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Abstract

The whole world is facing an unprecedented pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). No system of medicine has any evidence-based treatment for COVID-19 as yet but interventions are being done worldwide.

In Ayurveda, there is an elaborate description of causation and management of epidemics (Janapadodhwamsa).

It is a fact that Ayurveda has enough possibilities and potential for the prevention as well as for the treatment. People infected with COVID-19 pandemic may or may not have the symptoms.

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Patients can be segregated into four distinct groups:

1. Unexposed asymptomatic group: It comprises the people who are without any apparent symptoms but they are at the risk due to contact history.

• Ayurveda categories this stage as the initial sanchaya-prakopa-prasara stage.

• These people need to be quarantined carefully.

2. Exposed asymptomatic or quarantined- These people are asymptomatic but they test positive for the virus.

• In order to prevent the progression in its initial sanchaya-prakopa-prasara stage, Ayurvedic herbs prove to be quite effective.

3. Patients having mild symptoms—This group involves patients who are tested positive and are experiencing mild URTI symptoms.

• These patients need to be carefully isolated and progress of the disease should be monitored.

• Treatment should be given to balance the vitiated doshas to control the progression.

4. Those having moderate to COVID-19 symptoms—This category comprises high group patients and requires tertiary care from the onset of the disease.

• In addition to tertiary care, Ayurvedic medicines can also be co-prescribed.

Top 5 Herbs to boost immunity and boost COVID-19 are:

Immunity boosting herbs play a vital role for the control of this pandemic as enhancing the body’s natural defense system plays an important role in maintaining optimum health.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi is an aromatic herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family.

• The leaves of tulsi boost the immune system, enhancing the immune system.

• This herb has multiple therapeutic actions such as immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory etc.

• It is known to cure fever and help to treat respiratory disorders as it contains a lot of micro nutrients as well.

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Giloy is a large, climbing shrub belonging to the Menispermaceae family.

• In Ayurveda, it is used as a Rasayana to improve the immune system of the body and resistance of the body against infections.

• It is used in the treatment of respiratory disorders such as kasa (cough), swasa (asthma), chronic cough, nasal discharge etc.

• Due to its immuno-modulatory properties, antipyretic action and action on respiratory system, giloy can be used as an immune boosting herb in COVID-19.

.Haldi (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant belonging to ginger family Zingiberaceae.

• This herb is a powerful immunity booster and has anti-inflammatory properties that help in fighting COVID-19.

• The immunity booster as well as anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are due to the presence of polyphenol curcumin.

• These properties are useful in treating respiratory tract viruses which cause flu, helps in removing sputum and relieves cough.

• Curcumin is highly rich in antioxidants which help in increasing immunity.

. Amalki (Emblica officinalis): In Ayurveda, amla is a very popular herb.

• Amla can effectively help in boosting immunity in COVID-19 as it is the world’s richest source of Vitamin C.

• Vitamin C stimulates the production of antibodies which increases WBC count in the body.

• Amalki is used in the preparation of the very famous Rasayana 'Chyawanprash’. Chyawanprash is used as a health supplement and as a medicine for enhancing immunity and longevity.

• Intake of amla strengthens the trachea-bronchial organs and hence improves the immunity and functioning of the immune system.

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is a member of the Meliaceae family and is found in abundance in India. It is widely used in Ayurvedic practice due to its antioxidant, blood purification, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal properties.

• This herb is useful in boosting immunity as it supports the innate immune system ability to self-regulate in times of defense.

• The cooling property of neem calms the Pitta dosha in the body, thus acting as an anti-inflammatory when the body has too much heat.

So, include these herbs in your daily routine as it has become necessary to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection.

|Nature Creates, Nature Heals|