Who would have thought 2020 would have been the year of the pandemic? I certainly didn't. And I'm overwhelmed.
On the bright side, the cat has never been happier. There are many warm laps to sleep on these days.
Isn't she sweet? You'd never guess she's a devil looking at that face.
Distraction over. Now where was I...
As everyone adjusts and scrambles, there have been many online resources made available to help you through quarantine. And that's great! Choose what does and does not work for you. Quarantine does not look the same for everyone and it's okay to stumble your way through. Remember none of us have done the whole "pandemic" thing before. Offer much grace, much gratitude, and much love. And if all else fails watch cat videos on YouTube®.
So whether you have more time or less time, here are some herbs to use in quarantine.
1. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Qualities: calming, mildy sedative, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, supportive for nervous and digestive systems
How to use: Tea ( 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers in one cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day or as much as needed). Or you can use a tea bag. No judgement here.
Where to get: your grocery store or a local herb grower (support local and small business if you can)
3. Astragalus (Astragalus mebranaceus)
Qualities: Anti-viral, modulates the immune system, supports respiratory function and heart function
How to use: This herb can be found in tinctures, capsules, or as a dried root (as shown above). The dried root can be boiled in stock and soups and removed prior to serving. To make a tea, put 2 to 4 teaspoons of root into one cup of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. If you purchase a tincture or capsule, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Where to get: local natural health store or co-op or online.
4. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Qualities: Anti-viral, anti-microbial, boosts immune function, aids digestion and support good gut flora. Garlic's "volatile oil is excreted via the lungs, making garlic useful in infections of the respiratory system (Hoffman, 2003)."
How to Use: Add it to soups, hot dishes, pastas, or any culinary preparation that takes your fancy. One clove of garlic may be eaten daily as a preventative. During acute infections, 1 clove can be taken up to three times a day. You could try crushing a clove and have it on toast with butter (no seriously, it's actually pretty good and with everyone in quarantine, the only ones you'll offend with your garlic breath is your family).
If you really want to get rid of garlic breath try chewing parsley sprigs along with it.
To activate the medicinal qualities, chop your garlic and let it sit out for roughly 10 minutes before adding it to culinary preparations.
Where to get: Your grocery store, co-op, or local grower
There you have it! Stay safe and healthy, my friends!
References:
Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginners Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Hawkins, J. (2013). Botanical Supplements. Franklin, TN: Vintage Remedies.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism–The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
None of the companies linked in this blog post are sponsoring this blog post. I am not affiliated with them in anyway.