Bhagwati Ayurveda NABH RGHS CGHS
Bhagwati Ayurveda NABH RGHS CGHS

Ayurveda COVID-19 Information

Bhagwati Ayurveda & Panchkarma Research Centre/Ayurveda COVID-19 Information

Ayurveda’s Contribution to Fight Corona

In these difficult times when the whole world is fighting against the deadly Corona Virus, the all medical sciences are trying their best to find the antidote for it. Although the results are awaited soon meanwhile continuous efforts are being put in all round the globe to find suitable treatment for it. The ancient science of Ayurveda renders several principles which improve the immune system of the body. The strong immune system itself prevents the body from getting infected with dreadful viruses & bacteria or other organisms.
Ayurveda has two basic principles viz.
  • To maintain and promote the health of the healthy individual &
  • To Cure the disease of the patients / diseased
It is evidently explained in Ayurveda texts (Charak, Sushruta, Vagbhatta Samhitas) that maintenance of health is given prior importance and treating the diseased comes next in priority. Therefore by following Ayurveda’s principles an individual will always remain healthy & even if he gets infected by any disease, he can be cured as well. The first case of Corona Virus infection was detected in Wuhan City of China in December 2019 hence WHO (World Health Organisation) coined the name Covid-19.

Cause of Corona Virus Infection

Of many theories, humans first got Corona virus from contact with animals. Then, it spreaded from human to human. The COVID-19 virus can be spread through contact with certain bodily fluids, such as droplets in a cough. It might also be caused by touch of an infected person to another and then touching your hand to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • The symptoms of Corona are just like common flu. Person may be sick with the virus for 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms.
  • The most common symptoms of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) are mild to moderate respiratory illness with Fever (100°F or more) & Cough.
  • In some cases headache, generalized body pains, fatigue, weakness, extreme exhaustion & diarrhea can also be noticed.
  • In more serious infections shortness of breath is also associated with the before said symptoms.
  • On rare occasions stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose can also be noticed.
  • Wash your hands frequently (at least for 20 seconds) and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. It kills viruses that may be on your hands.
  • Maintain social distancing of at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care as early as possible and stay in your home in complete isolation.

For gaining Immunity Ayurveda doctrines unique principles of Swasthvritta (Daily Regimen), Dinacharya (Day Regimen), Ratricharya (Night Regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen), Achara Rasayana (Behavioral Regimen), Pathya-Apathya (Diet Compatibility), Panchakarma (Detoxification Regimen).

Myths & Facts : Covid-19

Although most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment, still some myths & facts are essential to be discussed and propagated to the masses:
  • Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent the Corona virus disease (COVID-19).
  • You can recover from the Corona virus disease (COVID-19). Catching the new corona virus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life.
  • Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from the Corona virus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung diseases.
  • Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.
  • COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
  • Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new Corona virus.
  • Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new Corona virus disease.
  • The new Corona virus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
  • Hand dryers are not effective in killing the new Corona virus.
  • Ultraviolet disinfection lamp doesn’t kill the new Corona virus. It causes Skin irritation.
  • Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new Corona virus.
  • However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
  • Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body does not kill the new Corona virus.
  • Vaccines against pneumonia does not protect you against the new Corona virus.
  • Regularly rinsing your nose with saline water does not prevent infection with the new Corona virus.
  • Eating garlic does not help prevent infection with the new Corona virus.
  • People of all ages can be infected by the new Corona virus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
  • Antibiotics are not effective in preventing and treating the new Corona virus.
  • 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.
  • 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 best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.

Ayurveda’s Role in Fighting Covid-19

The origin of Ayurveda is accounted back to pre-vedic times (around 5000-1000 B.C.). Ayurveda is one of the most ancient systems of healthcare that is still widely prevalent. It deals with both preventive and curative aspects of life – with a holistic approach that covers the physical, mental, social, moral and spiritual welfare of the individual.

Ayurveda, comprised of two words i.e. ‘Ayu’ and ‘Veda’ is the science which deals with the life (Ayu), hence it is also called as Science of Life.

Enhancing the body’s natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health. While there is no specific medicine/cure (till date) for COVID-19, it is always better to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times.

The treatment principles of Ayurveda not only cure the diseases but also enhance the mental as well as physical strength of the body & mind by treating the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects of the individual. Ayurveda being the science of life and complete holistic health being its ultimate goal makes Ayurveda totally unique in itself. The basic theory of Ayurveda revolves around Tridosha, Tri means Three and Doshas means Humours. These are:

  • Vata accounts for Nervous system and all the different movements in the body.
  • Pitta accounts for fire and all the metabolism, digestion in the body.
  • Kapha accounts for water and all the mucous contents of the body.
Ayurveda is the science of life which propagates healthy & happy living. Ayurvedic texts deliver many unique concepts which are essential for an individual to lead happy & healthy life viz. Swasthvritta (Daily Regimen), Dinacharya (Day Regimen), Ratricharya (Night Regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen), Achara Rasayana (Behavioral Regimen), Pathya-Apathya (Diet Compatibility), Panchakarma (Detoxification Regimen).

General Recommendations Of Ayurveda

In wake of enhancing the Body’s Defence Mechanism certain general recommendations of Ayurveda are as follows :
  • Drink lukewarm water throughout the day.
  • Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes.
  • Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
  • Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
  • Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kali mirch (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.
  • “Golden Milk” – Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk – once or twice a day.

Conclusions

  • Covid-19 although has claimed several lives across the globe, however majority percentage amongst the died people were above the age of 60 years along with some co-morbidity (existence of some previously underlying disease in the body). As a result immunity was already impaired and the attack of the Corona virus could not be neutralized by impaired immunity of the body.
  • Ayurvedic approaches & treatment modalities may act as strong Preventive & Prophylactic regimen in improving the body immunity.
  • For evaluating curative efficacy of this regimen against covid-19 this combination may be used along with ICMR approved modern medicines for prompt & effective control of Covid-19.
References

World health Organisation – www.who.in
Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India – www.ayush.gov.in
www.bhagwatiayurveda.com
Consult our Ayurveda Experts for Enhancing your Immunity & Fighting Corona Today.