Special Report Covid Coffee Chronicles Herbalist vs the Virus Episode 65 This week our guest is Candace Hunter, herbalist, writer, and fellow podcaster. For an in-depth look at her background listen to Episode 51 , Paws Jaws Enforcing Laws at River Roasters Coffee,in Florence OR . Our conversation at that time was pre Covid 19 pandemic, but her knowledge and practice in Herbalism was very prescient. Before we get to the issue of herbs, Covid-19, preventing illness and maintaining health you may have noticed that the music was not our normal surf guitar roadshow opening. We feel that music can be a great stress reducer, and thought we would lead off with Linda serenading you with the lovely sounds of her Indian flute amidst the backyard aviary. Whether you are in a backyard like ours surrounded by birds or your feet are dangling over the edge of the Grand Canyon at sunset you can find your Zen place through music. In addition to the world of herbology we feel music is also a great healer, both for the body,and the soul. Our guest this week Herbalist extraordinaire Candace Hunter tells us how Herbs can be part of your whole plan to keep yourself healthy, and try to prevent illness during this crazy time. How do you make your body less inviting to those invaders? ...and how do you limit the chance of contracting the virus in the first place, and use herbs to help get you through if infection occurs? This is where our herbalist expert comes in to give you her 5 points on how to get through,not just this time of Covid virus, but other illnesses as well. Get enough sleep, get regular physical activity, Get outside (we are outside for part of this episode) contact friends and loved ones, remember social distancing is not social isolation. Try to make a sustained effort to limit the time you stare at a screen….any screen. Put that music on, get out your favorite pair of headphones or speakers and really listen. Put on your favorite podcast (hint,hint) or listen to a book whatever gets you in the zone. How about Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation,... never done it ? Now’s the time to learn! Even if it is just for a few minutes, give yourself a chance to relax and recharge. Candace gives us instruction on how to" calm the inner toddler" . If you find yourself with more questions after listening to this episode, or want to learn more about the practice of herbs and  how it relates to health, we urge you to check out an upcoming informative event occurring this month. Candace is hosting an online summit, called Herbs in Action: Covid and Beyond on May 8,2020.It is sponsored by The Herbal Nerd Society. It’s free and starts at 7:30 am PDT and goes to around 6:30 pm PDT. There will be an expert panel and planned time for Q & A. https://www.herbsinaction.com https://instagram.com/herbsinactionsummit?igshid=1540wk1u3fpl7 Remember, support your local independent businesses in any way you can. We will get through this together. Dan and Linda McGarry Cross Country Coffee Roadshow