Some thoughts on what witches can do in a pandemic
First of all, DO NOT encourage anyone to disregard mainstream medical advice. Go to a doctor if you’re sick and otherwise stay home to avoid infecting others, wash your hands regularly. That’s the first line. Witchcraft is supplemental here.
If you’re going to use herbs to treat symptoms, make sure you know what your intended herbs actually do. Don’t just pick up something because it’s listed in your “magical correspondences” list as “healing”, or because it’s good for flu and you assume it’s also good against coronavirus, they’re not the same thing. Also make sure you’re not taking anything that would interact badly with medications you’re on, or other conditions you have.
Remember that immune-stimulants aren’t always a good idea. Over-reaction of the immune system can cause more problems. A full primer on safe and responsible herbalism isn’t in the scope of this post but for fuck’s sake DO YOUR RESEARCH. Do not ingest essential oils or put them up your nose.That said, herbs can be excellent for palliative care. I’m personally favoring horehound, mullein, thyme, red clover, and other herbs that support lung function and work as expectorants and/or antispasmodics to reduce coughing and congestion. Chamomile is contraindicated for high fevers, but for low fevers it can be beneficial as well. Lavender, mint, lemon balm, lemongrass, and rose are generally soothing and will help a horehound/thyme/mullein tea taste a lot better, without counteracting the main medicinal herbs. If you want to use horehound but can’t stand the bitterness unsweetened, I recommend honey or molasses as a sweetener for the best flavor experience.
Panic has the potential to cause at least as many problems as the virus. Don’t contribute to that. In fact, if you’re able to do energy filtering or otherwise use your craft to help calm the general mood in your surroundings, that IS beneficial.
Consider also, if you’re so inclined, binding spells against the virus itself to limit its spread. Healing spells for those already ill. Protection spells for those currently still healthy, particularly those most vulnerable to complications with respiratory infections. Hexes upon government officials who are all too ready to dump money into stock market stimulus that doesn’t even do any good, while voting against even emergency-measure paid sick leave/free healthcare/other actually-functional-at-containing-a-pandemic things.
Most of all, be good to each other. Help people in your community where you can. And don’t hoard a year’s supply of toilet paper like a moron – it’s viral pneumonia, not zombies or Sudden Poop Explosion Disease.First of all, DO NOT encourage anyone to disregard mainstream medical advice. Go to a doctor if you’re sick and otherwise stay home to avoid infecting others, wash your hands regularly. That’s the first line. Witchcraft is supplemental here.
Excellent advice! Re: healing tea - fresh lemon and ginger root with honey are great for soothing a sore throat. Add a pinch of cayenne to help ease congestion. Or you can simmer lemon slices, fresh ginger, chopped onion, and honey together to make a mild cough syrup. Rosemary and mint make great additives for the shower if you need to steam for a bit.
Also, make sure you take whatever OTC or off-the-shelf medications are appropriate for your symptoms, disinfect hard surfaces and frequently-touched items regularly, promptly dispose of used tissues, change your bedsheets, wash your hands, and HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!!!!
Stay safe out there!
(via sigilmagic)
