In these trying times of
coronavirus pandemic, strengthening your natural defence assumes much significance.
Many Ayurvedic texts written centuries ago refer the immune building process as
not only part of the therapy but also having a meaningful impact on disease prevention.
That is why many of its treatments are geared towards stimulating the immune system.
Shahnaz Husain, who received international acclaim for
pioneering the Herbal Beauty Care movement, discusses strategies, medications and
simple lifestyle changes that will make a truly significant and measurable difference
towards building a good immunity.
What we need to do is to return to a holistic way of life,
which takes the whole being – body, mind and soul into consideration, rather
than individual parts of the body. It includes good physical health, mental
health and even spiritual health. A holistic lifestyle aims at total well-being
that lasts a lifetime.
Pay attention to cleansing and daily hygiene. Failure to do so
will undermine the health in a number of ways. The skin is influenced by many
external factors like dirt, chemical pollutants, bacteria and virus. By daily washing, bathing and cleaning, we
can remove impurities and keep ourselves free of infections. A daily bath, or
shower, is a must, especially on returning home. During ancient times,
infusions were used to wash the body. These can be made by soaking neem leaves
in hot water and letting it stand overnight. Use the water to bathe the next
morning. It prevents infections and soothes rashy conditions.
Stress
relief is also needed during these times of the pandemic. Extracts and oils of
rose, sandalwood, lavender, orange flower(neroli), brahmi, etc., are all used
in Ayurveda for stress-relieving benefits. Apart from dispersing or diffusing
aromas, you can leave “pot pourri” around the house. A few drops of essential oil can help relax ation of both body and mind. For
example, lavender is said to induce relaxation, while jasmine heightens the
senses and elevates the
mood. Rose calms and refreshes the mind, while Cinnamon is said to relieve
fatigue.
Some form of daily exercise is also necessary for good health
of body and mind. Exercise, together
with a balanced diet, can work wonders. It builds up stamina and strength, besides
improving blood circulation to the skin and scalp. Every tissue of the body
needs oxygen, so begin your exercises by doing deep breathing in front of an
open window. You should check with your doctor
before beginning a regular exercise routine. Research has shown that exercise
also helps in removing stress.
A positive mental attitude is so vital, because mind and body
are closely related. All of us encounter a certain amount of stress and anxiety
in our daily life. It is a matter of learning how to cope with it. We have to
train our minds towards positive thinking.
A holistic way of life and attention to these common factors can help revitalize
the body, relax the mind and recharge the soul. It provides another lease of
vitality to meet new challenges.
Nature has actually provided us with means to build up
immunity and maintain good health. The fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits
and leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that aid in immunity
building, especially against colds, coughs and respiratory ailments. Avoid processed, refined and packaged foods.
Cooking, processing and refining destroy more than half the necessary nutrients
and remove fibre, which is so necessary for the proper elimination of wastes.
In Ayurveda, ginger is known as “the universal remedy”
because of its many health benefits. Ginger tea can be taken to cure heal cough
and cold. You can also add other spices to tea like cardamon, cinnamon and pepper
which will help in building up immunity and prevent viral ailments.
Similarly, ‘Amla is a good source of Vitamin C and is not
destroyed by heat. Add the juice of one amla to a glass of warm water and have
it the first thing in the morning. Nuts and dry fruits also strengthen
immunity. So do peas. They provide the proteins, vitamins and omega 3 fatty
acids to maintain strength. Chyawanprash’ and ‘Trifala’ are also said to
strengthen our immune system.
