Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and Ayurveda

Worldwide, there is currently a palpable concern with the coronavirus outbreak.

This virus can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever with a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. The outbreak is associated with Hubei Province, including Wuhan City, China but cases of this coronavirus have now been reported in some other Chinese provinces and several other countries.

There is a lot of fear about this outbreak, and a lot of misinformation being shared that is feeding anxiety.

Here is what we scientifically know about the Corona Virus (via Vic Health) :

What is novel coronavirus?

• Coronaviruses a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as MERS-CoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
• This novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Am I at risk?

Australian health authorities have declared the people at highest risk of developing novel coronavirus are:

• People who have travelled from mainland China to Australia since 1 February 2020
• People who have travelled to Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days
• Close contacts of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus
• People who have attended a healthcare facility in China in the past 14 days.

It’s important to note that at this point in time, no human-human transmission has occurred in Australia, although such cases are expected, and have occurred in China.

Who is most at risk of infection with this novel coronavirus?

People with compromised immune systems, the very old and young and those with diagnosed heart and lung conditions are most at risk of developing complications if they contract an infection like this.

Healthcare workers are potentially at risk of infection if they are in close contact with a case of novel coronavirus infection. As a precaution, advice has been provided to healthcare workers on simple steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

What can we do?

Currently, there is no specific allopathic treatment for disease caused by novel coronavirus. While this may cause stress and anxiety in many individuals, there are many things we can do holistically to prevent infection and treat the symptoms.

What we can do is work with our mind and body through natural remedies to greatly strengthen our immune system.

We have a doctor within us, and that is the immune system. If our immune system if strong, then we can fight and prevent any infection.

Here are some top Ayurvedic recommendations:

LIFESTYLE

Meditation:

Stress shuts down the function and power of our immune system. Meditation is the best tool to manage stress and therefore creates a positive mental environment for the immune system to thrive.

Meditation has been shown to stimulate immune system brain-function regions and boost the T Cells and Antibodies (our immune soldiers).

Twice daily meditation is your best support for optional immune function.

HOME REMEDIES

Pomegranate Peel home remedy:

Pomegranate peel is for controlling any viral infection and to strengthen immunity for prevention. Being an antipyretic, it is used to reduce fevers and build strength in those with infections.

This remedy is recommended by my Ayurvedic Teacher, Dr Smita Naram, to protect the body and strengthen immunity to prevent infection. She recommended this with the SARS outbreak and has highly recommended it now for management and prevention of Corona Virus.

If anyone is travelling in affected areas or has encountered someone with the virus, this is a powerful medicine to boil up and sip throughout the day.

Use the peel from pomegranate fruit.

• Remove the peel from 1 pomegranate and cut into pieces
• Add 2 glasses of water
• Boil until water has reduced to ¼ glass
• Add 1 tsp of turmeric
• Filter and sip slowly throughout the day

Herbal Tea for cough, cold and flu 

If you experience weakened immune function or are susceptible to coughs, cold and flu, then drink this brew throughout the day:

Ingredients:

• 10 Basil leaves or Tulsi leaves (Holy basil)
• 1 -2 black peppercorns
• ½ inch piece of cinnamon stick
• 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric or 1 spoon full of turmeric powder
• 1 piece of fresh ginger

Method:

• Crush together
• Add a glass of water
• Simmer on low/mild flame for 5-10 minutes
• Filter
• Add raw honey when warm and sip throughout the day

DIETARY ADVICE:

Follow these tips to manage symptoms, infection and inflammation. Great for strengthening immunity.

• Stay away from all dairy and gluten in the diet if experiencing cough, cold, flu or have weakened immunity. Also, decrease fried food and oily food.
• Choose intelligent, easy-to-digest foods: Intelligent foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes. Eat light, warm vegetable soups that are lightly spiced to clear ama (toxic plaque), rekindle the digestive fire (agni) and bolster immunity (ojas).
• Drink herbal teas like Tulsi and Ginger throughout the day
• Take a diet high in antioxidants – fresh in-season fruit and vegetables, especially berries
• Cook with immune-boosting spices: Turmeric has immune-supporting qualities, Cumin burns ama (toxic plaque) that is a home for virus’. Black pepper clears the channels so the immune cells (Ojas) can reach the deeper tissues.
• Drink lots of warm water and keep hydration up. Don’t let your throat get dry – keep it moist to strengthen the physical defence barrier of immunity

SUPPLEMENTS

Please speak to a qualified health practitioner for specific recommendations based on your induvial presentation.

General herbal and nutrient support for infections and immunity are:

• Guduchi: The best for immunity, fevers and infections
• Andrographis: Boosts immunity quickly. Contains antiviral properties
• Liquorice root: antiviral properties and supports respiratory health
• Medicinal Mushrooms; antiviral and immune boosting properties
• Ashwagandha: boosts immunity, anti-stress herb
• Vitamin C: strengthens immunity
• Tulsi: potent antioxidant and wonderful for respiratory health
• Amla: highest natural source of Vitamin C and helps balance pitta dosha
• Chyavanprash: a classic ayurvedic remedy for building immunity and ojas

Please note, this is a rapidly changing situation. Please go to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus for updates.