Sunday, March 08, 2020

Don’t listen to these crackpot coronavirus myths

The deadly coronavirus may have come from animals, but many of its purported remedies are from total quacks.

This week, the World Health Organization admitted it underestimated the virus’ death toll, which has climbed to over 3,100 since the first case was reported in December. And the fact that public health officials can’t seem to deliver accurate details has driven people to seek answers through more dubious sources, including religious leaders, conspiracy theorists and, of course, random people on social media.

The keys to halting the spread of coronavirus are good hygiene and preventative habits. Given what we do (and don’t) know about the infection, its best advice is similar to what it’s recommended during flu season: to wash hands several times daily, avoid touching the mouth and face and limit contact with sick individuals.

Garlic water, peppercorns or sesame oil

Garlic is delicious, but it’s not a coronavirus drug or vaccine.
Some proponents of traditional medicine have recommended a few strange (and arguably delicious) tools to combat COVID-19, including a sesame oil scrub or drinking water boiled with garlic., the South China Morning Post reported, as well as peppercorns — exactly seven under the tongue. It’s true that all three contain anti-oxidants, which indeed give the immune system a boost.

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from 2019-nCoV
Sesame oil is delicious but it does not kill 2019-nCoV,

If your gut is healthy, you don’t have to worry about the corona

It’s true that some 80 per cent of all antibody-producing immune cells are situated in your gut but it’s not the whole story. Since there is no vaccine for coronavirus, the best way to prevent transmission is to be vigilant about personal hygiene. And, as we already know, even seemingly healthy individuals could become ill and die from the mysterious virus.

Vitamin megadoses

Although there is a China-based clinical trial in the works to test the antiviral impact of vitamin C,  gobbling vitamin supplements won’t be the key to keeping coronavirus at bay.

Yoga

Considered a fundamental of Ayurvedic medicine, yoga is certainly good for the body. But there’s nothing out there to prove that deep breathing or the sun salutation pose will protect you from coronavirus.

Read more about Fundamentals of Ayurveda.

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