COVID – 19

Ayurveda regards Covid-19 as a Aupasargika roga, the following being the primary causative factors:

1. Prasanga – Sexual intercourse
2. Gatra Samsparshat – Close contact
3. Sahabhojanat – eating together (sharing food from the same plate/spoons)
4. Sahashayyat – Sleeping together
5. Gandha Vastra malya anulepanat – Sharing clothes, cosmetics, soaps

 

Treatment protocol

Ayurveda abides by the following modes of treatment for the treatment of various diseases. These help in tackling with all the multifaceted dimensions of the disease.

• Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa
• Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa
• Satwavajaya Chikitsa

 

Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa

This is the first modality of treatment in Ayurveda. This mode of treatment includes chanting of mantras and hymns. Mantras or chanting hymns have been practised since time immemorial in India. Some of the important ones include Beeja mantras, the mantras which help in striking an equilibrium between the chakras and the affected organs. There are also the astrological mantras which help nullify the ill effects of the affected planetary body. This is essentially due to the effect of the vibrational sounds on the human nervous system that causes a positive and curative effect on the disease or affliction. Another aspect of Ayurvedic healing with mantra is through the worship of different deities.

Lord dhanvantri is considered the God of Ayurveda. Dhanvantri is one of the most popular manifestations of Lord Vishnu. The following dhanvantri mantra is said to play an important role in helping the body fight diseases and restore sound physical and mental health.

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya sarva amaya vinashaaya trailokya naathaaya dhanvantri maha vishnave namaha”

Chanting of sacred hymns like Vishnusahasranamam, the thousand names of Lord Vishnu (This reference is Mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for treatment of fevers by Acharya Charaka) has also been given importance in the Ayurvedic texts among other important mantras.

Yukti vyapashraya Chikitsa

This section of treatment includes Intake of foods, herbs, medicines and activities to boost immunity and provide the essentials nutrients for the recovering body and mind.

Nithya sevaniya aharas are foods to be consumed everyday. These foods have varied nutritive , protective and regenerative benefits.

1. Shashtika Shali (rice) is good source of energy, protein, minerals and B group vitamins and zinc. The Red variety of rice is considered as the best among different varieties of rice in Ayurveda. However, you could choose any whole grain which you are accustomed with, as in Ayurveda it is very essential to eat in accordance with the persons’ nativity and culture. Whole grains like wheat, quinoa, rice and oats contain some zinc along with many important nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and selenium.

Zinc is required for the functions of over 300 enzymes and involved in many important processes in your body. It metabolizes nutrients, maintains the immune system and grows and repairs body tissues. Our body doesn’t store zinc, so you need to eat enough every day to ensure you’re meeting your daily requirements. In covid-19 zinc is supposedly said to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and help in accelerated recovery.

The red rice variety is light to digest, highly nutritive and balances all the tridoshas which is vital for optimum health in Ayurveda. Other important benefits of Rice include Hridya (cardio-protective)  Ruchikara (enhances taste),  Pittahara(balances pitta),  Vrishya(aphrodisiac/enhances sexual health), Vishaghna(anti-toxic), Mutral (diuretic), Brimhana(strengthening), Swarya(good for vocal chords), Baddhavarchskara (good for gut health).

2. Mudga (green gram) is an important source of protein, which has 25% of protein in it. Mung beans (Vigna radiata) are small, green beans that belong to the legume family.

They have been cultivated since ancient times. While native to India, mung beans later spread to various parts of Southeast Asia. These beans are one of the best plant-based sources of protein. They’re rich in essential amino acids, such as phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, arginine. Mung beans contain many healthy antioxidants, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid . They’re a good source of potassium, magnesium and fiber. Studies have linked each of these nutrients to a significantly lower risk of high blood pressure. mung beans contain a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which can help keep bowels regular by speeding up the movement of food through the gut

Mung beans, like other legumes, also contain resistant starch. Resistant starch works similarly to soluble fiber, as it helps nourish the healthy gut bacteria. The bacteria then digest it and turn it into short-chain fatty acids — butyrate, in particular. Studies show that butyrate promotes digestive health in many ways. For instance, it can nourish the colon cells and gut’s immune defenses

Also the carbohydrates in mung bean seem to be easier to digest than those found in other legumes. Therefore, mung beans are less likely to cause flatulence compared to other types of legumes.Mudga or green gram is light to digest, dry, Kapha Pitta Dosha Shamaka (balances kapha and pitta doshas) It is said to be highly beneficial for Jwara (fever), Medoroga (obesity), Kapha, Pitta and Rakta disorders., Grahi(good for gut health), Chakshushya (good for eyes).

3. Saindhava lavana (rock salt) increases appetite and adds taste to the food. It is considered superior to the normal cooking salt as it has less water retention capacity thus considered good for those suffering from cardiac diseases, hypertension, and renal diseases. Himalayan pink salt is one of the best known types of rock salt, but several other varieties exist. It offers trace levels of several other minerals, including iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, rock salt is used as a home remedy for various digestive ailments, including stomach worms, heartburn, bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

One study in 338 people determined that saltwater gargling was the most effective preventative measure for upper respiratory infections, compared with flu vaccines and face masks. As the saindhava lavana possesses anti-inflammatory, hydrating and nutriritive properties, it can substitute ordinary table salt for gargling purposes for better results in covid-19 prevention and management.

4. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is the most concentrated source of vitamin C in the plant kingdom. The active Ingredients in Amalaki are ‘phyllemblin’, gallic acid, tannins, pectin, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Vitamin C has a special form that makes it very easy for the human body to assimilate. It is well known for its ability to boost bio- availability and absorption of calcium for yielding healthier bones, teeth, hair and nails. It also improves assimilation of iron for healthy blood. It is especially nourishing for the eyes, heart and digestion. Amalaki is also extremely effective for balancing stomach acids. Amalaki has a special action to promote strength and lean muscle mass when used with a diet rich in protein and quality nutrients.

It has properties such as Laghu(light), Ruksha(dry), Sheeta(cold), Guru(heavy), Pancharasa, has 5 tastes in it sour being the dominant taste, It is Tridosha Shamaka (balances tridoshas) mainly Pitta. It is highly beneficial in Kandu(skin diseases/itching), Kamala(jaundice), Ajirna(indigestion), Yakritroga(liver disorders), Prameha(diabetes), Shotha(inflammatory disorders) Hridroga (cardio-vascular diseases), Jvara(fevers), Raktapitta(bleeding disorders) . It is popularly regarded as a Rasayana (rejuvenatory properties), krumighna (deworming), and speeds up the recovery process of the affected cells.

5. Yava (barley) is Kapha Shamaka(balances kapha), Mutrala(diuretic), Lekhana (scraping effect), Medohara (eliminates excess fat), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Balya(strength promoting), Varnya (enhances complexion), Swarya (helps to gain good voice), Agnideepana (increases appetite and metabolism)

6. Antariksha jala (rain water) is the basic requirement. This can be taken as pure, fresh water. In other words, a good hydration helps to oxygenate our cells. When the cells have enough oxygen, they are working at their full capacity, which helps them guard our body against any foreign bodies that try to enter, and fight them, if they do.

Hydration plays a very important role in regulating the body temperature, and keeping the risk of infections low. Hydration also helps in the transmission of nutrients to all parts of the body and keeps all body tissues and functions running efficiently – a pre-requisite for reducing your risk of infections.

7. Sarpi (cow’s ghee) is easier to get absorbed. It can bond with lipid-soluble nutrients and herbs to penetrate the lipid-based cell walls of the body. Ghee is a type of butterfat, full of rich flavour that strengthens the immune system, memory, cardiac function, lubricates joints, strengthens teeth and muscles, energizes the heart and the brain and nourishes the skin.

 

Cholesterol in ghee acts as one of the most important ghee benefits for health. This is because it acts as a healing agent for the human body. It is beneficial for the body during stressful periods, as it helps control inflammation. It is also Pitta-Vata reducing, good for Shukra(semen and ovum), Oja (immunity), Sanskaraanuvartanam (enhances the property of drugs it is mixed with). By enabling the optimal production of killer T-Cells in the gut, through the simulative effects of Butyric acid, ghee can ensure that your body has a highly vigilant immune system. Ghee by itself is also a strong agent against microbes and viral activity.

8. Jangala mamsa or meat of animals living in dry regions is best among meat. Animal meat has 20% protein and 3-5% of fat, 100gm of meat if used will yield 194 calories of energy. Goat meat is well-known for bulking the tissues and often used as a meat-soup or even a basti(Ayurvedic enema). Goat and mutton are said to be strengthening or toning the body, and so they are good for Vata people and those with severe debilitated conditions. Charaka also says that good quality meats are brimhana (strengthening and building)as also balya (promoting strength).

He states that meat-soups (mamsarasa) are sarvarogaprashamanam (alleviates all diseases) and promote vidyam (wisdom), swarya (good voice), strength (bala) of vayas (age), buddhi (intellect) and indriyas (senses) respectively. Jangala mamsa is a rich source of protein of high biological value and also has all the amino acids and vitamin B complex. Riboflavin and nicotinic acid from vitamin B complex group, iron and phosphorous are present in adequate quantity in meat. Thus, during convalescence, meat soups can be consumed according to one’s Agni (digestive fire). This can provide the body with varied nutrients and make up for the loss of strength as a result of the Covid infection.

9. Madhu (Honey) aggravates Vata, Rakta, pacifies Pitta Kapha, Ruksha(dry) in nature, Kashaya & Madhura(astringent and sweet) in taste. Honey can effectively combat common symptoms of Covid infection such as persistent cough, throat pain, nausea, poor appetite and digestion.  It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so it is often used as a natural antiseptic in traditional medicines. In-vitro tests on different medical-grade honeys showed potent bactericidal activity even in the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause life-threatening infections in humans. Honey has also been used topically as an antiseptic therapeutic agent for the treatment of ulcers, burns and wounds.

10. Dugdha (cow’s milk) is one of best rejuvenating food according to Charaka. It has a fine blend of all nutrients. It is a good source of protein, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals. Milk protein contains all the essential amino acids. It is also a rich source of calcium.

Furthermore, turmeric powder taken along with milk bestows anti-inflammatory properties. This generations-old-spice is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent. Be it a sore throat, running nose, cough or congestion; the bacterial and viral infections are easily tackled by a glass of turmeric milk. It is a well-known blood-purifier which supports the liver and cleanses the lymphatic system. Turmeric has dietary fibres and nutrients like calcium, zinc and magnesium in abundance that helps in better digestion. It cleanses the blood vessels and tissues of all the toxins.

Buttermilk is yet another by product of milk which is highly regarded in Ayurvedic science. It is prepared from curds. Curds are prepared by fermenting milk. Buttermilk is adding water to the curds and churning it with a help of a churner. The resultant is fat free, gut friendly , Agni enhancing and bowel binding drink. The buttermilk can be mildly spiced with hingu (Asoefotida), salt, coriander leaves, curry leaves, cumin for better taste and effectivity.

USE OF MEDHYA RASAYANA – A potential psycho-immune modulator

 

Many single and compound medhya (promoters of intellectual faculties) formulations are used in Ayurveda for the treatment of mental and psychological disorders. These are believed to act as brain tonics and adaptogens. The medhya drugs are considered as specific molecular nutrients for the brain providing a better mental health leading in turn to alleviation of the behavioral alterations.

• The word ‘medhya rasayanas’, have been derived from the Sanskrit words ‘medhya’, meaning intellect or cognition, and ‘rasayana’, meaning ‘rejuvenation.
• The ‘medhya rasayanas’ are known to be beneficial to improve the intellectual , psychological , social and in turn physical health status. mandukparni swaras (fresh juice), yashtimadhu churna with milk, guduchi swarasa(fresh juice), and shankhapushpi kalka (paste)

The active ingredients in these medicinal plants possess immune-modulator, anti-oxidant, anxiolytic, mood-elevating properties. This is of great importance especially in a pandemic like Covid-19, where more than the infection, factors like old age, anxiety, fear, stress, compromised immunity lead to an elevation in mortality. An effective way to combat stress, anxiety and psychological trauma could be the regular use of Rasayanas (Rejuvenatory herbs and foods) and Medhya rasayanas.

Some well known medicinal plants in Ayurveda possessing Rasayana properties:

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens)
• Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus)
• Tagara (Valeriana wallichii)
• Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)

 

Foods which can act as Medhya rasayanas

Foods	Nutrients
Tila taila (sesame oil)	phenolic anti-oxidants, sesamin sesamolin,Vit B1, E
Yava (barley)	Vitamin B complex,fibre, selenium, tryptophan
Godhuma (wheat)	Phenolic anti-oxidants
Matulunga (pomegranates)	bio-flavanoids,Vit B, C, E, sodium,
Kusmanda(Ash gourd)	vitamin A, flavonoid omega-3 fatty acids
Rasona (garlic)	Allium, minerals selenium, beta-carotene,        zea-xanthin
Vastuka (spinach)	Folate, Vit  A, B, C
Palandu (small onions)	Dietary Fiber, Vitamin B6,C Folate, Potassium and Manganese,
Mamsa rasa (meat soup)	Vit B12, B6, tryptophan

 

Preventive principles in Ayurveda – A boon for preventing infections

In Novel Corona virus infection, preventive protocols like wearing multyi-layered mask, social distancing, personal hygiene plays pivotal role. Apart from these basic preventive principles, Ayurveda recommends the following simple do’s and don’ts  that can help in controlling the rate of infection, ensuring optimum health in healthy and susceptible individuals. They are as follows:.:

• Consuming foods which are Shadrasa in nature. Shadrasa refers to the 6 tastes as mentioned in Ayurvedic litreture. They are sweet, sour, salty, pungent or spicy, bitter and astringent. The usage of all the 6 tastes regularly in one’s diet ensures proper nutrition , balance of the tridoshas (which is of utmost importance for a disease free body and mind) and keeps the agni in a state of balance (which is the basic pre-requisite for good health) Ayurveda emphasises this point with the quote “Sarva rasabhyasam Arogya karaanaam”meaning Habit of consuming all the tastes bestows good health. The habit of consuming the nitya sevaniya aharas ensures the inclusion of shadrasa in our diets.

Ayurveda also advocates foods that are well cooked along with essential spices. Raw foods like salads are not recommended for regular use as it can cause a severe imbalance of doshas and hampering of one’s agni.

In Ayurveda, good digestion and a strong digestive fire play a very important role in fighting diseases. Eating a piece of fresh ginger or drinking ginger tea/kashaya, Mint tea, cinnamon tea, and fennel tea, consuming basic appetisers and digestants like cumin, cardamom, garlic, coriander, fenugreek can be beneficial.

Kadha (decoction) of guduchi(Tenospora Cardiofolia)  and tulasi(basil) with black pepper, turmeric and ginger will boost immunity and can act against many kinds of viruses.”

• Nidra – Nidra or Sleep is considered to be one of the 3 pillars of life (The other two are food and sexual health). Timely sleep is pre-requisite to good health, balance of the tridoshas, ptimum functioning of Agni and also has a great impact on one’s immunity status. 7 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep at night is mandatory to boost one’s immunity and fight infections. Ayurveda emphasises on “Bramha muhurte uthishte” meaning “One shoule wake up in Bramha muhurtha”. The bramha muhurtha is about 45 minutes before the sunrise. If a person due to any reason is not able to adhere to this rule, should necessarily wake up at the time of sunrise. Sleeping beyond the sunrise is said to be Divaswapna (day sleep) and causes severe increase in kapha, manda guna and tamas. This can inturn hamper one’s immune response increasing his/her susceptibility to infections. Divaswapna is also said to be one of the leading causes of life-style or chronic disorders in Ayurveda.  Especially during these times of pandemic, it is most important to adhere to these simple rules.

• Adharaneeya and Dharaneeya vegas – Another important preventive principle in Ayurveda emphasises on the non-supression of natural urges like passing gas, defecation, urination, sneeze, thirst, hunger, sleep, cough, yawn, tears(Emotions), vomit, semen (sexual urge). The urges to be suppressed include anger, greed, contempt, jealousy, sadness . The idea of suppressing these urges should be understood as expressing these negative emotions in a positive manner which can benefit one’s ohysical and mental health status.

• Regular kavalagraha (gargling) with warm water mixed with saindhava lavana (Himalayan rock salt) to keep the upper respiratory tract healthy, to bestow good oral hygiene and to prevent pathognomic micro organsms from entering the deeper tissues.

 

• Nasya (nasal drops) or coating the inside of nostrils with 2 drops of sesame oil or anu taila (medicinal oil used as nasal drops in Ayurveda) will not only lubricate the nasal passage and throat, but also strengthen the inner mucus membrane to keep away foreign bodies.

 

• Dhupana (Fumigation)

There are millions of micro-organisms around us, amongst 20-25% are non pathogenic. Pathogenic microbes present in the environment around us are responsible for various health related problems.  Reducing microbial load to non-pathogenic levels may be the purpose of traditional fumigation techniques like Dhoopana, Homa, and Havana etc. This is also evident from Ayurvedic literature wherein fumigation is indicated for sterilisation of operation theatres as well as labour theatres and also in wound management.

Fumigation of our house/dwelling place/quarantine centers is an essential preventive method to ensure minimal infective load in the surroundings . Commonly,  neem leaves, garlic peels, onion peels, turmeric, guggulu(Comiphora Mukul), Sarshapa beeja (mustard seeds), Hingu (Ferula assa-foetida), Aguru(Aquilaria Agallocha Roxb), devadaru (Cedrus Deodara) are burnt along with cow dung cakes and a little ghee and rooms are fumigated with the fumes emitting out of it.

• Mild Steam inhalation/Dhumpana – Inhaling medicated smoke and Exposure to sunlight early in the morning and evening.

Procedure of Dhumapana : (As explained in Charaka Samhita)

The person should inhale the smoke through nose in case of diseases of the head, nose and eye. Dhumapana is advised through mouth in case of diseases of throat. The person who has inhaled smoke through the nose shall exhale it by the mouth, but should not exhale it through nose. One should cautiously inhale smoke through one nostril after closing the other nostril, thrice in each round, thus for three rounds, in comfortable sitting position with the back erect and with utmost concerntration.

The following are simple to administer dhumapana recipes for alleviating the symptoms of the viral infection.

– Equal parts of turmeric, black Pepper and licorice powder (yashti madhu)
– Add some ghee to it
– Mix them well and make it a peanut butter-like paste
– Wrap the mixture in a cloth, making it look like a cigar
– Light it and extinguish the fire so that only the fumes come out of it. hold it close to your nose
– Let the smoke be inhaled by your nostrils

`   Turmeric tubers can also be used for dhumapana. The tuber is dipped in ghee, lighted and fumes coming out of it is inhaled through a small hole in the cone (made out of a stiff paper).

• Effective medications:

The use of following medicines have been effective in enhancing strength and immunity. Ayush-64 (anti-malarial tablets),  Dashamoolarishtam, bharangyadi kashayam, Guduchi satvam, sudarshana churnam etc

DRUGS WITH ANTI-VIRAL PROPERTIES IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, has been widely used since centuries and a wide range of medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent have been utilized for tackling almost every human ailment.

Ayurveda bestows knowledge not only about treatment principles but also puts forth some simple medicinal herbs for the enhancement of one’s immunity status. With your immunity or Ojas as we call it is functioning appropriately, it is less likely that you will catch an infection, and even if the infection does occur, it is often of mild nature and the journey through the road of recovery will be smooth.

Ayurvedic formulations have an impact at a higher level of consciousness, as well as the more gross body level. Several antiviral agents have been isolated from plants as a result of chemical and pharmacological studies in the recent years, and many have been derived from leads based on Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine principles. These agents include a variety of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides, and alkaloids. Below are the potential herbs which can be highly beneficial in management of viral infections including Covid infection.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Also known as Yashtimadhu (Sanskrit), Mulathee (Hindi), and Licorice (English), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Papilionaceae) derives its flavour principally from a sweet-tasting compound called anethole (“trans”-1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-enyl)benzene). Additional sweetness in licorice comes from glycyrrhizic acid, an antiviral compound significantly sweeter than sugar. Powdered licorice root is an effective expectorant, and has been used for this purpose since ancient times  in Ayurvedic medicine. The roots of the plant have been used for throat and upper respiratory tract-related infections and contain many phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and their glycosides, coumarin, and cinnamic acid derivatives. Animal studies have revealed its efficacy against the influenza virus that is mediated by stopping the virus replication. Glycyrrhizic acid present in the plant inhibits virus growth and inactivates virus particles.

Ocimum sanctum

1. sanctum, also known as Tulsi (Hindi) and Holy Basil (English), is an aromatic plant of the family Lamiaceae. The plant, as a whole, is a treasure house of potent compounds with its leaves, seeds, and roots, as well as flower being medicinally important and is considered divine by the Hindus. O. sanctumis considered to be an adaptogen par excellence. It harmonizes different processes in the body and is helpful in acclimatizing to stress. The main chemical constituents of O. sanctumare oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, and caryophyllene . The antiviral activity of eugenol has been reported. Ocimum extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, O. sanctum is taken in many forms as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. During the past decade the plant has been extensively investigated and has been shown to possess a range of biological activities such as antibacterial activity , antifungal activity, immunomodulatory action and antiviral activity.

Alium sativum

Alium sativum, also known as Lahsan (Hindi) and Garlic (English), belongs to family Alliaceae. A. sativum has been used throughout recorded chronicles for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor. A. sativum has been used for hundreds of years to treat fungal, parasitic, and viral infections, and has anti-inflammatory properties that show promise for prevention of cardiovascular disease. It is known to kill influenza virus in vitro. Researchers are focusing on an extract of A. sativum called ajoene, which appears to protect CD+ cells from attack by HIV early in the viral life cycle. At low concentrations, the drug appears to have little toxicity, and its anti-HIV activity is 45 times more powerful than the drug dextran sulfate. Ajoene is found only in fresh A. sativum and is not readily procurable.

Cocos nucifera

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the Family Arecaceae (palm family). The most common form of its usage is the coconut oil, which is extracted from the kernel of matured coconut (Cocos nucifera). Throughout the tropical regions, it has been the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people since aeons. Cocos nucifera oil has a long history of use, both as food and as medicine, throughout the world. It holds a high place of respect in Ayurvedic medicine in India in the treatment of wide assortment of ailments including abscesses, alopecia, amenorrhea, asthma, bronchitis, bruises, burns, cachexia, calculus, colds, constipation, cough, debility, dropsy, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, earache, erysipelas, fever, flu, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, venereal diseases, and wounds. It has been reported that certain fatty acids, primarily medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and their derivatives (e.g., monoglycerides) have potent antiviral properties. When C.Nucifera oil is consumed, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are broken down into individual medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides, which can kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms inside the body.

Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale (Ginger) is a plant which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Ginger contains gingerol, a pungent ingredient of ginger volatile oil with sulphur-containing compounds (allicin, alliin, and ajoene), and enzymes (allinase, peroxidase, and myrosinase). The gingerols increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, and antibacterial properties. Compounds in ginger also increase levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which may be beneficial in inflammatory reactions triggered by viral infections . Anti-influenza agents have been isolated from Z. officinale. TNF-, reported as anti-influenza cytokine, has been reported to be present in ginger.

Phyllanthus emblica

The Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, syn. Emblica officinalis) is a deciduous tree of the Euphorbiaceae family. It is also known as Amlaka (sanskrit) and Amla (Hindi). In traditional Indian medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark, and flowers, are used in various Ayurvedic Medicine preparations. According to Ayurveda, Emblica officinalis fruit is sour and astringent in taste, with sweet, bitter, and pungent secondary tastes.

In Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, Emblica officinalis is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal preparation called Chyawanprash, which is itself an effective adaptogen and immunity booster that could help control common viral infections.

Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia, also called Guduchi, is a herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The active constituents possess adaptogenic and immunomodulating properties. Picrotene and bergenin, possessing antioxidant properties have been reported from Tinospora. Tinospora cordifolia has been studied extensively for its immunomodulating activities. The active principles of Tinospora cordifolia were found to possess immunomodulatory activities and caused significant increases in IgG antibodies in serum, along with macrophage activation. Enhancement in humoral immunity, evidenced by the hemagglutination titre, along with stimulation of cell-mediated immunity were observed in the leukocyte migration inhibition tests. The plant has immense potential for use against Covid infection since it is a potent immune stimulant.

Satwavajaya Chikitsa

The treatment modalities which aim in balancing the satwadi mano doshas (Satwa, Rajas, Tamas) are termed as Satwavajaya chikitsa. Counselling, maintaining a positive and pleasant frame of mind and developing an attitude of “This too shall pass” is an essential aspect of management of any disease especially a pandemic like Covid-19 which is associated with intense mental and emotional trauma.

Pleasant and positive state of mind- listening to positive stories, stories of recovery, keeping the mind engaged in positive thoughts, music therapy, can help in speeding up the recovery process. The practise of Yoga and Pranayama forms an important part of the satwavajaya chikitsa.

Thus, the principles said in this ancient science are very well applicable in today’s era of pandemic as well. Inculcating the ideology of Ayurveda can go a long way in preventing and treating any disease holistically. Above all, we should be positive, keep our hopes and spirits up and without a speck of doubt, humanity will overcome these tough times as well!