Viral Preparation

 felt the need to address the issues around the coronavirus to dispel fear and educate all of us on preparing our bodies for any virus that may come down the pike.
There has been a lot of information in the alternative medicine arena in the last few years warning us that there would be new infectious bacterial and viral strains that would develop because of mutations from overuse of antibiotics, additives in vaccines, and toxins in our environment.   Steve Buhner wrote a book called Herbal Antibiotics, Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria in 1999 that has good explanation of how it has happened.   We have now arrived at what he warned us about.
Your best offense will be good defense.  I have for years tried to get folks to think about building up their immune systems intentionally.  And now with coronavirus a realty, it pertains even more.  Many of us have come through our own health crises and had to build our immune systems back up.  When we arrive at a healthy level again, a lot of us ease off on our watchfulness or stop entirely.  Unfortunately because of the toxic levels of our environment, and the general lack of full spectrum nutrients in the food we eat, caused by depleted soils; we can't afford to stop intentionally looking out for our health daily.
Today I'm focused on viruses and the antiviral foods, supplements and herbs that might help you and your family stay out of the pandemic numbers.  Whether we classify this as a pandemic or an extremely virulent flu strain is not as important as learning from and doing something about it.  Let's take our body's ability to ward off disease up a notch.
First of all, eating a "clean" anti-inflammatory, alkaline, well balanced diet without a lot of sugar and junk food will go a long way to keeping your body strong.  Add to that foods like onions, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, sprouts and fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut will keep your gut biome diversified and working efficiently.   Herbs like astragalus, echinacea, elderberry syrup, goldenseal, ginger, grapeseed extract, and usnea to name a few are especially good to have on hand when symptoms begin and as specific symptoms become apparent. 
Spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, curcumin, capsicum, and basil have specific uses and can be found in most kitchens.  Use them to flavor soups, stews and other dishes and you are getting your medicine while you enjoy your meal.  The mushrooms have a lot to say about your health and you can forage for them or find tinctures and formulas to supplement daily at your local health food store.
Hydrate with good water daily and stay away from fad sports drinks and too much coffee, cafeinated tea, soda in all its forms, and alcohol which are very dehydrating.
In addition to thinking about your health; consider what you need to have on hand should the need for less public interaction become necessary.  Stock up on non-perishable foods and health needs so that if it hits your area, you are not forced to interact with the public rushing to the grocery store.  If anyone in your family has a compromised immune system, that is another good reason for them to stay out of the public venues as well as family who could bring something home.  Always use good hygiene like washing hands and stay home from work and school if you are sick.
The following is a soup base that contains astragalus, an herb that is well known for its immune boosting characteristics, supporting T-cell function and lymph among other things.   You can make it and freeze it or keep in the frig and reheat daily.
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Astragalus Soup
3 Cups water, vegetable or bone broth
1/2 Cup Vegebroth powder or miso
6 slices dried astragalus root
3 Tbsp garlic powder or 10 fresh cloves
Place all ingredients in a pot and simmer 2 to 3 hours
Take out the root slices.
Take 1 C broth once or twice a week as a preventative or Add veggies for a substantial soup
If you get sick consume as much as you can and continue to make more.

We have a couple of series that we are offering for the spring/summer months that I encourage any of you to take that struggle with the changes our toxic environment and food sources have thrown at us.  You will be amazed at the improvement simple changes will make in your overall health and energy levels.

​Be well and stay well.  If you do your part, God will do His.

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