Ayurveda products keenly sought to guard against virus

As the number of COVID-19 cases rise, people are turning to ayurvedic treatments to boost their immunity system, with attention focusing on preventive measures until a cure is found.

Ayurveda product shops are reporting a jump in sales since coronavirus came to light. The owner of one shop, Udaya Karunaratne, said customers were enthusiastically buying coriander seeds, weniwel geta (Coscinium fenestratum) and perumkayam (Asafoetida).

As people rush to keep themselves protected, ayurveda experts say medicinal herbs such as weniwel geta, coriander seeds and heen bin kohomba (Andrographis paniculata) are helpful in strengthening the immune system, which will help fight the deadly virus.

“The holistic approach of ayurvedic treatments aid the focus on prevention,” ayurvedic physician P.C.K. Tharangani said.

“Ayurveda treatments emphasise the avoidance of causative factors and enhancing the immunity against a host of infections.”

She said since ancient times, plants and plant products such as ginger, coriander seeds and heen bin kohomba (Andrographis paniculata) have been known to improve immunity.

Herbs such as weniwel geta could be used in the frequent handwashing advised at this time, Ms. Tharangani said, adding, “These products are not proven to cure an infection from the virus but can, at best, improve immunity.

“Amu kaha (Curcuma longa) is used as a natural defence mechanism against disease and infection. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent that can be used as an effective disinfectant.” Wadakaha (Acorus calamus) and perumkayam (Asafoetida), normally used as a digestive aid in food, could also be used for disinfection purposes.

The volatile oil in asafoetida gum is eliminated through the lungs, making this an excellent treatment for asthma, Ms. Tharangani said.

“Our lungs play an important role in keeping us healthy and well. It also lowers blood pressure. It is widely used by Tamils in food and medicine. We don’t like the taste of it but it’s very healthy,” she said.

She advised against eating food that is difficult to digest, saying it was best to reduce consumption of prawns, cuttlefish and yellowfin tuna.

Healthy lungs are a must in preventing coronavirus from setting in, the ayurvedic physician said.

“Coronavirus primarily affects the lungs and the respiratory system. Do lung exercises often. This will keep your lungs healthy and give your body the oxygen it needs. Anapana sati, the meditation on in-and-out breathing, is suitable. Pranayama, deep breathing, will also increase immunity and work to protect you from the virus,” Ms. Tharangani said.

Dr. Anusha Wickramarachchi of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute said her school manufactures products that would help guard against coronavirus. They include handwash and facewash made from red sandalwood to prevent infection, and cosmetics made of turmeric and kohomba to protect skin.

Sri Lankans now take Ayurveda seriously, seeing its benefits in achieving a healthier lifestyle, Susani Thamel, an ayurvedic doctor from Wennapuwa, said.

“People are shifting towards organic and ayurvedic help as a precautionary measure. We recommend ayurvedic herbs to boost immunity,” she said.

Maduruthala (Ocimum basilicum L.), fresh kohomba leaves and cinnamon root are used for disinfection. “Making a smoke out of the kohomba leaves can disinfect houses,” she added.

Weniwel geta root was used as an anti-microbial tonic that was also good for preventing diabetes. “It is used for curing diseases and greatly increases immunity in one’s body,” she said.

“In ayurveda, good digestion or strong digestive fire plays a very important role in fighting diseases. Drinking ginger tea, mint tea, cinnamon tea, and fennel tea is also good,’ she suggested.

Dr. Aruni Champika, Director of the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Hospital in Mount Lavinia, advised washing hands with herbal soaps made of wadakaha (Acorus calamus), weniwel geta (Coscinium fenestratum) and arooda.

Amu kaha (Curcuma longa) is used as a natural defence mechanism against disease and infection. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent that can be used as an effective disinfectant