Ministry of AYUSH guidelines for COVID 19 to improve immunity

As the whole world is facing the COVID 19 outbreak, everyone is looking to find measures to prevent and treat this deadly viral infection. Ministry of AYUSH emphasizes on the importance of immunity to fight various infections including the novel corona virus or COVID 19. Enhancing the body’s natural defence system or immunity plays an important role in maintaining optimum health. As we all know that currently we are not able to find a definitive cure for this problem therefore we should take all steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Ministry of AYUSH recommends the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. It is told that these measures are very well supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

General Measures

These are general daily routine practices to be followed by everyone to stay healthy in general.

• Drink warm water throughout the day.

  • It is an age-old daily practice to keep the digestive system healthy.

  • It helps in elimination of toxins from the body.

  • It keeps the body hydrated.

• Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH.

  • Shashankasana, Trikonasana, sarvangasana and suryanamaskar helps in staying physically fit.

  • Bhramri and anulom-vilom helps in keeping the respiratory system healthy.

• Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.

  • Regular use of these herbs are helpful in maintaining the overall health of the body.

Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures

To be followed by everyone to improve immunity in general so that the body may fight effectively with various infections. 

• Take Chyavanprash 10 gm (1 tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.

  • It is a time tested ayurvedic preparation used widely to improve immunity.

  • It mainly contains Amla (Indian gooseberry), Cow's ghee, Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica), honey, Bilwa, Punarnava etc.

  • It is available with sugar and sugar-free form also.

  • Check top brands of chyawanprash - Top Chyawanprash.

• 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.

  • This is an effective natural immunity enhancer. 

• Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.

  • It has been proved that turmeric is having antiseptic, antiinflammatory and immunity enhancing properties. So, regular intake may help in keeping the body well from inside.

Simple Ayurvedic Procedures

• Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) 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.

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 clearly advised to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

As per the guidelines -

• The above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience.

• These measures are recommended by eminent Vaidyas from across the country.

Disclaimer : The above advisory does not claim to be treatment for COVID 19.