Back from my Viral Vacation

Ever since the Wheel year turned at the Vernal Equinox, it’s been a rough and bumpy ride.  I’ve been absent here for so many reasons.  Number one, I found myself experiencing a tough upper respiratory virus.  I am usually able to avoid the grips of these viral syndromes by carefully monitoring my body’s signals, keeping a strong immune system, and dosing myself with the appropriate herbs, flower essences, and homeopathics. 

My college age daughter was home for a week, hacking and coughing her way through the same virus.  When she returned to school my defenses were down and no amount of Elderberry, Echinacea, or Ocillococcinum could prevent me from experiencing a full-fledged virus the old fashioned way.

I had to call my scheduled clients and postpone their visits.  At least one was quite surprised that I wasn’t planning to visit the doctor.  After all, I had health insurance didn’t I?  If I felt that there was something that a physician could offer me, I would not hesitate to make an appointment.  However, viruses don’t respond to antibiotics.  Antibiotics only kill bacteria, and I was fairly certain that what I had was a virus.  I knew enough to rest, drink fluids, take extra vitamin C and continue with my herbs and flower essences.  I even had my own homemade herbal cough syrup. 

This virus is working its way through the community. Most folks find that it is taking about three weeks to recover. I even heard of one woman who received two rounds of antibiotics and a doctor’s note to present at work the gist of which was “patient has a severe viral infection and has been prescribed a stronger antibiotic since first antibiotic did not work”.  Well, duh.  When in doubt give antibiotics, apparently.

Anyway, I’ve made it through to the other side.  Last night I slept a good sleep barely interrupted by coughing fits.  This despite being knocked off the power grid for 36 hours (no lights, no heat, no water) during our surprise Spring snowstorm.  I am fortunate that when I do get sick I can take my time getting well.  I can nap whenever I please and lie around in my pajamas reading books.  I don’t need to seek out a magic pill that in the end doesn’t help the healing to happen any faster.  That being said, I am not the herbal police.  If I ever feel that antibiotics are needed (such as the time a few years ago when I developed acute Lyme disease), I will be asking the doctor for a prescription.  I'm just saying that the mis-use of antibiotics does none of us any good.

Comments

[Sacred Suzie]

I'm so glad you're finally feeling better! Alton Brown from Good Eats recommends Barley Water which I will try some time. I have avoided getting sick for over a year (that's very good for me) by taking Astragalus, the Chinese have been using it to boost immunity for centuries. Not good if you have asthmatic tendencies though.

Just thought I would share, it's a life saver for me.

I'm so happy you're back!

[Christine Tolf]

Hi Suzie, I love Astragalus. I like to put the root slices in chicken soup, removing them before serving. I too rarely get sick, but take it as a good sign that when I do my body knows how to heal.