During this pandemic, people have been keeping busy trying different methods to stay fit and keep their immunity strong. From starting a new exercise routine to changing their dietary habits, this new phase of staying fit and keeping the perils of the coronavirus away is surely gaining popularity. Even the older generation is marching ahead of the younger generation in this race of keeping up with their physical and mental wellbeing. Speaking of tools to keep us physically and mentally healthy, a lot of people have recently gravitated to yoga. The immense health benefits of yoga are not something new and we all know how well it can be transformative in shaping the immune system and balancing the Tridoshas. If practised properly, yoga can recharge your body, help you get rid of toxins and negative energy, and keep your vital organs functioning well. It can help you build resilience both inside and out. Along with the different asanas that help in shaping our health, there’s also a plethora of ayurvedic herbs that are not just limited to stress relief and mental wellness, but also in treating the symptoms of coronavirus.

How Yoga and Ayurvedic Herbs can help you Effectively Fight COVID-19
Incorporating yoga in your daily life can be a useful way to help fight coronavirus. According to the Harvard Medical School, yoga has been recommended at the state level, along with meditation and controlled breathing to take care of anxiety issues and build immunity during this pandemic. (source)

During this time of isolation and lockdown, yoga can be an effective tool in not just maintaining our physical wellbeing, but our mental health too. The rise in popularity of yoga can be easily seen with the growing number of people opting for online yoga and meditation classes, which clearly shows the importance of yoga. Certain yoga positions are known to improve your body’s balance and boost the immune system. Yoga asanas are also beneficial in fighting stress which is the main factor behind many bodily disorders. These asanas, if performed regularly, help in reducing stress and the subsequent inflammation and degeneration of cells.

Let's learn more about some of the asanas that are beneficial during the time of COVID-19
Pranayama - As the name suggests, this asana benefits the entire system by improving 'Prana' or the life force in our body. Prana is helpful in tackling many diseases and even preventing them. Pranayama when combined with healthy eating habits like consuming healthy food & fresh fruits, and taking proper rest, helps immensely in improving your Prana. It increases the level of oxygen in the body, thereby increasing its immunity against diseases. It also helps in weight loss and recharges your body and mind within minutes.

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga - It is the best yoga asana that can help you increase your immunity. Highly effective for fighting the pandemic of coronavirus and reducing anxiety and stress issues. It is a comprehensive technique and amalgamates features of pranayama and general meditation that works on every level of your body. It helps in improving the immune system, which is the most important requirement at this time. It is a simple 20 minutes exercise that improves your breathing technique and fosters better immunity in a matter of a few weeks.

A few asanas like Dhanurasana, Setu Bandhasana, Natarajasana and Chakrasana are helpful in not just improving your body's fitness, but also your flexibility. Regular practice of these asanas allows easier movement of blood and oxygen and thus, cuts fat and works toward building up a better wall of immunity.

Building Immunity with Ayurvedic Herbs
Many believe that nature has the remedy to this man-made virus. Just like the right diet proves more beneficial than spending hours at the gym, it is natural herbs and their medicinal properties that work in building better immunity. Apart from the asanas that you practise, try including herbs and plants in your diet that have the power to boost your immunity naturally.

Here are some of the herbs and plants that can help you enhance your immune system and prevent the onset of the virus. They also help in many other seasonal diseases that may occur due to a change in the weather.

Giloy - Also known as Amrutha or Guduchi, Giloy is a potent immunity booster. Giloy is a powerful herb that boosts immunity by flushing out toxins, bringing down any kind of fever or inflammation and reducing respiratory problems.

Amla - Popularly known as the Indian Gooseberry, it is quite regularly used in Indian households in the form of juice, pickle or chutney. Amla is full of antioxidants and a rich source of Vitamin C, which is very important for boosting immunity.

Tulsi - Also known as basil, this ayurvedic herb is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and is very effective in treating respiratory diseases such as cough, cold and dyspnea. Tulsi leaves can also be consumed directly or in the form of herbal tea.

Turmeric - Haldi or Turmeric is a common ingredient in every Indian kitchen and is part of most home-cooked meals. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and has the potential to prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart diseases. But the best thing about turmeric is that it gives a massive boost to your immune system. Turmeric can be used in a variety of ways - from mixing its powdered form into warm milk or using it in cooked food.

Kali Mirch - Kali Mirch or Black pepper is another Indian household spice which not only enhances the taste of the food but it works wonders for your health too. It boosts immunity, prevents the body from contracting any seasonal disease like cold and cough. And, even in the case of coronavirus, regular intake of Kali Mirch through cooked food is very helpful.

Here Are Some of our Ayurvedic Medicines and Herbs That Help in Boosting Your Immune System
Panchagavya - Another beneficial herb for boosting immunity is Panchagavya. It increases the flow of energy in the body, thereby preventing the disease in the first place.
One of the best ways to shield yourself against any viral infection and other diseases is to protect yourself from within by eating the right kind of food according to your Prakriti. The use of ayurvedic herbs and spices in your food is clearly the easiest way to get the most benefits of natural elements. With regular use, you'll notice a consistent improvement in your health and feel better and livelier.

Going with the growing popularity of yoga and its benefits, and the awareness and use of ayurvedic herbs and spices in everyday life can be overwhelming for some. For them, the guidelines on the best health practices during COVID-19 by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) can be followed. The guidelines basically shed light on some of the simplest and easiest health measures that may have the most positive impact on your wellbeing. These include -
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Daily practise of yoga asanas like Pranayama for at least 20 minutes a day.
- Inclusion of spices like Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Garlic etc. while preparing home-made meals.
- Having herbal teas and infusions once or twice a day.
- Avoiding or reducing sugar intake and replacing it with jaggery.
- Regular intake of 'Golden Milk', i.e. Haldi with warm milk.

Home remedies for treating cough and cold like steam inhalation and oil pulling therapy

The measures included in these guidelines can be followed by anyone with ease and are highly effective in protecting yourself and your loved ones against coronavirus. To read the entire set of guidelines, click here

It is important to understand that there is no cure for coronavirus until now, and it is only through effective measures like these and by keeping a holistic approach towards health and general safety that we will be able to keep our bodies from getting affected by coronavirus.