The Coronavirus remains a major threat
to humanity due to its mutating nature, resulting in the emergence of new
infective forms. Many of those who had undergone hospitalized treatment for
COVID-19 are also said to be becoming more susceptible to other infections like
Mucormycosis. There is also a warning in the air that a ‘Third Wave’ of
COVID-19 may sweep the Indian subcontinent during the coming winter.
What do we as individuals do about
all this? Do we wait for some strain of the dreaded Covid-19 strike us or
should we how best we can shield ourselves against this and several other
diseases? As the saying goes, prevention is better than remedy. So here are a
few things that can be done at our homes without much hassle to keep the entire
family healthy and battle ready.
Goose Berry-Turmeric-Honey Mix
Gooseberry is very rich in Vitamin
C and anti-oxidants which can be very helpful in maintaining good immunity. The
anti-oxidants can reduce the ‘oxidative stress’ in the body. Studies have found
that gooseberry fruits can enhance the development of antibodies and the
immune-regulatory functions of the White Blood Cells.
It is good to have a single
Gooseberry fruit every day, but it can also be made into juice and taken in an empty
stomach every morning. Better still if you add a pinch of turmeric powder.
Honey can be used to adjust the taste of the juicy mixture.
Giloy-Turmeric-Honey Mix
Giloy (Gulancha in Hindi, Guduchi
or Amritavalli in Sanskrit, Seenthal in Tamil and Chittamruth in Malayalam) is
said to be very effective in preventing many diseases. The plant is very
popular in traditional medicine. It has a climbing stem with heart-shaped
leaves.
The fresh stem of the plant can be
cut into pieces and boiled in about 3 glasses of water in an earthen vessel.
This must be left to cool overnight. Next morning, the stem parts can be
squeezed and discarded, leaving the decoction, which can be taken with honey,
to adjust the taste. A pinch of turmeric powder can also be added.
Vishnukranthi-Aswagandha-Mix
Vishnukranthi (Evolvulus alsinoides), whose flower is
revered as one among the ‘ten sacred flowers’ (Dasapushpam), is also is known
to possess some power to boost immunity. The plant as a whole, including
leaves, stem and root can be used. About 30 grams of is to be boiled in about 3
glasses of water in an earthen vessel. This must be kept overnight. In the morning,
one glass of the potion with two pinches of root-powder of Aswagandha (Withania
somnifera) can be taken. This can be consumed every morning on an empty
stomach.
Drumstick Leaf-Lime- Honey-Mix
Drumstick leaves are a rich source
of minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and
vitamins like A, C, B-1, B-2 etc. It can also be used as an immunity booster if
taken in juice-form. For this, half a cup of drumstick leaves can be ground
with one cup of water which can be filtered and used with 30 ml of lime juice
and honey, to adjust the taste. Taking this mixture regularly can help to
eliminate toxins, and reduce the effect of free-radicals. In this way, it can
prevent cancer and enhance sex drive in men. It is also a neuro-tonic.
Ginger-Coriander-Sugar Candy-Mix
Ginger is very popular as a
home-remedy for problems related to digestion. However, recent research has
proved its efficiency as natural agent that can function as an immunity-booster
that is even capable of preventing fevers caused by viruses like H1N1. In
traditional medicine, ginger is boiled with a few seeds of coriander in water.
This can also function as an anti-oxidant. If a little sugar candy also is
added, it can enhance immunity. The anti-bacterial effects of ginger is well
proven and some compounds in it can resist respiratory diseases as well.
Aloe Vera-Giloy-Aswagandha-Mix
Aloe vera is very popular nowadays
as an immunity-booster and it can even help the body to re-attain the immunity
lost due to prolonged usage of steroids, antibiotics or pain-killers. An ounce
each of Aloe vera and Giloy extracts should be mixed and taken with 5g of
Aswagandha root powder.
However, this treatment should be
continued for a very long time to get the desired effect. It should be noted
that Aloe vera extract need to be ‘purified’ before usage which can be achieved
by heating the fleshy leaves upon cinders and then squeezing out the extract
which can be filtered using a cloth.
Kovai Fruit Juice
Kovai Fruit with the scientific
name Coccinia grandis has become very popular nowadays as a natural
preventive food against diabetes. It is twining plant, the fruit of which is
used as vegetable as well as a medicinal fruit. The fruit is dried and powdered
and 10g is taken with hot water, twice daily, as a preventive measure against
diabetes. Daily usage of kovai fruit as a vegetable can enhance immunity and
rejuvenate the functioning of the brain, kidneys and other vital organs like
heart. It can clean the body from toxins and can be nourishing by inducing the
production of more Red Blood Cells. This can keep the body healthy.
Dr. S. Rajasekharan,
Retd. Scientist, JNTBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram.
Member, State Biodiversity Board.
Mobile: 9446557914
