New deadly virus is here! What to do to protect yourself...

The Coronavirus is making headlines as it sweeps across China and has entered other countries as well.

Similar to a cold or Flu, the virus attacks the respiratory system. “A coronavirus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous. Some types of them are serious, though.”[1]

The most serious coronaviruses, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were considered dangerous.

The latest strain of coronavirus (Wuhan) is new, and it’s a bit of a numbers game right now. How many people contract it, and how many people die from it are the numbers that the CDC and WHO look at.

“It’s still early on, but Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, estimates that about 4% of people who contract the Wuhan coronavirus die from it. The mortality rate for SARS was closer to 9 or 10%, and, for MERs, about 30 to 35%, he said.”[2]

The likelihood of contracting coronavirus increases among the elderly and people that have pre-existing conditions (poor immunity, autoimmune conditions, respiratory ailments, asthma, etc.).

The CDC says there is nothing available to protect you against a human coronavirus infection, but you may be able to reduce your risk by doing the following:[3]

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

That’s good advice, but let’s kick it up a notch, shall we?

One of the best proactive things you can do right now before the virus potentially spreads further into the world is to boost your immune system and support your respiratory system.

Here’s how:

Support Immunity Naturally

The immune system is the body’s protector; it creates B lymphocytes (that attack invaders outside the cells), T lymphocytes (that attack invaders inside the cells) and NK cells (killer cells that drop little bombs to destroy infected cells and cause apoptosis or death of the cell).

The lymphatic system, loaded with lymphocytes, plus macrophages, monitors and filters out foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.

The lymphatic system is kinda like a vacuum cleaner for the body.

Your lymphatic system and immune system are intricately entwined and cannot function healthfully without each other. Continue reading here for 3 easy tips to support your lymphatic system.

Immune Boosting Vegetable Congee

Congee is a type of rice porridge or gruel that has been eaten for centuries to promote wellness.

I love this recipe and use it all fall and winter long to keep my immune system up, and my risk of cold and flu down.

And, when my clients are suffering from poor immunity this is numero uno on my list of recommendations for them.

It’s got shiitake mushrooms that nourish the immune system, bok choy to support the liver and lungs, ginger to promote circulation, ginseng to strengthen the body, and astragalus root as a supreme immune enhancer.

But, besides all of that healthy blaghetty blah blah blah… it’s pretty darn delicious!

Respiratory Support Infusion

If your lungs have a tendency to get compromised easily, or if you are prone to every cold and flu in town, start sipping on these amazing herbs to support your body.

This delicious herbal infusion contains:

Mullein leaf – a classic lung nourisher and asthma remedy. It contains a healthy dose of mucilage that soothes and supports the mucous membranes.

Schisandra berries – an adaptogenic herb that has been used for thousands of years in ancient/eastern medicine. It’s called the five flavored berry and supports all of the organs, plus boosts immunity. Modern studies have shown Schisandra plays a beneficial role in healing respiratory disorders like asthma, cold, and flu.

Licorice root – is soothing to the respiratory tract and digestive system (where a large majority of your immune system lives), plus it’s anti-viral, and it eases congestion from colds and flu.

Here’s my easy and delicious recipe for you: Lung and Respiratory Support Infusion

Kitchen Remedies for Respiratory Health

At the first sign of a tickle in your throat, or a sniffle or sneeze, increase your intake of these three foods that I’ll bet you have in your kitchen right now! They will help ward off bugs and viruses, and potentially bigger threats.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is both antimicrobial and antiviral. At the onset of respiratory invaders, it can work like magic to keep them at bay!

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains thymol and carvacrol, that have powerful antiseptic and antibiotic properties.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) contains volatile oils that are strongly antiseptic and promote expectoration (help you cough out mucus and unsavory invaders). Thyme is an excellent remedy for respiratory infections and coughs.

Here are a few delicious recipes that contain the above ingredients: Kitchen Remedies for Respiratory health

Immune Boosting Mushroom Coffee

If you are seeking a morning beverage that supports the body on a deep nutritive level and increases energy and immunity over time, try mushroom coffee.

It’s not really coffee, it’s more of a decoction; a medicinal preparation made from boiling a plant, or in this case, a couple of funghi.

Just like coffee, this mushroom brew tastes bitter. You can doctor it up for your taste buds by adding a teaspoon of honey.

Keep in mind that you can’t continue eating donuts and ding-dongs or other CRAP, and then drink mushroom coffee thinking it’ll boost immunity and improve your energy. That’s not the way it works.

Learn more about mushroom coffee and all of its benefits here. Try this morning beverage to boost immunity. 

Always remember, that besides washing your hands and avoiding people that are sick, there is a multitude of immune-boosting and respiratory remedies you can use right now to keep your body healthy and happy, and able to make it through this coronavirus outbreak, and other viral outbreaks, that inevitably make their way around the globe.