Coronavirus Update: How Ayurveda helps in prevention of COVID-19

Ministry of AYUSH recently issued a health advisory following a meeting of the research councils under it. This advisory is about how Ayurveda helps in prevention of COVID-19 disease caused by Novel Coronavirus (nCov).
The advisory from the Ministry suggests drinking Shadang Paniya. Shadang Paniya can be prepared by making a powder of Musta, Parpat, Usheer, Chandan, Udeechya & Nagar. Boil 10 grams of this powder in one liter of water till it reduces to half. Now pour this into a container and keep sipping as and when you feel thirsty.
The immune system needs to be strengthened through a healthy diet and lifestyle practices. Prophylactic and immunomodulatory drugs can also be taken as per Ayurvedic practices including:
- Agastya Haritaki (5 grams twice a day with warm water)
- Sanshamani Vati (500 milligrams, to be taken twice a day)
- Boil 5 grams of Trikatu (Pippali, Marich, and Shunthi) powder and 3-5 Tulsi (Basil) leaves in one liter of water till it reduces to half. Pour this into a container and keep sipping as and when you feel thirsty.
- Pratimarsa Nasya: As the virus enters through the nose (eyes and mouth too), apply two drops of Anu oil or Shadabindu oil in both the nostrils. This needs to be done morning till the infection prevails in the community.
This advisory issued by the Ministry of AYUSH should be practiced in consultation with registered Ayurveda practitioners.
Industry Reactions
Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda says that eating a tablespoon of Chyawanprash daily enhances immunity as well. Besides Chyawanprash, Ayurvedic herbs like amla, Guduchi/giloy, neem, kutki, and tulsi (basil) also help in strengthening immunity. According to him, putting two-three drops of sesame oil in each nostril and sniffing it in will lubricate the nasal passage and throat. It also strengthens the inner mucus membrane to keep the foreign bodies away. Good digestion plays an important role in fighting diseases in the ayurvedic system of medicine. Eating a piece of ginger or drinking ginger tea, mint tea, cinnamon tea, and fennel tea are suggested.
Founder and MD of Upakarma Ayurveda, Vishal Kaushik has said that amidst the Coronavirus outbreak, there has been a significant increase in demand for shilajit and ashwagandha. Commenting on how Ayurveda helps in prevention of COVID-19, he said that potions like tulsi ark, giloy, etc., to enhance immunity.
Yoga Guru Ramdev of Patanjali has suggested that a ‘kadha’ of giloy and tulsi with black pepper, turmeric and ginger will boost immunity and be effective against all viruses. Talking about the health benefits of giloy, Baba Ramdev added that giloy in Sanskrit means amrita, the root of immortality.
According to Philipe Haydon, CEO, Himalaya Drug Company, the sales of Himalaya hand sanitizers and hand wash have gone up by ten times in the last few weeks. Another Himalaya ayurvedic product whose sales have shot up by three times is the Guduchi immunity tablet. The holistic approach of the AYUSH helps in prevention. This is the key to managing the coronavirus outbreak. Ayurveda essentially focuses on how to avoid the causative factors and thereby enhancing the immunity against infections.
Deepak Agarwal, Founder of Auric, a brand of ayurvedic health drinks, says that sales have increased by 30-35% owing to the Coronavirus scare. Auric’s immunity drink called Body Defence is receiving a good response over drinks aimed at skin rejuvenation and hair health. Earlier looking good was a priority over feeling good. Now the priorities have reversed, he said.
Milind Pant, CEO, Amway said that crisis like the outbreak of coronavirus provides an opportunity to revisit the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda for prevention of diseases through improved immunity.
Other ayurvedic herbs and medicines that increase internal immunity include Giloy Kwath, Dashmul Kwath, Draksharishta, Sitopladi Churn, Yashtimadhu, Talisadi Churn and chewable tablets of Khadiradi Vati. Yashtimadhu, also known as Mulethi, and Talisadi Churn are to be taken with
Dietary Changes
Ayurveda experts have also suggested the following food changes that help in enhancing immunity:
- Eat vegetables like methi (fenugreek)
- Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric in the food preparations
- Add a dash of Haldi (turmeric powder) to your daily dose of hot milk
- Eat citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, guava, and mango. Other rich sources of Vitamin C are lemons and amla.
- Avoid cold drinks, ice cream, and other cold food.
Do read ’10 precautions to be observed for prevention against COVID-19′ and stay safe.
COVID-19 Alert: If you think you have been exposed to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and have developed any symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing), call the Govt. of India helpline 1075 or the state helpline numbers for assistance.