In these trying times of coronavirus pandemic, strengthening your natural defence assumes much significance. Many Ayurvedic texts written centuries ago refer the immune building process as not only part of the therapy but also having a meaningful impact on disease prevention. That is why many of its treatments are geared towards stimulating the immune system.

Shahnaz Husain, who received international acclaim for pioneering the Herbal Beauty Care movement, discusses strategies, medications and simple lifestyle changes that will make a truly significant and measurable difference towards building a good immunity.

What we need to do is to return to a holistic way of life, which takes the whole being - body, mind and soul into consideration, rather than individual parts of the body. It includes good physical health, mental health and even spiritual health. A holistic lifestyle aims at total well-being that lasts a lifetime.

Pay attention to cleansing and daily hygiene. Failure to do so will undermine the health in a number of ways. The skin is influenced by many external factors like dirt, chemical pollutants, bacteria and virus.  By daily washing, bathing and cleaning, we can remove impurities and keep ourselves free of infections. A daily bath, or shower, is a must, especially on returning home. During ancient times, infusions were used to wash the body. These can be made by soaking neem leaves in hot water and letting it stand overnight. Use the water to bathe the next morning. It prevents infections and soothes rashy conditions.

Stress relief is also needed during these times of the pandemic. Extracts and oils of rose, sandalwood, lavender, orange flower(neroli), brahmi, etc., are all used in Ayurveda for stress-relieving benefits. Apart from dispersing or diffusing aromas, you can leave “pot pourri” around the house. A few drops of essential oil can help relax ation of both body and mind. For example, lavender is said to induce relaxation, while jasmine heightens the senses and elevates the mood. Rose calms and refreshes the mind, while Cinnamon is said to relieve fatigue.

Some form of daily exercise is also necessary for good health of body and mind.  Exercise, together with a balanced diet, can work wonders. It builds up stamina and strength, besides improving blood circulation to the skin and scalp. Every tissue of the body needs oxygen, so begin your exercises by doing deep breathing in front of an open window.  You should check with your doctor before beginning a regular exercise routine. Research has shown that exercise also helps in removing stress.

A positive mental attitude is so vital, because mind and body are closely related. All of us encounter a certain amount of stress and anxiety in our daily life. It is a matter of learning how to cope with it. We have to train our minds towards positive thinking.  A holistic way of life and attention to these common factors can help revitalize the body, relax the mind and recharge the soul. It provides another lease of vitality to meet new challenges.

Nature has actually provided us with means to build up immunity and maintain good health. The fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that aid in immunity building, especially against colds, coughs and respiratory ailments.  Avoid processed, refined and packaged foods. Cooking, processing and refining destroy more than half the necessary nutrients and remove fibre, which is so necessary for the proper elimination of wastes.

In Ayurveda, ginger is known as “the universal remedy” because of its many health benefits. Ginger tea can be taken to cure heal cough and cold. You can also add other spices to tea like cardamon, cinnamon and pepper which will help in building up immunity and prevent viral ailments.

Similarly, ‘Amla is a good source of Vitamin C and is not destroyed by heat. Add the juice of one amla to a glass of warm water and have it the first thing in the morning. Nuts and dry fruits also strengthen immunity. So do peas. They provide the proteins, vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids to maintain strength. Chyawanprash’ and ‘Trifala’ are also said to strengthen our immune system.