Long COVID Symptoms and Natural Treatments

While most people who contract Covid-19 recover quickly, for some the effects of the virus can last for much longer, or new symptoms can develop. This is called 'long COVID’. 

Long COVID symptoms adversely affect the day-to-day lives of millions of people around the world and can last for several weeks or months beyond the initial illness.

What are the most common symptoms of long COVID?

1. Fatigue: Prolonged and severe tiredness that can significantly impact daily activities and functioning.

2. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless even with minimal exertion.

3. Cognitive issues: Problems with memory, concentration, and "brain fog."

4. Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, which can be different from the acute phase of COVID-19.

5. Muscle and joint pain: Persistent or recurring pain in muscles and joints.

6. Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches.

7. Loss of smell or taste: Impaired or altered sense of smell and taste.

8. Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

9. Palpitations: Irregular or pounding heartbeat.

10. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, diarrhoea, or other digestive issues.

11. Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.

It's important to understand that Long COVID affects individuals differently, and the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience only a few of these symptoms, while others may experience a combination of them. The severity and duration of Long COVID symptoms can also vary, and research is ongoing to better understand this condition and identify effective treatments.

If you have been diagnosed or think you have long COVID but are struggling to find effective treatment you may want to try some natural treatments and remedies.

What is the best treatment for long COVID?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for long COVID. But that doesn’t mean you should be stuck taking multiple medications for your condition. There are natural ways that can help treat the symptoms of long COVID.

5 Natural Treatments For Long COVID

1. Rest frequently

Getting plenty of rest is arguably the most important strategy when it comes to getting back to your usual self. Incorporate short breaks throughout your day, allowing yourself to step away from tasks, stretch, and relax. By listening to your body's signals and taking regular moments of rest, you can sustain your energy levels, enhance focus, and promote overall physical and mental rejuvenation. If you feel like you need a boost, then Lemongrass is a good option. Lemongrass Essential Oil exhibits formidable energy-cleansing properties, effectively dispelling emotions like despondency, despair, and lethargy. Lemongrass facilitates the process of renewal and rejuvenation.

Using Lemongrass Essential Oil in a diffuser is a wonderful way to enjoy its refreshing and uplifting aroma throughout your home.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Lemongrass Essential Oil in a diffuser:

1. Choose the right diffuser: There are various types of diffusers available, such as ultrasonic diffusers, nebulising diffusers, and evaporative diffusers. For using lemongrass oil, an ultrasonic diffuser is commonly recommended as it uses water to disperse the oil into the air as a fine mist.

2. Fill the diffuser with water: Depending on the diffuser's size, add an appropriate amount of water to the water reservoir. Usually, most diffusers have a fill line or indicator to guide you on the amount of water needed.

3. Add lemongrass essential oil: Start with 3-5 drops for a small diffuser and increase the number of drops if you prefer a stronger aroma. Avoid adding too much oil, as it may overpower the scent and can be wasteful.

4. Turn on the diffuser.

5. Enjoy the aroma: As the diffuser operates, it will disperse the lemongrass essential oil into the air as a fine mist. The room will gradually fill with the refreshing and citrusy scent of lemongrass.

 2. Keep a regular sleep pattern

Getting an adequate amount of sleep every night is crucial for promoting clear thinking and overall well-being. Despite the widespread awareness of sleep's importance, over 30% of adults fail to get the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

Sticking to a regular sleep routine enables you to obtain the ideal amount of sleep tailored to your individual needs. Maintaining consistent bedtime and wake-up hours daily, including holidays and weekends, facilitates faster and more restful sleep at night. It also promotes timely awakening and a revitalized feeling in the morning.

If you are experiencing trouble falling to sleep Lavender Essential Oil can help. Lavender Essential Oil harbours powerful chemical constituents, notably linalool, linalyl acetate, and camphor4, which function as effective anxiety relievers and sedatives. By engaging with the brain and nervous system, these elements work to alleviate agitation, restlessness, and aggression. Consequently, lavender aids in relaxation and facilitates a smoother transition into sleep.

Add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil to your bath at night or apply a few drops on a cloth placed next to your pillow. Evidence has shown that inhaling Lavender Essential Oils is also good for reliving stress & anxiety.

3. Regular exercise

Exercise could potentially play a crucial role in treating the after-effects of long COVID by promoting brain homeostasis, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and moderating the inflammatory response.

You don’t have to run a mile or even walk a mile. A short walk around the block is an excellent way to begin. If you're limited to just a 15-minute walk per day. The important part is to begin, and over time, you can steadily progress and improve.

Many people with long COVID experience muscle pain, particularly when exercising. Using Benchmark Thyme Essential Oil to rub into your muscles can be a soothing and effective way to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. Benchmark Thyme Essential Oil, with its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has been known to ease soreness and provide a gentle warming sensation when massaged onto the skin. The aromatic compounds in Benchmark Thyme Oil also contribute to a calming experience, helping to alleviate stress and mental fatigue.

By diluting a few drops of Benchmark Thyme Essential Oil in a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and gently massaging it into the affected muscles, you can encourage increased blood circulation, which may aid in reducing muscle stiffness and promoting faster recovery after physical exertion or strenuous activities. Incorporating Benchmark Thyme Essential Oil into your relaxation routine can create a rejuvenating and tranquil atmosphere, allowing your body to unwind and your mind to find peace. However, it's essential to perform a patch test before using the oil to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions, and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or allergies.

4. Reduce stress

5. Boost your immune system

Taking care of your immune system is crucial during long COVID to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Your dietary choices play a significant role in determining your well-being. Opting for a nourishing and well-balanced diet can greatly support your recovery journey. Including foods like omega-3-rich oily fish, nuts, and seeds can be beneficial in mitigating the inflammatory response commonly associated with this viral illness. In contrast it's advisable to steer clear of highly processed foods that are high in fat or sugar, as they can potentially trigger a pro-inflammatory effect.

Benchmark Thyme Essential Oil, renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, actively promotes the well-being of various bodily systems, including the immune, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Furthermore, it strengthens cardiac muscles and tones up the heart, since it is a tonic.

Conclusion

Research into long COVID is ongoing, and as our understanding of the condition deepens, more effective approaches to managing and treating it may emerge in the future. In the meantime, individuals affected by long COVID can explore various natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments to improve their quality of life and support their journey towards recovery.