Written by John Immel, 4 ratings, 37 likes
Customer Reviews5.00 out of 5 starsSign in to review this article "Thank you, John. I've been waiting for this analysis. Your Ayurvedic perspective is one that I trust most and will..." - Vanessa Shellenberger, Watch the Corona Virus VideoThe elderly have coronavirus symptoms but many children do not. How can we use this clue to prevent and help reduce the severity of coronavirus?In this video you will learn how the risk factors and development of COVID-19 can be analyzed for clues. You will learn how these clues indicate the diet, lifestyle, and herbs that might be helpful. After the video see the list of Ayurvedic remedies for COVID-19 below. You may already know someone who has the coronavirus. 20% of those who test positive have severe symptoms. 4.5% of cases are fatal. Here's an analysis of what Ayurveda Health Counselors can do to help. Sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda Disclaimer: Always check with your medical doctor before making any changes to your health & wellness plan. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a replacement for medical care. GET YOUR ASSIGNED SHOPPING DAY WHEN WILL THE INFECTION PEAK? Commonly Reported Symptoms
Development & CourseThe most frequent cause of death due to COVID-19 is a cytokine storm. In a cytokine storm, the immune system overreacts causing hyperinflammation. Normally, immune cells travel to the site of infection. A cytokine storm happens when your immune system becomes overactive at the site of infection, and the system goes out of control. This overreaction is more common in viral infection in the lungs. The effect is akin to a bad allergic reaction. The resulting hyperinflammation causes more damage than the virus itself. It damages your lungs, kidneys and other internal organs. In the worst case scenario, the disease develops in the following manner.
This cytokine storm is the reason for the high fatality rate of coronavirus. Even if fatality rates are only 4%, risk of damage to internal organs is high. Primary symptoms of a cytokine storm include high fever, swelling and redness, extreme fatigue and nausea. Most herbalists are used to treating respiratory illness simply by clearing the lungs or addressing lung health primarily. But in the case of COVID-19, the effects of inflammation should not be ignored. The herbalist must clear the lungs as well as reduce inflammation. This presents a unique challenge to herbalists which we will describe in detail below. Some sources say NSAIDS like aspirin increase fatality rates because they stress the kidney. Acetaminophen is okay. However, reducing a fever depresses the immune system. Heat depresses viral activity so lowering a fever = strengthening the virus. Strategy & Natural RemediesBoth children and elderly have weak immunity. But children are asymptomatic. So weak immunity is not the main factor. The elderly have poor circulation and poor metabolism, but children do not. Pneumonia and diabetes are also associated with poor circulation. So our herbal strategy will first target improved circulation and metabolism. The elderly have obstructed adaptive immunity but children do not.With this in mind, our strategy will target the following areas and topics:
Keep Your Lungs Warm, Dry and Clear!The lungs are submerged. They are a hollow space within a fluid filled body. So the lungs have a tendency to to fill up with fluids. They need to be constantly drained. Strong circulation is the main means of keeping the lungs dry. In people with heart disease or heart weakness, such as the elderly, the lungs may fill up with fluids. Thus the elderly are particularly vulnerable in the lungs. The lungs work well and stay dry when the heart is strong. That's why the heart and the lungs are right next to each otherThe lungs love heat & dryness, abhor dampness and coldness. Keep your lungs healthy with warmth and good circulation. Lungs love dry and warm conditions to function optimally. A 1 degree rise in body temperature increases your heart rate by 10 beats per minute. So heat can help flush out the lungs. Keep your lungs warm by wearing warm sweaters, consuming warm drinks and meals, and indulging in warm baths. Take warm baths in the evening with Epsom salts and warming essential oils like ginger, cardamom, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, cedar, pine, basil and juniper. However, avoid hot baths if signs of inflammation are present. Do not increase heat if the condition is severe. Spice is life! Incorporate cardiac stimulants to keep your circulation flowing, such as ginger, black pepper and cinnamon. Enjoy aromatic and warm teas like, Tulsi, a strong vasodilator that clears the lungs. In general aromatic and pungent spices keep the lungs hot and dry. turmeric invigorates the blood and keeps the circulation flowing. Cardamom, Osha Root and Echinacea are great bronchodilator herbs to open and clear the lungs. Daikon radish is our favorite food for supporting the lungs! Scallions are great vasodilators. Garlic improves circulation, clears the lungs, and is anti-viral. Salt increases water retention, which may increase the chances of pneumonia. Ease off the salt, and instead focus on cleansing diuretics, like parsley, celery and asparagus. Hawthorn berry and Pleurisy root are also great diuretic herbs famous in western herbalism. Diuretics will help assist your body in keeping the lungs dry to reduce the chances of pneumonia. See a list of Lung Tonics Diet to clear the lungs / improve circulation
Herbs to clear the lungs / improve circulation
Lifestyle to clear the lungs / improve circulation
Irrigate the nose and mouth to flush out the virusRegular nasal irrigation can help flush out any harmful viruses or bacteria before they create a problem. COVID-19 incubates for several days in the nasal passage before entering into the lungs. The viral load peaks in the first week of symptoms. During this time and while you have symptoms, keep your respiratory tract clear to flush out the virus:
Reduce toxins & InflammationTo fight coronavirus and reduce your chances of a cytokine storm, you want strong immunity, but not hyperactive immunity. Here are some basic tips: Reduce ToxinsAyurveda says that toxins make your immune system go haywire. So take preventative measures to keep your body clean and toxin free, even before you get the disease. Ensure your immune system is balanced & functioning optimally by reducing toxins.Avoid the sweets or processed foods like after dinner ice cream or frozen pizza. Instead of rich, heavy foods, focus on supporting a healthy digestive system with warm, light and easy to digest foods. If you're farting excessively it means food is rotting your gut. Rotten food increases toxins in your body. It places a big burden on your immune system and increases inflammation. Optimize your digestion by favoriing Reduce Pitta & InflammationAvoid foods that provoke inflammation in your body or make you feel badly. Eat a pitta pacifying diet avoiding chocolate, alcohol, smoking, nightshades, etc.. Instead, favor cooling anti-inflammatories such as cilantro.Eat the rainbow! Colorful fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants, which fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Pomegranates and blueberries are colorful and sour - they can help liquefy and expectorate stuck mucus. Beets are colorful and laxative - helping you clear toxins. Cucumbers reduce inflammation and are a mild diuretic. Cilantro is known to calm down the immune system. Reduce inflammation in the body with anti-inflammatory herbs
Fight infectionBacteria love sugary blood. Lower your chance of secondary bacterial infections by keeping your blood sugar low. Do this by reducing empty carbs like refined flour, sugar and excess dairy. These and other rich foods thicken mucus and blood, making it harder for your body to clear the lungs of fluids. They also sweeten blood, which is very attractive to bacteria. Studies show cinnamon reduces blood sugar. Bitters such as kale, dandelion greens and celery, help clear rich and heavy blood and reduce blood sugar levels.Wuhan hospital in China reported the highest patient survival rate when treated with antibiotics, antivirals, and corticosteroids (to calm down the immune system and inflammation). Natural remedies can aid the fight against infection. Fight infection with antimicrobial and antiviral herbs such as coconut oil, raw garlic, oregano, ginger, kimchi and other fermented foods. Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shitake, maitake, cordyceps and turkey tail are great ways to give your immunity the extra boost and fight off the bad guys.
Example herb FormulaThere is no one size fits all approach to Ayurveda. Individual results may vary. This formula must be modified to the unique situation of the person.
Summary & Main Challenge
And don't forget Grandma's simple old fashioned advice, keep warm and take care of yourself! Keep your body strong using some of the tips above. Disclaimer: Always check with your medical doctor before making any changes to your health & wellness plan. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a replacement for medical care. Sources
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BROWSE SIMILAR ARTICLES BY TOPICLUNG-TONICStrengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.My Saved Articles | Most Popular About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. STUDY AYURVEDA
Questions, Comments & Impressions of 'diet, lifestyle & herbs for coronavirus'?Is there something else you'd like to know about 'diet, lifestyle & herbs for coronavirus'?(5.00 out of 5 stars) 4 ratings, 37 likes Sign in to review this article
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Is recommended pranayama? Dry brushing/abhyanga? Gargle with honey and lemon or salt? I already use Throat coating recipe Thanks so much!
Thank you, John. I've been waiting for this analysis. Your Ayurvedic perspective is one that I trust most and will share with friends and family.
Thanks so much, John. Your video is very helpful! I will share with friends and family. Be well!
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