Ayurvedic Remedies to Prevent Waterborne Illnesses

Water is a necessity, but when it is contaminated, it can be life-threatening. During monsoon season, waterborne illnesses become quite common, especially in areas where drinking water is unsafe or contaminated. This year, we saw erratic rains that not only caused floods but also led to waterlogging in tier-1 cities. Such conditions are the biggest triggers for waterborne illnesses, including typhoid, diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery. If you live in a high-risk area or where the drinking water is compromised, you must take preventive measures to stay safe.

Even though the primary step of prevention is to drink safe and clean water, you can also turn to Ayurveda to strengthen your immunity to ward off potential risks of waterborne illnesses. These time-tested methods combine herbs, spices, and simple daily habits to promote overall health and well-being.

According to the founders of Patanjali, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, “Ayurveda emphasises balance between the body, mind, and environment. Water is not merely a necessity but a medium that can help in balancing the doshas of the body. Drinking impure water can disrupt the balance and make our body prone to infections and illnesses. Therefore, you must take necessary steps to build your body's natural resistance.”

Key Ayurvedic Remedies and Practices

Here are some of the effective ways to prevent waterborne illnesses as per Ayurveda.

Drink only Boiled and/or Herbalised Water

One of the simplest ways is to drink boiled water when you don’t have access to clean water. Boiling destroys most harmful pathogens and makes the water lighter for digestion.

Also Read: Boiled, Filtered, Or Bottled Water, What Is Recommended Safe For Drinking by Doctors

Additionally, you can also have infused water to double up the benefits. For this, you can add tulsi, dhaniya, jeera or ajwain to your boiling water to make it more healthful. These herbs and spices have antimicrobial properties that help in strengthening your digestive system.

Drink Water From Copper Vessels

You must have seen your elders drinking water from copper jugs or glasses. Storing water in a copper vessel overnight is an Ayurvedic practice that is known to boost immunity and prevent digestive troubles. Copper has antimicrobial properties that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. If you consume copper water, you can stay safe from seasonal infections and diseases, including, but not limited to, waterborne diseases.

Take Herbal Immunity Boosters

As per Ayurveda, there are several herbs that can help in reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and boost your immunity. Some of the common herbs include Amla, Tulsi, Giloy, Turmeric and Black Pepper. These help in detoxifying the body, strengthening the immune system, boosting digestion and building resistance to infections.

Also Read: How Many Times a Day Should You Have Kadha for Maximum Health Benefits

For best results, consume one cup of Kadha made from all of the above-mentioned ingredients every day before going to bed.

Triphala for Gut Health

Since waterborne diseases primarily affect the digestive system, it is important that your gut health is strong. Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy made using three herbs- amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. Have a teaspoon of triphala powder with warm water daily at night to build your immune system.

Final Word

Apart from exercising the above-mentioned tips, you must also take care of your surroundings and personal hygiene. Always wash hands before and after eating, keep utensils clean, ensure proper sanitation practices and use disinfectants for cleaning the surroundings.