While we’ve moved beyond the initial stages of the COVID-19 health emergency, it hasn’t completely gone away. Our attention is shifting from containing the virus to addressing the well-being of those who have survived it. The global tally stands at well over 409 million confirmed cases and 5.8 million reported deaths. The numbers keep climbing as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge.
Concerns are rising not only regarding active cases, but about lingering symptoms. A third of those affected by new variants may experience persistent health issues lasting six months or more. There are no effective traditional modes of treatment yet, so it’s time to look at some alternatives. That is what this article is about.
It’s evident that a considerable portion of individuals who contracted COVID-19 have managed to recover, for which we are thankful. However, for many, the aftermath of the virus persists long after their initial diagnosis. Research suggests that approximately one-third of patients continue to grapple with lingering symptoms even six months post-infection. They call these individuals “long-haulers.”
The far-reaching impact of COVID-19 reminds us that the virus continues to affect everyone. People are looking for natural ways to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from contracting it in the first place. Given the highly contagious nature of the virus, natural solutions for treatment are needed as well.
Embracing Natural Remedies
By prioritizing preventive measures and embracing natural remedies, we can unite in building a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves and each other, fostering a culture of health and well-being that transcends borders and unites us in our pursuit of a safer, healthier future.
Over the past few years, I have continued to stay abreast of the natural, alternative treatment trends and options for COVID-19. There are a few worth knowing about. Here are some that I have either successfully used on myself and my family or have heard a lot about.
Essentially Oils
1) Essential Oils
Scientists are exploring the potential of various Essential Oils as alternative remedies for various conditions, including COVID-19. This exploration is motivated by the recognition that conventional pharmaceuticals may lose their effectiveness over time, as germs develop resistance to standard treatment methods, evolving into what’s known as ‘Super Germs.’ By delving into the properties of Essential Oils, researchers aim to discover new ways to combat illnesses.
The widespread use of synthetic drugs has contributed to the escalating issue of drug resistance. In response, researchers are turning their attention to natural alternatives, such as Essential Oils, to assess their potential in combating resilient germs. The concentrated properties of these oils are being investigated for their effectiveness in halting the spread of infections. Embracing the power of nature, this approach signifies a promising avenue to support our well-being and enhance our ability to stay healthy in the face of evolving health challenges.
At Park Bench Naturals, we have put together a blend of specific varieties of eucalyptus and fir trees which been studied in depth for its use in medicinal applications. This essential oil blend is called Cold-MIX and has shown promising antiviral properties in various studies. It eases symptoms like stuffy noses and protects you from getting sick. The combination of these oils works together to fight off viruses and bacteria.
You can use Cold-MIX by Park Bench Naturals for colds, the flu, sore throats, sinus infections, and ear infections. Just one drop on your collar or a tissue can help protect you from germs at school, on public transportation, or at work.
Tea Tree Oil Has a Sister
Another Essential Oil to be familiar with is melaleuca cajuputi, commonly known as Cajeput essential oil. It is considered to be a “sister oil” to the more commonly known Tea Tree Oil. Scientists have studied it to see if it could help people with mild or moderate COVID-19. In this study, https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3669&sts=2 they identified Cajeput Essential Oil as an effective therapy for both mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. Other studies also showed that this natural oil might help stop the virus from even getting into our bodies. This means the melaleuca oil could be really helpful in preventing COVID-19.
Other Essential Oils
A few other essential oils that have been studied and found effective against COVID-19 are eucalyptus, Lime, Orange and tea tree. The ones that I mainly use are eucalyptus and tea tree. Park Bench Naturals is a great source for quality essential oils.
To avoid contracting COVID-19 or any other virus, whenever I fly or have been around a multitude of people, I dose with tea tree essential oil. By dosing, I mean, I put a few drops under my tongue (Do NOT do this with just any brand, Park Bench Naturals Tea Tree Oil is a food grade oil), rub it behind both ears (on the mastoid bone), put a drop on my finger and rub it in my outer ear canal and put a few drops in my belly button. Some people also like to rub it on the soles of their feet.
Eucalyptus is another one that I use a lot of. There is a bottle in our sauna, in my bag of everyday oils, by my diffusers and in the laundry room. It goes on the wool balls that my family uses in place of single use, synthetic dryer sheets. Replacing the artificial scents of fabric softener’s with a natural Essential Oil is an easy to do natural lifestyle hack. Eucalyptus , Lime and Orange are among the Essential Oils studied to be effective against COVID-19, but you can choose other aromatic profiles to suit your moods if you aren’t currently worried about COVID-19.
When Sunshine Isn’t Enough
2) Vitamin D
Because of its immune function and the widespread problem of Hypovitaminosis D, Vitamin D is being looked at. Not only for the prevention of COVID-19 but also for its treatment. Vitamin D supplementation is an inexpensive, easy and promising option. It is also recommended in the Gut Protocol that I wrote about here: https://lotionstones.com/have-the-guts-to-do-everything-you-want-free-protocol/
Many people who recovered from COVID-19 are now facing a new set of health issues known as “long COVID-19.” These issues include fatigue, difficulty breathing, cough, joint and chest pain, muscle aches, headaches, and more. Vitamin D is a hormone that helps regulate the immune system and has been proven to be effective against various respiratory infections. It can calm down excessive immune reactions and speed up healing, especially in the lungs.
Studies have also found that a lack of Vitamin D is linked to more severe cases of COVID-19 and higher chances of mortality. Many COVID-19 patients and those with respiratory failure have low levels of Vitamin D. Because of these findings, researchers are looking into whether giving Vitamin D supplements could be helpful for people with COVID-19.
Furthermore, researchers have established a connection between Vitamin D levels and the severity and death rates in COVID-19 cases. This connection reveals a widespread deficiency of Vitamin D in patients grappling with COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure.
While more research is required to fully understand exactly how Vitamin D impacts both the short-term and long-term aspects of COVID-19, it’s clear that this vitamin plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. As a result, incorporating Vitamin D as a supplement in the treatment of COVID-19 seems promising.
Garlic for the Win
3) Garlic Honey
I wrote a whole blog post on Garlic Honey, a super easy to make infusion that every household should have in its medicine chest. It is naturally antiviral, COVID-19 is a virus. The jar in my house has been going since 2018 and is responsible for warding off countless illnesses. Anytime someone feels a little off, the jar comes out and a spoonful of Garlic Honey gets drizzled down their throat. I even enjoy chewing the bits of garlic for extra protection.
You can find the post here: https://lotionstones.com/fight-that-virus/ Basically, you rough chop some garlic cloves, place them in a clean glass jar, cover them with either local or Manuka honey, put the lid on the jar, let sit for a moon cycle (a month) and voilà you have a highly effective natural antiviral remedy!
4) New Uses for Old Drugs
There has been a lot of research on using approved existing drugs in new ways Two that I know about are hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Hydroxychloroquine primarily prevents or treats malaria but has also gained traction as a treatment for unresponsive cases of certain autoimmune diseases. For instance, I take hydroxychloroquine to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.
It is a prescription medication that has some interesting off label uses. During the panic phase of the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine was one of the first repurposed drugs. Unfortunately, no clinical trials have been able to establish a helpful link between hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19. The doses studied were all standard doses. I take much, much less and find it very effective against my Rheumatoid Arthritis. Perhaps if there were studies using different doses, there would be different outcomes?
For More than Horses
Another off label drug used in the battle is ivermectin, an FDA approved antiparasitic. We use it for that purpose with our horses. Research has demonstrated that ivermectin can hinder the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures. However, investigations into the drug’s pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics indicate that reaching the plasma concentrations needed for the observed antiviral effectiveness in vitro would demand doses up to 100 times higher than the approved levels for human use. I personally know people who claim to have had success using ivermectin to combat COVID and would encourage you to at least look into it.
Drink Up Wenches!
5) Red Red Wine
This one is my favorite. Resveratrol is considered an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent. Studies have uncovered that Resveratrol is a promising therapeutic candidate for COVID-19. Regular intake of a Resveratrol rich diet may contribute to a healthier cardio-vascular system including prevention and control of COVID-19 disease related complications. The richest dietary sources of Resveratrol are berries and grapes, their juices and wines. So drink up wenches!
“It is therefore plausible that the moderate alcohol content of red wine contributes to its beneficial health effects in humans by both increasing the absorption of quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside and by channelling their metabolism towards O-methylation to yield compounds (T and I), which have potential protective effects against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1760706
6) Quercetin
Quercetin, a strong antioxidant, is a low-cost and easy-to-find treatment for COVID-19. It’s a colorful substance in fruits and veggies, especially in their skins and leaves. You can get it from onions, grapes, berries, cherries, broccoli, and citrus fruits. Capers have the most quercetin among foods. Guess where else it’s found? Yep, in red wine, and studies show that your body absorbs the quercetin better when you are drinking red wine!
There’s a new kind of quercetin called Quercetin Phytosome® (QP). It’s made so your body can absorb it easily. Studies found that QP can make COVID-19 tests turn from positive to negative faster. It also makes COVID-19 symptoms less severe, showing that it could be a good way to help people with the virus.
This is Golden!
7) Curcumin
Curcumin with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties could serve as a possible COVID-19 therapy. Hundreds of studies have found curcumin likely to be of benefit in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Early administration of curcumin (within 5 days of onset of symptoms) along with the use of combination regimens yields a higher benefit. Curcumin is fat soluble and will be better absorbed it taken along with some fat. It comes in supplement form as the most active of the antioxidant compounds found in turmeric. By taking curcumin in supplement form, you know how much you are ingesting.
But, does that really matter? We aren’t scientists involved in a research project, we are people searching for natural ways to maintain or regain our health. I much prefer fresh turmeric root, either in my smoothie or in a nice cup of golden tea. Health Coach Elizabeth Rider explains here how to make turmeric tea (also known as golden milk or turmeric latte). Or, you can purchase a mix. Turmeric is good for way more than COVID-19. You would benefit from finding more ways to regularly incorporate it into your diet.
Back Off!
Besides using Essential Oils, Garlic Honey, Vitamin D supplements, Hydroxychloroquine and drinking golden tea as well as red wine, I implement the following lifestyle hacks to avoid contracting COVID-19. I remain aware of my surroundings, avoid people who appear to be ill and try not to stand too close to anyone. “Personal space please!”
In addition, I have trained myself to keep my hands off of my face, specifically out of my eyes, nose and mouth. After being in contact with a crowd, I always dose with tea tree oil and put a drop of Eucalyptus essential oil under my nose.
The last time I tested positive for COVID-19 was a couple of years ago when you still had to have a negative test to fly to Puerto Rico. It was a typically grey and cold winter day in Kentucky and the warm beach was calling. I took a sauna and was generous with the Eucalyptus oil in the steam. When I finished, I put Eucalyptus oil inside my nostrils. The next day, my test result was negative allowing me to catch my flight!
Self Care Matters
My daily routines include a lot of self care. This looks like me getting some movement in (not too much or my Rheumatoid Arthritis will try to flair up on me), staying hydrated with quality filtered water (we use Berkey Filters), taking naps when I need to, socializing with friends and family either in person or on the phone, minimizing stressors, researching something, creating something, doing a foreign language lesson and eating mostly healthy foods, not too much.
In the evenings you can usually find me in my very well equipped kitchen cooking dinner from scratch while having a nice glass or two of wine. Red, preferably from Spain or Italy. When the sun goes down, I, like my chickens, usually head towards my roost. Life is good my friend, try to make everyday a Best Day Ever! Just be specific when using the letters BDE!
*This post includes links to products on Amazon.
Lotion Stones is a child of Park Bench Naturals, Inc. Jeanne formulated every product made by Park Bench Naturals, including Lotion Stones. She writes all the posts, drawing on her Bachelors’ degree in Corporate Fitness, Exercise, and Nutrition from Longwood University in Virginia, where she cultivated her love for research. She also has a collection of many, many certifications in the fields of exercise, nutrition, aquatics, health, medicine, gardening, fire fighting and more. This blog gives her an opportunity to share her knowledge with folks who are yearning to learn how to live a more natural, sustainable lifestyle.
The Places She Goes and The Things She Does.
Jeanne writes about the things she grows, makes, enjoys, reads, as well as the places she goes and the things she does. In her writings, she includes product links that she believes may be of use to her readers. If you found what you’ve been looking for in one of her articles, these links will make your shopping experience hassle-free and fast. When you visit the links in her articles and make a purchase, Jeanne may earn a small commission. However, this is never a criteria for choosing the subject for her muses.
Here is a list of some links found in this article:
Essential Oils, Cajeput , Eucalyptus, Lime, Orange, tea tree, sauna, my bag of everyday oils, diffusers, wool balls, other aromatic profiles, Vitamin D, garlic cloves, clean glass jar, Manuka honey, ivermectin, antiparasitic., Resveratrol, Quercetin, Quercetin Phytosome® (QP), Curcumin,Turmeric, fresh turmeric root, golden tea, purchase a mix,
Note: Disputes or issues associated with products purchased from any vendor through the product links in her articles are to be taken up with the vendor. Jeanne is not responsible for packaging, delivery, or return & refund related problems.
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