Ayurveda-tested immunity practices to follow during the coronavirus pandemic

Amid the current coronavirus pandemic, it has become important to take utmost care of one’s health. Along with following the necessary guidelines of social distancing and hand washing, it is advisable to take extra care of your body’s self-defence mechanism, your immunity.

The Ministry of AYUSH has released a list of Ayurveda approved practices that can help you boost your immunity especially during the current times. Ayurveda knowledge is derived through daily regimens or seasonal regimens.

The Ministry of AYUSH recommend the following practices to help you maintain your health and immunity during the time of the pandemic. These recommendations are supported by the knowledge of Ayurveda and also scientific research.

The ministry suggests everybody follow these routines on a daily basis for the overall upkeep of your health. They are simple habits that will go a long way during such times. These include,

· Drinking warm water throughout the day

· Daily practise of yoga. This can include Yogasna, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes daily.

· Incorporate spices like Turmeric (Haldi), Cumin (Jeera) and Coriander (Dhaniya) in your daily cooking. These spices are known to help boost immunity through the study of Ayurveda.

Follow these Ayurvedic practices suggested by the Ministry of AYUSH to help you boost your immunity and stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

· Take one tablespoon full (10gm) of Chyavanprash every morning. However, diabetic patients should make sure they only have sugar free versions.

· Drink herbal tea (kadha). Your kadha should include Tulsi, Dalchini (Cinnamon), black pepper, dry ginger (Shunthi) and raisins. You can also add Jaggery (Gur) and fresh lemon juice according to your taste. Drink this concoction at least twice a day.

· Add half teaspoon of Turmeric (Haldi) in a glass of warm milk and drink it once or twice a day.

These Ayurvedic practices can be followed to ease the discomfort caused by dry cough or a sore throat.

· Steam inhalation with Mint (pudina) leaves or Ajwain (caraway seeds) once a day

· For cough and throat irritations you can take Lavang (clove) powder mixed with sugar or honey. You can take this mixture once or twice a day.

The ministry urges you to consult a doctor if your symptoms persists.

These simple ayurvedic practices can be followed every day whether you experience any symptoms or not.

· Application of sesame oil or coconut oil or Ghee in your nostrils in the morning and evening.

· You can follow oil pulling therapy. Simply take one tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in the mouth. Swish it in the mouth for 2-3 minutes before spitting it out. Rinse the palate with warm water afterwards. This can be done once or twice a day.