Although the US has not yet experienced a sizable outbreak of this virus, we are being advised, as a country, to expect that it will get significantly worse.  With a mortality rate of 2-3%, as it has been reported, compared to the traditional flu, which ranges from .1 to just under 2%, according to various agency reports, this virus has the potential to be considerably more devastating.  Keep in mind, however, that, as of this writing, while the Coronavirus has claimed 2,770 lives, the 2019-2020 (current) flu season in the US has already claimed between 12,000-17,000 lives (CDC report). So all of the following suggestions are helpful for the common flu, as well.

In addition to concerns about becoming infected with the virus, you also have to consider the impact on availability of medicines and things like face masks, etc., many of which are produced in China, which has been most heavily affected by the outbreak so far.  So production of such products have been slowed or stopped in some cases, and supplies are greatly reduced or exhausted.  So, you will likely not be able to fully depend upon traditional pharmaceutical and over the counter medical supply lines to address the Coronavirus.

Therefore, I would stress the following:
Stay informed, but stay out of fear…fear only lowers your vibration, which compromises your immune system.  How do you conquer fear?  By staying informed, preparing yourself and your family to the best of your ability, and use essences that keep you grounded, centered and calm.

Understand that elderly (65+) and health-compromised individuals make up about 65% of the fatalities (whether the Coronavirus or the common flu).

Create a fully stocked “medicine chest” of essential oils and other plant and mineral-based products you have used successfully that you can utilize during this epidemic.  (So far, experts have refrained from using the word “pandemic”).

Focus on oils/health products that strengthen the immune system, support the respiratory system, are anti-viral and are calming to the emotional and physical bodies.  In my recommendations, I will focus on our potent, pure, undiluted Wisdom of the Earth essential oils.

Immune System:  As we know, all essential oils are supportive of the immune system.  However we know that some are more potent for this purpose than others:

Black Cumin:  Take orally first thing in the morning…start with 10 drops a day (if you are not already taking it as a daily tonic) and work up to about 20-25 drops a day over a 7-10 day period, for an average sized adult (5’5”, 130-140 lbs).  Adjust up or down depending upon body mass.

Frankincense:  Apply to the soles of the feet (5-7 drops each foot, for the average adult). Adjust as appropriate.  Suggest morning and night.

Conifers:  For example, Norway Spruce, Black Spruce, Fir Hemlock, Pine Black or White Pine.

Also for the immune system, Laurel Leaf, Rosemary high camphor or cineole, and the eucalyptuses, such as Eucalyptus Masala, Eucalyptus Blue Mallee.

Respiratory:  All Eucalyptuses, Myrtle cineoliferum, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Magnolia leaf; the Petitgrain oils (Lime, Orange, Mandarin), and Camphor.  Respiratory oils can be applied topically on the chest/around the neck and behind the ears and inhaled via steam inhalation.  Contact me if you are not sure how to do the steam inhalation.

Anti-Viral:  Hyssop, Cedar Leaf, Oregano, Thyme Spike, Thyme Red, Thyme thuyanol, Mountain Savory, Yarrow, Zanthoxylum, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Niaouli, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark (hot – put on the soles of the feet), and Black Pepper.  Also remember that Black Cumin and Laurel Leaf are highly anti-viral as well.

Sore Throat:  My “go to” is True Sage…either applied over the physical throat, or applied to the upper palate in your mouth.  The upper palate application allows the saliva to gradually and gently bathe your throat with the essential oil.

Calming:  All Lavenders & Lavandins, Geranium, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Fir Balsam, Vetiver, Violet, Buddha Wood.  These are examples in the calming category; if you have others that help you think more clearly and feel calm, use them!

Finally, just some common sense advice:
*Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary; this includes out of the country as well as to unfamiliar environments within your country.  What you are exposed to while traveling, the strain of traveling and the lowering effect on your immune system, and then the unfamiliar “flora and fauna” of the new environment to which you are exposed do represent a “threat”.  They always do…but with the Coronavirus situation, that threat is even more of a risk.

*Get enough sleep, wash your hands frequently, stay hydrated, and eat the most healthy food you can.  Now is not the time for alcohol or “junk” foods.

*Avoid crowds…parties, sporting or music events; even the mall or restaurants and bars.  You are increasing your exposure at a time when, again, such choices can present a serious risk to your health.  Is it really worth it?

So, be prepared, act proactively (get that immune system as strong as you can!), act preventatively, stay out of fear and stay informed.

With love, Audre