Ayurvedic specialist on medicines to help prevent flu, RSV, and Omicron

According to Dr. Archana Sukumaran, a healthy immune system guards against disease-causing substances and reduces the likelihood of having severe symptoms in the event of an infection.
Winter is the season of steaming hot tea and coffee and being wrapped up in your covers, but it is also the season of cold, cough, and fever, which threaten to mar the delight of the cold months. A strong immune system may keep you healthy and reduce your chances of contracting seasonal flu, RSV, and novel strains of Covid and Omicron. All of these viral and respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, with most individuals experiencing fever, cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and sneezing. In reality, flu, RSV, and Covid are all increasing hospitalisation rates, particularly among youngsters in the United States and elsewhere.
To cope with seasonal changes, Ayurveda suggests various herbs, meals, and other advice based on the Ritucharya. The winter season is split into two periods based on the severity of the cold, according to traditional therapeutic practise. The first half is known as Hemanta, with a gentler chill, while the other half is known as Sisira, with a stronger chill.
“Winters, as we all know, are a little sluggish. With this same lethargy, this sensation tends to aggravate the dosha in the body, the Kapha. Winter is traditionally thought to be the Kapha season. When it is stabilized, it provides strength to the body; on the other hand, it causes all of the winter blues in the form of colds, flu, muscle stiffness, and so on “according to Dr.
Some scholars feel that the Vata dosha is also on the rise as a result of the increased coldness and dryness in the environment. Winter, according to Ayurveda, is also the season that offers the body the most strength,” Dr Archana says.
Immune-boosting herbs and treatments
According to Dr. Archana, the body’s endurance varies as the conditions change, and a robust immune system guards against disease-causing substances and reduces the likelihood of having severe symptoms in the event of an infection.
“Each season necessitates a unique routine and diet to deal with the outer environment and temperature,” say Ayurvedic specialists.
She also recommends a few herbs that may be easily introduced into your diet to improve your immune system.
Shundi (Zingiber officinale): Dry ginger, the faithful companion of all great Indian dishes, is the best herb for immunity. It has the potential to normalise the digestive fire and reduce the accumulation of Ama, a byproduct of improper digestion that is a key factor in the development of flu-like symptoms. This Gastrointestinal stimulant has a strong immunomodulatory effect, which aids in tissue protection.
Amla (Emblica Officinalis): The sour deliciousness of Indian gooseberry is well known throughout. This small fruit has a plethora of health advantages.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): The aromatic deliciousness of Indian basil is not only a required component of religious rites, but also an essential aspect in our homes that may boost immunity responses to their peak. Although it raises pitta content somewhat, it normalises the function of both Vata and Kapha entities. It possesses antibacterial properties that aid in the protection of the body, particularly the respiratory system, against pathogenic interventions.
Haridra (Curcuma longa): A staple in every Indian household, turmeric is a must-have immune booster. It contains Usha Virya (Hot potency) and Krimighna (Antimicrobial). It is a natural detoxifying agent that aids in the improvement of immunity. It alleviates despair, anxiety, and other cognitive dysfunctions while also improving mental wellness.
Other Ayurvedic Flu Season Recipes
Practicing nasya with Anu thailam, a unique blend of 30 balancing ingredients including leptadenia or jivanti, liquorice or yashtimadhu, fragrant swamp mallow or hrivera, Indian bael or Bilva, and other herbs processed in goat’s milk and sesame oil, aids in clearing the accumulated doshas from the nasal passage and helps you breathe better.
In the winter, another popular Ayurvedic medicine, Karpooradi Thailam, a warming chest massage oil, relaxes and clears congestion. Simply massage the oil over your chest and breathe in the steam to experience undisturbed breathing.
Along with them, good eating habits and a seasonal changing routine are required to “tune the body with the symphony of nature,” according to Dr. Archana.