Ayurveda Self-care Tips To Boost Immunity Against Covid-19

Covid-19

All of us are aware of the fact that we, the humans, are on the web of the most powerful epidemic COVID-19. It is a disease caused by a new strain of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China.

From the Ayurvedic point of view, COVID-19 is a janapadodhwamsa vikara (epidemic disease). The concept of an epidemic is described in Charaka Samhita: Vimana Sthana, Chapter 3. Janapadodhwamsa is a situation where the environment - air, water, land, and seasons - is vitiated, causing a simultaneous manifestation of disease among large populations (epidemic), and destroying human habitations.

Symptoms Of Covid 19

Most common symptoms of infection may be in the form of respiratory symptoms such as-

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Breathing difficulties.

Some of the other symptoms are:

• Dry cough.
• Tiredness.
• Aches and pains.
• Sore throat.
• Diarrhea.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Headache.
• Loss of taste or smell.
• A rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Loss of speech or movement.

These symptoms are likely to occur 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

Causes Of Covid 19

Covid-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus strains. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

The virus is transmitted mainly through the respiratory route after an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. A new infection occurs when virus-containing particles exhaled by an infected person, either respiratory droplets or aerosols, get into the mouth, nose, or eyes of other people who are in close contact with the infected person. During human-to-human transmission, an average of 1000 infectious SARS-CoV-2 versions is thought to initiate a new infection.

Covid-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus strains. The virus is transmitted mainly through the respiratory route after an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.

How To Boost Immunity Against Covid 19 Through Ayurveda

The Ayurveda system of healthcare takes a holistic approach towards disease management and preservation of health in which maintaining optimum health and immune status is a major aspect. Experts of Ayurvedic practitioners again emphasized the importance of strengthening one's immunity to keep the infection at bay. Here mentions some Ayurveda self-care tips to boost immunity to prevent COVID-19 infection.

1. Ayurveda Procedures

• Nasal application

  Apply sesame oil or coconut oil or cow ghee in both the nostrils in the morning and evening.

• Oil pulling therapy

  Take 1 tbsp of sesame oil or coconut oil in the mouth. Do not drink, swish in the mouth for two to three minutes and spit it off followed by a warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

• Steam inhalation

  Steam inhalation with plain water or fresh pudina (mint) leaves or ajwain (caraway seeds) or karpur (camphor) can be practiced once a day.

• Clove or mulethi (liquorice)

  Powder mixed with natural sugar/honey can be taken two to three times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.

Some of the Ayurvedic Procedures that are beneficial to prevent covid 19 diseases are Nasal application, Oil pulling therapy, Steam inhalation, and the use of clove or mulethi powder.

2. Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Promote Immunity

• Drink lukewarm water frequently.
• Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, dry ginger, and garlic are recommended for cooking.
• Consume amla (Indian gooseberry) or amla products. Gargle with warm water adding a pinch of turmeric and salt.
• Food should be freshly prepared and easily digestible.
• Practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Take adequate sleep for seven to eight hours, avoid daytime sleep.

3. Dietary Measures

• Use warm water or boiled with herbs like ginger or coriander or basil Ocimum or cumin seeds etc., for drinking purposes.
• Fresh, warm, balanced diet.
• Consume Chavanprash 20 gm in divided doses on empty stomach with lukewarm water.
• Golden milk- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 150 ml hot milk, and have once or twice a day. Avoid in case of indigestion.
• Take Guduchi Ghan Vati 500 mg/ ashwagandha tablet 500 mg twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.
• Drink herbal tea/decoction made from 3 gm powder comprising tulsi(4 part), Cinnamon(2 part) Dry Ginger(2), and Black pepper(1 part).

Mix the ingredients in 150ml hot boiled water and have it once or twice a day. Add jaggery, raisin, cardamom to improve taste and flavor.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that aims to provide the complete health of a person. The above-mentioned ayurvedic home remedies are giving great strength to fight against the coronavirus.

4. Ayurvedic Herbs And Spices For Boosting Immunity Against COVID-19

Some of the Ayurvedic herbs and spices that can help strengthen your immune system, which may help protect your body against diseases, are the following:

• Tulsi

  Tulsi or holy basil is considered one of the best medicinal herbs to boost immunity. Tulsi has numerous health benefits, from treating respiratory infections like asthma, bronchitis, to reducing blood sugar and blood pressure. It is also one of the most commonly found plants in Indian households.

• Ashwagandha

  This is a small woody plant that helps to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity. The herb is considered an adaptogen, which can help your body resist stressors of all kinds. This Ayurvedic herb can help reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and improve sleep. It may also help with blood sugar control.

• Brahmi

  Brahmi, the Ayurvedic herb appears to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps to improve your immunity and protect you from various diseases and infections.

• Turmeric

  Loaded with bioactive compounds with medicinal properties, turmeric is known as one of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for treating a wide range of ailments - from treating cough and cold to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. The presence of curcumin, its most active compound, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may improve symptoms of various health problems.

• Neem

  The herb has been identified as an ‘immunomodulator’, which means it plays a role in the functioning of the immune system. Neem helps to strengthen immunity while cooling down your body internally. The herb has potent antimicrobial effects and may be effective in treating infections caused by several types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is also a strong antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Turmeric, and Neem are certain herbs to boost immunity to fight against coronaviruses.

Conclusion

The information related to Covid -19 is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always seek the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic remedies, herbs and procedures for the treatment of Covid-19.

References

• Charaka Samhita.