AYUSH releases immunity-boosting measures for self-care during COVID 19 crisis

Amid spiking cases of coronavirus in India and globally, the Ministry of AYUSH has once again issued an advisory on various immunity-enhancing steps from the time tested approaches of Ayurveda.

It is worth noting that these are only immunity-boosting measures which may not protect you from coronavirus infections. Health professionals have often questioned the measures advised by Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathic medicine to deal with serious illnesses. You are also advised to visit a doctor if you exhibit any symptom like fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell.

We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.

Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge base on preventive care, derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” - daily regimes and “Ritucharya” - seasonal regimes to maintain healthy life. It is mainly a plant-based science.

 

Recommended Measures:

- General Measures:

1. Drink warm water throughout the day
2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH.
3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.

 - Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures:

1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) -once or twice a day.  Add jaggery (natural  sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
3. Golden Milk-Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk-once or twice a day.

- Imple Ayurvedic Procedures:

1. Nasal application -Apply sesame oil/coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.
2. Oil pulling therapy-Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

- During dry cough / sore throat:

1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar/honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.