“Boost immunity with Ayurvedic measures as one of the precautions against Coronavirus”: Dr. Partap Chauhan

Hyderabad: “Do not panic. Fear and negativity reduces immunity. Excessive mental stress also affects our digestion and thus causes formation of “ama”, a toxic material that is responsible for causing many diseases.” said Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) also known as Wuhan virus has infected many. In such situation, it becomes everyone’s responsibility to gather more information and take extra care to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Maintaining hygiene is the best way to prevent the virus from entering the body. Wash hands often with soap and water, use sanitizers, cover nose while sneezing, and avoid visiting busy and crowded places. Performing agnihotra/ yagya or burning havan samagri (a mixture of herbs) keeps home and environment free from germs,” added Dr. Chauhan.

Strong immunity is necessary to fight any kind of foreign body or disease. Coronavirus primarily affects the lungs and the respiratory system. Eating a tablespoonful of Chywanprash daily enhances the immunity, specifically that of lungs and respiratory system. Amalaki or Amala (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi/Glioy (Tinaspora cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Tulsi (holy basil) are some of the Ayurvedic herbs that are helpful in building the immunity and preventing the infection.

In Ayurveda, a good digestion or strong digestive fire plays a very important role in fighting diseases. Eating a piece of fresh ginger, drinking ginger tea, mint tea, cinnamon tea and fennel tea are also good.

Dr. Chauhan said, “You can make this recipe. Take one liter water and add to it one teaspoonful of each – fennel, cumin, coriander powder and fresh grated Ginger. Boil everything together for a few minutes, filter and fill in a thermos. Keep sipping this water throughout the day.”

Citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, lemon are rich source of vitamin C and are good to consume. Add juice of half lemon to a cup of lukewarm water and drink 2-3 times a day. Drinking warm water and keeping hydrated is very beneficial.

In Ayurveda, Nasya is a therapeutic treatment for the nose, throat, sinuses and head. “Putting two-three drops of sesame oil in each nostril and sniffing it in will not only lubricate the nasal passage and throat but also strengthen the inner mucus membrane to keep away foreign bodies,” Dr. Chauhan said.