Role Of Ayurveda in Immunity Building

With increasing strains of several pandemics, including COVID-19 impacting the world, as the saying goes, ”Prevention is better than cure,” the need of the hour is for us to initiate preventive steps which will eventually help us to boost our immunity in these trying times. Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, says, ” As we are aware, the allopathic branch of science is constantly trying to develop vaccines to arrest the proliferation of viruses, the best for us to enhance our body’s natural defense system or immunity.”

Ayurveda

As the science of life, Ayurveda recommends the gifts of nature in terms of maintaining a healthy, happy, and peaceful lifestyle. Elaborating on Ayurveda and what it propagates, Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says: “Ayurveda is a treasure house offering alternative treatments for immunity and preventive care. The extensive knowledge base of Ayurveda on preventive care is drawn from the concepts of daily routine or regimes, known in Ayurvedic parlance as Dinacharya, and seasonal regimes, known as Ritucharya, both beneficial for the maintenance of healthy life. Ayurveda is a plant-based science. Ayurveda’s classical scriptures have emphasized the simplicity of awareness about yourself and the harmony you can achieve by uplifting and maintaining your immunity.”

Self-care Guidelines

Coming up with a slew of recommendations, Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, offers a host of measures. “First and foremost, you have to inculcate the habit of drinking warm water all through the day instead of relying on other forms as a preliminary step towards gaining immunity. Along with that, it is pertinent for you to opt for the practice of Yogasana, Pranayama, and meditation daily for a minimum of half an hour. Also, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garlic are recommended along with a daily diet in abundance. You can consume 10 grams (1 TSF) in the morning. If you have diabetes, then you should buy sugar-free Chyavanprash. You can have herbal tea made from basil (tulsi), cinnamon (dalchini), black pepper (kalimirch), dry ginger (shunthi), and raisin (munakka) twice a day. You can add natural sugar (jaggery) along with fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste of the herbal tea. If you have diabetes, then you can avoid natural sugar. You can then consider having Golden Milk, consisting of half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 150 ML hot milk. This you can have twice a day to boost your immunity.”

Homemade Ayurvedic Procedures

There are quite a few Ayurvedic procedures for boosting immunity. Shedding light on the same, Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says: “You can try the nasal application of sesame oil, coconut oil, or ghee. You can apply any of these oils in both nostrils twice daily. This procedure is called Pratimarsh Nasya, an excellent way to boost your immunity.”

Sore Throat & Dry Cough

If you have a sore throat or dry cough, especially during winter, a few Ayurvedic solutions give immediate relief. Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says: “Steam inhalation is the best bet to get relief from conditions such as sore throat and dry cough. Take fresh mint leaves (pudina) and caraway seeds (ajwain) in water and boil the same. Inhale it once a day to get the desired result. You can also consume clove powder (lavang) by mixing it with natural sugar or honey twice a day to relieve normal dry cough and sore throat.”