Avoiding COVID/Cold/Flu like the Plague - Try these tips!

Hey hey!

This last Christmas I travelled to Ohio to visit my partner's family for some festivities. However when we boarded the plane I had a knot in my stomach. It wasn't the usual suspects - worries about flying, nerves about meeting new people, greasy airport burritos; no this was much worse. I had a brooding suspicion that (like almost every time before) I would catch some rogue virus a fellow traveler would unwittingly bring onto the plane, much like a stowaway on a pirate ship ready to explore new lands and adventures. It was me who was about to be plundered.

 

Call it self-fulfilling or psychic, a few days into the vacation I started to feel the ick. I ran to my usuals when I don't have my homemade fire cider: elderberry supplements, zinc, multivitamins, and lots of fluids. This time though, it didn't work.

 

When I finally got home, I was still feeling it. Come to find out, this wasn't the common cold: it was COVID. My remedies had not saved me, and it would be another week before I started to feel normal again.

 

This got me thinking: what other remedies exist that I could whip up in a pinch? What can stop the symptoms in their tracks (granted I take said miracle solution within the first day of noticing symptoms) and get me feeling better?

 

Well folks, I am glad to report that after a few hours of research & testing, I found it: the best remedy for COVID and similar viral outbreaks. It turns out, the natural alternative to the main ingredient in Tamiflu is already in most people's cupboards - star anise. That's right, this wonderful spice is extremely high in shikimic acid which works to prevent viruses from replicating inside the body. And what's better - it is surprisingly easy to extract this goodness for use at the first signs of a viral assault.

 

First of all, shikimic acid can be found in lots of things. If you don't have star anise don't fret - you can use pine needles, fennel seed, sweet gum seeds, and golden currant. The best and easiest method to extract shikimic acid is to boil water and make a tea. After steeping any of the above ingredients in boiling water for 5 minutes, you'll have extracted a majority of the shikimic acid and are good to sip your virus-fighting tea. 

 

Other helpful tricks to fight the flu (aside from zinc and elderberries as mentioned above) include:

- eating garlic (uncooked, let rest for 10 minutes after cutting, then swallow)

- taking a probiotic

- drinking homemade fire cider

 

Please bear in mind that everyone is different, and if any of these don't work for you, try another method. Also, this is not medical advise, just anecdotal evidence from my life and my research that could be helpful. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

 

If you have any questions (like what my recipe for fire cider is) feel free to reach out or comment. I love hearing from yall!

 

Have a blessed, healthy, empowering 2024 and may you conquer every virus that comes your way.