Ayurvedic Tips To Lower Your Risk of Severe COVID Infection

This article is reviewed by an expert

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on communities across the world, and our country, India, is no exception. However, things have changed for the better now. But families who have lost their loved ones to COVID cannot really forget the nightmare created by the viral waves in 2020 and 2021.

Even though COVID-19 cases have significantly ebbed worldwide after the vaccination drive, the pandemic is not over yet, as the coronavirus continues to mutate and spread in the thickly populated countries of the world.

In such a situation, we must always be ready for another attack and wave, which could be even deadlier than the previous ones. How do we do that? The ancient healing science of Ayurveda could be an answer and a solution.

Ayurveda has always been an inseparable part of the Indian household as an everyday remedy to maintain sound health. Though Ayurvedic medicinal practice cannot be an alternative to the COVID-19 vaccines and medications, the herbs and spices recommended by Ayurveda have huge benefits for the human body. This article will introduce you to the various Ayurvedic tips & strategies, herbs, and medicines to reduce the chances of a severe COVID infection. Read on to learn more:

Causes of COVID

Before going into the Ayurvedic tips and strategies for preventing and managing COVID, it is necessary to understand what causes the COVID infection.

The culprit behind COVID is the novel coronavirus that causes acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-2002) in the infected person and spreads speedily from person to person due to its unique genome structure. [1]

The virus may spread in the following ways: [5]

1. Through respiratory droplets, when the infected person sneezes or coughs
2. Through contact with contaminated objects such as furniture, clothes, utensils, etc
3. Inhalation of aerosols

Once the virus reaches the lower respiratory tract, it results in viral pneumonia. This pneumonia results from a hyperinflammatory state caused by an unregulated immune system. Soon after the viral attack, the patient’s immune system becomes hyperactive and triggers an uncontrolled production of cytokines. This phenomenon is called a cytokine storm, and such a storm can cause irreparable damage to the linings and walls of the air sacs in the patient’s lungs. All this happens in the case of severe COVID infection and can ultimately lead to multi-organ failure and mortality. [2]

Symptoms of COVID ^{[3] [4] [6]}

The most common symptoms of COVID are:

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sputum (mixture of mucus and saliva usually coughed up)
4. Fatigue
5. Dyspnea (feeling of breathlessness)
6. Anosmia (loss of smell)
7. Ageusia (loss of the sense of taste)
8. Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and loose motion [6]

Why can Ayurveda help fight COVID infection?

Pandemics are not a new phenomenon but have also been described in ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. They are referred to as Janapadoddhvansa, and these early Ayurvedic texts provide insights into the causes and management of pandemics. 

The role of immunity was regarded as critical in preventing and lowering the risk of severe infection and this also holds true in the scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic. [14] In classical texts of Ayurveda, immunity is described as Vyadhikshamatva. It was known to help promote health and protect against infections in two ways:

1. By preventing the onset of a disease 
2. By helping the body resist and recover from the disease

More importantly, Ayurvedic texts provide us with a wealth of information on modifiable factors that can boost immunity, including through Ahara or diet, the use of herbs, Yoga and other lifestyle modifications to balance Doshas and ensure proper modulation of Prana.

Ayurvedic home remedies & tips to prevent severe COVID infection

1. Oral gargling is a must

Use warm salt water for gargling with a pinch of turmeric powder or Triphala powder mixed in it. This helps to cleanse the upper respiratory tract and lowers the risk of infection. Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula containing Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki extracts. Studies have shown that polyphenols in the formulation exhibit powerful immunomodulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. [13]

2. Nasal instillation can help

Taila Nasya or nasal instillation with medicated oils like Anu Taila, Shadbindu Taila, virgin coconut oil, or Goghrita (cow’s ghee) can also help protect against severe COVID-19 infection and is recommended once or twice a day, especially after returning home. The efficacy of Nasya in the treatment of conditions that affect the upper respiratory tract has already been established, with some research showing that it can even help treat nasal polyps. [11]

3. Steam inhalation works wonders

Steam inhalation with herbs like pudina, eucalyptus, or ajwain is also recommended as a COVID-19 prevention strategy, as all of these herbs are known to exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. The efficacy of steam inhalation to prevent severe COVID-19 infection has also been validated with a study suggesting that the practice may reduce or block replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the upper airways. [12]

4. Get adequate sleep

Adequate sleep of roughly 6 to 8 hours is another essential strategy to boost immunity. Research shows that individuals who sleep for less than 6 hours a night or suffer from poor-quality sleep are more susceptible to infections and also have longer recovery times. 

5. Stay physically active

Physical activity is known to stimulate the regeneration of immune cells and help regulate the inflammatory response, making it important for healthy immune function and protection against the risk of severe COVID-19 infection. So, one must get involved in low-impact workouts, walking, cycling, or swimming on a regular basis. Also, it would be best to adopt a daily Yoga routine, including asanas like Shalabhasana (Locust Pose), Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Bakasana (Crow Pose), and Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose), among others. [10]

6. Use the immunity boosters

The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurvedic, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), Government of India, has recommended the use of Kadha for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation during the COVID-19 crisis. The Kadha is a decoction prepared from powerful Ayurvedic herbs and spices like Tulsi leaves (10–15 leaves), Ginger (2–5 g of ginger root), Clove (4–5 pieces), Black pepper (4–5 pieces), Cardamom (4–5 pieces), Ashwagandha (2–5 g) and Giloy (2–5 g raw). To make the Kadha, these herbs are boiled in 200 ml water for 5–10 minutes. Jaggery or honey may be used as a sweetener. All the herbs used in the Ayurvedic Kadha have shown impressive results in reducing the inflammation associated with COVID-19. [9]

7. Dhoopanam (herbal fumigation)

Fumigating the house by burning a mixture of dried herbs such as Mustard (Brassica nigra), Turmeric, Dry Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica), and Hingu (Ferula assa-foetida) can help you stay safe from viral outbreaks. [15]

Recommended preventative measures ^[5]

Prevention, we all know, is always better than cure. Therefore, we must follow the given preventative steps recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW):

1. Avoid going to crowded places.
2. Make sure to wear a mask when you go out.
3. Maintain social distancing in your everyday life.
4. Quarantine a friend, relative, or even a family member who has returned from abroad or other cities.
5. Follow hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, using sanitizer, etc.
6. Avoid touching your mouth and nose with unclean hands.
7. Consume a nutritious diet to boost your immunity power

FAQs

Conclusion

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, believes in curing ailments by restoring the perfect balance between the mind, body, and spirit. By tapping the Ayurvedic knowledge and remedies, we can equip ourselves with the best arsenal against the coronavirus or any other deadly viruses that threaten humanity. The Ayurvedic tips and strategies mentioned in the article can be vital in managing viral outbreaks like COVID-19.

Disclaimer

This article has been written from a health and wellness perspective and is not a substitute for medical advice.

References

1. Health Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Strategy and Experience Analysis
2. COVID-19 infection: an overview on cytokine storm and related interventions
3. Determine the most common clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
4. Onset and duration of symptoms of loss of smell/taste in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review
5. COVID-19: Prevention and control measures in community
6. Gastrointestinal Manifestations of COVID-19: A Review of What We Know
7. Use of Cloth Face Mask to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
8. Evaluation of traditional ayurvedic Kadha for prevention and management of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) using in silico approach
9. Evaluation of traditional ayurvedic Kadha for prevention and management of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) using in silico approach
10. Ayurvedic Remedies of Covid-19
11. Nasal application of sesame oil-based Anu taila as ‘biological mask’ for respiratory health during COVID-19
12. Promising phytochemicals of traditional Indian herbal steam inhalation therapy to combat COVID-19 – An in silico study
13. The effectiveness of various gargle formulations and salt water against SARS-CoV-2
14. Understanding COVID – 19 pandemic – A comprehensive Ayurvedic perspective
15. Concept of Dhoopan Chikitsa (Medicinal fumigation therapy) and its importance in prevention of air-borne diseases– a review