Can Ayurveda Help In Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic?

There is still no vaccine yet established for coronavirus (COVID-19). You need to take care of your own body by keeping it strong. Even if you are affected by the virus, your body will support you in curing this virus. 

As of November the confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the world is 50.9M out of which 33.3M people recovered and there were 1.26M deaths. 

Whereas in India, the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are 9M out of which 7.96M people recovered and there were 128 thousand deaths.

Can Ayurveda Help In Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic?

It’s time to realize the true potential of Ayurveda against COVID-19. The coronavirus disease has challenged health care systems across the globe in many aspects. This pandemic has turned the world’s attention to the immune system, the body’s defense force against disease-causing bacteria, viruses, germs and other organisms that we touch, ingest and inhale every day.

Coronavirus pandemic crisis has led to high levels of psychological distress and significant impact on mental health. Such distress is accompanied with alterations in immune function, including an increased risk of viral respiratory tract infections.

The immune system plays a critical role in our response against infectious disease.  Immunity in Ayurveda refers to prevention and quick recovery from disease. Immunity is also known as “Vyadhikshamatva” in ayurveda. It also is the body’s multi-level defense network against potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, germs and other organisms. Natural and ayurvedic remedies can prepare your immune system to battle against the infection caused by the novel coronavirus.

Immunity in Ayurveda is described in many topics and the most important ones are Bala, Ojas and Vyadhi Kshamathwa. The concept of Bala explains the ability of the system to repair and nourish itself and be effective in disease prevention, whereas Vyadhi Kshamatwa is the ability of the immune system to fight against the disease causing pathogens and Ojas is the concept of supreme resilience (direct correlation between digestion and immunity).

Agni as a main component for building Immunity:

Keep your agni strong and it is the first important thing that Ayurveda recommends. The cold foods will suppress your agni (digestive capacity) and also make you prone to cold and flu. Avoid the intake of cold foods like ice-cream, yogurt, cool drinks etc. 

Consume more of warm or hot food. Moreover sip warm water instead of cold water. 

The Herbs & Spice That Can Help Boost Your Immune System To Fight coronavirus (COVID-19): 

• Ashwagandha: It enhances the body’s resilience to stress. In addition it also improves the body’s defense against disease by improving the cell-mediated immunity.
• Tulsi: Tulsi is one of the best ayurvedic herbs on the planet. This herb has miraculous properties, a few leaves or a few drops of tulsi water dropped in foods can purify and kill bacteria and viruses, keeping your immune system strong. 
• Amla: Amla has anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in increasing white blood cell count and strengthens immunity. 
• Giloy: Giloy juice is known to give a boost to your immune system, make it stronger and has several more benefits. 
• Ginger: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in ginger improves the immunity of the body. Consuming ginger tea or ginger juice in an empty stomach, in the morning, could keep away many diseases and strengthen the immune system.
• Haldi (Turmeric): Haldi aids in making our immunity stronger and it is also called as a life saving ingredient. Haldi lowers the risk of colds, flu, and other infections.

Intake of these Ayurvedic herbs and spices will keep you away from cold, flu and many other diseases. Moreover it will also boost your immune system and keep your body strong. Even though there is no common cold or any other symptom of this virus, you can take these herbs and  on a daily basis under supervision of your doctor. 

Having ginger, cinnamon and cardamom tea, or regular chai made with tulsi (holy basil, one or two leaves), or even mint, cinnamon and cardamom tea can boost energy. 

Other than herbs and spices, the other way to boat immunity is Yoga, physical activity and lifestyle change. 

• Taking a daily walk, practicing yoga or following a regular exercise routine can help decrease your chances of developing any health issues because exercise helps your immunity perform at a high level. Get at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise most days of the week. 
• Keep yourself away from stress as being stressed can affect your immune system making you more open to viruses and bacteria.
• Get enough sleep. Also stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco products and alcohol are injurious to health and this fact is not hidden. It will make your immune system weak. 

Disclaimer: 

Ayurveda is all about leading a healthy life. For those who suffer from coronavirus (COVID-19), it is vital to stay calm and isolate yourself. However, it is better to seek an expert’s advice or consult a doctor. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately. We strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor before taking any herbs or spices.