As I sit here beginning to write, the sun has shown up, and I notice how quickly that effects my mood for the better. During times of uncertainty, we are invited to go inside and notice the smallest of things to provide calm. How can we use holistic therapies to support us during difficult times?
Am I enjoying every moment of the quarantine? Definitely not. What I am doing is taking the time to work through my own life’s struggles and challenges. I am focusing on how I treat the world around me and about the importance of friends and community. In this interim, I have definitely had to step up my own self-care in order to be healthy.
I did a LIVE in my group today (3/21/2020), just to talk about a few of the things that I am doing/consuming to calm my nervous system and keep my immunity in tip-top shape. I thought putting it in a blog for all of my readers would be beneficial.
How can we use Holistic Therapies During Difficult Times
Nutrition
In order to keep my immune system working hard for me, I aim to keep the detoxification system of my body running strong. I do this by completely eliminating dairy, grains, and cutting back on my consumption of meat. In addition, I am making sure to up my intake of fruits and vegetables from my norm and making sure I stay hydrated.
Outside of the things I eliminate, I place the majority of my focus on how I can add nutritious things, not necessarily taking anything away. I cook with more herbs, drink tea, and consume a variety of herbal tinctures.
I work to keep my lymphatic system strong by performing daily dry brushing, lymphatic drainage massage, and try not to remain sedentary for too long.
Vitamins and Minerals
If you have been doing your research, you know that Vitamin C given intravenously has shown great promise for CV. I have made sure that the whole family is taking the next best thing, liposomal vitamin C, for optimal absorption. The idea of Vitamin C is that it is an antioxidant that may help prevent cytokine-induced damage to the lungs (1). Experts are now using it to combat damage in the lungs, much like has been done historically for incidences of whooping cough (2).
Keep in mind that in the case of vitamin C as it is a water-soluble vitamin, once your body absorbs the maximum amount that it can, the remaining will end up as expensive urine. Therefore, split up the dosage throughout the day. An early sign that you have consumed enough is via bowel tolerance.
*It is worth mentioning as many of you are followers due to the many safety articles that I share on essential oils, do not replace this with citrus essential oils. There are negligible amounts of vitamin C, at best, and it is not a safe daily practice. Read more about that subject, here.
Below are a few places for you to get liposomal vitamin C.
Institute for Progressive Medicine
In addition to liposomal C, I make sure to take probiotics, vitamin D, and a quality multivitamin that is specific to supporting my endocrine system.
Herbs
I have a variety of herbs sitting in 190 proof alcohol on my windowsills around my home for various reasons. With all the hubbub surrounding elderberries and elderberry syrup, I will address that first. In order to not recreate the wheel, I will share a few quality references on the subject below. It is important to pay attention to the research in which individuals are making their conclusions about something. In the case of elderberries, the recommendations were given off one lone study, in my opinion, that is not enough.
As an aromatherapist, I am very well versed in shoddy research, incomplete research, or when something looks promising but additional research is required. The bottom line is that elderberries are antiviral, they are not immune stimulants like we see in echinacea and garlic, for example. There is no reason to avoid taking elderberry syrup at this time as a preventative measure or to combat the cold or flu unless you are already dealing with an autoimmune illness. Use discernment with your own situation, always.
Resources on Elderberries
As an alternative or addition to elderberries, and two of the best things and easiest to obtain would be astragalus (immune modulator) and licorice (antiviral).
Herbs to reach for to soothe the central nervous system (nervines) include lavender, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, hibiscus, valerian, oat tops, catnip, and skullcap (not all-inclusive).
Adaptogens can go a long way to help when we are under an assault from stress, which many of us are feeling right now. A few of those include ashwagandha (my preference), Rhodiola, eleuthero root, holy basil (tulsi), cordyceps, Schisandra berries, and Asian/American ginseng.
*As with all herbal recommendations, please research further to make sure the recommendation is appropriate for your medical history.
Essential Oils
There are a wide variety of essential oils that you can reach for during this time for emotional support, and a variety of therapeutic purposes.
My goal here is to provide you with as many resources as possible for you to read and listen too.
This first link is to a podcast interview I participated in with Samantha Lee Wright of The Essential Oil Revolution, where we discuss emotional healing.
The second is my latest book, Emotional Healing with Essential Oils where I give details on my top 50 oils for Emotional Healing, and 100 Applications and Remedies to blend at home, safety included!
This last link is to Stillpoint Aromatics, owned by my dear friend Virginia Joy Musacchio. I trust her and her essential oils explicitly and know that she puts positive energy into every pour. Her website lists oils by the therapeutic property, which makes adding items into your cart a breeze.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog where I go over deep breathing exercises and may even record myself so we can do it together. The power of our breath is palpable and extremely helpful during hard times.
Until then, wishing you all abundant health and happiness.
Xo Leslie
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
References
(1) Lichtenstein, K., & MedicineNet Health News. (2020, March 9). Can Vitamin C Prevent and Treat Coronavirus? – MedicineNet Health News. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=228745
(2) http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.666.2209&rep=rep1&type=pdf
