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A Simpler Regimen for Prevention

OK, so based on some of the responses I’ve gotten to my Coronavirus Concerns post, people are confused about the different strategies I outlined and when to use them. So I’ll try to make a simpler version here.

As always, remember this Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here in this post, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and any other qualified licensed health care professionals you come across. Continuing to read this blog post may result in your slow, exquisitely painful death or dismemberment. Proceed with the utmost caution and at your own risk. The word “you”, when used in this post, is a placeholder and does not actually refer to anyone or anything, and the same is true of all verbs. Any resemblance to actual persons, either living or dead, is purely coincidental.

If you have no signs or symptoms of a cold or flu:

Continue to use the preventative measures outlined by the CDC, such as hand-washing, using hand sanitizer liberally, avoiding close contact with others, wearing a mask, and so on, as noted in previous posts. Wear a mask whenever going out.

In addition, get a good amount of exercise, especially Qi Gong. Eat a nutritious diet. In particular, the following foods have been shown in research to prevent a particular virus you may have heard of from replicating: Pomegranate juice, Green tea, Cranberries.

Take supplements such as Host Defense’s MyCommunity, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail extracts.

Drink the Good Qi Tea:

Ingredients

1 tbsp fresh ginger

1 tbsp goji berries (if you have a problem digesting nightshades, use jujube – Chinese red dates – instead)

1 tbsp dried astragalus

Boil 2 cups of water, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain out the herbs. You can boil another 2 cups of water, and steep the same herbs again, for another 9-10 minutes. Drink throughout the day.

If you start noticing a sign of a cold or flu, such as a scratchy throat or sore throat, fever, fatigue, sinus pressure, etc., as soon as you sense any of that, do all of the following:

Take licorice root extract, 1/2 tsp, 3-6 times per day, but avoid if you have hypertension or are pregnant. Take 2 hours away from any medications. Do not take for more than two weeks at a time.

Drink some ginger tea. Grate or finely chop some fresh ginger, an amount about four times the size of your thumb – it must be fresh to be effective for this purpose. Boil 6 cups of water, take it off the heat, and steep the chopped or grated ginger for 2-3 hours in a covered container (it must be covered to keep the essential oils of the ginger in the tea). If you like, at the end of the 2-3 hours you can add one tablespoon honey, the juice of one-quarter of a lime, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drink at least 6 cups a day. Warning: do not drink ginger tea if you are pregnant, as it can cause a miscarriage.

Try the shotgun flu formula, 6 times a day (do not take if you’re pregnant, and take 2 hours away from any medications). Continue taking your elderberry tea as well.

Ingredients

This recipe expels wind, heat, and cold from the surface of the body. Many of my patients report that when they take it at the first sign of a cold or flu, they avoid getting sick.

1 teaspoon fresh oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed (not chopped)

2 teaspoons fresh peppermint

Juice of 1/2 lemon, or 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon of lemon or lime zest

Half of a small cayenne pepper, seeds removed, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dry powder)

1/2 to 1 cup water

Put everything in the blender and mix well. Drink carefully, as it’s quite strong. Best results are obtained taking several doses, 2-4 hours apart, preferably after a meal or snack.

I personally would also take some quercetin, 2 capsules every 4 hours.

I hope that makes things simpler for everyone. Please ask if you have questions.

Best of luck to us all this year! Let’s take care of each other.

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Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your physician and appropriate qualified licensed health care professional. Do this everyday before getting out of bed in the morning, or you may very well suffer a horrible and painful death. Proceed to read at your own risk. You have been warned.

Because so many stores are out of hand sanitizer right now, a lot of people have been asking me how I make my own at home. It’s not difficult, the key is the sanitizer must have an alcohol content of 66% or more. Here’s what I do.

For a one fluid ounce bottle of hand sanitizer – I get one of the brown glass bottles with a spray top – I use:

5 tsp 95%+ Everclear (or any alcohol of similar strength)

1 tsp aloe vera juice

4 drops clove essential oil

3 drops lemon essential oil

2 drops cinnamon bark (or leaf) essential oil

2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

1 drop rosemary essential oil

I combine everything and shake well. If using a larger bottle, such as a two-ounce or four-ounce bottle, I double or quadruple the recipe.

Note: if you have some pre-made Thieves’ Oil, like Dandelion Botanicals’ formulation, you can simply add 12 drops of that instead of getting all the oils above separately.

In order to use hand sanitizer effectively, it is not enough to simply rub a bit of it in your palms. You’ve got to rub it all over your hands, front and back, including in between your fingers and over your nails, and let it dry. Because the essential oil combination in this recipe is quite strong, anyone using this recipe must be very cautious about touching their eyes or face afterwards, as it may cause irritation or even a chemical burn.

Remember that handwashing (for more than 20 seconds), is in general considered preferable, but sanitizer is good when it’s difficult or impractical to get to a sink.

Best of luck to you in this challenging time!

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More on Preventing Coronavirus Infection

If you’d like to scare yourself more about the likely impact of this pandemic, see https://medium.com/@amwren/forget-about-the-death-rate-this-is-why-you-should-be-worried-about-the-coronavirus-890fbf9c4de6

The author of the message below about precautionary measures for COVID-19 is James Robb, MD, UC San Diego. You might find it useful. My own tips from Chinese medicine for myself I put in the post below this one, entitled Coronavirus Concerns.

Subject: What I am doing for the upcoming COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic

Dear Colleagues, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.

The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March and April.

Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.:

1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.

2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.

3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.

4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.

5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.

6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.

7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:

1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.

Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs) The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.

2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth – it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.

3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective.

4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.

I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be. Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.

I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. You are welcome to share this email. Good luck to all of us! Jim

James Robb, MD FCAP

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Coronavirus Concerns

Disclaimer: nothing anywhere on this blog, or that I’ve written here, is intended as medical advice, or to substitute for medical advice, or intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It’s intended for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes only. Before making any changes to your health care regimen always consult your qualified licensed health care professional. The word “you” is used below only to refer to myself.

NOTE: MOST OF THIS IS OUTDATED. PLEASE IGNORE THIS POST, FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN HISTORICAL INTEREST. (edited 5/2/21)

Ok folks, a lot of people have been asking me whether we should be concerned about the new coronavirus. At first, I wasn’t too worried about it, since the press is notorious for blowing things out of proportion and exaggerating the true dangers. Remember the panic about Ebola? I figured this was going to be the same thing.

I still don’t think there’s any need for panic, but recent news suggests to me that it’s a good idea to start taking some sensible precautions. COVID-19, the particular coronavirus causing trouble now, is basically a bad flu. In a typical year, the flu kills a little less than .1% of those who get it, so less than one in a thousand. According to the World Health Organization, this coronavirus so far has killed roughly 2% of the people who contracted it. How accurate that figure is we don’t really know, but if it’s correct then it’s about 20 times more lethal than the average flu.

First, let’s be prepared: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-preparedness/preparing-yourself/pandemic-flu/individuals-families/planning-checklist.aspx

This is worth doing for other reasons as well, such as earthquake preparedness, and that website’s suggestions for frequently using hand sanitizer and so on are sound. I’d recommend storing at least two weeks’ worth of supplies, including food and water, medicines, and so on – whatever you need if you have to stay inside and avoid contact with others for some time.

A couple of points: hand-washing is substantially better than using a regular hand sanitizer, but you should still have some sanitizer with you, for times when it’s difficult to get to a sink. Also, I like to boost my hand sanitizer by adding some “thieves oil” (a blend of essential oils) to it. I like the recipe given here: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/four-thieves-essential-oil and you can get a different version of it at Dandelion Botanical. Because it’s so strong, add only 6-12 drops of the oil mixture per ounce of sanitizer, and mix well. Use it when you’re out and about and touch doorknobs and other surfaces that many other people also come into contact with.

Chinese medicine has a lot to offer us as well; it has a history of fighting epidemics (see the story on my webpage: https://agape-acupuncture.com/insights/). I received some reports about how doctors in China are treating the virus, and the good news is that those receiving herbs in addition to drugs are having the best outcomes. I’ve gone through the formulas they used, and have ordered the herbs from them.

The most important strategy is again, prevention. I like taking vitamin D, Host Defense’s formula MyCommunity combined with some Turkey Tail extract, on a regular basis. Also eat well so you get good nutrition, and do some good exercise, like Qi Gong.

My research suggests the following herb tea can help prevent an invasion of the bad Qi.

2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, chopped

2 tablespoons dried orange peel (you can use lemon if you prefer)

1 tablespoon whole cinnamon (i.e., not powdered, but from a stick of cinnamon that’s been broken up)

1 teaspoon opened cardamom pods

1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (about 3-5 cloves)

Simmer these, covered, in 6 cups of water for an hour. If too strong, dilute until it’s palatable. Drink one cup at least three times a day, and wrap yourself up in a warm blanket as you drink. If you sweat, it’s good.

If I’m not sure whether I’m hot or cold, or feel both at alternate times, I can use this shotgun formula, especially if all I have available are kitchen herbs: juice of one-half a lemon or one lime, 2 tsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried), 1-2 Tbsp fresh basil, 2 cloves raw, crushed (not chopped!) garlic, 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, and 1/2 to one cup water; blend thoroughly and drink, again three or more times a day.

Now, if after a couple of days I’m still sick or feel worse, it means the pathogen is quite strong and has entered in further. The regimens I just mentioned will no longer be effective, and different herbs are necessary. Normally, a good thing to do is to see my acupuncturist, who can make a precise diagnosis and prescribe exactly the right herbs for my condition, unless I believe my condition is life-threatening, of course, then I’ll call an ambulance or go to the ER.

If I have any of these symptoms, I will also stay in and be sure not to go out anywhere – basically, quarantine myself – because I’m quite likely to be contagious at this stage. The last thing I want to do is make other people sick.

Of course, it goes without saying if you’re feeling so ill you’re concerned for your life – you have trouble breathing, for example, or have a high fever – you should go to the emergency room, or call an ambulance.

Ok, to summarize (these are for me, not advice for anyone else, see disclaimer above):

(1) Prepare for having to stay in for an extended time by getting things like storable food and water

(2) Hand-wash liberally and use a souped-up hand sanitizer when you can’t

(3) Eat well, do your Qi Gong, and take herbs to strengthen your Qi

(4) Have some herbs ready for the first sign of a cold or flu

Best of luck and let’s take care of each other!

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Insights

I added a new page called Insights, where I’ll add useful or interesting tips from and about Chinese Medicine. Today’s insight is about how an expert herbologist helped fight an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.

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I Moved!

My old office at Stillpoint is over – it was a good place to be, but developers bought the building and are tearing it down. So, starting Monday, 12/2, my office will be at Kula Movement in Ballard, 5340 Ballard Ave NW. I look forward to seeing you there!

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On Vacation

I’ll be on vacation until 1/7/18. If you’d like treatment during this time, please consider my friend Janette Baugh: http://www.janettebaugh.com/acupuncture.html, or Susan Scott: (206) 528.8494, Susan.stillpointhealth@gmail.com for acupuncture; they can both do a style similar to mine.

Also consider Ko Darlington: 425.471.5479, kodarlington@gmail.com, who specializes in craniosacral therapy (and has for more than 20 years).

For massage, there’s Jen: https://jenhersmanlmp.com, and for a specialist in Reiki, there’s my friend Daisy Thompson: http://www.northwesthealingstudio.com.

I look forward to serving you again in January!

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Updates

I'll be on vacation from 7/25 until 8/16. If you'd like treatment during this time, please consider my friend Janette Baugh: http://www.janettebaugh.com/acupuncture.html, or Susan Scott: (206) 528.8494, Susan.stillpointhealth@gmail.com for acupuncture; they can both do a style similar to mine. Also consider Ko Darlington: 425.471.5479, kodarlington@gmail.com, who specializes in craniosacral therapy (and has for more than 20 years). For massage, there's Jen: https://jenhersmanlmp.com, and for a specialist in Reiki, there's my friend Daisy Thompson: http://www.northwesthealingstudio.com.

I look forward to serving you again in August!

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On Vacation 

I’ll be on vacation and not treating again until August 3rd. If you need treatment before August, please call my friend Susan Scott at (206) 528-8494. She does a similar style of acupuncture as I do, and works in the same office. 
You can contact me via email while I’m away, but I can’t return phone messages until August. 
I look forward to seeing you next month!