Ayurvedic tips and remedies to help you recover from COVID-19
NEWSLETTER
With the recent surge in COVID cases here in the Bay Area, I thought it would be helpful to share a simple Ayurvedic protocol for those with mild symptoms and in home quarantine.
While medical supervision is necessary, even a few diet changes and herbal remedies can help you recover and strengthen your immune system.
Eat light, easy to digest yet nourishing meals
Nourishment is essential when fighting a virus. However, this can be tricky because the digestive fire dwindles when one is sick causing a loss in appetite.
Go easy on your digestive system, so that your body can conserve its energy for fighting the infection versus trying to digest a heavy meal. Here are a few examples:
Breakfast: simple oatmeal (without any heavy fixings), khichdi.
Lunch: khichdi, vegetable stew or soups, lentil soup, chicken congee.
Dinner: vegetable/chicken broth or puréed vegetable soups (ex. Moroccan carrot soup).
When unwell, it is important that our system is able to flush out toxins easily which is why light, warm and soupy meals are ideal. Gradually start eating regular meals as you regain your appetite.
Home remedies for COVID-19 symptoms:
Stuffy nose/ congestion
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Steam inhalation or diffusing eucalyptus, peppermint or frankincense essential oils can help open up the respiratory system.
Cough /Sore throat
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Gargle with ½ a cup of warm water mixed with ½ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder.
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½ teaspoon of sitopaladi powder twice a day.
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½ a cup of Kashayam twice a day. (Recipe below.)
Headache
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Peppermint tea
Loss of appetite
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Ginger tea
Recovering from COVID
By now we know that some people who had COVID can also experience long-term effects such as - fatigue, shortness of breath, digestive issues and change in smell and taste. Pay attention to any symptoms that may not have existed previously so that they can be addressed immediately.
While one may be eager to get back to normal life, it is important to make an effort to regain strength, boost the immune system and especially support lung health.
If needed, continue to eat light meals until your appetite is back.
Morning snack to build strength and nourish the blood:
1 date, handful of raisins, 4 peeled almonds (all soaked overnight).
Begin your day with at least 10 minutes of morning sunlight and fresh air.
Get some gentle movement & boost lung health with these simple yoga exercises and pranayama (breathing techniques).
If you previously missed it, be sure to check out my:
✨ Immunity Boosting guide✨
🎯 Quote of the week
Sitting and scrolling are the new-age poison
— Dr. Vignesh Devraj
Current sedentary lifestyle is bringing on more cases of constipation, women’s health issues and other chronic conditions. When you find yourself scrolling for too long - get up and get some movement! 😉
🌿 Remedy of the week - Kashayam
Kashayam is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction prepared by boiling a combination of spices and herbs - a process that extracts their medicinal benefits. The properties of the ingredients in this remedy aid in fortifying your body and overcoming illness. This age-old herbal tonic can be benefitted by all ages.
Ingredients:
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Water - 2 cups
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Cardamom pods - 2 pods
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Black peppercorns - 5 to 6 (or 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder)
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Cloves - 3 to 4
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Tulsi tea leaves – 1/2 teaspoon (or 1 tulsi tea bag)
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Fresh ginger – 1/2 inch amount (crushed or sliced)
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Cinnamon - 1/2 inch piece
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Raw organic honey - 1/4 teaspoon
Preparation:
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Heat a small pot on low heat and add the cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, and cinnamon. Dry roast the spices for 30 seconds.
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Add 2 cups of water to the pot, add the tulsi tea leaves and ginger. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the amount of water has reduced to half.
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Turn the heat off and let the tea cool off.
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When warm, strain the tea and pour into a cup.
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Add ¼ teaspoon of raw organic honey
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Ready for you to sip!
Tips: You can reduce the amount of black pepper and ginger to your taste or especially if you are preparing this remedy for a child.