Coronavirus information

Novel coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) and Long Covid

(click on underlined links for further information)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

There is no known herbal cure for Covid-19, there are however some herbs and self help measures that will help you to improve your health and reduce the impact of the coronavirus whether it has effected your lungs, circulatory, immune or nervous systems. I am helping more patients with fatigue, poor concentration, digestive complaints, anxiety and low mood since the 'lock-downs'.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Healthy self help measures you may want to consider

Keeping clean and healthy improves the body's ability to protect itself.

We can all help to stop the spread of the virus. It can spread before symptoms like coughing. This means that as well as in the air it could be passed on by direct contact. Advice is to wash hands frequently with soap or gels, dispose of tissues carefully and clean washing equipment hygienically. Tiny particles of virus can float around for hours after people talk or breathe out. Good circulation of fresh air and wearing a mask, that covers the nose and mouth, reduces the risk of catching and passing the virus on; especially in enclosed spaces.

Eating healthily with plenty of fruit and vegetables including mushrooms and red/blue berries helps to reduce respiratory infections.

Reference:

Somerville VS, Braakhuis AJ, Hopkins WG. (2016) Effect of Flavonoids on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Immune Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 7(3): 488-97

Keeping fit not too much or too little exercise may reduce the risk of infections.

Reference:

Nieman DC, Wentz LM. (2019) The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 8(3): 201-217

Relaxation and managing stress could help resistance against viruses.

Reference:

Barrett B, Hayney MS, Muller D, et al. (2018) Meditation or exercise for preventing acute respiratory infection (MEPARI-2): A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 13(6): e0197778

Adapted from A useful self help resource provided by the College of Medicine's Health Directory https://ourhealth.directory/living-with-coronavirus/

The golden spice turmeric (Curcuma longe) is a traditional remedy for inflammation and infections. There is some evidence to suggest it has antiviral properties. One form it has been taken in is as a powder mixed with honey or edible oil to form a paste. To improve its absorption fresh or ground ginger (Zingiber officinalis) may be added with a dusting of black pepper (Piper nigra). Such daily preparations may also be added to food like soups, salad dressings and herbal teas.

Reference:

Chen D-Y, Shien J-H, Tiley L, et al. Curcumin inhibits influenza virus infection and haemagglutination activity. Food Chemistry. 2010;119(4):1346–1351.

Gardening is good green medicine

Have you thought of gardening as a stress buster, way of exercising and getting fresh fruit and vegetables, out in the safer fresh air and vitamin D producing sunshine? There may be a neighbour that would like a hand, a local allotment or community gardens where you can more safely socialize and burn off a few more calories. Here is one link where you can find your local community garden.

https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/

This information is for educational purposes only. For any advice on medicinal use of herbs consult a registered Medical Herbalist.

Disclaimer

Knowledge and best practice in the health field are constantly changing. Each person and illness is also unique and no general information can anticipate every circumstance, nor be appropriate for every reader. Each individual case is best assessed in person by a qualified health advisor.

In the case of remedies or other products, users should read the label carefully for detailed information about safe use and in the case of natural products should choose responsible manufacturers with independently assured quality standards and safety monitoring procedures.

To the fullest extent of the law, neither Richard Adams nor the authors, contributors or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the materials herein.