It was around Christmas when my partner and I came down with COVID. At first, we brushed it off—just a fever, fatigue, nothing dramatic. We rested, drank water, and after a couple of weeks, we thought it was over. Living in a small house by a waterfall in Hawaii, we don’t rush to doctors over minor ailments, let alone take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. We trust our bodies to handle things naturally.

But then, something strange happened.

A tingling sensation crept into my hands, muscles, and nerves. It wasn’t painful, but it was there—like an underlying hum in my body. During yoga and meditation, I noticed a new sensitivity in my joints, an intuitive nudge that my body needed extra support. So, I leaned into my instincts, reaching for the supplements I had at home and ordering a few more.

A month passed.

Then, in a casual conversation with a close friend—who happens to be a neurologist—I mentioned my lingering symptoms. As she described post-COVID effects, a lightbulb went off. I had several of them. But when I told her about the supplements I was taking, she surprised me: “You’re already on the right track.”

She then shared a wealth of information about how COVID affects the nervous system and the body at large. Her insights were too valuable to keep to myself, so here I am, sharing them with you.

How COVID Affects the Body

COVID doesn’t just “go away” for everyone. It lingers, sometimes subtly, in three key areas:

1. The Nervous System – Inflammation in the nerves can cause tingling, numbness, or altered sensitivity, a condition called polyneuropathy.
2. Bones and Joints – Many people experience stiffness and pain post-COVID.
3. The Cardiovascular System – The virus affects blood vessels, sometimes leading to circulation problems or even heart inflammation.

Polyneuropathy and Post-COVID Nerve Damage

Polyneuropathy happens when multiple peripheral nerves become inflamed or damaged. Symptoms include:

• Tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet
• Increased or decreased sensitivity
• Muscle weakness or coordination issues

For me, it was a persistent tingling in my palms. My neurologist friend confirmed that post-COVID nerve damage is common and can take months to heal.

Brain Fog, Fatigue, and Mood Changes

COVID messes with the brain. It can cause:

• Daytime sleepiness yet nighttime insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• A deep, nagging fatigue

And here’s the kicker: COVID can trigger depression biochemically. It’s not “all in your head”—it alters neurotransmitter balance, sometimes requiring professional treatment.

To help, psychiatrists often recommend nootropics—substances that support brain function. There are two types:

1. Synthetic nootropics – Fast-acting, improving focus and reducing fatigue.
2. Natural nootropics – Gentler, supporting long-term brain health and neuroplasticity.

Some powerful natural nootropics include:

• Bacopa Monnieri – Boosts memory and cognitive function.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Supports nerve regeneration.
• Rhodiola Rosea – Reduces stress and enhances mental clarity.
• Ginkgo Biloba – Improves blood flow to the brain.
• L-Theanine + Caffeine – A dynamic duo for focus and calm energy.

Demyelination: When Nerves Lose Their Protection

COVID can also strip nerves of their protective myelin sheath, slowing down signal transmission. This leads to:

• Sensory disturbances
• Muscle coordination issues
• Higher risk of autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis

Beyond the Nervous System: Post-COVID Effects on Joints, Heart, and Gut

Post-COVID recovery isn’t just about nerves; it can affect your entire body.

1. Nervous System: Memory, Sleep, and Nerve Health

For nerve recovery, my neurologist recommended:

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Vitamin B complex

These help restore nerve function, reduce inflammation, and improve brain energy metabolism.

2. Musculoskeletal System: Joint Pain and Inflammation

Many post-COVID patients struggle with:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Autoimmune flare-ups (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

To combat this, I use:

• Turmeric (Curcumin) – Anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
• Omega-3s – Supports joints and the immune system.
• Vitamin D + Magnesium – Essential for bone health and muscle function.

3. Cardiovascular System: The Heart’s Silent Struggles

Post-COVID heart issues can include:

• Tachycardia (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
• Heart inflammation (Pericarditis, Endocarditis)

Again, Vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in supporting cardiovascular health.

4. Gut Health: The Brain-Gut Connection

COVID can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to:

• Digestive issues
• Inflammation
• Mood imbalances

To restore gut health, I take Caprylic acid, oregano extract, and digestive enzymes.

My Post-COVID Recovery Regimen

Here’s what I’m taking to heal:

• Alpha-lipoic acid, Vitamin B complex, and L-Tyrosine – For nerve repair and mental clarity.
• A 30-day cleansing course from doTERRA, which includes:
  

  • Liposomal multivitamins (high absorption)
  • Omega-3s, minerals, and greens
  • Digestive enzymes + antimicrobials (to cleanse gut bacteria)
  • Probiotics
  • Whole-foods detoxification blend
  • Essential oil detoxification blend
  • Lemon essential oil (for liver detox)
  • Most important: Cellular health complex for cells protection

• Ayurvedic Oils and Herbs:
  

  • Dhanvantaram Tailam – An Ayurvedic oil for nerve and muscle health.
  • Manasamitra Gulika – A brain tonic that supports emotional balance, stress relief, and cognitive function.

A New Perspective on COVID Recovery

COVID changed the world—and for many of us, it changed our bodies. But rather than seeing post-COVID effects as a burden, we can reframe them as an opportunity.

Instead of fear or frustration, we can choose awareness and resilience. My lingering nerve symptoms have pushed me to listen to my body more closely than ever before. I no longer dismiss small discomforts; I take them as signals, guiding me toward better self-care.

Breaking Yourself Is Part of Growth

Before my neurology appointment, I heard something that stuck with me:

“Don’t be afraid to break yourself.”

At first, it felt unsettling. Breaking sounds destructive. But then, I thought about it:

• To grow, we shed old identities—like a student becoming a professional.
• To heal, we release what no longer serves us—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Every challenge, even post-COVID recovery, is an invitation to rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more in tune with ourselves.

So, if you’re still feeling the aftershocks of COVID, listen to your body. Support it. Nourish it. And trust that this, too, is part of your evolution.