LA YOGA's Ayurveda & Health

October 2

It may be easy to succumb to the fear and frenzy around flu season and to wonder whether or not to get a vaccine, but there are some simple things you can do to stay healthy. Ayurvedic practitioner Alakananda Devi offers some suggestions.

Do

Wash your hands frequently. Ideally, use neem soap and hot water.
Reduce the level of toxins in your body.
At the first sign of flu, stay home, fast, drink plenty and consult a doctor.
Have a supply of antiseptic substances to sanitize your home and office (these include peroxide and tea tree oil).
Sanitize telephones and keyboards. Viruses can survive for a long while outside the body.
Have a supply of facial tissues and foot pedal-operated trash bins for their disposal.
If you feel sick, drink turmeric and tulsi tea.
If you feel sick take zinc lozenges.
Get myrrh or boswellia to burn for fumigating your home.
Fumigate your home daily.
Practice agnihotra (specific type of fire ceremony) to help purify your home.
Use your own pen. Some folks chew pens or may not have washed their hands before use.

Don't

Directly touch door handles in public bathrooms. Use a paper towel.
Go near people who are coughing or sneezing.
Go out and about if you are coughing and sneezing.
Eat junk food or white sugar-it will predispose you to get sick.
Use telephones used by others, unless you sanitize the mouthpiece and wash your hands after use.
Use pens used by others (e.g. at the bank or grocery store).

Alakananda Devi is the principal teacher of the Alandi Ayurvedic Gurukula, offering in-depth instruction in Ayurveda. Alandi Ayurvedic Gurukula