Dr. Nicole, I knew I should have ordered from your apothecary back in November, but I’ve been procrastinating, and now I’m sick with chest congestion. I had three “standard” doctor’s visits last week and I’m going to blame that on catching a bug since I hardly ever get sick! I have several things I need to order but would love it if you could help determine what’s ok for me to use, and maybe make some suggestions for herbal remedies. After watching one of your videos, I think I will need Lungwort for the congestion?
I was also taking echinacea until you mentioned in another video that people with an autoimmune disease shouldn’t take it, so I stopped. I have limited scleroderma, with the only real symptoms from that being Reynauds and heartburn. (Side note, I also have heterozygous MTHFR, not autoimmune, but just wanted to include the information for you, in case you know anything about that and what I can/can’t take). I started taking these Black Elderberry chewables with Vitamin C, Zinc, and Probiotics but would like to just get on your Elderberry Tincture.
Good morning and thank you for reaching out, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been sick. Here is what I use – I hope it is helpful for you! To start, I use my Travel Pack (Usnea Tincture, Elderberry Tincture, and First Aid Salve packaged together) to help keep well preventatively.
Regarding the chest congestion: yes, I have found the Bronchial Blend (Lungwort & Mullein) to be excellent for dealing with lungs and chest congestion. Most people get a good response by taking 3 droppers full 3 times every day for 6 days (until you feel better). Then, just use it as needed. If you are experiencing a lot of mucous you can add in Yerba Santa Tincture as needed as well. I’ve found that Yerba Santa is particularly good at drying up a mucousy cough or cold.
I will assume that with the heterozygous MTHFR you are already not taking folic acid, you are off gluten (and maybe dairy?) and you are making healthy diet choices. If it were me, I would stay on the probiotics, vitamins, Vitamin D, etc. that you are taking. I also take Curcumin (Turmeric) for inflammation.
You were smart to get off the Echinacea! I agree that Elderberry is a better choice for you, along with Reishi (I take these daily). Turkey Tail daily would be a good one to add in as well – it also has prebiotics in it and helps with leaky gut. I take Reishi and Turkey Tail daily (I have MS) as part of my daily Mushroom Trio. I also use the Usnea Spray (this is also in the Travel Pack, or you can get it as a single) for prevention. I’ve found that Usnea is helpful to take right at the start of an illness in the throat. Usnea is always a good one to have on hand!
I truly hope you’re feeling better soon!
Nicole
Please note that Nicole does not diagnose or treat through this website, and her responses do not constitute medical advice but are based on her own personal experiences.
