Even double-vaccinated and fully protected, I guess it was my turn to “catch a COVID.” Taking Greece’s current situation into account, it was just a matter of time and statistics. How did I fight it?

1. Sleep and rest. Your body and mind need a break to fight against it. Even TV and scrolling down your phone will get you feeling tired. Reading a book is way more relaxing for the body and mind. There are a lot of studies that show that ‘real books’ have a better effect than reading from screens.
2. My magic potion. Chinese medicine says good medicine is bad tasting medicine. Well, if you put 2 tbsp of linden, 1 tsp of sage, 1 tsp of echinacea, 1 tbsp of sambucus, 1 tbsp of cistus in one litter for 10 minutes, you will get a powerful tea with an unpleasant taste – but you will get better sooner.
3. Chicken soup. The real old school, fatty yellow potion with a little rice and a lot of lemon. This is not the time to take care of your cholesterol and figure, it is time to fight COVID – or any other virus. Do not eat it too hot! Add the lemon in a plate of lukewarm soup. Vitamin C is very sensitive to temperature extremes.
4. Vitamin C with zinc. I am a fighter against food supplements, but when you are sick, your body needs quick solutions – so you are not at the of ‘prevention’ diet stage.
5. Painkillers. Use them before sleep. If you have high fever, try to use them wisely, when the temperature is very high. Remember that fever is part of the fight against the virus. Your body raised the temperature to ‘burn them all’. Try to help your body in this fight.
6. Positive thinking and meditation. Having a panic attack is so easy, so try to focus on your breathing. Take big, deep breaths by filling your belly and then relax. If you respect your body and trust it’s abilities, everything will be fine. Viruses need time and patience, not quick and easy fixes.

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and an MSc in Botany-Biology.