Covid 19 and natural support
Covid 19 and natural support
March 24th Spring Equinox and new moon guidance using Creation Fertility Toolkit
https://www.facebook.com/CreationHealing/videos/822169658291828/
So – it appears we are in the thick of the Covid-19 virus and it is a time for self care and immune support. The coronavirus seems set to cause fear and disruption in our lives – our key workers are overloaded and placing themselves for the sake of us all in vulnerable positions. NHS hospitals are overloaded with patients and all “non essential” operations and procedures have been postponed.
I closed my face to face clinic on Friday 13th March but continue to provide on line consultations and therapies for the time being. (nutritional therapy, health screening/hair analysis, fertility consulting; spiritual healing and intuitive guidance). Doesn’t it seem strange that during Springtime, traditionally a time for fertility, growth and renewal to be “going within”?
Covid 19 and natural support – yogic philosophy and spiritual
Each month I draw cards from the Creation Fertility Toolkit to help you live a healthy lifestyle. This month I drew 2 cards.
Let us 1st consider card 26. The New Moon. As soon as I drew this card I resonated with it. Not simply because it is a new moon today but with the deity associated with it – Durga. Durga is a wonderful Hindu warrier goddess offering protection; courage and fortitude. 
Durga – Hindu goddess of blood flow and a warrior goddess. Durga symbolizes positive feminine energy of power and brings courage, determination and protection. It is believed that she is the combined form of Kali (who I consider adolescent primal Shakti energy who has found her voice; shouts it out but without much thought! Kali is very raw energy/freedom); the Goddess Lakshmi – (love, beauty, kindness and compassion) and finally Saraswati (goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, learning).
Durga’s name means fort or “place that is protected”.
When you look at her you see her she is depicted as a warrior woman with 8 arms and riding a lion. Her arms carry weapons/mudras which represent her attributes (and ability to multi-task). She holds no fear.
- Sudarshan chakra (spinning disc around the index finger) – In mythology, the spinning disc is described as the most powerful weapon of the cosmos.
- Conch symbolizes happiness and the vibration “OM”.
- Sword symbolizes eradication of vices and knowledge. It is time for discernment.
- Bow and arrow symbolizes values. She reminds us when we face difficulties we must walk our talk.
- Lotus Flower symbolizes working towards success with detachment.
- The club is the symbol of Hanuman symbolising devotion and surrender. Whatever we do in life we do with love and trust in the outcome.
- Her Trident/Trishul symbolizes courage to help us face challenges in our life.
- Her mudra hand position enables forgiveness to ourselves and others.
Durga rides a lion but is sometimes shown riding a tiger. The lion is a symbol of courage; protection and animalistic tendencies (anger, arrogance, selfishness, greed, ego, selfish desires, jealousy, desire to harm others etc.) Her riding it reminds us to control these qualities, so that we are not controlled by them. When you see her riding a tiger it symbolizes unlimited power and protection.
Here is a Durga mindful visualisation for you to listen to
We will be connecting with essential oil blends later to support immune health. If you are interested in essential oils I associate these with Durga : bergamot (in creation essence), vervain, clary sage, sandalwood, spikenard; cypress; lotus flower.
The 2nd card I pulled is card 36. Shiva Lingams. They are said to have one of the highest frequency vibrations rates of all stones and crystals and associated with Lord Shiva. Some theories trace the lingam back to the ancient fertility cults but I suggest it is a mistake to think of them in purely sexual terms.
The Sanskrit word lingam means ‘sign’ or ‘symbol’. So the literal meaning of Shiva lingam is ‘Shiva’s sign”. It is the symbolic form of the god Lord Shiva, the creator and destroyer, the infinite into which everything merges at the end of time.
There are various theories about shiva lingams. Some believe they
represent a pillar of light
others consider the shape as pertinent to the cycle of life and death. The bottom represents creating creation, the middle preserving creation and the top destruction/absorption.
The shape of the stones are believed to represent male energy (knowledge) whilst the markings represent female energy (wisdom). Combined they merge to complete equality and balance.
Personally, I feel that in this guidance we are being reminded about the fragility of life as we know it. The shiva lingams are symbolically reminding us to stay grounded and balanced both emotionally and physically. They advise we draw equality from both yin (female) and yang (male) energy – merging science with nature; courage with kindness; wisdom with knowledge and pull through this challenging time together. They remind us that life is cyclic, transient and ever evolving. There is always a cycle of life and re-birth.
Covid 19 and natural support. Traditional remedies
If the more spiritual meanings do not resonate here are a few more “western” immune support ideas to help
“This virus is inviting us to meet the dark night of each of our souls but at the same time offering us the space and stillness to work through the fear and take much needed time to re-connect with ourselves. We are being reminded daily of the sheer power of nature (i.e. the ability for nature to destroy and create) and to honour and respect it (something many of us have forgotten). We are tasked with accepting “self responsibility’ not only for ourselves but for our nation, for our communities, loved ones (albeit from a distance) and our life as we know it. This moon cycle invites us all to work together to build new and better foundations. It is time to adapt. Enjoy a simpler lifestyle and respect all particularly those who are placing themselves in vulnerable positions and who remain working to help us continue in good health; have food and thrive. As my colleague Clare Montanaro says “ It is the start of the manifestation of the new age”.
Covid 19 and natural support
4 thieves oil
This is a super strong and a traditional immune support and protection essential oil blend. It is important to dilute before using (see dilution ideas below) and please ensure you do not use near furniture and soft furnishings as it may affect it.
To make 5ml of 4 thieves oil
35 drops clove essential oil
30 drops lemon essential oil
15 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
13 drops eucalyptus essential oil
7 drops rosemary essential oil.
Add 6 drops of the blend to 50 ml water or 6- 12 drops to 100 ml water if using as a spray (depending on the strength you want)
To make a massage oil blend which you could also use as a body cream:
3 drops of 4 thieves oil 10 ml (1/3 fl.oz.) of carrier oil
4-5 drops of 4 thieves oil to 15 ml (1/2 fl.oz.) of carrier oil
6 drops of 4 thieves oil to 20 ml (2/3 fl.oz.) of carrier oil
15 drops of 4 thieves oil to 50 ml (1 2/3 fl.oz.) of carrier oil
30 drops of 4 thieves oil to 100 ml (3 2/5 fl.oz.) of carrier oil
For babies up to the age of twelve months, the appropriate dilutions are:
Babies (0–2 months): 1 drop to 15 ml (1/2 fl.oz.) carrier oil
Babies (2–12 months): 1 drop to 10 ml (1/3 fl.oz.) carrier oil.
Gargle: 1 drop 4 thieves oil with 1 teaspoon sea salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle for a few minutes before spitting out.
Teeth pulling. 1 drop of 4 thieves oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil/butter. Swish around in mouth for as long as possible before gagging and then spit out.
Body cream immune protection: I add 2-3 drops into a squidge (which is about a 10 p size) of Spagyric cream and then I massage into the soles and top of my feet daily. I feel this supports my whole immune system because I am a reflexologist and believe that our whole body and organs are presented in the feet. I complete the ritual by cupping my hands near to my face and inhaling the aroma from the cream in – deeply and fully. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat 3 times. For me, this acts not only to open the lungs and sinuses but symbolically I feel as if I am protecting my aura and also linking crown and ground. I doubt you have any of my spagyric remedy cream but you can use your normal non toxic body creams or coconut butter or massage oil – it will do the same job!
Protecting your aura – cleansing and protecting spray
60 ml gin/vodka
40 ml water
7 drops lemon essential oil
7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops sage essential oil
3 drops clove essential oil
3 drops thyme essential oil
3 drops salo pento essential oils
Add all together in a vaporiser spray bottle and spray around your aura and also the room to clear contaminated areas. Please ensure you do not spray over furniture as it may affect it.
Hand sanitising gel
60 ml aloe vera gel
15ml rubbing alcohol
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus
2 drops lemon or lemongrass or sage essential oil
Mix the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel together. Add essential oils until thoroughly mixed. Use as you would a normal hand gel.
Clove and cinnamon essential oil are amazing antibacterial and antiviral oils. Mix 6 drops of each in 100 ml of water and clean floors and bathroom surfaces.
Covid 19 and natural support
- Garlic: A natural antibiotic and antiviral you need 6-12 cloves per day. Peel and chew three cloves of garlic at a time – 2 to 4 times per day or try one of the other recipes below. Of course, you can just take a garlic supplement or add garlic to your recipes daily!
Garlic Syrup: Peel and chop 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic. Place in a jar and cover with 8 tablespoons of honey. Let it stand for several days and then strain. You can use this by the teaspoon (2 for children 4 for adults) to boost the immune system and treat infections.
Garlic or Onion Milk – Put onion or 3 cloves of garlic thinly sliced into a pan with 2 cups of milk. Simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes. Strain. (can be stored in fridge for up to a week) Dosage: 1 teaspoon up to 6 times per day
- Ginger root: I love ginger root. I drink it every day 1st thing in the morning. I just grate it and add hot water. I love the deep warmth ginger gives me so personally I add plenty but you may want to build it up slowly! Other ideas are scrape and cut into matchsticks to add to stir-fries or blitz of juice to add to fresh juices and smoothies. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and other healthful properties. In 2013, researchers (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23123794) studied the effects of fresh and dried ginger on one respiratory virus in human cells. The results indicated that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system, while dried ginger did not have the same impact.
- Lemons: An amazing anti-viral food and full of antioxidants. place 3 sliced lemons (with peel) in 600 ml water and boil until water reduced by half. Add honey if necessary and/or ginger and drink daily. Add lemons to recipes daily.
- Local honey – 1 teaspoon of local honey mixed with a serving of plain yoghurt will not only provide a probiotic for digestive health but has anti-inflammatory, immune boosting properties. You can also add it to lemons, ginger and apple cider vinegar as tonics and support the immune system.
- Onions –The Amish whose traditions date back to the 16th century place onions in their homes during winter flu season to absorb bacteria and mould. The onions need to be peeled if left around the home as a preventive measure against flu and viruses. Many people do this during flu season and find that no one gets sick, whereas in previous years with no onions, they had several members of the family fall ill. If placed around the home for prevention, the onions should be replaced every 3 months.
Use peeled onions cut in half. Place in a bowl in the room of an ill person to relieve their symptoms quickly and naturally. It is said that white onions work better than red onions.
Covid 19 and nutritional therapy
I am a great believer in personalised nutrition and seasonal cleanses for optimum well being. I do not like to offer general guidance but for those of you who may be interested I am asking my personal family to take
3,000 mg vitamin c daily
2,500 iu vitamin D daily in addition to their personalised nutrition programme.
I am actively discouraging processed food – opting for natural as much as possible and predominately vegetarian. Obviously we are experiencing changes in our shopping habits at the moment so can I suggest you are just mindful as to what you are buying!
Covid 19 and natural support – recipes
If you have already listened or watched my new moon guidance for this month you know that I shall be posting pantry recipes on social media throughout the month. Here’s pantry recipe 1 – sorry forgot to take a photo of the cooked meal – ate it before I remembered!!!!
Pantry Recipe 1 :
Baked mushrooms (serves 2) – 1 POT MEAL. This is so versatile so change ingredients to suit your cupboard. I used 2 bags of precooked lentils so will be using it as a filler for my jacket potatoes tonight!
4 field mushrooms
Lemon olive oil
Chilli puree or tabasco. If you don’t like heat then use paprika or something else – maybe even pesto?
squidge tomato puree
1-2 bags precooked lentils (I used one from Aldi but there are many different brands)
4 -6 spring onions chopped
teaspoon dried mixed herbs
salt and pepper
2 cloves crushed garlic
Salt and pepper
Grated cheese to suit
ladle of soup from lunch (mine was leek and potato but you could just add a few tomatoes chopped with some water if you have some of just some water)
medium sized oven dish
Warm oven to 180c
Clean and prepare mushrooms. Take stalks off and chop. I actually chopped my whole mushrooms into quarters and placed into the oven proof dish because I like my mushrooms cooked and find when they are whole they take a good 35-40 minutes to cook properly. Top with a little lemon oil and a squidge of chilli paste. Place in oven for 10-15 minutes to gently cook.
In the meantime add a teaspoon of oil to a pan and place the chopped spring onions, chopped mushroom stalks and crushed garlic into it. Warm and saute until soft – adding a little water is necessary. Now add the bag of mixed ready cooked lentils, ladle of water or homemade soup into the mixture plus teaspoon tomato puree and stir gently until mixed thoroughly. If you have some herbs this is a good time to add as well.
Bring part baked mushrooms out of oven. Add salt and black pepper. Top the lentil mixture over the mushrooms. Add grated cheese and return to the oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted and mushrooms are cooked.
This as a one pot meal! Yum
Boosting immunity March 2020 – printable version of this article
Recipes for gut health – printable recipes
Recipes and Ideas To Support Immunity – printable recipes
You may also be interested in reading:
5 natural remedies for fibroids, endo and womb health
Home remedies to boost immunity
Justine Evans ND – Natural fertility expert & hormone alchemist. Justine is a registered naturopath, nutritional therapist, body worker and healer. She integrates functional medicine with eastern philosophy to provide a multi dimensional approach to reproductive well being.
Call 07747 133170 or email contact@justineevans.co.uk to make an appointment with her now
Disclaimer: This article has been written for inspiration and education purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease and it does not replace evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by your qualified health care professional.