How Ayurveda Helps In Treating COVID-19

 

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine capable of preventing and treating diseases as well as maintaining proper health. And it is a necessity to maintain good health, especially during these times, as the worldwide spread of COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an ongoing pandemic. Though multiple numbers of vaccines are available now, either undergoing trials or ready for vaccination, the effectiveness and side effects are still a question. Apart from social distancing, wearing a mask, and proper hygiene, the one thing that we can do to ready ourselves to fight COVID-19 is to enhance our immunity the natural way. And, recent studies have given promising results in the efficacy of Ayurveda in combating COVID-19.

As almost every one of us might be aware, COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs thus affecting the respiratory system. So maintaining a healthy respiratory system is very important. A regular session of yoga and meditation can potentially improve the health of the lungs. For instance, practising Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and Pranayama regularly is highly recommended. Surya Namaskar is performed by proceeding from a standing position into downward dog, and, upward dog, then back to standing position. It boosts blood circulation, metabolism, strength, and flexibility. Meanwhile, Pranayama is a breathing exercise on its own, which can also be integrated into other yoga exercises for breath synchronization. It increases mindfulness, sleep quality, and reduces stress. These are just two of the many exercises that can help in the protection from coronavirus.

Similarly, maintaining a strong Agni (digestive fire) is needed for healthy metabolism and better immunity. It can be achieved by blending in yoga and meditation in our daily routine, as well as including ayurvedic herbs or spices in the food and drinks. Some of the herbs or herbal mixtures that can be beneficial in intercepting covid include Ashwagandha, Guduchi, and Chyawanprasha. On the bright side, these herbs can assist in the treatment of covid as well. However, a prescription from a qualified ayurvedic practitioner is advised in advance. Besides, there are other herbs like turmeric, ginger, garlic, neem, tulsi, etc that are useful in boosting immunity.

Speaking of the studies on implementing Ayurvedic treatment in covid positive patients, the results were more hopeful than conventional treatment methods. Besides, patients undergoing natural treatment rarely progressed into severe symptoms or for the need of life support. Though the time required in the recovery were almost the same in both ayurvedic and conventional methods, ayurvedic treatment resulted in an increased number of recoveries. However, administering any natural method to covid patients should be done with the presence of an expert practitioner’s supervision as every one might not react the same to such treatments.

To put it briefly, Ayurveda certainly enhances one’s immunity thus improving the prevention against coronavirus. And, even if infected, Ayurveda helps the patient from advancing into life-threatening symptoms. Further, the studies reveal that approaching COVID-19 the ayurvedic way produced better results when compared to conventional means in terms of recoveries and related complications. Even though natural methods like Ayurveda can be promising, proper consultation with a certified ayurvedic practitioner is required before any ayurvedic treatments.