Updated: March 19th 2020

Chinese Medicine and Traditional Herbal Medicine have been effectively treating viruses and epidemics for centuries. Both have Antiviral herbs seattlean in-depth Materia Medica devoted to this subject. These medicines are individualized and pattern specific but there are some stand outs that can be applied usefully to combat many types of illnesses. There are currently no known effective treatments of COVID-19. To regulate immune function we recommend taking the following preventatively. For more complete and individualized recommendations contact your provider.

  • Reishi and Shitake Mushroom Syrup, with Astragalus, Fresh ginger and Cinnamon. Regulates your immune system. Good for prevention and mild symptoms
  •  Elderberry, Astragalus, Cinnamon, Fresh Ginger, Clove and Organic Honey Syrup. Discontinue when respiratory symptoms actually develop and switch to Reishi Syrup. Good for prevention of colds and flu.
  • Mycel Immune Plus
  • Vitamin C: 3,000 milligrams (or more) daily, in divided doses.
  • Magnesium: 400 mg daily (in citrate, malate, chelate, or chloride form)
  • Vitamin D3: 2,000 International Units daily. (Start with 5,000 IU/day for two weeks, then reduce to 2,000)
  • Zinc 20 mg daily
  • Selenium: 100 mcg (micrograms) daily
  • Acupuncture- Regular treatments have been shown to improve immune function and lower the instance of colds and flus.
  • InfraRed Sauna-We recommend 3 times a week to kill viruses before they take hold. We also offer immune boosting herbs to take before your sauna to maximize the benefits.
  • Chinese Herbs- We have numerous Chinese herbal blends for mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. We have new formulas that are specific for cough and fever as well.
    Chinese herbs antiviral seattle

Other actions you can take that can meaningfully support your health and ability to fight illness:

  • Get good sleep, and prioritize your self-care. Sleep is critical to optimal immune function. Go to bed before 10 PM. If you are sleep-deprived, you are not at your peak immunity. Avoid having electronic equipment including phones in the bedroom so that sleep is deep enough to be restorative. Install blackout blinds.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods, and prioritize a healthy diet. Your diet provides building blocks used by your immune system to fight illness. Without those resources, your immune system will be weaker.
  •  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  •  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick. (14 days quarantine after known COVID-19 infection)
  • Talk to your doctor about optimizing your vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C levels. These nutrients are particularly important for optimal immune function and may be depleted in the typical diet, and in the winter depending on location.
  • Stay hydrated. Water is at the foundation of our health. Clean/filtered water consumed regularly helps keep our whole system functioning optimally, including our immune systems.
  • Manage your stress.  Don’t panic! An outbreak is scary, but most people will experience COVID-19 as a mild illness. Prolonged, toxic stress inhibits immune function, so whether it is fear about the virus or excess stress at home or work, do what you can to give your system a break and restore. Cultivate calm by meditating daily. Spend time in nature.

Exercise, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal supplements recommended by your healthcare practitioner, qigong/tai chi, yoga, meditation, or whatever your “go-to” to unwind must take priority now. These are not luxuries! Take care of yourself.

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, OBSERVE THE BASICS!

● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-90% alcohol if soap and water are not available. COVID-19 can transmit through both respiratory droplets and via stool, so careful handwashing is critical.

● Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can. Cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hand if you do not have a tissue available. If you contaminate your hand and then touch other objects, you will spread the virus.

Resources:

https://www.asacu.org/wp-content/uploads/ASA-COVID-19-Info-Sheet.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0UqTav2jJuy0_t9huNAigQ18QYFv7HrKN8F2-uxa1NJwAOl-pdzkMKK-0

https://www.asacu.org/wp-content/uploads/March-17-ASA-Covid-Announcement_post-review.pdf

Integrative Options: ICIM position statement on 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak