The United States has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases this summer, as evidenced by wastewater measurements and a surge in hospitalizations. After President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 along with many other Americans, experts say it’s important to get booster shots and keep an eye out for symptoms.
Although the virus has subsided over time, and hospitalization and death rates have dropped significantly thanks to vaccines and people’s acquired immunity, each wave still causes disruption and needs to be addressed appropriately.
Elderly people and those with comorbidities still need to take extra precautions against SARS-CoV-2, as these vulnerable groups are at higher risk of severe illness and need to continue receiving booster vaccinations to avoid infection.
As the summer COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the U.S., it’s also important to boost your immunity and take the right steps to stay healthy.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine, can naturally boost your immunity and help you fight off infections, but it’s best to consult with a health care professional before you start using these herbs, especially if you have any health problems or are taking medications.
Top Ayurvedic Herbs to Boost Immunity Against Coronavirus 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is known to have adaptogenic properties. Ashwagandha helps the body resist stress, increases energy levels and boosts overall immunity. Regular consumption of Ashwagandha improves the body’s defense mechanisms against infection. It boosts immune function, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases strength and vitality.
2. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is revered in Ayurveda for its powerful medicinal properties. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective in preventing respiratory infections. Tulsi strengthens the respiratory system, reduces inflammation and acts as a natural immune booster.
“You can chew fresh tulsi leaves daily or drink tulsi tea to get the benefits,” says Dr Sachin, Ayurvedic expert at Rasayanam Ayurveda, BAMS.
3. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Giloy, also known as Guduchi, is a powerful immunomodulator. It flushes toxins from the body, strengthens the immune system and helps fight various infections, including viral infections like COVID-19. It boosts the immune response, purifies the blood and supports liver function. “Giloy can be consumed in the form of juice, powder or tablets,” says Dr Sachin.
4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly due to the active compound curcumin. It boosts immunity and helps fight infections. It reduces inflammation, strengthens antibody responses, and acts as a natural antiviral agent. Turmeric can be added to food, drunk as a tea, or taken with warm milk.
5. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. It also has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress in the body. A powerful fruit in Ayurveda, Amla boosts immune function, aids digestion and improves skin health. Eat it raw or make it into pickles or candies to include in your daily diet.
6. Neem (Azadirachta indica) Neem is known to have powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. It helps purify the blood, detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. It acts as a natural detoxifier, boosts the immune response and supports healthy skin. “Neem leaves can be chewed daily or neem powder or capsules can be taken as a supplement,” says Dr Sachin.
Although the virus has subsided over time, and hospitalization and death rates have dropped significantly thanks to vaccines and people’s acquired immunity, each wave still causes disruption and needs to be addressed appropriately.
Elderly people and those with comorbidities still need to take extra precautions against SARS-CoV-2, as these vulnerable groups are at higher risk of severe illness and need to continue receiving booster vaccinations to avoid infection.
As the summer COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the U.S., it’s also important to boost your immunity and take the right steps to stay healthy.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine, can naturally boost your immunity and help you fight off infections, but it’s best to consult with a health care professional before you start using these herbs, especially if you have any health problems or are taking medications.
Top Ayurvedic Herbs to Boost Immunity Against Coronavirus 1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is known to have adaptogenic properties. Ashwagandha helps the body resist stress, increases energy levels and boosts overall immunity. Regular consumption of Ashwagandha improves the body’s defense mechanisms against infection. It boosts immune function, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases strength and vitality.
2. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is revered in Ayurveda for its powerful medicinal properties. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective in preventing respiratory infections. Tulsi strengthens the respiratory system, reduces inflammation and acts as a natural immune booster.
“You can chew fresh tulsi leaves daily or drink tulsi tea to get the benefits,” says Dr Sachin, Ayurvedic expert at Rasayanam Ayurveda, BAMS.
3. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Giloy, also known as Guduchi, is a powerful immunomodulator. It flushes toxins from the body, strengthens the immune system and helps fight various infections, including viral infections like COVID-19. It boosts the immune response, purifies the blood and supports liver function. “Giloy can be consumed in the form of juice, powder or tablets,” says Dr Sachin.
4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly due to the active compound curcumin. It boosts immunity and helps fight infections. It reduces inflammation, strengthens antibody responses, and acts as a natural antiviral agent. Turmeric can be added to food, drunk as a tea, or taken with warm milk.
5. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. It also has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress in the body. A powerful fruit in Ayurveda, Amla boosts immune function, aids digestion and improves skin health. Eat it raw or make it into pickles or candies to include in your daily diet.
6. Neem (Azadirachta indica) Neem is known to have powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. It helps purify the blood, detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. It acts as a natural detoxifier, boosts the immune response and supports healthy skin. “Neem leaves can be chewed daily or neem powder or capsules can be taken as a supplement,” says Dr Sachin.
