Immunity is the ability to protect and heal ourselves. As we all know, when we encounter a sickness we have experienced before or through the use of vaccines, we have an immune response through anti-bodies that protects us. Yet, when we are faced like today with the COVID-19 virus which is new to our system, the question arises: how do we build our capacity to protect ourselves, and also effectively respond when we are beginning to get sick? Just like any encounter with a force that is completely foreign, we must look to a multi-faceted and wholistic approach to discover our capacity to heal now. This occurred in the response in China which worked both with Western and Eastern medicine effectively.
It becomes important now to embrace a fundamental orientation in holistic and traditional medicinal systems that works with the entire person, with all the vast ways in which we heal through all forms of sickness. This is a very powerful means to build immunity in a language that is not necessarily targeted to counter the mechanisms of the virus in a pin pointed way. It is rather a means of embracing the wisdom and intelligence inherent to strengthening the entire system within the body which supports the underlying capacity to heal that is present within all of us. The body is not an object with only precise systems that either work or don’t work in a given situation. Rather, the body and its capacity to heal and build immunity is deeply connected to the mind-body system that strengthens and rejuvenates with healing treatments and herbal supplements that work to unravel and rebuild a foundation within a person or patient in a variety of ways.
Our offerings to the Healing Cultures community through this critical time involve a Daily Invocation Practice and the recitation of sound syllables which induce tangible energetic responses within the body and mind which resonate into people’s lives, the weekly online offering of yoga that stems from the Chikitsa or therapeutic system and lineage which inspires Healing Flow Yoga, and the Full and New Moon Mediations online which ground our foundation and understanding of healing, energy and presence in this challenging time. Our practices teach an orientation to understanding emotions as connected to the organs and the immune system within the body, and work to free the grip of cognitive overload and traumatic memories in the mind and body so that more energy is available in each person.
At this time, we would like to introduce another form of healing as well, that is easily accessible and deeply effective in these challenging times. Namely, a specific fruit extract that powerfully cleanses the body and mind while building our immunity from its root, and essential oils which help raise our immune response and capacity to breathe and clear the lungs and all organ systems, which also support our emotional balance. Furthermore, we would like to suggest the use of spices in teas to be consumed on a daily basis. This stems from our belief in a holistic practice of medicine that works to balance the forces of nature and their refection within the body as the elements we are made up of.
It is now critical to understand what we are facing both with a narrowed down clarity which increases day after day with the work of scientists and doctors all over the world, and with a wider understanding of how our immunity and capacity to heal as people, who are a part of nature, works. After all the coronavirus comes from nature. To fight the threat and sickness is a powerful image now. Yet, it takes a lot of energy to confront the virus when we are told that we have very few narrow resources from within to access. If we only look outward for a cure and forget to reflect and resource all that is within us, we are left in a very precarious situation. Certainly then, fear itself drains us all the more, particularly with the onset of symptoms.
So, below, we are suggesting the use of Grapefruit Seed Extract, Eucalyptus and Lavender Essential oils, teas made with Black Pepper, Ginger and Turmeric, and the Ayurvedic practice of putting small amounts of sesame oil in your nostrils on a regular basis. This information is based on our own experience in the past month that have helped us deeply raise our immunity and furthermore, alleviate the onset of symptoms and gain back our strength.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE).
This powerful extract is made from the seeds and pulp of the grapefruit, and contains numerous antioxidants and essential oils that builds our immunity.
GSE can be taken internally, up to 10 drops 3 times a day diluted in a glass of water. It can also be taken in tablet form. We do recommend Nutribiotic or other pure and natural producers of the extract.
GSE can also be used externally as a natural disinfectant for cleaning surfaces, fruits and vegetables, and clothes. Again, only a few drops of this powerful extract diluted in water and in a spray bottle is enough to retain its properties (30-60 drops per 32oz of water).
In its pure form, GSE has a high level of toxicity, and therefore it is very important to dilute it properly. Please always follow proper diluting instructions that are suggested.
IMPORTANT: if you are currently taking any medications, it is very critical to check with your physician before taking any GSE supplements to make sure there are no contraindications or possible side-effects. This is critical for GSE according to various reports.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of GSE as an antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. In fact, GSE has been reported to work against the avian flu virus and found to significantly reduce the viral load even at a dilution rate of 1:100. The avian flu virus is an enveloped virus, like the novel coronavirus, and GSE is able to destroy the envelope membrane, in effect halting the virus life cycle. GSE works the same way on bacteria, with studies showing effectiveness in as little as 15 mins at a high dilution rate. Please see the following publications for further information: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451896/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12165191
2. Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus has been used to treat all sorts of respiratory ailments such as a cough, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and throat infections. It has also been shown to support the immune system against colds and influenza.
The best way to use eucalyptus essential oil is either by vaporization (in a diffuser) or inhalation. For inhalation, bring some fresh water to boil. After letting it cool for a few minutes, pour it into a bowl and add 3-5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Sit so that your face is above the steaming water, and place a towel over your head to create a tent to contain the steam. Breathe deeply for a minute, take a break, and repeat.
You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus to your bath for a similar, although much less concentrated, effect. Essential oils can be irritating to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to dilute the essential oil in a neutral carrier such as grape seed or sesame oil before adding it to your bath.
There are over 500 species of eucalyptus, many of which produce different essential oils. For medicinal use, make sure to find eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus polybractea, eucalyptus radiata or eucalyptus smithii.
3. Lavender essential oil
Lavender calms stress, relieves nervous tension, exhaustion, restlessness, depression, and situational anxiety.
Unlike other essential oils, lavender is safe to use in its pure, undiluted form directly on the skin. Yet, if you have very sensitive skin or are using it on children, please start by diluting 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil in a teaspoon of a neutral carrier oil or skin lotion.
To create an uplifting and relaxing environment, add a few drops to a diffuser, or simply place a drop in the palm of your hands, rub together and breathe deeply.
It can also be massaged into the chest or upper back to help with relaxation and mood.
It can also be added to your bath, or you can place a few drops on your pillow before going to sleep.
We recommend finding either spike lavender (lavandula latifolia) or true lavender (lavandula angustifolia).
4. Turmeric, Ginger and Black Pepper Concoction
Take a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder, quarter teaspoon of black pepper and a small piece of ginger. Cut the Ginger finely.
Add above to 2 mid size glasses of water and boil in low flame in a pot for 5 min or so. Sift the liquid, let it cool slightly and slowly sip and drink.
One mid size glass can be taken one to three times daily
5. Nasya Treatment by putting small amounts of sesame (or olive) oil in both your nostrils on a daily basis or when you feel you are about to be exposed to the outside world. This is a way of protecting you from pathogens that can enter into your system.
These are recommendations again that can help you along with our other online offerings including yoga and meditation.
As we close, we want to acknowledge Marguerite Goguely, our Community Events Manager, for sharing her knowledge on the power of essential oils for the creation of this post.
Deepest blessings
Mukund and Toni
