Adopt Social Distancing and Boost Your Immunity with Natural Herbs in This Period of Corona Menace

Today when the entire world is fighting the dreaded novel corona disease, my objective in this article is to share my knowledge about strengthening our immunity toward viral attacks by adopting natural herbs. I do not make any claim whether these herbs will be effective against the novel coronavirus, but these herbs, if taken regularly, enhance our immunity against various viral diseases.

The dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 that is spread by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has brought the 7 billion population across the globe to its knees. In other words, a single virus has led to a huge pandemic across the globe, disrupting the economy of several countries.

The spike-like structure at the outer side of the virus gives it the appearance of a crown and hence the name 'coronavirus' (Latin name for crown). Generally, this virus is found in animals, but it may spread to people through animals when they come in contact. Thereafter, it transmits from humans to humans causing various respiratory diseases.

However, few coronaviruses that infect animals can sometimes evolve and spread to people. They further develop into a new human coronavirus, causing severe respiratory diseases, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is another severe respiratory disease and the medical fraternities across the globe are still trying hard to come up with a remedy to this disease.

COVID-19 generally transmits from an infected person to other people through droplets caused by coughing or sneezing when these droplets are breathed in by them. In addition, when a person touches an infected person or objects touched by them, the viruses may pass over to them. When the person touches his face, the viruses enter his body through the nose, ears or eyes.

To avoid contamination from a sick person, it is necessary that we keep a distance of at least 1 meter, clean our hands regularly and cover our mouth with a flexed elbow while sneezing.

1. In the 1st stage, the disease enters a country of non-origin of coronavirus through an infected person traveling from the country which is the source of infection.
2. In the 2nd stage, the infection spreads locally from the infected person to people close to him who could be his relative or friend. Up to these two stages, the spreading of infection could be controlled, as both the source of infection and infected people could be traced.
3. However, in the 3rd stage, the contamination may spread from an infected person to people unknown to him through direct or indirect contact. Here, the contamination spreads exponentially at a rapid speed and is very difficult to contain.
4. In the 4th stage, there is widespread contamination and the disease emerges time and again. The Indian government has declared a lockdown of 21 days, while the prime minister himself made a personal appeal to the nation. This is a testing period for the nation and its citizens to uphold their social responsibility so that the virus could be stopped in the second stage of transmission itself.

For boosting immunity, some natural herbs, such as Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi or Giloy), Ocimum sanctum (holy basil or Tulsi), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), and Asphaltum punjabianum (Shilajit), could be immensely helpful.

Tinospora cordifolia also called Amritavalli in Sanskrit is considered to be very effective in enhancing immunity and longevity. Boil Tinospora cordifolia leaves with Ocimum sanctum leaves in water and mix a pinch of turmeric and black pepper powder, and take it regularly.

Withania somnifera has anti-viral properties and could be taken with a glass of lukewarm milk on a regular basis. Regular intake of hot liquids, such as ginger tea, could help in decongestion of mucus in the nasal passages and lungs.

Similarly, Emblica Officinalis (Gooseberry) contains an ample amount of Vitamin C and is highly anti-viral in nature. Regular intake of gooseberry enhances immunity and improves metabolism.

Asphaltum punjabianum (mineral pitch or shilajit), which is a tar-like extract found in the Himalayan rocks, is another boon of nature to humanity with very strong anti-viral properties that strengthen the immunity system to fight against viral diseases. Its 100 mg powder could be taken with a glass of milk on a regular basis.

Regular intake of turmeric with a glass of hot milk twice a day helps in enhancing immunity against infections and diseases.

To block the entry of viruses through the nasal passage, 2--3 drops of mustard oil or sesame oil should be applied inside the nostrils. Mustard oil contains Allyl isothiocyanate that has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It helps to build a protective layer on the inner mucus membrane and prevents bacteria or viruses to enter inside the body, thus reducing the chance of infection through the nose.

These are difficult times for people who tend to socialize a lot, including old-age people and children. Especially, it is very difficult to contain the children inside their homes under restrictions of not letting them out to play. Children may feel stressed at times and might feel like prisoners at home. In such cases, it is very important for the parents to understand their concerns and make them understand by explaining to them about the disease, the way it spreads and the measures required for avoiding its infection. We need to tackle them with love and patience, giving them ample time and attention. It is better to play indoor games with them, including Chess, Ludo or any other game they like and keep them engaged in some or other activities. Foreseeing the danger of wide-scale contamination due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government closed down the schools before the scheduled plan. The lockdown period could be utilized to schedule a regular routine for them to follow, incorporating yoga, school/learning worksheet exercises, games, TV, and stories while relaxing in the bed. The best remedy is to prevent the virus from spreading further, and for this, we must support our government in its effort to tackle COVID-19. The best way we can contribute to the nation and humanity in this time of medical emergency is by staying home during the lockdown period.