These are hard times with the deadly Covid-19 showing no
signs of abating. In-fact, the infection is spreading faster in many countries
that call for a mass action, where each individual is required to do his part.
An effective way is to boost own immunity to prevent the disease or reduce intensity
upon affliction. Dr S Ajith,
renowned Ayurvedic practitioner and Founder of Australasian Institute of
Ayurvedic Studies, suggests some effective daily regimens in this regard:-
1) While
brushing every morning, make sure to clean your tongues too. While brushing is
important to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases, one should not neglect the
tongues. Bacteria from mouth, food and drinks often breed on the tongue’s rough
surface which can all be removed by regular tongue scrapping.
2) Have a simple
detox drink in the morning. Take some warm water and add ginger, honey and
lemon juice. The decoction is useful to flush out toxins from the gut.
3) Another
effective regimen, especially against Covid-19, is to do ‘Nasya’
(administration of drugs through the nasal cavity) twice a day. You can apply
three drops of black sesame oil to inner nostrils. This will remove mucus and
forms a protective layer.
4) Do gargle
with warm water, mixed with black salt, twice a day.
5) Every night,
you should take steam inhalation to soothe and open nasal passages. Boil two
litres of water and add 10 drops of Eucalyptus oil. Cover yourself with a
blanket and do seven minutes of inhalation. This too will open up the channels
and help expel mucus from your lungs. This way you are not letting the virus
get activated.
6) Similarly,
you should take 10 to 15 deep long slow breath in a day. The virus attacks your
respiratory system, which means your blood will have less oxygen and lacking
the vitality to fight off the disease. Deep breathing helps increase the oxygen
intake.
7) Keep an eye
on what you are eating. Always make sure
to have only warm and cooked food. The food need to get metabolised before it
gives nutrients to nourish your body. Otherwise it will result in more toxins
and less nutrients.
8) The intake of
a simple detox drink throughout the day will stabilise your immune system. Take
three litre water, 1.5 inch fresh ginger, six green cardamom, two black
cardamom, fennel seed (one ta spoon), clove (one inch) and cinnamon stick. Boil
the same to reduce the solution to 1.5 litres. The benefits of the decoction
are many including proper digestion.
9) Don’t end up
over-drinking water which not only dampens the digestive fire but also provides
extra load to kidneys.
(As told during a recent webinar on the topic ‘Ayurveda for
Covid-19 Prophylaxis’, organised by the Ayush Valley Foundation in association
with the Ayurveda & Health Tourism Magazine)
