The Indian Ministry of AYUSH has recommended several immunity
boosting guidelines “supported by ayurvedic literature and scientific publications”
as a preventive measure against Covid-19 while clarifying that the same won’t amount
to any treatment against the deadly disease.

The advisory, which mainly consists of recommendations by renowned
Ayurveda practitioners in the country, has been published in the ministry’s
website under four heads, namely General measures, Ayurvedic immunity promoting
measures, Simple ayurvedic procedures and the measures to be taken upon
experiencing dry cough/sore throat.

The general measures include drinking warm water throughout
the day, daily practice of yogasana, pranayama and meditation for
at least 30 minutes and use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander and garlic
in cooking.

For boosting immunity, the recommendations include taking
herbal decoction made from tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper, dry ginger and raisin
once or twice a day. The simple ayurvedic procedures include Nasal
application and Oil Pulling therapy using sesame or coconut oil.

For those experiencing dry cough or sore throat, the advisory
suggests steam inhalation with fresh mint leaves or caraway seeds once in a day
and intake of clove powder mixed with natural honey (2-3 times a day).

However, the ministry clarifies that the same won’t amount to
treatment and are intended only to boost an individual’s immunity against
infections. It also advises one to consult doctors if symptoms persist.

Meanwhile, the ministry has invited proposals from AYUSH practitioners
and AYUSH institutions on measures that could restrain the spread of Covid-19. The
same can be done under the ‘Covid-19 Inputs’ section on the ministry website.