Immune To Corona!

An ancient herb is staging a comeback for its properties to boost immunity

- Sangeeta Khanna

The Covid-19 outbreak has disrupted life all over the world. There is a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about everything. Most people are looking for immunity-boosting foods. The price of Chyawanprash has skyrocketed. While there is an environment of fear and distrust, people are still searching for foods and herbs that can boost immunity. Several herbal teas and decoctions are being unearthed from the treasure chests of Ayurveda and Siddha forms of medicine, as there is no study about the specific immunity against the novel virus. Cure is a far-fetched idea because the exact impact of the virus on human physiology is still a puzzle.

Yet it is vital to improve our generic or the broad spectrum immunity in these times so that our body is equipped to deal with this new infection. Fear psychosis and stress also compromise immunity, and therefore, the new course of immunity-boosting should be a holistic approach. Ethnic medicine offers some hope.

AKARKARA BY CHANCE

When I needed vegetables recently, I walked to the neighbourhood vendors expecting some fresh vegetables and fruits of the season, least expecting I would find something much more exciting. There was a large bunch of yellow flowers scattered on the sidewalk with dark green leaves and brown stems creeping close to the ground. I recognised the plant as