COVID-19. Y’all, what a week! 4 days ago I thought the media was being dramatic and didn’t want to cancel my upcoming travel plans for a girls trip to Charleston. Now I’m not so sure (we’ve decided to postpone the trip to Charleston).
So far, Jimmy and I have maintained our lives as usual for the most part. Although there is significantly less traffic on the roads and a sort of perilous cloud lurking over all activity. As far as we know Jimmy and I are still going to work as usual this week. We are washing our hands and keeping up with the news a little more frequently, and drinking this immune boosting elixir.
I really feel empathetic for working parents who do not have childcare for the next several weeks. I’m sure it’s a relief to have your children at home in an uncertain time, but also stressful figuring out the logistics. You are all doing amazing! Also, check out this list of activities I came across to keep kiddos occupied at home.
When my subconscious has begun to drift towards fearful hysteria, I have been continually reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Amid the COVID-19 chaos this week, everyone is rightly concerned about keeping themselves and their families healthy. This immune boosting elixir is useful not just during a global pandemic, but any time you’re trying to stay healthy (just hold the alcohol if you’re giving it to kids under 21). The PA in me is telling you that prevention is the best medicine. Prevent, prevent, prevent!
Last week I had the flu (the actual flu, not coronavirus, don’t worry). It was terrible. But in an effort to soothe my sore throat and my feeling sorry for myself, I accidentally created a delicious immune boosting elixir. It just so happened to coincide with the timing of coronavirus chaos.
I suppose we will keep washing our hands, stay at home when possible, take our vitamins, “social distance” (have you ever heard a term go viral so quickly?!), try to stay updated with recommendations and announcements, pray, trust that all will workout because it always does, drink this immune boosting elixir.
I’ve included my favorite elixir recipe, however you can certainly replace with alternatives using more common household ingredients.
You can really express your creativity with this immune boosting elixir. Just stick to the base 4 ingredients (listed below).
My favorite Immune Boosting Elixir Recipe
Ingredients
- Yogi Breathe Deep herbal tea
- 1oz elderflower St. Germain (found at most liquor stores)
- 1tsp raw unfiltered honey
- fresh lemon juice, 1-2tsp
Directions
Brew tea, then add other ingredients. Enjoy warm or hot.
Get creative using this base of 4 ingredients:
1. Herbal Tea
Any herbal tea will work. It’s best if the tea is created with immune boosting ingredients such as echinacea, elderberry, rose hip, lemon, turmeric, ginger, orange peel, cinnamon, etc. Some of my favorite immune boosting herbal teas include: yogi breathe deep, Pukka chamomile floral, Republic of Tea elderberry, Traditional Medicinals organic echinacea and elderberry, Simple Truth Organic ginger turmeric tea
2. 1-2oz alcohol (about a shot glass full)
Alcohol is found to be an immune booster in moderate amounts, and boasts antibacterial and antiviral properties. Any drinking alcohol will work (vodka, gin, whiskey, etc.). Yesterday my mom called and said the store was out of bleach, but all is well because she was “buying some bottles of good vodka because you can drink it and clean with it.” Very wise.
3. Raw Honey
Many studies have shown raw honey to be antibacterial and antiviral. It’s even been shown to speed wound healing and reduce infection when used topically
4. Immune Boosting Additives
You can add lemon, ginger, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cinnamon, elderberry, echinacea, etc. Here is a helpful list of immune boosters you can add, and again don’t be afraid to get creative!
What are you thinking about all of this craziness surrounding the coronavirus? Are you making any special plans or adjustments to your daily life? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Sending love, hope, prayers and good health to you this week and every week.
Also, if you are looking for a way to stay active without leaving home, YouTube yoga may be your saving grace.
