Swine Flu And Ayurveda

Now a days, the whole world is going gaga over the Swine Flu which has been declared as Pandemic by WHO. Before Swine Flu, it was Avian Flu which had scared many. Luckily it was controlled.

For Ayurveda, all these pandemics are quite common. There is nothing new for Ayurveda about these pandemics. In texts like Charaksamhita,under the heading of Janapadodhwansa, the causes of these pandemics has been described in detail along with the measures to be taken by individuals to stay healthy even in these times.

Emphasis is greatly given on ways to maintain immunity and avoiding unhealthy foods and habits. The same stands for swine flu. As its a viral disease, the only way to protect yourself from getting infected is to improve your immunity. Steps should be taken to not let your immunity diminish. For that the basic things that can be done on a daily basis is to avoid outside food, eat right stuff which will nourish your body properly. Personal hygiene is also very important in such cases. As rainy season is approaching nearer, it would enhance the spread of H1N1 virus. Hence these steps are essential. Moreover one should also cover his mouth while coughing or sneezing.


Now lets see how ayurveda describes Swine Flu. According to Ayurveda, swine flu can be classified as Vatakaphaj jwar, as both these doshas are responsible for this disease. It is a dwandwaj jwara. As the prime mode of transmission is Respiratory tract, nasya on daily basis should help to avoid one from catching the infection.

As far as the treatment in Ayurveda is concerned, ushna dravyas which destroy both vata and kapha should be used. Along with that some rasayan dravyas are also useful as these will help build up the immunity which is lost due to infection. Common herbs which can be used in such case are Guduchi, Kantakari, Patol, Vasa, Neem, Tulsi etc. Mahasudarshan Kwath, Amrutarishta,Mahajwarankush rasa, Sookshma Triphala etc.

I am sure these medicines can help curing the swine flu along with other Ayurvedic Aahar and Vihaar. Ayurveda can definitely provide an alternative source of treatment to this disease and help the ailing population in both ways o cure and prevent the infection of Swine Flu. Suggestions of Experts are readily welcome.