Preventive health measures for COVID-19
It’s all over the news, television, and the internet– the rapid increase in numbers of the pandemic COVID-19 virus or known as the Coronavirus disease continually affects more than millions of people across the globe. Propagating economic recession, affecting livelihoods, employments, notably on the aggravation towards the epicenter of the virus where it all began— Wuhan, China.
The fatal virus is mainly identified with its capability to attack the respiratory system, triggering flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, sputum production, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of smell, and abdominal pains.
Despite the constant reminder to maintain proper hygiene, social distancing, and avoid spreading panic or initiating one, oftentimes we can’t help but worry for our loved ones, particularly our aging parents or the elderly. How about them? How can we make our family feel safe at home while the outbreak is still rampant?
While the treatment is still not as far accessible to every single one, prevention is the immediate thing we can do right now. Boosting our immune system is one of the preventive health measures for COVID-19.
Recognized for its holistic and natural way of healing, Ayurveda holds the secret to maintaining one’s optimal well-being, freeing you from any diseases of any kind. The wide spectrum of the Ayurveda study deals with simplistic and preventive care adapted from the Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Understanding the fullness of Ayurveda can be achieved initially through a person’s self-awareness and keeping up with the pace of Ayurveda practices as you follow through its course.
Renowned for its remarkable work of natural healing, Harmony Hill Health Retreat recommends its preventive health measures for COVID-19 by following strict self-care guidelines specifically to protect the respiratory system of you and your family.
General Preventive Action:
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- Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
- Practice Yogasana, Pranayama, and meditation daily for at least 30 minutes.
- Add some spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garlic to your cooking if applicable.
- Stay at home.
- Wash your hands every time.
- Practice social distancing all the time.
General preventive actions are notably effective. To increase your family’s resistance, we recommend a list of effective Ayurveda Immunity Actions that everyone should come to know and be enlightened with.
Ayurveda Immunity Properties
Chyavanprash
10g of Chyavanprash every morning before breakfast. You can also opt for a sugar-free Chyavanprash for those with diabetes. Its immunity-boosting properties are known to fight off viral infections and communicable diseases, especially respiratory symptoms.
Herbal teas and Concoctions:
Take a sip of tea or any concoction of the following once or twice a day: Kadha made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry ginger), and a Munnaka (Raisin). Add some Jaggery (natural sugar) and/or fresh lemon to add some natural juicy taste if you wish to do so. These herbal properties may sound foreign. Educating yourself about each property and its immunity function provides better knowledge of how each is beneficial in extracting herbs from one to the other.
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- Kadha made of Tulsi (Basil) – Kadha is a mix of Ayurvedic herbs that stimulate digestion, increase immunity and detoxify body wastes. A concoction of Kadha with Tulsi (Basil) will make a perfect match as it holds diverse healing properties which is popular in Ayurvedic therapy. Its leaves are recognized to strengthen the stomach and aid respiratory diseases.
- Dalchini (Cinnamon) – did you know cinnamon comprises anti-microbial factors that are a great source of powerful medicinal properties? Its properties are also considered anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory.
- Kalimirch (Black pepper) – Black pepper almost has entirely similar healing properties as Dalchini/Cinnamon. Not only it is beneficial in cooking, but its anti-inflammatory components are also traditionally used for detoxification and aiding bronchial infections.
- Shunthi (Dry ginger) – It helps develop intestinal immunity.
- Munnaka (Raisin) – Not only it is made of natural sugar, but it also works as a great energy booster as it is made up of iron, potassium, and calcium.
- Jaggery (Natural sugar) – loaded with antioxidants with minerals that help prevent free radicals.
Golden (Turmeric) Milk
Turmeric Golden milk or also known as turmeric milk is hawked for its antiviral and antibacterial components. Start your morning with a half teaspoon of Haldi (turmeric) powder in hot 150ml milk. Take it once or twice a day.
Ayurvedic preventive health measures for COVID-19
Not only through oral remedies are preventive self-care can be achieved. Some preventive actions can also be done while you’re on home quarantine.
Nasal Application – this is the administration of medicine through the nasal route by applying sesame oil/coconut oil or Ghee in both nostrils. One in the morning and another one in the evening. Also known as PratimarshNasya, this prevents nasal respiratory allergies, etc.
Why is this important? A person is more susceptible to the virus if there’s a pre-existing nasal or respiratory condition. Practicing PratimarshNasya or nasal application helps prevent any bacteria or virus that infect the respiratory system.
Oil Pulling Therapy – also recognized as Kavala or gundusha, this therapy is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that involves swishing sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. You heard that right. 15-20 minutes might be quite a long time to do some swishing session but this effectively drives out unneeded toxins outside your body and promote oral hygiene.
There’s no question about how this procedure is beneficial against viral infections, especially how it restores the immunity of oral hygiene.
If you’re having the initial symptoms of the virus, the first thing to do is not to panic. Whether it’s proven as a positive case for Coronavirus or not, it’s never helpful to panic. It only worsens the situation because you’re foreseeing an adverse result instead of thinking of a solution that would’ve simplified and solved your situation.
The best approach to apply instead is to calm down and take precautionary steps in treating your dry cough and sore throat. Here are some simple procedures how:
Steam Inhalation with fresh Pudina or mint leaves is best for soothing throats that act as a decongestant. Ajwain or Caraway seeds can also work as an alternative which either can be practiced or done once a day.
Lavang (Clove) Powder, when mixed with natural sugar or honey, is a good treatment for throat irritation. Take it 2-3 times a day for better results.
These preventive actions are proven to remedy a normal dry cough and sore throat, however, it’s still best to consult a specialist if irritation or the same signs still exists.
Prevention is always better than cure. Stay at home and do all the best possible to boost your immune system is the best thing you can do for yourself, for the frontlines, and for everyone fighting this crisis right now.
