Got Covid? What you do does make a difference. In addition to rest and fluids, there are quite a few non-pharmaceutical interventions that can also assist your recovery including herbs, flavonoids, and vitamins. These substances have show in studies to either reduce viral replication, kill viruses, or help your immune system vanquish colds, flus, and, yes, COVID.
We'll start with substances that inhibit the viral replication as an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I keep these things on hand at all times, but they may be new to you!
Quercitin + Luteolin (together!)
Flavinoids have been very promising in anti-aging, so it's not surprising they would also have activity against viruses like COVID. Quercitin is a mast cell stabilizing flavinoid found in fruits and vegetables like onions and citrus that has been found to disrupt viral replication in COVID. Luteolin is also a flavonoid extracted from plants with immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that together they can block viral replication in COVID. The only luteolin I buy is from Alganot.
We're not going to explore here the science behind their Covid binding ability, but if you want to read more about it, check out these studies. Including a 2022 article from Nature
another from PhytoChem, and this 2023 study from Medicine.
2. CBD
Yes, believe it or not, CBD inhibits viral replication of COVID very early in the infection cycle, according to a clinical trial at University of Louisville. So it should be one of the first supplements you reach for. Stoners, don't get too excited. THC not only doesn't help, it actually hinders the efficacy of CBD against COVID, so take CBD solo. I don't recommend gummies, instead use a pure tincture under the tongue with a high-quality CBD like this one from South Tip, CBD grown in Homestead, FL.
3. Monolaurin + Lysine
Monolaurin (ML), also known as glycerol monolaurate or lauroyl, is a natural compound mainly found in coconut oil and human breast milk. Lauric acid monoglyceride (Monolaurin) has been shown to inactivate lipid-coated viruses by binding to the lipid–protein envelope of the virus. Studies have shown that Monolaurin can disintegrate the protective viral envelope, allowing your immune system to kill the virus. While there have not been COVID-19-specific trials, it is a lipid-coated virus, so it may be effective.
Addtionally, Monolaurin has been studied to inactivate Herpes simplex virus, so it may help keeping Shingles and Epstein Barr recativations at bay during COVID or other type of infection. I buy Lauricidin's Monoaurin, the only supplement maker with a long history of producing it.
4. N-Acetyl- L-Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with viral infections. Lowered states of glutathione that happen naturally as you age have been targeted as the primary reason children fare much better than older adults with this virus. So you might want to try to level the playing field with supplemental glutatione or it's precursor, NAC. Added bonus—NAC is beneficial for lung health, which is particularly important during a COVID infection. I buy Life Extension 600 mg.
5. Elderberry
Everyone's favorite cold remedy, Sambucol, might help with COVID too. Elderberry extracts have been shown to inhibit the replication of multiple viruses, and may prevent viral entry into cells. Nurses grappling with COVID at my doctor's office said it worked for them. It's certainly worth a try as this syrup is delicious and makes driking all that extra fluid your doctor always reccomends, much easier.
6. D3/K2
Most people who pay attention to health and wellness are already taking 5000 iu daily, but it bears mentioning. A good vitamin D status is key to beating tough viruses, and Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a 77% increase in catching Covid as well as an increase in complications - over 80% of hospitalized first wave COVID-19 patients had vitamin D deficiencies. There is also evidence that vitamin D reduces new autoimmune disease by 22%, which sometimes can arise after an immune injury such as a viral infection.
7. Oregano Oil
doTERRA has taken some heat from the FTC for suggesting that oregano oil works for COVID, but it's really not far-fetched. While there haven't been in vivo studies, oregano oil does kill covid in 20 minutes in vitro. Add this to dozens of studies demonstrating that oregano oil's antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities, it might be worth a try. If nothing else, oregano should help considerably with inflammation, one of the most damaging aspects of COVID.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for getting over viruses. We've known this for awhile. I would recommend kiwis and red bell peppers over synthetic supplements, but if you can find a food-based Vitamin C supplement, do both! The body can only use 300 mg of vitamin C at a time, so its better to take low doses all day than one megadose (did anyone else take Emergen-C?!) Now we know better. I reccomend this whole food, organic vitamin C from Pure Synergy.
9. OMEGA-3s
One of the most incidious things about COVID is the unusual clotting it can bring on, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and organ damage. When paired with reduced mobility after laying in bed for days to recover, it's even worse. Even if you have a light case, you should be proactive about taking something to keep your blood flowing well. Low dose aspirin might be good in addition to fish oils or other blood-thinning supplements. The American Heart Association says that blood clot risk remains elevated for nearly a year after a COVID-19 infection. That's not great news for those of us who seem to get the virus every year!
So, how do you know it's Covid (aside from a test, which you should also have on hand)? Symptoms and severity are different for everyone (and maybe different each time you get it!) That said, I've had it four times since 2020 and I have become more familiar with this virus. In my experience, there are a few distinct features that tells me this is COVID and not, say, a cold or flu.
Air hunger or autonomic issues with breathing
Nausea or upset stomach
Serious headache improved only by Sudafed
Poor circulation (remember COVID toes?)
New onset anxiety
Waves of feeling better and worse
A slower onset than than the flu (usually 2 days)
Fatigue without sleepiness
Relapses or extended illness if you don't propery rest
Although we have mentioned many helpful supplements above, for people at risk of serous disease, or those who work in clincial settings, the covid vaccine is still a great way to prevent severe infection for those that tolerate it.
The Paxlovid antiviral is a valuable tool for high-risk or older people with healthy livers. I witnessed my (vaccinated) father turn around quickly using it after a bad bout of COVID in 2022 that was getting worse by the day. If you choose the pharma route, you should still be able use natural supplements, provided they don't affect the liver (CBD may be the one contraindication on this list.)
Stay safe bears!
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