Ayurvedic Approach to Counter Swine Flu!!!!!

The Ayurvedic approach to treatment of any viral disease (influenza) is based upon strengthening of our immunity, so as to successfully ward off any attacks from the virus. This is based on the 'beej-bhumi' (seed-land) theory. When the land is fertile all the seeds geminate and grow strongly and when it is infertile few seeds germinate and those that do grow weakly. In this analogy the body is the land, viruses the seeds and fertility is 'ama' - toxins produced as a result of weak digestion. When the body contains 'ama' it is a more or less fertile ground for infection. Conversely 'ojas', the product of a healthy digestion, is the basis of coherent functioning of the mind and body and this in turn is a basis of resistance to infection. Ayurveda provides the knowledge and techniques for minimizing 'ama' and maximizing 'ojas'.

Panchakarma is Ayurveda's main cleansing and rejuvenating tool. It is a series of gentle massage, steam and intestinal cleansing treatments that remove 'ama' from deep within the tissues and strengthen the digestive fire so that 'ama' does not get formed in future. Panchakarma procedures like Nasya Karma and Sadya Vamana Karma are specially effective. Some of the Ayurvedic drugs which have been found effective in combating Swine Flu include, Sanjivani vati, Sitopaladi churna, Sanshamani vati, Vasadi vati,Trikatu, Chyavanprash, Yastimadhu ghan vati,Haridrakhand.

Herbal Tea for combating Swine Flu

Boil approximately 200ml of potable water, till it remains half and mix the following herbs in it.

Juice of 10 to 15 fresh leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil), 5 ml of fresh ginger root juice, half spoon powder of cloves, half spoon powder of cinnamon bark, half spoon powder of peppermint leaves, half spoon powder of cardamom, half spoon of turmeric powder, half spoon of rock salt.

Mix all these properly, add one spoon of honey when the tea is lukewarm and have it twice or thrice a day.

Diet: If you feel less hungry at meal times than usual, or if you feel heavy and dull, two hours immediately after a meal, these are indications that your digestive fire is burning low and 'ama' is accumulating. Follow the Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines as much as possible. Stimulate the physiology through moderate exercise and spicy, bitter and astringent foods. Cook your food with immune-enhancing spices such as garlic, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander, turmeric, ginger and black pepper. This enhances 'agni' (the digestive fire) and reduce 'ama'.

Sleep and Exercise: Adequate sleep is essential for enhancing immunity and resisting diseases. Exercise and yogasanas are important aspects of the Ayurvedic routine, because they help enhance 'agni' and burns away toxins. It's important to choose the right exercise and/or yogasana for your body type, disease and for the season. Yogasanas like Suryanamaskaar (Sun Salutation Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose) are specially recommended. Pranayama like Kapaalbhaati and Bhastrika are also very useful.

Some Do's and Don'ts to prevent getting infected with Swine flu:

1. Always cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and dealing with any person suspected of being infected with the flu.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before having your meals.

3. Avoid crowded places as much as possible.

4. Do not attempt self medication without consulting a Physician.

Use of Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) as preventive medicine

Consumption of juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized fresh Tulsi leaves along with juice of 5-6 fresh Amla, twice a day on an empty stomach, helps to keep Swine Flu at bay by increasing the resistance of the body and strengthening the immune system.