By Leighana Martindale

Staying healthy is a top priority right now, and frankly, one that we should be all the time quite. There is a lot of fear and hysteria about the Coronavirus right now, and with all the unsettling “facts” out there I can understand why especially after Trump’s inconsistent statements and the European travel ban. In addition to all this social distancing, we should be focusing on how to maintain a healthy immune system, keep our bodies healthy, and very basic hygiene skills.

So let’s go over some tips to stay healthy, active, and hygienic, we’ll also look at some cultivars that are known to be high in terpenes that can help you cope with all the madness going on.

P.S. Be sure to stay stocked up on weed because Seattle shut down all ‘Unnecessary Business’ and deemed dispensaries one of them... Can you imagine running out of weed during this all?!

Tips for Staying Healthy

Wash your hands

This is basic hygiene but something we all need to be much more conscious and mindful of. Wash your hands every single time after using the restroom, wash them when you get home or to work after being in public, and just wash them more frequently in general. Wash them more frequently and for longer than you think you need to. Make sure you get those wrists, they’re important too!

Drink A LOT of water

The best way to fight any type of sickness is with lots of water. It also the key to keeping viruses at bay and really just the key to life. Water is crucial and important and we all know we’re guilty of not drinking enough. Make it a habit to keep a glass by your tap or water dispenser and fill it up every time you walk by it.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is my secret weapon for most things, and something I recommend everyone take often. Heads up: It’s got a very pungent and intense flavor, it’s vinegar so it’s definitely not tasty. Some people dilute theirs with water or mix in another drink to make it easier to tolerate, I prefer to just take mine in a shot though. It’s quicker, you get it done and over with and just chug water after.

Take Oregano Oil Pills

Oregano oil is another amazing tool to have in your belt when keeping a healthy immune system and/or getting over a sickness. It is extremely spicy and can burn your mouth which is why I get mine in pills so I don’t have to deal with that. I use the Gaia brand and personally, think they’re the best.

Vitamin C

Another great resource that is often overlooked. We forget often how much vitamin C can do for our bodies and our immune system. You can get your vitamin C through pill vitamins, oranges or even Emergen-C. I personally eat oranges and take 3 packs of Emergen-c a day when I am doing a vitamin C kick. It’s controversial but there are amazing doctors who believe macro dosing vitamin C can help treat illnesses. It definitely did mine when my H.Pylori was gnarly.

Don’t touch your face

This is just a good habit for overall skin health, but it’s especially relevant when it comes to your eyes, nose, and mouth. Touching your face can introduce you to nasty bacterias and viruses.

Eat Vegetables

Tried and true advice, eat more vegetables for a healthy immune system, body and overall health.

Eat Fruit

The same goes for fruit. Get those nutrients!!

Cut the meat and cheese

This is sometimes hard but usually effective. And it’s not just about cutting our cheese but ALL dairy, especially if you are already dealing with a cold. Dairy products increase mucus production which can make you more stuffy.

Add garlic to everything

Garlic is the best flavor there is IMO, so this is my favorite item on the list! Garlic is great for boosting your immune system so add some garlic, then add more! Then a touch more for good measure.

Drink more Kombucha

Rich in probiotics, kombucha is great for the gut and for immune support. Another one of my favorite things, this drink comes in so many amazing flavors now it’s hard to love! Check out GTS Living Foods’ amazing selection.

Practice Yoga

Stretching your body and getting into a nice flow can help stimulate the muscles, the organs and your breathing which helps boost your immune system. Do some yoga stretches and activate your body. Added bonus: yoga has been shown to improve mental well being - which is something we can all use in this scary and uncertain time.

Do Breathing exercises

There have been a lot of respiratory issues linked with the Coronovirus and the usual wintertime common colds going around, so strengthening your lungs with some breathing exercises can be really helpful. Practice intentional deep breathing by focusing on your breath as you breathe in through the nose and exhale through the mouth, making noises when you exhale. Check out this handy video we found demonstrating breathing exercises for lung health.

Aromatherapy

Epsom salt baths with eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender essential oils can help expand your breathing pathways and support respiratory health. Also using the terpenes Limonene, Pinene, and Linalool have been said to have effective antifungal and antiviral properties, and can open up your airways somewhat.

Remember to call your doctor:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

With all this madness comes a lot of stress, hysteria, anxiety, and a range of triggering emotions - which is why we put together a list of cannabis strains to help you deal with the anxiety and fear the Coronavirus has been causing. Above all though, remember to stay healthy, stay safe, and be kind to people, we’re all freaking out, you’re not alone.

Strains for dealing with anxiety :

• Do-Si-Dos

• Durban Poison

• Amnesia Haze

• Lavender Kush

• LA Confidential

• Lemon Haze

• HIndu Kush