In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the entire mankind is suffering worldwide. Along with the necessary guidelines of social distancing and hand washing, it is also necessary to take extra care of your body’s natural defense mechanism i.e. your immunity. As there is no medicine invented for coronavirus so far, so it is good to take preventive measures to boost your immunity system.

 Ayurveda is a plant-based science that passes on the gifts of nature to stay healthy and happy. Ayurveda knowledge is gained through daily regimens or seasonal regimens. The Ministry of AYUSH has released Ayurveda approved practices that can help you in making your immunity strong, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is recommended to follow these practices to maintain your immunity during the times of the coronavirus pandemic.

1.General measures

• Drink warm water throughout the day.

• Practice yoga asana, pranayama and meditation daily for at least 30 minutes,

•  According to the Ayurveda study, spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander helps to increase immunity, so add these spices in your daily cooking.

2. Immune boosting measures

• Take one tablespoon chyawanprash (10 gm) every morning. Make sure that diabetic patients have only sugar free chyawanprash.

• Drink herbal tea (kadha) include tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper dry ginger, and raisins. If you want to have sweet taste you can add jaggery and for bitter taste add lemon juice.
• Golden milk- Add half teaspoon of Turmeric (Haldi) in a glass of warm milk and drink it once or twice a day.

3. During Dry cough/ Sore Throat

• Take steam inhalation once a day with mint leaves or caraway seeds (ajwain) ·

• For cough and throat irritations, you can take clove powder mixed with honey sugar or honey and take this mixture once or twice a day.

• If symptoms continue then consult a doctor immediately.

    4. Daily Ayurvedic practices to follow

• Nasal Application- apply coconut oil, sesame oil, or Ghee in the morning and evening in both of your nostrils.
• Oil pulling therapy- take one tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil in the mouth swish it within the mouth for 2-3 minutes before spitting it out. Rinse it with warm water. Do this at least twice a day.

These simple ayurvedic practices can be followed every day whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms or not. These measures recommended by ayurvedic experts across the nation.

Information source: http://ayush.gov.in/event/ayurveda-immunity-boosting-measures-self-care-during-covid-19-crisis