Ayurveda in times of Corona | Ayurvedic treatment for Corona virus or Covid19

2020 has been a year like none other in recent or even distant memory for, well, the whole world, as we navigated unsettling times amid the novel Corona virus pandemic. The number of confirmed cases have crossed 7 crores and number of those who succumbed to the virus have crossed 16 lakhs and counting.

Most of us have been practicing social distancing by staying inside more, cancelling long laid plans, avoiding crowded spaces and working from home with an indefinite timeline of when normalcy would return. Its been a really long haul.

We have been receiving hundreds of queries seeking Ayurvedic recommendations to fight the Corona pandemic. We are sharing below a few ayurvedic tips and strategies that have proven time and again to support our body’s immune system efficiently in times of serious challenge.

What is the Ayurvedic treatment approach for Covid-19 ?

The fundamental approach of Ayurveda in any infection is to support and empower the body’s innate processes to deal with the challenges posed by infecting organisms.

The human body is incredibly evolved and intelligent than any virus. And to state the obvious, when fit and in good shape, we will beat any virus 100 times out of 100. But the sad truth is that most of us are neither fit nor in good shape.

And Covid 19 is no normal virus. Once thought to be a pathogen that primarily attacks the lungs, it has turned out to be a much more formidable foe – impacting nearly every major organ system in the body. And there is no proven cure yet. So lets not leave anything to chance. The rational way to go, is to improve our immunity and fitness and stay away from the virus, till we have a reliable cure.

Ayurvedic tips to Enhance Immunity

Kindly note that these ayurvedic suggestions are not a substitute for conventional treatment, but are recommendations to maintain a healthy immune system.
Do follow the advisories of the respective governments and health departments strictly.

Ayurvedic Recommendations from Ministry of AYUSH [Govt of India]

General Measures for enhancing immunity and fitness of mind and body

  • Drink warm water throughout the day.
  • Do Pranayama [deep breathing exercise] daily
  • Practice Yoga for at least 30 minutes daily
  • Meditate daily
  • Include Turmeric (Curcumin), Cumin, Coriander and Garlic in dishes.

Ayurvedic drink for immunity

Drink herbal tea made with Holy Basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger and Raisin – once or twice a day.
Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice as per your taste, if needed.
Those who are used to consuming milk regularly, can mix half tea spoon turmeric powder in
150 ml hot milk and take once or twice a day.

Ayurvedic herbal medicine for Immunity and Strength

Chyavanprash 10gm in the morning. [Diabetics can take sugar free Chyavanprash]

Simple Ayurvedic treatment that improve oral and nasal health and immunity

  • Nasal application – Instill 2 drops of sesame oil / coconut oil / Ghee in both the nostrils in morning.
  • 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.
  • Steam inhalation with fresh Mint leaves or Caraway seeds can be practiced once in a day.
  • Clove powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
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Additional suggestions from our Team.

Ayurvedic herbs that may support body in fight against viruses.

The herb Tinospora cordifolia [Amrit] is considered one of the most powerful immunomodulator in nature that may support body against viral flu. [Its the main ingredient of many formulations that are used in ayurveda for fever, cold, cough and infections]. And it also helps modulate body’s immune response in several immune mediated conditions [Mentioned in ayurvedic scriptures as the most potent herb [agrya oushadi] in treatment of the auto immune condition rheumatoid arthritis].

Taking Withania Somnifera [Aswagandha] may strengthen the nerves and boost immunity at this time.

Triphala powder is helpful in maintaining bowel and colon health and also benefits the immune system.

Amla [Indian gooseberry] 30 ml juice mixed with 1 tsp honey, pinch of turmeric, pinch of black pepper and 1tsp lemon juice daily is a popular folk remedy for immunity.

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Life after Corona – A few thoughts

Though it’s difficult to find a bright side to the coronavirus outbreak at the moment, one positive is that this period of global upheaval may change some of our less-than-desirable habits. Well, some habits need to change for lives to remain same!

Will we see a lot less buffets and salad bars?
A lot less people will now be inclined to eat from an open buffet / communal spreads. If we think of it, it’s just not the sneeze or cough or speech. After all, just how many people use the restroom or poke their fingers in their noses or mouth and don’t wash their hands and then help themselves via their very dirty hands using the common serving spoon.

Could Hugs and hand shakes be out?
There is going to be a cultural shift in the way we all greet one another. Shaking hands, high fives, hugs, and kisses are going to be abandoned more and more. Social greetings may now entail a namaskar, a hand on the heart, a head nod, or pretty much any action that enables one to avoid direct touch or contact.

Will Hand sanitizers be made mandatory in public places?
We are probably going to see hand sanitizer made available in offices, at public gatherings, stores, malls, gyms, restaurants, atm, elevators and other establishments.

Are more people going to skip crowded restaurants and street food joints?
Though it’s still unclear, there will likely be changes to our habit of eating out. For example, delivery and takeout options might be preferred over dine in, and likewise we may see more explicit information posted in the restaurants about its hygiene practices.

Is there an increase in popularity for bidets and health faucets?
Companies that make attachable bidets have reported sales of over 10 times what they were ever since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak. Given that bidets are an alternative to (or an addition to) toilet paper, it makes sense that more people are interested in them now. Now that bidets and health faucets are becoming more popular and commonplace in western bathrooms, we’ll likely continue to see that trend after the pandemic is over.

Could socially acceptable personal distance change?
One of the main policies in combating coronavirus is the idea of social distancing. This involves staying at least six feet away from other people. And while that six-foot rule may not remain once the outbreak is over, people will likely be more conscious of whom they let approach them in their personal space. We may be inclined to avoid crowded spaces and the socially acceptable personal distance could change.

Will businessmen spend more time now at home with family than their associates?
One aspect of conducting business that was curtailed in this time of corona, was travel. Even though major business houses were already using online meetings, many others were less impressed by the idea. However, the lockdown has forced most to solely rely on online meetings and video conferencing. Some believe that this may initiate a new culture, as more and more people get to grips with the ease of online meetings and consider the time and money saved in travel. So more of family time, hopefully!

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