14 Biodiversity Conservation: An Imperial Need …
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14.5 Ayurveda—Aid in the Prophylaxis of Pandemics
As mentioned in the previous section, Ayurveda plays a pivotal role in developing a
strong immune system in a host and can also control the progression of infection at
a primary stage. It works on the principle of Chakra Samhita which aims at bringing
stability and refining the immune system. Similar to the principle and concept of
clinical immunology, Ayurveda functions as both innate and acquired immunity
which includes mutualistic and separate interaction of personal and environmental
factors. To combat respiratory problems, local and systemic strategies have been
advised for its management. Coronavirus manages its invasion into the host through
droplets via eyes, mouth, and nasal cavity. The local strategy involves the prevention
of virus transmission to the lungs by improving immune response through steam
inhalation, repeated gargles, and consuming hot food and water. Herbal concoction
of water is an old practice of consuming warm water and food to relieve pain in
the throat and is used as homeopathy for many diseases. Ayurveda helps to improve
digestive problems which are the major promoters of infections. The herbal concoction of water is prepared by adding spices, like ginger, khus, fennel, coriander, and
cinnamon in water, and then boiling it. This is a popular remedy in most parts of
India which is usually used to treat problems related to digestion, allergy, and inflammation [27]. Cleansing the oral cavity and throat using warm water and oil induces a
systemic effect and creates a barrier on the mucosal lining to prevent any oxidating
or microbial activity. Medicated solutions are prepared by using herbal extracts or
regular iodized salt for gargling and cleaning mouth. Several herbs that are reported
to have been used are turmeric, licorice, neem, and catechu bark. A reported active
constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhizin is more functional in inducing antagonistic behavior than other antivirals, preventing replication of SARS virus. Randomized controlled trials have reported that cleaning nasal cavity with salt water helps in
eliminating any upper respiratory infection but, there is no strong ground to hold this
evidence [28]. This practice has been traditionally used to relieve nasal congestion,
sinusitis, and bronchoconstriction through improved nasal cleansing and entangling
nasal mucus constriction. There is evidence of using medicated oils prepared from
animal fat and butter to limit pathogen invasion in the host via nasal passage. Oiling
nasal passage performs a similar function to what is performed through mouth rinsing
and hence it is advised to be used for preventing infection via SARS-Cov2. The study
of Ayurveda supports the importance of a healthy body that is achieved through
non-pharmacological approaches. A healthy lifestyle which includes regular sleep
patterns, a balanced diet, mental relaxation through yoga, and exercises play a pivotal
role in optimum health. Studies suggest that pre-existing mental illness like anxiety
and depression leads to respiratory illness. In the current scenario of COVID-19, the
lockdown has immensely resulted in the rise of anxiety and depression cases, merely
because they are living aloof. Yoga postures and techniques like pranayama and
meditation have proved to improve lung functioning and mental well-being, respectively. A healthy diet mainly includes consuming shorba (soup) cooked or steamed
vegetables which includes vegetables like radish, Trigonella leaves, and drum sticks.
335
14.5 Ayurveda—Aid in the Prophylaxis of Pandemics
As mentioned in the previous section, Ayurveda plays a pivotal role in developing a
strong immune system in a host and can also control the progression of infection at
a primary stage. It works on the principle of Chakra Samhita which aims at bringing
stability and refining the immune system. Similar to the principle and concept of
clinical immunology, Ayurveda functions as both innate and acquired immunity
which includes mutualistic and separate interaction of personal and environmental
factors. To combat respiratory problems, local and systemic strategies have been
advised for its management. Coronavirus manages its invasion into the host through
droplets via eyes, mouth, and nasal cavity. The local strategy involves the prevention
of virus transmission to the lungs by improving immune response through steam
inhalation, repeated gargles, and consuming hot food and water. Herbal concoction
of water is an old practice of consuming warm water and food to relieve pain in
the throat and is used as homeopathy for many diseases. Ayurveda helps to improve
digestive problems which are the major promoters of infections. The herbal concoction of water is prepared by adding spices, like ginger, khus, fennel, coriander, and
cinnamon in water, and then boiling it. This is a popular remedy in most parts of
India which is usually used to treat problems related to digestion, allergy, and inflammation [27]. Cleansing the oral cavity and throat using warm water and oil induces a
systemic effect and creates a barrier on the mucosal lining to prevent any oxidating
or microbial activity. Medicated solutions are prepared by using herbal extracts or
regular iodized salt for gargling and cleaning mouth. Several herbs that are reported
to have been used are turmeric, licorice, neem, and catechu bark. A reported active
constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhizin is more functional in inducing antagonistic behavior than other antivirals, preventing replication of SARS virus. Randomized controlled trials have reported that cleaning nasal cavity with salt water helps in
eliminating any upper respiratory infection but, there is no strong ground to hold this
evidence [28]. This practice has been traditionally used to relieve nasal congestion,
sinusitis, and bronchoconstriction through improved nasal cleansing and entangling
nasal mucus constriction. There is evidence of using medicated oils prepared from
animal fat and butter to limit pathogen invasion in the host via nasal passage. Oiling
nasal passage performs a similar function to what is performed through mouth rinsing
and hence it is advised to be used for preventing infection via SARS-Cov2. The study
of Ayurveda supports the importance of a healthy body that is achieved through
non-pharmacological approaches. A healthy lifestyle which includes regular sleep
patterns, a balanced diet, mental relaxation through yoga, and exercises play a pivotal
role in optimum health. Studies suggest that pre-existing mental illness like anxiety
and depression leads to respiratory illness. In the current scenario of COVID-19, the
lockdown has immensely resulted in the rise of anxiety and depression cases, merely
because they are living aloof. Yoga postures and techniques like pranayama and
meditation have proved to improve lung functioning and mental well-being, respectively. A healthy diet mainly includes consuming shorba (soup) cooked or steamed
vegetables which includes vegetables like radish, Trigonella leaves, and drum sticks.