Immunity Boosting Measures According To Ayurveda And The Use Of Chyavanprash In The Post Recovery Period Of Covid-19.

The health ministry of AYUSH which promotes Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in India has recommended certain protocols and measures to naturally strengthen the immune system in light of the current pandemic we are facing (Ministry of AYUSH, 2020). 

The following recommendations are based on ayurvedic literature and scientific publications with reference to respiratory health.

    1. Drink warm water throughout the day. 

    2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and Meditation for at least 30 min daily. 

    3. The use of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander and garlic are recommended in cooking. 

    4. Application of Nasal drops - Apply sesame oil or ghee (clarified butter) in both the nostrils morning and evening. 

    5. Practice oil pulling - Take 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil. Swish it in the mouth for 2 or 3 minutes and spit it out followed by a warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day. 

    6. Take Chyavanprash 10 gm (1tsp) in the morning. Diabetics can take sugar free chyavanprash. This is believed to be particularly effective in the post recovery period. It is to be prescribed by an ayurvedic doctor. 

    7. Drink a herbal tea/decoction made of Basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger and Raisin once or twice a day. Add jaggery or fresh lemon juice according to taste.

    8. Golden Milk - ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 150 ml of hot milk once or twice a day. Alternatively plant milks can be used. 

    9. For dry cough and sore throat - a steam inhalation with fresh mint leaves or caraway seeds can be done once a day. Another remedy to ease a sore throat is to mix clove.

powder with honey and take 2-3 times a day. If symptoms persist it is best to consult a doctor. 

Additionally a daily morning and evening walk is highly recommended to maintain good health and immunity. 

CHYAVANPRASH

Chyavanprash is an ayurvedic health supplement  made up of 50 medicinal herbs including Amla which is the primary ingredient. Amla is the world's richest source of vitamin C. The high vitamin C content helps to boost immunity. Regular use of Chyavanprash improves the functioning of the respiratory system (Sharma et al., 2019). 

There is a branch of Ayurveda which focuses just on preventing aging and diseases and promoting excellent health known as Rasayana. Out of all the formulations in Rasayana which was made during the classical and medieval periods, Chyavanprash is the most important and appreciated (Sharma et al., 2019). 

Chyavanprash can be taken by all age groups and in any season. It is best taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a glass of warm milk or warm water. It should be avoided at bedtime to prevent the ill effects of Amla on the teeth (Sharma et al., 2019). 

It is to be noted that none of the above have been proven to cure or prevent COVID-19.  

REFERENCES 

    1. Ministry of AYUSH, 2020. COVID-19 Crisis [Online]. Available from: https://www.ayush.gov.in/ [14 December 2020]. 

    2. Sharma, R., Martins, N., Kuca, K., Chaudhary, A., Kabra, A., Rao, M. M., & Prajapati, P. K. (2019). Chyawanprash: A Traditional Indian Bioactive Health Supplement. Biomolecules, 9(5), 161. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9050161 


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