Naturopath Advice and overview :
My names Leah, I am a nutritionist and naturopath based at Erina on the Central Coast, NSW. My husband and I both recently had a mild form of covid. Although we recovered relatively quickly, both of us, especially my husband, have had some long term symptoms.
I have written this blog based on my research and experience.
I have turned off comments on this blog as I don’t wish to get into a debate about the pros and cons of vaccines, if covid is real or if covid is real. As part of my motto is “no judgement” I feel it is up to each one of us to make our personal decision on health matters
Naturopaths and Covid – such an emotionally charged statement!
The debate of vaccination, masks and if covid is real and not, is not something I want to debate.
Long Covid
After the last 3 years, I don’t think anyone hasn’t heard of covid. For those that haven’t here is a link to WHO.
Similar to many other viruses and flu, but, is the first one in a hundred years that has caused so many deaths and unprecedented lockdowns.
Long Covid is when some symptoms continue for more than a few weeks.
In Australia, prescription antivirals are available for certain ages but for the majority of us, we need to look for alternatives.
This is where a naturopath can help with antiviral herbs that reduce covid symptoms.
Because I am seeing a lot of patients including children and young people with unusual symptoms after testing positive for covid I am writing this article for those that are looking for some natural health options to help them recover.
Herbal supplements mentioned at the bottom of this page are suitable for and may reduce the symptoms of covid.
Top 8 things to prevent covid
According to the World Health Organisation and my own research here are my top 8 recommendations:
- Wear Masks
- Use hand sanitiser or wash hands with running water and soap regularly.
- Be a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Have a bit of sun or take Vitamin D supplements
- Eat healthily
- Drink enough fresh water
- Have immune-boosting supplements and herbs
Prevent long term symptoms
- Rest and give yourself enough time to recover from covid
- Take a course of antiviral herbs
What to expect when you have covid.
Everyone I speak to has had different symptoms. Some have had little or non. Others have had asthma-type coughing, sore throats and other people’s headaches.
My personal experience was a sudden headache, that felt like my head was exploding from the inside out, my heart racing and palpitations and fever.
I had started taking an antiviral herbal mix the day before as my husband had been sick for a day with a bad man flu and then tested positive for covid. Every time I could lift my head my husband who was already recovering would force liquids and herbs on me. My gut was a bit funny for the next few days but that settled fast.
My symptoms only lasted 12 hours and I tested negative within 3 days but I do not want to get a second round. I continued taking my antiviral herbs for the month and suffered from a bit of fatigue. Overall made a full recovery.
Dear Husband has not always been as good at taking the antivirals and he may not always eat as healthy as I do. His long covid recovery has been slow. Mainly fatigue and memory loss. As he had glandular fever years ago I have him on some preventative herbs for glandular fever.
Most common symptoms of long covid
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain or tightness
- Memory problems
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
Less common symptoms
- Male impotence
- Digestive problems
- Rashes
- Reoccurrence of previous sicknesses, such as glandular fever, IBS, Heart conditions
Is long covid dangerous? Yes.
If you have any of the following symptoms, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and tell the phone operator you’ve previously been diagnosed with COVID-19:
- severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- severe chest pain or pressure
- a new or returning fever
- worsening ability to concentrate and increased confusion
- difficulty waking up
I have long covid can a naturopath help?
Naturopaths have multiple herbs that can assist in the treatment for Covid and long term symptoms.
Seeing a naturopath like Leah may be beneficial for several reasons. Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach that focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. A naturopath may be able to help identify underlying causes of long COVID symptoms, such as nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in the gut microbiome, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address them. Naturopathic treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutrition counselling, may also help to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve overall health. Additionally, naturopaths often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians and specialists, to provide comprehensive care.
Make an appointment to see a naturopath now
At this stage, there is no singular test for long covid syndrome your health professional may choose to do blood or other tests to see what effect covid has had on your body.
Food to eat to improve your immune system
The best food to eat any any time of the year is locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruit. It is the freshest and full of vitamins and minerals.
Frozen vegetables would be my next choice as they are usually snap frozen and retain a lot of goodness.
Specific food that can help build your immune system
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Broccoli
- Capsicum (bell peppers)
- Chocolate (dark)
- Fish – oily fish like salmon, sardine or tuna would be top of my list
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green tea
- Kiwi fruit
- Oranges or other citrus
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Turmeric
What supplements and herbs can prevent or reduce symptoms of covid?
There are a lot of different supplements and herbal tonics that I would recommend or use.
It really depends on the symptoms you are dealing with and what other conditions or medications you are already taking.
Please do not self-medicate.
I have spent years at a university level learning and research. Herbs and supplements can make you very sick and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
These are my top 10 favourite herbs and supplements to use with viruses.
- Astragalus
- Calendula
- Curcuma
- Echinacea
- Elderflower
- Garlic
- Lemon Balm
- Thyme
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
As a naturopath, I don’t like just giving bandaid solutions. I will spend the time with you working out what is happening in your body and how best to help your body work better to fight all diseases not only Covid.
Antiviral covid package
For covid and long covid- Acute Consutlation
- 1 months supply of antiviral herbs
- Course of liquid Zinc
- Reasonable amount of SMS support
- Options to add tests or other herbs
This package is available worldwide with extra postage, except for USA and Canada due to insurance.
Research pages :
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
Interested in participating in a long covid study?
www.studies.recovercovid.org
