When COVID-19 Hit Detroit

When COVID-19 made its way to the United States nothing in me would stand by idly. 

We were all working in our communities equipped with herbal knowledge passed down from one generation to the next, and taught to us by longtime wellness practitioners. Herbalists were sharing field notes and testimonials, case studies were flying across the web about as fast as the speed of light.

I hadn't stood still long enough to find the words that could sum up what I was experiencing. Thankfully, there were many people already speaking about it, among them were my teachers. I haven't been more proud to have learned from veteran herbalists who continuously share insightful data about COVID-19: Nicole Telkes, Jim McDonald and Sam Coffman. My teachers have offered sound information without being preachy or condescending. At times like this, they stand brave and steady!

Speaking of teachers, if we're going to talk about natural anything, I have to recognize Dr. Sebi. His work made natural healing a normal topic in urban communities. He popularized alkaline eating and herbs like bladderwrack and sea moss. But, in the midst of all of the noise, we lost another holistic hero, Dr. Llaila Afrika. His book, African Holistic Health, was my first holistic book ever.

Personally, COVID-19 hit our community so fast that it left a lot of people searching for answers and others not knowing where to turn. So quite naturally, tensions lurk in the air as the number of confirmed cases and death toll continuously rise. Meanwhile, people who think they are feeling symptoms are trapped at home afraid and uncertain about their fate.

In some ways, this virus is what it feels like being Black in America everyday. Not knowing if today will be your last breath, the stifling feeling of systemic struggles squeezing the very life from every breath you take, you muster the words to speak but can't seem to be heard.  

Now that the shadow of death is a handshake away; ironically, I watch many people in my community have a new zest for life.  Detroit has become a "hot spot" for coronavirus throughout the nation. As of today, the number of confirmed cases in Michigan has reached more than 5,000, and the death toll is over 100.

Meanwhile, as we're encouraged to #stayhome the earth is healing. The ozone layer is repairing itself and the air is cleaner. I have to admit, this feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

It is moments like this when I realize life-altering history is being created. Every action I take or don't take matters now more than ever. What story will the history books tell? Hopefully, it will be a story of collective resilience. Stories of hospital workers on the frontlines working around the clock to give critical care. The tales will continue with stories of herbalists working with nature to help at a critical time.

Based on the bit of work I've done in my community, people have asked me to share some of the wellness tips I use. So, for those who asked, this post is for you... The following information is based on what I know thus far, this is in no way medical advice, nor am I saying that doing any of these things will work. But, I am sharing some of things I've been doing and what's been working for me. Let's first take a quick glance at viruses and what they are...

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VIRUS
In short, viruses need a host, a.k.a. person in order to exist. This is why antibacterials and antibiotics are ineffective, because you can't kill what doesn't exist. Therefore, once inside the body they aggressively start to attack a specific system in the body, similar to what happens when something goes viral online. Some viruses attack the digestive system while the COVID-19, virus starts attacking the respiratory system. The very nature of some viruses is to enter the body, go away and then come back and attack again and again. This virus has been known to go away and reappear until it phases away completely.

Be it genetic preconditions or breakdown over time, everybody's internal organs and systems operate at different thresholds. This means the virus will express itself differently in each person's body, and this is why symptoms vary from person-to-person. Therefore, there is no one size fits all approach to how viruses are treated.  

For a more thorough explanation about the COVID-19 virus, check out this post by Steve Buhner, author of the book Herbal Antivirals.

In general, the body is more capable of fighting off viruses when the immune system is healthy and strong. Now let's check out some herbs that help strengthen the immune system.

IMMUNE SYSTEM 
One approach to helping the body fight off a viral attack is to strengthen the immune system. I use a combination of herbs and food to help build and maintain a strong immune defense. I usually make a tea with one or more of these herbs, or add the tea to my base for a soup or smoothie. 

• Chapparal
• Soursop leaves
• Neem 
• Oregon Grape Root
• Boneset
• Astragulus
• Ashwagandha
• Elderberry/Elderflower
• Chaga
• Reishi
• Irish Moss, Spirulina or Chlorella

Hospitals have began treating some coronavirus patients with vitamin C doses.

FOOD
Food is the first line of defense for building and maintaining a healthy immune system. When herbs aren't around, or if I'm out of one of my favorite herbs, I use what I have in my kitchen.

• Green leafy vegetables: kale, spinach, collards, Swiss chard, beet greens, dandelion leaves 
• Cranberry juice - 100% pure, no sugar added
• Oranges or orange juice
• Cayenne pepper
• Vitamin C
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Onion -- watch this video to find out how to make an onion poultice
• Okra
• Lemon
• Lime

RESPIRATORY HERBS
Here's a list of some of my favorite respiratory herbs, they've helped me and my folks over the years.

• Mullein
• Bee Balm or Monarda
• Butterfly weed or pleurisy root
• New England Aster
• Marshmallow 
• Slippery elm
• Osha

When I'm out of any of the respiratory herbs listed above, I reach for basil, thyme and oregano that's right in my kitchen cabinet.


RECIPES
Ginger Turmeric Drink (anti-inflammatory drink)

• Ginger root - 1/4 c 
• Turmeric - 1TBS powder or 2 root stubs
• Cayenne - 1 TBS
• Orange - 2 peeled oranges (optional)
• Honey - add to your liking, I usually use 1 TBS
• Liquid base - water, orange or lemon juice, coconut water, room temperature tea

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until they're evenly smooth. Drink up to a glass full, and store the rest in the refrigerator. To make this a powerful respiratory and anti-inflammatory drink, add one or more of the respiratory teas listed above as a liquid base.

DIY Electrolyte Drink

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon 
• Sea salt - 1/2 tsp
• Water - 1 cups
• Unsweetened coconut water - 1 cup
• Honey - 1/2 TBS

This drink doesn't help fight viruses per se, but it will keep you hydrated. When I'm experiencing dry throat or dry cough, this drink is always good for boosting my body's immune defense and quenching thirst. 

*****

We've covered some of the basics when it comes to boosting the immune system. Beyond taking prevention for the body, I'm also looking ahead. Daily, I'm reminded to replace fear with preparation.

I am speechless by the amount of loss. This devastation is a reminder to leave everyone with life affirming words.

Oh, there is one ancient remedy known for bringing comfort and ease during uncertain times, and we all have access to it -- love. Share widely.  Be well!




IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN DOING AND LEARNING MORE
Wild Spirit Podcast: COVID-19 mini-series

Jim McDonald's foundations of holistic immunity online course

Black Locust Farm, locally, organically grown herbs

Elderberry vs. Cytokine Storms by Tippecanoe Herbs

Lottie Spady, local herbalist and all around badass - for wellness updates follow her on Facebook and her Earthseed Detroit Blog

Seed Mail, Black owned seed company

HealingbyChoice! Detroit based collective of women healers, herbalists and health practitioners

DNice Club Quarantine - keep your head up and shake it off

"Standing in the Majesty of Grace" by Dr. Keefa, the late Dr. Keefa was a phenomenal Detroit based wellness coach. She left information of her teachings in her book   

Supportive Herbal Remedies by Tina Stone

FIRE CIDER RECIPE -- DOWNLOAD AND PRINT

Artwork: Onni Stone

RECIPE: Collard Greens

INGREDIENTS
Collard greens (washed and cut to your liking) - 1 bunch
Onion - 1/2 medium sized onion
Garlic - 1 tablespoon minced
Pickled burdock juice or rice vinegar - 1/4 cup
Coconut water - 1 1/2 cup
Coconut sugar - 2 1/2 tablespoons


INSTRUCTIONS
Pour coconut water into pan 

Add onions and garlic, once the water comes to a boil

Add collard greens and reduce to low heat, add pickled burdock juice or rice vinegar

Sprinkle with coconut sugar, and allow it to get golden brown 

RECIPE: Vegan Crab Cakes

When eating vegan, sometimes you're looking for more flavor profiles to help satisfy your taste buds. Here's a dish that is delicious, healthy and satisfies the nostalgia flavors you're used to.

To mimic the fish flavor, while providing a healthy dose of trace minerals like iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, B-Vitamins and much more; I added kelp seasoning. I used the Main Coast brand, which can also be found in your local health food store. 


INGREDIENTS
Hearts of palms - one can
Onions - 2 tablespoons (diced)
Green peppers - 1 tablespoon (diced)
Kelp flakes - 4 tablespoons
Onion powder - 2 tablespoons
Garlic powder - 2 tablespoons
Old Bay seasoning - 2 tablespoons
Dill - 1 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Hemp seeds - 1/4 cup
Panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup
Sunflower or Peanut oil 



INSTRUCTIONS:
Using a food processor, pulse the hearts of palms 3-5 times until all pieces are evenly crumbled into crab meat size. 

Add to a large bowl, adding the seasonings, hemp seeds then panko bread crumbs

Roll into preferred crab-cake size

Fry in oil, then until evenly in crispy brown on all sides

Remove from pan and place on plate with paper towel to drain excess oil and serve


*BAKING: If you don't want fried food, try placing on a baking pan drizzle with olive oil and bake in oven set to 450-degrees, until golden brown on one side then flip them over until the other side is also golden brown

RECIPE: Vegan Mac 'n Cheese

I've tried making one of my favorite dishes, mac 'n cheese several times but to no avail. Time and time again, I've wasted time and good ingredients only to be make mac 'n cheese that tasted... mmmmhhhh, just alright.

So, when I say that this recipe inspired me to create something that was more than palatable, but had myself (a mac 'n cheese connoisseur) and others reaching for seconds. I finally found the recipe that inspired me to achieve the right consistency and texture, and still delivering on the cheesy flavor.

But of course, I couldn't just eat the mac 'n cheese by itself, so I paired it with collard greens and vegan crab cakes. I'll share those recipes following this one. Being the picky eater I am, I don't follow recipes to the "T", but gather inspiration from them and create my own flavor profile and opt to use ingredients I already have and/or prefer. The inspiration from this recipe came from Tasty, but I added number of other steps and ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes - 2 (peeled and cubed)
• Carrot - 1 medium peeled and diced into 1-inch
• Onion - 1/4 cup (peeled and quartered)
• Cashew - ½ cup (roasted and salted)
• Pink Himalayan salt - 1 tablespoon
• Sea Salt - 1/2 tablespoon 
• Black Pepper - 1 tablespoon
• garlic powder - 2 tablespoons 
• onion powder - 2 tablespoons 
• nutritional yeast - 1/2 cup 
• macaroni noodle - 1 lb (cooked)
• reishi powder - 1 tablespoon (you can substitute reishi for another mushroom powder)
• turmeric powder - 1/2 tablespoon
• Paprika - 2 teaspoons
• 
  
• Instructions: 
• Bring a pot of hot water to a boil, add potatoes, carrots and 1/2 tablespoon of reishi powder and boil for 10-15 minutes

Strain the vegetables, but keep boiled water in a large bowl

Place cashews, vegetables, seasonings and the other 1/2 tablespoon of reishi powder in blender 

Pour in the boiled water from the large bowl (pour in as needed until you get the consistency that you like)

Place cooked noodles in a casserole dish, pour cheese flavored vegetable puree over the noodles, and mix until you get your preferred consistency. If you want a more creamy mac 'n cheese consistency then you're all done at this step. Maybe add to a pan to reheat to serve warm.

Place the dish inside a pre-heated oven 475-degrees

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the top layer is golden (or your preferred consistency) and enjoy!

DIY: Old Time Fave Milk Bath Recipe

Hey loves,

Winter is coming.

So... here's an age-old, skin softening technique to include in your skincare regimen. Your mom or grandmother may have given them to you when you were just a little, adorable munchkin. But, the busy-ness of life has taken such timely luxuries out your beauty routine. These types of everyday living practices are now reserved for spas and we pay top dollar for them.

If shelling out dough for these pampering services is your thing, then by all means enjoy! On the other hand, if you're in need of some TLC that's a little closer to home and wanna save yourself some money, then check out this skin softening milk bath recipe that'll have your skin glowing and silky smooth.

As you know your skin is a living, breathing organism. In fact, it's the largest organ on your body; with this in mind, we hear a lot about the importance of eating healthy and proper diet to keep our body internally balanced and operating at an optimal level. 

Meanwhile, little to no attention is given to the importance of proper skin maintenance -- at least not from a natural, healthy point of view. Sure, you've seen anti-wrinkle ads and commercials promising radiant youth, but nothing speaking to your skin's diet for longterm skin health. 

Some people may be experiencing the bonuses of beautiful skin from genetics and/or reaping the benefits of eating a healthy diet, drinking proper fluids (water/electrolytes) and exercise. In an effort to keep a good thing going, the ingredients that you place on your skin matter. 

One of the ways you can nourish your skin is by enjoying a creamy milk bath. Simply, soak your sore muscles and relax your mind when you create a setting of tranquility by lighting candles, playing your favorite music and unwind with this creamy milk bath,  but first lather up with a delicious smelling handmade soap...

Milk bath recipe Powdered Milk -- 2 cup Grounded/Powdered Oatmeal -- 1 cup Lavender or Rose Essential Oil -- 15 drops Epson salt -- 1/4 cup

Directions:
You can mix all ingredients together and pour into the tub, or add each ingredient one by one.





- Avec Amour

FLINT WATER CRISIS: Natural Approaches

Our skin is a living breathing organism, which needs to be protected from harmful toxins, hormone disruptors, carcinogens (cancer causing substances) and most of all heavy metals including lead. 

There are several reports downplaying the effects of lead exposure to Flint residents, but the numbers say something altogether different. According to MLive.com, "Twelve people have died and nearly 80 others have fallen ill in the Flint area from the disease since April 2014." It hurts deeply to see anyone suffer from such a heinous act without any recourse, remorse or long-term resolutions in sight.

Let me backup and give a quick recap of events... since 2014, Flint residents have had one of their most important life resources compromised -- water. For years now, people have been left with the only choice to bathe, cook, clean and drink in lead poisoned water as their only water supply. Although solutions to replace the water pipelines are promised, its implementation is slow and caught in the bureaucratic process.

So, knowing that information is key to resolving catastrophic issues like this, earlier this year I posed the question on my Facebook page, asking herbalists to share some known herbs that could be useful and accessible in this public health crisis.

Although there are no studies to prove their efficacy (such the case with most natural approaches to health), there are some personal testimonials of heavy metal reduction over time. So my thinking is to share what I've found out thus far, in hopes that it'll help someone out there. I'm sharing this information in hopes that some info here is a nugget for someone else to use this information to commit further studies, findings and solution. Some effort beats no effort at all is my thinking.

I did some digging myself and sifted through the responses from more advanced, skilled and renowned herbalists and listed them here in bite-size info, and here's what we have thus far. 

As with most things in life, full agreement on one preferred method was not reached, this could be because with our unique body makeup (DNA), approaches to health may need to be modified based on the individuals' unique personal health. 

This post also serves as a reference for myself as I continue researching the matter.  As it stands, I have a few of my own running hypothesis, however, in my opinion, this situation cannot afford to keep waiting on research and scientific studies. 

So, the following is a list of herbs and natural approaches to assist in heavy metal remove:

Cilantro: an easily accessible herb touted for its ability to assist the body with heavy metal removal. You can grow this plant in your backyard or indoors if the soil your isn't good.

Ground Ivy Plant

Ground Ivy a.k.a. Creeping Charlie (Scientific Name: Glechoma hederacea): is looked at as a weed because it takes over lawns, yards and disturbed soil. It's from the mint family, which speaks a lot to its invasiveness. This plant can add a good kick to foods like stir-fry, pesto, soup, salads etc. Contemporary herbalists often use this plant for headaches, congestion and digestive upset. However, this tenacious plant has even more benefits when it comes to chelation (reducing heavy metals), see below for more about ground ivy below...

Organic Apples & Homemade Cranberry Juice: per the Facebook thread, one herbalist shared that this homemade remedy has high amounts of pectin (fiber found in fruits and vegetables, which is useful in its ability to help the body discard lead), which also assists with removing heavy metals. Other known foods high in pectin include: okra, cabbage, beets, oranges and more specifically green apples. Studies have proven its effectiveness.

Moringa Seeds: assist with biosorption, helping to decrease the presence of heavy metals. Clinical trials shows that Moringa seed powder is effective in reducing lead in lead contaminated water.

Kelp

Sea Vegetables: Kelp, wakame, dulse and Irish moss are known sea vegetables that contain algin, a phytonutrient that helps the body extract heavy metals. These seaweeds are also nutrient dense, helping to nourish the body in the process. Some eastern diets and natural healers have used sea vegetables as a means for keeping lead/heavy metal contamination at bay.

Alkaline Water: this is a hypothesis, assuming the alkaline water will help give the body an internal wash, filtering toxins out through the urinary tract. Use distilled water with fresh lemon or lime juice if alkaline water isn't cost efficient.

Renowned herbalists weigh in on the topic: 

Jim Mcdonald said, "I've also been collecting information. Of all the herbs stated to "remove heavy metals from the body" (which is problematic thinking, because: which metals? All of them? Some? Do we know which?), the one that has a traditional use specific to lead is ground ivy aka creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea). This is a common weed that grows abundantly in lawns and disturbed ground (which also means we'd want to be sure that the soil it grows in is safe). 

King's American Dispensatory states: 'An infusion of the leaves is highly recommended in lead colic, and it is stated that painters who make use of it often are never troubled with that affliction.'

David Winston has told me that 'Many years ago while reading Maude Grieve's Modern Herbal I found a mention that Ground Ivy was useful for treating Painter's Colic. Not knowing what that was, I looked it up (pre-google days) and found it referred to lead poisoning. I wondered for years whether it just relieved symptoms or if it actually enhanced lead excretion. 

Finally I had a patient with very elevated lead levels and decided to try giving Ground Ivy (tincture) to see if it would make any difference. It reduced lead levels (as determined by serum lead levels) and it increased urinary lead excretion. It is now some 30 years later and I have used it many times with significant success, as have many herbalists I have mentioned this to. I do not believe there are any human studies to back up my clinical experience , but the empirical evidence is intriguing. There are other uses for the herb as well including treating hot/damp lung infections, expelling gallstones and relieving tinnitus. I use it as a fresh tincture 1:2, a usual dose is 1.5 - 2 mL TID).'

And there's more:

Lauren Abbey Stauber said, "I've been gleening bits of info over the years about Vitamin D3 and heavy metal uptake, mostly in relation to vaccinations, but a quick google shows that studies are being done regarding the relationship between D3 serum levels and lead poisoning. The thing is, it's not straightforward. 

For example, there is some connection between higher blood lead levels in the summer time among urban African American children. But there may be other factors causing this connection, such as environmental changes caused by heat, more outdoor activity in contaminated areas, and all that getting tracked into houses. Also, I wonder how heat affects the pipes in plumbing systems? AA people in the northern parts of the world are more vulnerable to D3 deficiency as it is, so the relationship between summer and lead poisoning is unclear at this point. And on the flip side, studies show a correlation between low D3 levels and higher rates of lead poisoning. Part of this is that lead may deplete D3 from the body. 

And part of it is that low D3 levels impact the body's metabolism of calcium, magnesium and other minerals, and low levels of those minerals may make the body more vulnerable to environmental lead. So, with all this in mind, it seems to me that it's not as simple as more D3, less lead, and I'd be wary of any site that says to high dose D3 as an isolated nutrient in order to protect against lead poisoning. It's more about that beautiful synergy between D3, calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients. 

Tending to D3 levels and how it is metabolized in the body with all its co-factors could have a protective action against led poisoning. I don't have my brain wrapped around the nuances of this research yet, but I think this is an area worth exploring as you consider both the herbal and the nutritional approaches to supporting the communities being affected by this horrific crime of neglect and corruption in Flint MI, and so many other places too. And I'm seeing info about vitamin C too, which someone mentioned Ground Ivy is a good source of. Here are some links you might find interesting... 

http://www.lead.org.au/lanv10n2/lanv10n210.htmlhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852643/  Thinking about what an affordable meal plan might look like to help cover the nutrient bases. And certainly many herbs can be a great affordable source of minerals, and vitamins! Not vitamin D3 though."

  

I feel it's important to share words of wisdom another natural healer forewarned about the dangers of moving heavy metals throughout the body; and encouraged working with a medical professional, allowing herbs to serve more of a backup supportive role.

No one person has all of the answers, especially when in dire straits such as these we must pass on the knowledge that one day we may arrive to the solutions we're looking for. As a new herbalist friend of mine stated, "It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to heal the sick," said Aku Richter.

As I learn of more solutions, I'll share here and update this post... In the meantime, if you know of any other solutions, please share them below. Let the learning continue. 

- Avec Amour

NOTE: Results may vary based on each individual's body makeup, follow your inner knowing.

REQUIRED DISCLAIMER: This is not to be taken as medical advice, cures or remedies. Please consult a qualified health professional.