Eat healthy, boost immunity to protect yourself from Covid-19
Covid-19 outbreak has created havoc for the mankind across the world. It has spared none – rich or poor. Even the countries with high living standards and advanced healthcare system are struggling to find a solution to this pandemic. As of now there is no medicine for Covid-19. There is no vaccination to shield you from this highly contagious disease.
The only thing, at this point in time, at our hand is to work on prevention. Social distancing is a measure to protect ourself from getting infected from the Novel Coronavirus. A lot of measures have been taken to curb the spread of the virus. Another important at our hand is to boost our immunity. It will help prepare ourself from the onslaught of this virus if we get infected.
There are a number of proven methods in Ayurveda to enhance the body’s natural defence system, which is known as immunity. Remember, boosting immunity is important not just from the point of view of our fight to Covid-19 outbreak but also to keep ourself healthy. Ayurveda is mainly a plant-based science. The side effect of practicing Ayurveda is low.
In this article here I am listing a few measures that would help boost your immunity. This will make you better prepared to protect yourself from Covid-19 and also have a long-term positive impact on your health and well-being.
General Measures
- Drink warm water throughout the day.
- Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes
- Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures
- Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
- 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.
- Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk – once or twice a day.
Simple Ayurvedic Procedures
- Nasal application – Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (PratimarshNasya) in morning and evening.
- 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.
Procedures during dry cough / sore throat
- Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
- Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
- These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.
Having said this, it is important to note that these measures are not a treatment to Covid-19. It would only help enhance your immunity and make you better prepared to cope with the challenges. Although, a lot of things are still being researched and not known about Novel Coronavirus and the disease caused by it Covid-19, it has been proven that the people with good immunity system have better chances of recovery.
Along with the above mentioned measures you must also maintain a good hand and respiratory hygiene. Good food, strong immunity system, good hygiene practices, social distancing and awareness would help mankind win the battle against Covid-19.
(Gyanendra Keshri is Founder and Chief Executive, BiharConnect)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of BiharConnect and BiharConnect does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
