COVID-19 and Herbs

Things in our part of the world have gotten a bit more intense, and some would also say a bit overwhelming lately with the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 nationwide.

Changes are happening fast as people and governments struggle to keep our healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Parents working from home are now trying to figure out how to keep their energetic kids entertained and on track with homeschooling, and everyone is starting to worry a bit more about the financial situation of not only the economy but also our own little units.   We are coming to you today to let you know that we will continue to operate for as long as we can. As of right now, we are still in the store every day taking phone and internet orders and allowing in-person pickups locally and offering to ship.   It's times like these that herbs can be powerful allies, not just for helping to boost our immune systems, but to also help us manage the stress we may be feeling. We wanted to offer you some resources today for information that we have found helpful over the past week or so in regards to herbs and their ability to help support you during this time period. Herbalists all over the country are digging into the information available on COVID-19 and formulating ideas around what herbs could be helpful for not only prevention but also for support should you come down with the virus. A few herbs that are standing out for their anti-viral capacity:

• Elder Berry & Elder Flower
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Ginger
• Echinacea root & tops
• Olive Leaf
• Garlic
• Cat's Claw
• Elecampane
• Usnea
• Rosemary
• Biakal Skullcap (available in tincture form, please call to order this)
• Chaparral

Other herbs to think about for your immune system:

• Reishi Mushroom
• Chaga Mushroom
• Turkey Tail Mushroom
• Cordyceps Mushroom
• Lion's Mane Mushrooms

These herbs are moistening to the system and could also be helpful:

• Marshmallow
• Pleurisy Root
• Fennel
• Violet
• Codonopsis
• Chickweed

Some herbs to nourish your nervous system (and keep stress levels down which helps keep your immune system up):

• Ashwagandha
• Shatavari
• Oat Straw & Milky Oats tincture (call to order tinctures) (also oatmeal!!)
• Holy Basil
• Licorice
• Rose
• Passionflower
• Skullcap
• Lemon Balm
• St. John's Wort

Also consider adding in some flower essences for emotional support. Don't forget to be drinking lots of water, taking your multi-vitamins, and getting outside...now is the perfect time to spend more time in the nature of your backyard. We are hopeful that this gives you a few tools to support yourself and doesn't add to your sense of overwhelm. There are a lot of things you 'could' be doing right now, but not doing any of them is just fine.   We are here by phone to help you pick herbs that are best for you during these trying times, and if you need more support we are offering distance consultations, please email us to schedule one of these.   For those of you who want to do some more reading on herbs and this virus here, are some resources and other great herbalists to check out:

• Aviva Romm (specifically addresses Pregnancy & breastfeeding concerns, among other things)
• Thomas Easley
• Paul Bergner
• 7Song
• COVID-19: An Herbalist's Perspective (FB live replay or slide notes) by Guido Mase, Tammi Sweet, and Deb Soule
• John Slattery
• The American Herbalist Guild has started to collect all of the resources from herbalists in one place

  Over the next few weeks we plan to start sending you some fun recipes to try at home while social distancing, and we may also end up offering our canceled in-person classes online...so stay tuned to our emails if you don't already get them!

To place an order online visit our website: Shop.GoldenPoppyHerbs.com To Call us: 970-682-4373 To email us: info@GoldenPoppyHerbs.com

Thank you again for supporting your small apothecary, we hope you are staying well.

---

Current Store Hours