Life style
Immune Booster. Is there such thing as an immune booster?
One of the most amazing aspects of the human body is its ability to heal itself. The body’s natural defence, the immune system, is a complex network of organs and trillions of cells that circulate in the body and protect it from disease, bacteria, infection and viruses. When it identifies harmful antigens and cells, the body’s T cells kick in to help destroy them and protect us. The most impressive fact about the immune system is that it functions automatically, without our conscious effect.
Increasing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic have seen an increased use of the popular social media hashtag #immunebooster. Sales of herbal and food supplements have reached record highs with immune boosting supplements alone, up by 25%. Big Herba and celebrity influencers, using the current global health crisis, have ramped up their sales jargon to exploit pandemic-anxious consumers into buying products with so-called “immune-boosting” powers. But is it possible to actual boost your immunity and will it help against Covid-19?
Immunology experts are increasingly debunking what they describe as the ‘immunity boosting myth’. The British Dietetic Association recently released a statement that you cannot “boost” your immune system through diet, and no specific food or supplement will prevent you catching COVID-19. They assert that the immune system does not need to be “supercharged” or ramped up — just allowed to do its work. Such a statement seems to assume that we are all healthy with optimally functioning immune systems. In reality, however, many people have chronic health issues and weakened immune systems.
Years of often, self-inflicted abuse, where the body is treated more like a landfill, subjected to an unhealthy diet and stressful lifestyle, has resulted in toxic-overloaded, diseased and immune-compromised body systems. Popping a pill or eating the latest trending “immune-boosting superfood’ is like plugging just one of multiple holes in a leaky bucket. It isn’t going to be of much help. There is no quick fix – it requires a lifestyle change. A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, daily moderate exercise, adequate sleep, reduction in stress and Vitamin D or sunlight, all help restore and support the normal functioning of the immune system. Such principles are fundamental to those of the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine.
In Ayurveda, great emphasis is afforded to building strength of mind and body, which enhances one’s natural resistance against disease-causing pathogens. Plant-based immunomodulatory agents have been used for millennia, alongside healthy lifestyles, to balance the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. The concept of Vyadhikshamatva, meaning Vyadhi (disease) and Kshamatva (suppress or overcome) – the defence of the body against disease – is closely aligned to modern day “immunity”. Rasayana remedies focusing on nutrition, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing and neuro-protective actions, are used to enhance Vyadhikshamatva against disease and ageing, to promote memory and increase longevity.
Ocimun sanctum, known as Holy Basil or tulsi, a small aromatic herb of the basil family, found growing throughout the tropics, is a powerful rasayana. In Hinduism, tulsi is worshipped as a goddess and every part of it is sacred. In Ayurveda, it is revered as “The Queen of Herbs” and “an elixir of life” without equal, for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.
Tulsi is frequently described as the world’s pre-eminent adaptogen, supporting our adrenal system and helping to balance hormones. It helps the body and mind de-stress and assists in the prevention and treatment of physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress-induced disorders and diseases. It’s high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants support the body’s “internal housekeeping” providing protection from free radical damage and toxins. Daily consumption of tulsi serves as a tonic for the mind, body and spirit, assists in preventing disease and promoting general health, wellbeing and longevity. Ancient Ayurvedic wisdom has been reinforced by numerous scientific studies confirming tulsi’s potent pharmacological actions:
adaptogenic,
immunomodulatory,
anti-inflammatory,
anti-microbial,
metabolic,
anti-diabetic,
hepatoprotective,
cardioprotective,
anti-cancer
neuroprotective
When you’re feeling a little out of sorts or the stresses of daily life are getting you down, a few tulsi leaves are an excellent herbal pick-me-up to support the body’s natural immune response. Chewing on just one fresh leaf has been described as one of the best immune-supporting Ayurvedic medicines for viral infections, particularly respiratory infections. Alternatively, tulsi leaves can be added to soups and smoothies or drank as an herbal tea. For those who aren’t lucky enough to have ready supply of tulsi in their gardens, there is a growing market of teas, drops, supplements, mouthwashes and hand sanitizers. In India, tulsi is used to repel mosquitoes and flies and has also been planted in cities to combat air pollution. The vast array of uses of tulsi is testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.
Emme Haddon has lived in the West Indies, France, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the UK. She has run various businesses and has set up a successful on-line clothing operation. For the past 7 years she has lived in Sri Lanka where she has been able to pursue her passion for natural medicines. She has a great interest in Sri Lanka’s plants and herbal medicines.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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