Greetings, guys, gals, and non-binary pals!
In our planet’s current health climate, it is important to keep a level head and understand what we’re dealing with. While I am completely in favor of people taking care of their own bodies and doing what they can to maintain their health through natural botanical and supportive means (previous medical ethnobotany posts), right now is not a time to be taking health into your own hands.
If you’re asymptomatic, still practice social, physical distancing and stay home. Even if you’re not part of a vulnerable population in the community, that does not mean you are immune, would easily recover, or able to disregard CDC guidelines. As much as I dearly love herbalism and plant-based medicine, it is also important to remember that medicinal compounds found in plants can drastically fluctuate depending on the growing conditions, location, and other factors. That being said, if you are asymptomatic and tend to take nutritional, dietary, and/or immune-boosting supplements already, keep at it. That’s fine, as long as they work for you. I know Echinacea, for example, is highly beneficial for many people. I however tend to get severely nauseous when attempting to work with it. It is also not recommended for those with autoimmune disorders or while pregnant.
On the other hand, if you start showing symptoms, if you start feeling poorly, call your medical professional/doctor. They should be your first point of contact, in this regard, not the spice cabinet. Much as I tend to have a healthy wariness of doctors, due to certain events I’ll not get into here, they are there to heal and keep the public safe. Covid-19 is serious. Thousands of people have already died in direct connection to the virus and resultant complications. Again, if you’re feeling poorly, call your medical professional and isolate yourself even more than you already were. Make sure you wipe down surfaces with alcohol that is 65% or higher, or other anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral agents. Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
You should be up-to-date on vaccinations, and if you’re not, that is even more reason to remain in isolation. And if you absolutely must be out in the general environment, be safe, be sane, and keep a level head. Masks and gloves are highly beneficial, though not all materials are created equal. The two mask-making sources I’ve used will be linked in the sources below.
Stay safe out there, everyone and listen to your medical professionals. Certain government officials are saying we'll all get back to work soon, but this isn't even half-way in. Wash your hands, for at least 20 seconds at a time, more often than you would otherwise. Stay home if at all possible and if you must be out, limit the duration to cut down on potential exposure. Be careful, stay safe, and use your heads. We'll get through this.
Be well, everyone.
Kate
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Sources:
CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html
Warnings Regarding Echinacea: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/echinacea.html
National Geographic: Underlying conditions that impact severity of Covid-19: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/03/these-underlying-conditions-make-coronavirus-more-severe-and-they-are-surprisingly-common/
Surgical-Style Mask: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FB--BOyTiU
Painter’s/Dust-Style Mask: https://www.ageberry.com/sew-fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/
Cover Image of Covid-19 Virus: https://www.newscientist.com/term/covid-19/
Survivorpedia: Mask Creation: https://www.survivopedia.com/covid-19-mask/
N95 mask respirator vs Surgical Mask Info: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2020/03/11/coronavirus-masks-n-95-respirators-faq/4978243002/