In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, entire mankind across the world is suffering. Enhancing the body’s natural defense system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy life. As we know that the vaccine for COVID-19 seems far away from us. Also, there is a very scarce chance of a vaccine being developed in the near future. Considering the current situation the best option we have to keep ourselves safe from the deadly disease is to remain inside the house and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The best medicine we have is none other than our own immunity and we can boost our immunity only through a healthy lifestyle. 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.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted some benefits of Ayurveda and urged people to follow Ayush Ministry guidelines regarding Ayurveda’s immunity-boosting measures. This article is going to explain all the Ayurvedic and natural measures through which we can improve our immune system and keep ourselves safe not only from COVID-19 but from every disease.
The Ayurvedic herbs like tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper, dry ginger, and raisins and regular yoga are dominant aids to extend the body’s immunity against harmful viruses and bacterias. Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining a healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s comprehensive knowledge domain on preventive care derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” – daily routine and “Ritucharya”- seasonal routine to take care of a healthy life.
Here are the some guidelines on how to boost immunity in natural way.
1. Drink Warm Water throughout the day
Drinking warm water helps in digestion, clears congestion in the throat, and also makes you feel more relaxed. You can also add a few drops of lemon in the water as a vitamin C booster, but it is just optional, drinking without lemon is also fine. Drinking a glass of water in the morning and before going to bed may help in achieving better health.
2. Daily Practice of Yoga
Practicing yoga daily has mental benefits as well as physical benefits. It has physical benefits such as flexibility, weight reduction, maintaining a healthy metabolism, improves cardio health, etc. Besides physical benefits, it has many mental benefits as well. Yoga helps in reducing stress, sleeping problems, inability to concentrate, and so on. While there are many forms of yoga, every distinct yoga has its own purpose and benefits. To get most out of your yoga practice it is necessary to do yoga in an appropriate manner and maintaining a correct posture. Daily practice of some Yogasana and Pranayama for at least 30 minutes is recommended.
3. Meditation
Reducing stress and anxiety is one of the key factors in immune health. Study shows that immunity has a relation with stress and anxiety at some level. Therefore reducing stress may help in extending your immune capability.
4. Get Proper Sleep
Sleep and immune are closely related. Study shows that a person who sleeps less than 6 hours are more likely to fall sick than the person who sleeps more than or equal to 6 hours. Adequate rest and sleep help immune to strengthen, also when someone falls sick, it is suggested to take proper rest and sleep because it helps the body to recover faster. For an adult, it is recommended to take 7-8 hours of sleep per night or at least 6 hours of sleep. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, and infants should sleep for 11-14 hours. In the case, if you’re having problem in sleeping, try restricting screen time for an hour before bedtime as the blue light radiated from your phone, TV, and computer may disturb your circadian rhythm or your body’s common wake-sleep cycle.
5. Take a Balanced Diet
What you eat has a vast impact on immunity. Including vital nutrients such as vitamin C, Vitamin D, protein, etc is good for immunity. Among all the nutrients vitamin C is considered as one the biggest source to boost immunity. So, it is essential to include some vital nutrients in your diet to protect ourselves from many viruses, bacteria, and diseases. Some vitamin C rich foods are oranges, tomato, broccoli, kiwi, etc. Besides having a proper diet, intake of sugar should also be reduced as it may cause obesity, overweight, heart disease, and also diabetes. Furthermore, all these problems weaken the immunity of the body and therefore increases the chances of getting sick.
6. Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures
- Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar-free Chyavanprash.
- Drink herbal tea or 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.
- Take half teaspoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk – once or twice a day.
NOTE: During dry cough / sore throat following measures can be taken:
- Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day
- Laung (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.
Download guidelines by Ministry of AYUSH Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures for self care during COVID 19 crisis
