Annexure

Ayush Practices for Immunity

1. Introduction
The world is going through an unprecedented crisis in the wake of the
Covid-19 pandemic. As mankind steadily mobilises organized offensives
against the pandemic, there is also an increase in interest in healthcare
solutions rooted in Ayush (traditional and non-conventional systems of
healthcare recognized by the Government of India) disciplines, particularly in
practices that enhance immunity and disease-resistance. Enhancing the
body’s natural defence system (immunity) is important to fight any disease,
and particularly so in the Covid 19 situation.
Promoting and propagating preventive measures which boost our
immunity would be of tremendous advantage to the people, in these times.
The Ayush disciplines recommend the gifts of nature for maintaining healthy
and happy living. The importance of awareness about oneself and the
harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her
immunity is emphasized across these disciplines. Drawing from authentic
Ayush texts and scientific studies, some simple self-care guidelines,
preventive health measures and steps for enhancing immunity are presented in
this note.
2. General Measures for enhancing immunity

The holistic approach of AYUSH systems of medicine emphasizes

prevention of diseases through lifestyle modification, dietary management and
prophylactic interventions for improving immunity.
(a) Observe good personal practices.
(b) Practice frequent hand washing with soap.
(c) Follow respiratory etiquettes - cover your mouth when coughing or
sneezing.
(d) Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of
illness, such as cough, runny nose etc.
(e) Avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw/undercooked
meats.
(f) Avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or places where animals are
slaughtered.
(g) Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny
nose.
(h) Fresh, warm, and easy to digest diet is recommended. It should ideally
include whole cereals and seasonal vegetables. Frequent sipping of water boiled
with Tulsi leaves, crushed ginger, and turmeric would be beneficial. Cold,
frozen and heavy foods are best avoided. It is advised to avoid direct exposure
to cold breeze. Appropriate rest and timely sleep are essential.
(i) Practice of Yogasana and Pranayama under the guidance of qualified Yoga
instructor is recommended.
(j) Warm water may be consumed as and when required, throughout the day.
(k) Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and
Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
3. Immunity enhancing steps recommended by different Ayush systems
(a) Practices other than consumption of drugs
(i) Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both
the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.
(ii) Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in
mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it
off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.
(b) Decoctions
(i) Ayurveda : Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi
(Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry
Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin), once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural
sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
(ii) Siddha: Nilavembu Kudineer decoction 60 ml. twice a day for 14
days. The medicine contains aqueous extract of Androgra his paniculata
& others.
(iii) Unani: Preparation of decoction by boiling Behidana (Cydonia
oblonga) 3 gm, Unnab (Zizyphus jujube) 5 in number. Sapistan (Cordia
myxa) 9 in number in water. (Boil these in 250 ml water- boil it till it
remains half- filter it — keep in a glass bottle and use it lukewarm). The
drugs used in the preparation of this decoction have been reported to have
Antioxidant activity, Immuno-modulatory, antiallergic, smooth muscle
relaxant activity and Anti-influenza activity. This decoction may be taken
twice a day for 14 days.
(c) Immunity enhancing formulations
(i) Ayurveda : Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning
(Diabetics may avoid, or take sugar free Chyavanprash).
(ii) Homoeopathy: Arsenicum album 30, daily once in empty stomach
 for three days. The dose should be repeated after one month by following
the same schedule till the given epidemic season is prevalent.
(iii) Unani : Take Khamira Marwareed 3-5gm once a day. (Diabetics
may avoid, or take sugar free version)

4. Measures advised in case of dry cough/sore throat

(a) Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway
seeds) can be practiced once in a day.
(b) Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-
3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
(c) These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat.
However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.
(A qualified physician should be consulted if symptoms persist or turn
severe)