The lungs were not given the importance as they ought to be until the second wave of Covid-19 surfaced. Lungs are often taken for granted. The wellness of the lungs is given priority only when any complication arises. Lungs are the vital organ in our body that converts the oxygen from the air which we inhale and transfer to the bloodstream. For many years healthcare professionals have stressed the importance of maintaining healthy lungs and advising people to quit smoking. However, many have not paid heed to this advice. 

All of us are aware that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 disease obstructs the respiratory system majorly affecting the lungs. This infection is certainly testing our lungs. As lungs play a major role in the overall working of the body, it becomes crucial to ensure lung health to put up a fight against this infectious disease. 

Covid-19 can cause lung complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and in some fatal cases, total collapse of the lungs. In cases of pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs are filled with fluid and the valves of the lungs get inflamed resulting in difficulty in breathing and severe cough. Many people recover from pneumonia without much effect on the lungs. But in cases of pneumonia due to Covid-19, people face severe breathing difficulties which take a longer time to recover putting an extra burden on the lungs. If pneumonia progresses it can lead to acute respiratory diseases in which more of the air sacs will get filled up with the fluid leaking from the blood vessels in the lungs. This can lead to severe shortness of breath. 

As Covid-19 infection takes the respiratory route to enter a person, the burden on the lungs is phenomenal. This burden on the lungs increases among people who smoke. As the smoke moves into the respiratory tract, more soluble gases are adsorbed and particles are deposited in the airways and alveoli. This in the long run can lead to severe problems related to the lungs. Smoking can increase the chances of COPD among people leading to a faster decline of lung functioning. The chemicals in the cigarettes can also cause irreversible lung damage. In addition, smoking can destroy the cilia or tiny hairs that are present in the airways. These hairs keep dirt and mucus out of your lungs. When these cilia are destroyed, one can develop a chronic cough that is often seen in long-term or daily smokers.

Though there is no proof that smoking can make a person vulnerable to develop Covid-19 or the severity of the infection increases if the person is smoking, it is a known fact that both smoking and Covid-19 infection is putting an extra burden on the lungs. As the lungs of a smoker are already in a bad shape, Covid-19 can further worsen its health. Therefore, it is advised to quit smoking and take all precautions to safeguard the lungs. 

Two functions determine the overall health of lungs — Lung capacity and lung function. While lung capacity is depending on the genes, making the lungs function properly is up to us.

Here are a few tips you can follow to have healthy lungs:

Exercise — At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is imperative for adults to avoid any lung distress. Indulge in a physical activity that makes you breathe heavily. It increases the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream that increases airflow to your muscles, heart, and lungs. Running, brisk walking, cycling, and swimming are the few suggested exercises. 

Diet — Choice of food is crucial for lung and immune system health. It is being noticed that people with underlying ailments have been affected badly due to Covid-19. It could be due to chronic inflammation. Many foods assist the body with decreasing inflammation in the airways. Consume proper nutritional food, particularly food high in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables.

Quit smoking —It is not only lung cancer but inhaling anything other than air into your lungs causes them to become inflamed. This can lead to mucus build-up that impacts the lung’s ability to process oxygen into the bloodstream. For a person already having lung damage, treatment becomes a factor and the recovery may get delayed. 

Oral health —Maintain good oral health. Avoid the buildup of plaque and infection in the mouth. These infections could also affect the lungs. 

With Covid-19 second wave affecting both the young and older generation, the number of cases of Covid-19 and people needing oxygen support has increased. We are at a juncture where paying attention to our lung health and working towards its betterment gains utmost importance.  

The writer is a Consultant – Pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal (A unit of Manipal Hospitals).

Covid-19 infection takes the respiratory route to enter a person so the burden on the lungs is phenomenal. This burden on the lungs increases among people who smoke. As the smoke moves into the respiratory tract, more soluble gases are adsorbed and particles are deposited in the airways and alveoli. This in the long run can lead to severe problems related to the lungs.

India is grappling with the second wave of Covid-19 and its healthcare infrastructure is under considerable stress. The unprecedented sharp spike in cases in the last two months created a huge demand-supply gap of critical requirements including a few Covid-19 drugs. Since then, Indian pharma companies have taken steps to ramp up the production of Covid-19 drugs such as Remdesivir to manage the demand for essential medicines in Covid-19.

In this context, the progress of the Indian pharma industry has an influence on Indian healthcare. Over the last two decades, the pharma industry has significantly contributed towards improving public health outcomes, both in India and across the globe. During the onset of the pandemic, the industry quickly mobilised its resources to tackle the supply chain disruptions. As a result, no drug shortages were reported from India. However, this win was soon overpowered by the second wave of coronavirus in the country. The lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic have shown the significance of the pharmaceutical industry and hinted at the possibility of its growth. However, certain limitations require long-pending due diligence.

Over a period, the pharma industry is oscillating between stringent regulations and meeting diverse patient needs. Nonetheless, the pandemic opened doors to the possibility of collaboration and cooperation. We witnessed the government and pharma industry taking a united stand to fight the current pandemic. It’s time to cushion the health system from the aftermath of the second surge and protect the most vulnerable population by strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and building resilient supply chains.

THINKING BEYOND THE PRESENT CRISIS 

We must act prudently to safeguard and strengthen the existing healthcare system. The pharma industry has played a pivotal role in supporting the healthcare ecosystem of the country. However, the responsibilities will increase with the rising patient pool and disease burden. 

With the increasing load of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the current scenario, the focus should be on reducing healthcare inequalities. A recent report stated that NCDs are responsible for at least 65% of deaths in India. The financial burden of chronic diseases is soaring, and India needs to continuously strive to improve the accessibility and affordability of quality medicines. Despite an increase in the cost of raw material, there is less or no increase in formulation costs given that the drug pricing is governed by NPPA rules. 

The pharma industry is working round the clock to meet the growing requirements. The pharma companies have shown a lot of agility in maintaining the supply chain and have been meeting the escalating requirement of Covid products like vitamins, antibiotics, painkillers, and blood thinners. Along with ramping up the production, companies are also working towards dovetailing production and supply chain. 

PLI SCHEME: FIRST STEP TOWARDS NEW POSSIBILITIES 

The new PLI (Production Linked Incentives) scheme is expected to have a positive impact to drive India’s efforts towards self-sufficiency. It will also help the industry to improve on APIs and intermediates. Effective implementation of the scheme is crucial, and it will take some years to achieve the objective of the scheme in terms of accelerating domestic manufacturing. 

ROLE OF PHARMA SECTOR IN PROVIDING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO QUALITY MEDICINE

No one can deny the fact that the pandemic exposed the issue of inequality to access healthcare in India and even globally. This calls for immediate attention towards healthcare reforms to promote universal access to affordable care. This is an opportunity for the Indian pharma industry to contribute towards equitable and sustainable healthcare. The industry has been continuously working to provide an uninterrupted supply of medicines. Fostering public-private partnerships can also play a crucial role.

The pharma industry can play a critical role in addressing the gaps in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Units in both sectors can synergise for better channelisation of their efforts in R&D, capacity building, experience, and expertise to ensure availability, affordability, and quality of medicines procured through the PMBJP.

FOCUS ON PREVENTIVE HEALTH 

India has a complex healthcare system with various socio-economic factors at play. Hence, focussing on preventive health and self-care can help us achieve certain short-term goals. The high expertise of the pharma industry can enable people to prevent and manage diseases better by proving information that rolls beyond products and services on relevant platforms. For instance, initiating a comprehensive disease management program including useful resources, information on medical experts, and more can be a wise decision. 

Covid-19 has brought the Indian healthcare system under the scanner of the general population. A well-rounded approach from all stakeholders will help in decoding the obstacles and improve the accessibility of medicines at affordable prices for the patients in need. To take a high leap, it is imperative to align the entire ecosystem including the government, academia, hospitals, and regulators towards a shared goal – better public health outcome.

The writer is a public health expert.

As we all know by now, that when you are stuck with Covid-19, your body feels the effects of the virus even after being cured. We know patients within our intimate circles who are still feeling weak, uneasy, not themselves, and even worse than when they were infected.

A dietary focus becomes essential in the recovery process. Patients must consume food that will help build muscle, revitalise them, bring energy levels to optimum, and develop immunity.

It is vital to include the following foods in your daily diet to ensure that all these things are facilitated and your body receives the appropriate treatment it needs to recuperate:

Include whole grains like ragi and oats in your diet as they are rich in complex carbohydrates. It helps in providing your body with the desired energy to function properly.

Entertain rich sources of protein such as soya and cottage cheese. Nuts and seeds are also ideal protein sources.

Consume fats that help your body such as almonds, walnuts, olive and mustard oil are highly recommended.

Include energy-boosting foods such as banana, oranges, apples and lime juice in your diet as they help in dealing with fatigue. It is known that Covid-19 causes a great amount of fatigue in patients recovering. Warm water with honey and lime are also restorative.

Drink plenty of fluids. Possibly warm water with tulsi leaves is traditionally known to be helpful. It will also help manage symptoms such as itchy throat and coughs. Inhaling steam 2-3 times a day will also assist in relieving these symptoms.

Sugary and soda drinks should be avoided during the recovery phase.

You can also include immunity boosters such as Jeevan Sanjeevni Kwath by Krishna’s Herbal & Ayurveda. It is a pack of liquid, a combination of medicinal herbs including tulsi leaf geloy, ashwagandha, neem, amla, aloe vera, wheatgrass, and arjuna bark. The advocated dosage is twice a day. It is formulated to boost body’s immunity so that it can fight the harm that might occur to your system.

There have been many complaints such as difficulty in swallowing and a loss of the senses such as smell and taste. Soft food is advisable in such cases. It will be beneficial to have meals in short intervals as it allows your body to burn the calories, digest the food properly and make a deficit for what might be lacking. It also gives you the chance to alter your diet and add interesting things to your diet that you will enjoy. It is vital to add Vitamin C such as amla fruit in the form of pickles such as murabba, candy, and juices among other variations.

In addition, herbals supplements and foods can give your immunity a happy boost it craves in such times. Herbals remedies and medicines combine the goodness of nature and the intellect of science for the best result for your body. It is the need of the hour. Zyropathy has about 13 such supplements including Preventika, Z-CEE, and Z-MVIT. It is also been overly advised that basic workout such as a jog, walks, yoga and pranayam can help in relaxing and keeping your body fit.

Here’s a sample diet chart that you can follow if you like to take some guidance to ensure your immunity and recovery process is benefiting your needs:

Breakfast: Veg poha / chila/ veg upma/ namkeen veg seviya/ idli + paneer slice/ golden milk with turmeric and ginger powder, or milk tea with ginger and cinnamon powder

Lunch: Ragi or multi-grain flour chapati/ rice/ veg pulao/ khichadi/ daal , green veggies, salad (carrot and cucumber). You must include seasonal vegetables in lunch.

Evening: Ginger tea/ immunity soup/ sprouts chaat

Dinner: Ragi/ multigrain flour chapati/ soya beans/ paneer/ urad daal, and green veggies salad (carrot and cucumber)

Kamayani Naresh is the Founder of Zyropathy & Shrawan Daga is the Founder of Krishna’s Herbal & Ayurveda.

Amidst a devastating second wave that has caught the entire country off-guard, there has been widespread reportage on shortages in oxygen supply and the resultant loss of precious lives in utterly tragic circumstances. Even as the whole nation remains on tenterhooks with authorities scrambling to address this shortage of oxygen as early as they can, there is yet another shortage looming ahead threatening to challenge and overwhelm our healthcare machinery. There is an impending dearth of blood and plasma donors. A tribe which could suddenly ‘go extinct,’ now that the vaccination programme for those in the age group of 18-45 has got underway from May onwards. 

WHY THE FEAR OF SHORTAGE OF BLOOD/PLASMA DONORS LOOMS POST-THIRD STAGE 

Notwithstanding the patchy manner in which the programme has started, the third phase of vaccination for those aged between 18 and 45 is set to cover nearly 60 crore people. This youthful demographic forms a significant and weighty component in the 130 crore plus population. Even assuming that the actual inoculation of this entire demographic may take long enough, a substantial number of potential blood donors would increasingly become ineligible to donate blood and its components. Aside from the fact that a person can donate blood only after every three months, there are stipulated temporal restrictions for those who would wish to donate blood after their Covid-19 jabs. For instance, those taking the Covaxin injection would have to wait for 28 days from the time of vaccination and since there are two doses that one has to take, it essentially amounts to 56 days of waiting time before a person can donate blood. Similarly, those opting for Covishield would have to wait even longer since the second booster dose can be delayed up to eight weeks from the first dose. As a result, millions of our youngsters would become ‘unqualified’ for blood donation for nearly 56-84 days since their first Covid-19 jab. And under normal circumstances, since young people are encouraged to donate blood as against the older folks who are usually dissuaded from donating blood, the earlier vaccination of older people (up till 65 years of age) would not matter here even if they would be technically eligible to donate.                    

A BLOOD-DEFICIENT INDIA ALREADY FACING SHORTFALL SINCE THE FIRST WAVE

By several estimates, India is already a blood deficient country. Even before the Covid-19 onslaught, a Lancet research in 2019 had advanced that India was faced with a shortage of 41 million units with demand outweighing supply by a mammoth 400%. For a country with a high disease burden with limited and iniquitous access to healthcare, this revelation was demoralizing enough. The advent of Covid-19 with its accompanying mobility restrictions and the sheer fear of getting infected with the deadly virus would have been a further deterrent to anyone volunteering to donate blood. States such as Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Odisha were all reported to be facing scarcity from the early phases of the first wave lockdowns itself. The upheaval had impinged on the availability of precious blood for a large number of patients of cancer, sickle-cell disease and thalassemia, mothers suffering a postpartum haemorrhage, and those requiring emergency surgeries.

FALLOUT ON PLASMA AVAILABILITY TOO

With convalescent plasma having been recommended for Covid-19 patients, plasma has become a precious commodity with the mainstream media repeatedly reporting on the shortage of Covid-recovered plasma donors. Notably, a good number of the 18-45 demographic going to take the injection in the third phase would have recovered from Covid-19 earlier without the vaccines in the pre-vaccine phase itself, and who would have been otherwise eligible to donate plasma. But now those recovered young patients too would have to wait for two to three months before they could donate their plasma towards the ongoing Covid-19 fight. Alternatively, it may well be argued that vaccine being the most potent weapon is our de-facto foremost option and plasma is only a secondary tool. Yet, that the upcoming vaccination covering the entire youth in the country constrains our options in the immediate term can’t be denied.

THE VOLUNTARY NATURE OF BLOOD DONATION INHERENTLY LIMITS OPTIONS

We know that blood and related material can become lifesaving in several conditions and diseases which are prevailing in the country. Given the voluntary nature of donating blood coupled with the misconceptions and ill-conceived fears surrounding donating blood, the odds are inherently stacked against sufficient supplies of donated blood being available in the country.      

A FEW STEPS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN CONSIDER

Since the sheer ferocity of the second wave rules out the organising of extensive outdoor blood donation camps nowadays, the government can consider a series of steps to head off the upcoming shortage. One, they must get a full and updated account of all the existing blood and related material from all the states down to the last district sourcing information and data from all hospitals and blood banks, both private and public. Second, an estimate must be ready at hand on the quantum of blood that might be required in the forthcoming future in each district and state are drawn based on usage patterns in the past, the prevailing burden of diseases and patient population. Third, armed with data, the government must have blood transportation teams in place with state capitals ideally serving as hubs for further transportation to hospitals and patients in the shortest possible time. Fourth, although donating blood is a voluntary exercise, politicians, celebrities, and public icons should publically donate blood before their upcoming vaccination promoting blood donation as a noble objective. Several public figures, who are aged below 45 years, could take this up to inspire the common youth to donate blood before getting vaccinated. This would keep the supplies of blood up and running.

At the same time, the authorities would also take heart to the fact that the upcoming situation is not as grim as it looks apparently. After all, it would take a considerable time for this entire demographic to get their full doses allowing sufficient time in between for the government to replenish the blood supplies from time to time. With elective surgeries postponed and accidents having reduced due to lockdowns, there would be some breathing room too. Mostly, bleeding disorders, emergency surgeries and deliveries would test the government’s blood supply management. The government simply needs to find that balance between the pace of vaccinating this demographic and impressing upon sufficient numbers in time to donate blood before they take the jab.               

The writer is the President of the Council for Healthcare and Pharma and the Founder of Reva Pharma.

Horace Greeley said once, “Common Sense is very uncommon!” This is all about the recently published interim report of the extended solidarity trial published in NEJM on 2 December 2020.

The article “Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19” reported that antiviral drugs (hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir, interferon) failed to win the race when compared to the placebo, in an assigned group of patients. WHO does not trust drugs like ivermectin, Doxy etc. Many senior microbiologists, intensivists would laugh it out arguing that these drugs would only help in controlling parasitic infestations. Harrington et al., therefore, appropriately chose a title (“A Large, Simple Trial Leading to Complex Questions”) for their argumentative editorial. They wrote- “No intervention acts on two persons in an identical fashion: patients present with different risk factors, are treated in different health care settings, and begin treatment at different stages of illness. In particular, the effectiveness of an antiviral agent can depend on whether a patient presents early (during viral pathogenesis) or later (when immunopathologic conditions or other complications may be more important).” They also pointed out the usefulness of the result of the ‘solidarity trial’ in denying the role of antiviral agents in patients who have entered the second phase of illness described as the cytokine storm. Rightly, they asked “what is a more effective timing for the use of remdesivir, and should it be used in combination with other agents? How is the course of hospitalisation affected by the type and level of care delivered in particular settings?”

This is the question of common sense: why not to use an antiviral agent when the virus is replicating? What role can they play once the war for life has entered a phase where the virus itself has been cornered?

This is the argument extended in the recovery trial against an early use of steroids, so that, not to time it with the viral replication phase. The results of the Recovery trial, however, support the use of the steroids in the late 1st and 2nd week when evidence of lung involvement is evident by rising oxygen requirement and falling SPO2 <95%. In various articles, it has been shown that viral replication in the upper respiratory tract, to a larger extent, is immunologically inert. Once the virus climbs down to the pneumocyte type II cells, its pathological journey starts and gets reciprocated by the dysregulated immunological response sequentially leading to diffuse alveolar damage, inflammatory infiltrates, microvascular thrombosis resulting in a simulating picture of adult acute respiratory syndrome. No wonder, classical findings of rising levels of interleukins 10/6, TNF α, evidence of lymphocyte exhaustion and lymphopenia, come almost hand in hand.

Drugs like Doxycycline and Ivermectin have been used rampantly in every nook and corners of northern-western India. Interestingly, ICMR is playing once bitten and twice shy. Because India was the first country that boldly adopted HCQ prophylaxis and was thoroughly criticised by Americans. The criticism came in the wake of deaths reported in Covid patients receiving HCQ. The analysis says, HCQ and also azithromycin are the potential drugs that may adversely affect the conduction system; at least 60-70% of patients with late-phase Covid, may have myocardial edema, making them a substrate for arrhythmia. Cautious use is needed. It is the CDC that allows almost no medicines in the first week of illness. India has improved in its recovery rate, remarkably from 60% to 95%. How? I keep on talking to many of my friends who were partying hard, and one after another, the whole group became Covid positive. They consulted a local physician and got a prescription of Ivermectin 24 mg, Doxy 100 mg twice a day, Zn, vit D, vit C and even favipiravir, as soon as the report was received, and recovered completely. Many patients presented with anosmia. Those who were treated with the Ivermectin, recovered within 7-10 days. I came to know about this in March but experienced it now when I became Covid-19 positive. Globally, people are experiencing good results of ivermectin use.

Therefore, there is evidence that many repurposed antivirals, antiprotozoal, anti-bacterial drugs have hidden talents to combat Covid-19 at least partially. These drugs are less harmful when one compares them to the 5-10% chance of having serious lung, heart, kidney and brain complications. Probably they need cardiac care, LMWH or antiplatelets, statins for a longer period. In nutshell, patients who recover the second or third phase, obviously are not the fittest to survive.

Jeon et al wrote, “Among the 48 drugs that were evaluated in our study, 24 drugs showed potential antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2, with IC50 values in between 0.1 and 10 μM, few of them are as follows- tilorone, cyclosporine, chloroquine, mefloquine, amodiaquine, proscillaridin, salinomycin, ouabain, cepharanthine, ciclesonide, oxyclozanide, anidulafungin, gilteritinib, berbamine, ivacaftor, bazedoxifene, niclosamide, and eltrombopag.”

It is common sense that the first 5 days are of viral replication and subsequently a 10% chance of having an immunological vicious storm. Conversely, it is logical to use repurposed antiviral drugs when the virus is replicating and steroid only when the body is brewing cytokines, to bring a storm and lymphocytes in the backfoot.

Vaccines are illusionary, in view of the fact, the duration of trials has been accelerated too fast. Tinkering with the immune system is always a double-edged sword. Oral Polio was introduced in the 70s and fear was expressed about its association with autism. It took >20 years to convince the government in the US. Till now, the flu vaccine is not considered the safest and efficient vaccine for various reasons. We must remember that natural infection has failed to ensure long-lasting immunity. There are articles suggesting that the virus may co-exist with IgG in patients asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients.

The writer is a Pediatric cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Delhi.

For people who hate the damp and depressing winter months, the onset of the warm weather is a time to relax and enjoy. Summer is here and it’s time to store away the heavy baggage of winter clothing, say goodbye to sweaters and jackets and usher in the pretty summer dresses. However, despite the welcome change in wardrobe and freedom to eat as much ice cream as you want, the summer season is peculiarly harsh on the skin. The scorching heat and sun exposure compounded by dust and pollution can leave your skin tanned, scarred and jittery. Most of us resort to quick bleaching sessions or use chemical-laden cosmetic products for instant tan removal. However, it is also useful to pamper and indulge your skin daily with some refreshing and nourishing home face packs ideally made of tulsi.

WHY TULSI IS BEST FOR SUMMER

Tulsi in Sanskrit means the incomparable one, and rightly so! Tulsi stands out from other herbs mainly because of the number of benefits it offers. You’ll be surprised to know that this miracle plant is not only good for our health but also for the health of our skin and hair. Owing to its healing, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tulsi benefits the skin by preventing blackheads, acne and relieves skin infections, to name a few. Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants and packed with vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and phytonutrients, tulsi is the go-to ingredient for healthy hair and skin.

FOR DEEP CLEANSING

Environmental factors such as pollution, heat, dust and grime as well as beauty products daily can take a serious toll on the health of your skin. And, when you don’t give your skin extra care and attention by cleansing it twice a day or you carelessly sleep with your makeup on, it adds up to your skin woes, clogging pores and giving birth to several other skin-related issues such as acne and pimples. Tulsi benefits the skin by providing it with a deep-cleansing effect. It not only thoroughly removes dirt and impurities but also excess oil. If you have oily skin, then this aromatic herb is your best bet. Take a handful of tulsi leaves, crush them and add some water to make a paste. Combine an egg white to the paste and apply the mixture all over your face. Let the paste sit on your face for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Use this remedy twice a week for clean, clear and glowing skin.

TREATS ACNE

If you have oily or sensitive skin, then protecting it from acne can be a big challenge. The antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of tulsi help purify the blood and remove toxins and bacteria from the skin. Prepare a simple face pack at home by mixing one tablespoon of tulsi leaves, one teaspoon of sandalwood powder and a few drops of rose water. Apply the pack on your face and leave it on until it dries completely. Rinse with cool water. Repeat this at least two to three times a week for effective results.

LIGHTENS YOUR SKIN TONE

Over-exposure to the sun, pollution and harsh UV rays are the main causes of uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation. But, the good news is that tulsi can effectively lighten your skin tone. Its detoxifying effects gives relief from pollution, heat, stress as well as certain skin conditions. Tulsi contains essential oils which help nourish and moisturize the skin and improve the skin complexion. To prepare a mask, mix some tulsi leaves, gram flour and water. Apply the mixture all over your face and allow it to dry completely. Rinse with cool water. Repeat this regularly for effective results.

PREVENTS EARLY SIGNS OF AGEING

Exposure to the sun is the number one cause for accelerating the ageing process. When the skin’s natural oils get washed out, the skin tends to lose elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. But, did you know that tulsi benefits the skin by reversing the effects of premature ageing? Yes, you read that right. Tulsi neutralizes free radicals and rejuvenates the skin, reviving the youthful glow. All you need to do is boil a few tulsi leaves in water and consume them every morning. Or, you can crush the leaves once the water cools down and have it to get the same result.

The writer is Chief Consultant & Cosmetic Surgeon, 9Muses Wellness Clinic.