that have full labeling. Look for the following on the label:
The company notes the full name of botanical on the product.
They have an expiration date. Keep in mind, herbal tinctures or tonics that have alcohol can be preserved for years beyond their expiration date. If your product smells bad or you have a gut feeling it is not good, throw it away.
The company offers dosing suggestions on the bottle. Herb Pharm has a whole line of products dedicated to children’s health and has the dosing on the bottle.
Watch for any ‘red flags’, companies claiming for weight loss or extreme health declarations that seem impossible.
Even if they have perfect labeling, you want to look for these additional concerns when consuming botanicals.
They use certified organic or pesticide-free plant products that are sustainably harvested.
The plant is vibrant, tasty, potent, and consistent
The product is proven safe through laboratory analysis.
Tests each product to ensure there are no molds or contamination
Does not practice product substitution – using another botanical as a substitution
Is considerate of temperature control, freshness, and monitor’s quality.
Can provide you with an organic certificate, kosher certificate, certificates of analysis, pesticide residue tests, GCMS printouts, and MSDS forms documents to ensure your safety.
Consumer concerns when using herbal medicine:
Watch for potential allergic or idiosyncratic reactions, this is an abnormal sensitivity to a drug which may result in:
severe skin reactions – look for skin rashes, itching, or hives
anaphylaxis – along with skin rashes, the throat will feel like it is closing up and you have trouble breathing. Take a deep breath, this rarely happens.
blood dyscrasias – a disease or disorder of the blood.
hepatotoxicity – liver damage.
fever or joint pain
Who is at risk for idiosyncratic reactions?
Women who are 50 or older
Those who are currently using medications
If you have:
hepatic disease
renal ideas
If you are malnourished and/or decreased weight
If you consume alcohol regularly
If you have possible enzyme deficiencies
The most prevalent source of adverse effects is with clients who are currently taking medication. If you are taking the following medication, please check with your doctor and community herbalist before ingesting a new herbal product.
Are you taking these medications?
anticoagulants
barbiturates
insulin
cardiac medications
NSAIDs
oral contraceptives
anti-depressants
Please check with your doctor before consuming a new herbal product.
Idiosyncratic reactions occur very infrequently and are independent of dose, and are highly unpredictable. Herb/drug interactions present a higher risk than allergic reactions. But, if you or your child’s partner has an allergy to the Asteraceae family, it would be important for you to keep this plant away from your child until they are older.
Other concerns when using botanicals:
Watch for the timing of use – stop taking botanicals two weeks before surgery for fear of too much bleeding or a bad reaction.
Dosage – always check for correct dosing when using any medication.
The first food I would remove would be dairy if you struggle with consistent sinus infections.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
A headache or heavy feeling in the head (sometimes with difficulty concentrating)
Nasal congestion or nasal discharge
Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down back of the throat)
A sore throat (mucus dripping down can cause chronic irritation)
A cough – wet or dry and usually all-day
Fatigue
Bad breath
Moderate to high fever
So what’s the answer?
In this post, I’ll share the 4 steps I use to stop a sinus infection in its tracts!
#1 Diet & Inflammation
Gluten, dairy, and sugar are common allergens that cause sinus infections.
Eliminate these foods from your diet if you experience frequent sinus infections. If I was to choose just one, I’d get rid of dairy ASAP.
Encourage lots of green vegetables & soups when you are under the weather.
Drink clear liquids and caffeine-free tea.
Consider adding a probiotic to your diet and healing your gut with The 4R approach.
Add natural antibiotics. Garlic is the best antibiotic available.
Make garlic toast!
Toast some gluten-free bread and top with Organic Olive oil and sliced raw garlic.
Fresh garlic is known as an antimicrobial to aid with infections.
Eat daily until you are better.
Garlic is a great anti-microbial and can fight viral and bacterial infections. Eat garlic raw if able, or mix with hot water and lemon for a garlic lemonade
Dosing: Take 30-40 drops 3-4x day in a little bit of water.
Echinacea acts as an anti-microbial.
#3 Essential Oils For A Sinus Infection
Add one drop of Thyme Essential Oilto a facecloth (for adults only), place it in the shower, and let the steam help open your sinuses.
Alternatively, try herbal steam.
Boil water and place one drop of Lavender or Thyme Essential oil in the bowl, cover your head and steam for 20 min. You can also use lavender dried buds or dried Thyme for less potent steam.
Pressure, fullness, and pain at the root of the nose. Discharge is thick, ropy green-ish yellow, post-nasal drip, violent sneezing; mucus tastes sticky, aching and fullness in global, worse with cold, 2-3am, suppressed catarrh.
Take 2-3x day if symptoms are improving.
STOP taking homeopathy if your symptoms get worse, you should feel your symptoms improving with each dose of homeopathy. For a sinus infection, you may have to take for 2 or 3 days, along with the tinctures and change of diet. Be patient and rest
You can overcome recurring sinus infections when you address your gut health.
Moving your bowels would be the #1 suggestion I would make if you struggle with sinus infections. When you learn how to use herbs & homeopathy, you’ll notice you’ll save on doctor’s visits and sick days for years to come.
Could this work for you? Comment below.
P.S. Ready to learn more? Let’s reduce medications together. Grab this freebie 👇
What if you could decrease your flu symptoms naturally?
Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, can be debilitating and cause great suffering for you and your family. Botanicals and homeopathic remedies can decrease your symptoms and ease the pain of the flu.
The first time I had the flu, I swore I had malaria. I even drove myself to the ER, just for them to tell me it was the Flu. I called my mother at 5:00 am crying and begging her to help me.
Over the next three days, she helped me change the sheets four times and nursed me back to health. I missed ten whole days of work and thought I was dying.
I took the medication that I knew at the time and slept the days away. Little did I know there were an alternative way and natural remedies would ease my symptoms and decrease the pain the next time I had the flu.
In this post, you’ll discover the symptoms of the flu, when to call the doctor, the herbs, and homeopathy I use to shorten the duration of the flu and ease the achiness.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu
High fever of 102-104
Severe achiness-(in fact, it used to be called break-bone disease)
A sore throat
A cough
Extreme fatigue
Lack of appetite
When to call the doctor for the flu
Signs of dehydration
High fever persisting (103.5 and over)
A severe headache
Stiff neck or pain in the back of the neck
Persistent vomiting
Fever for more than 4 days
Severe cough with chest pain and shortness of breath (could be pneumonia)
The achiness is usually what gives away the symptoms of the flu. If you feel like it may be something else, see a doctor right away.
In the United States, the flu usually hits between December and February. Adults 65 and older and children under 5 are at the greatest risk of developing flu-related illnesses. {read more here}
I realize the Flu is not to be taken lightly. If you are generally a healthy adult these remedies may be right for you.
Home Remedies For The Flu
Tinctures for the flu: A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract taken 2-3x day in a 1/4 cup of water.
In one study, Elderberry Syrup was used to treat 60 patients suffering from influenza. “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and the use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.”
Homeopathy is my preferred way to shorten the duration of the flu. Keep in mind, your symptoms may increase for a moment and then they should improve within 20 minutes. Homeopathy can be tricky to use. Watch this video then download your freebie; The 5 Homeopathic Mistakes we make below 👇
Homeopathy is based on the person’s symptoms. It is best to seek out a homeopath for the best results.
# 5 Boneset 30C (Eupatorium perfoliatum)- Best Remedy For The Flu
How do you know if boneset is right for you? Your symptoms would include:
The patient experiences a deep aching in the bones and even the eyeballs are sore.
May feel totally wiped out and unable to exert the least effort.
Is usually thirsty, especially as the chill begins to come on.
How do you take it?
Take Boneset 30c, wait 20 minutes take again and wait.. you should feel an improvement.
You can use herbal remedies with homeopathy.
Other homeopathic remedies are available as well if these symptoms do not match.
Teas For The Flu
Tea can be nourishing and hydrating when you are suffering from the flu. The following herbs can help reduce a fever and fill the body with vitamins and minerals during the cold and flu season.
Try these teas as a single cup or blend daily. Enjoy 3-4 cups if you’re able to sip on it.
Lemon Balm
Yarrow
Linden Flower
Elderflower
Catnip
Peppermint.
Conclusion
I agree the flu is not to be taken lightly. If your symptoms do not improve in 4 days or you feel uneasy, please contact your doctor. To be prepared, purchase Boneset 30c in preparation for when the flu hits your home this winter.
Have you tried Eupatorium before for the flu? Let me know below.
Warmly~ Tara
P.S. Ready to learn more? Grab this freebie to learn how to use homeopathy correctly so those little sugar tablets work every time.
Welcome! I’m Tara Gregorio, certified women’s herbal educator, Postpartum Pilates educator & momma of twins. I help women feel confident using herbal remedies so they can reduce their medications – one remedy at a time
