AYURVEDA PROTECTS YOU FROM SWINE FLU

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 or type A influenza virus, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Swine flu affects the upper respiratory tract and its symptoms are similar to those caused by the Human Influenza Virus. There are fears that swine flu will become a major global pandemic in the winter months.

Influenza is quite common in pigs; the main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals.

How is Swine Flu transmitted?

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. This spreads through personal contacts in the form of droplets created while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the flu. It is a frequent infection which rises every year with a life-threatening challenge.

Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu: 

• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Fever with chills
• Aching limbs
• Fatigue
• Running nose
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Pneumonia and respiratory failure are signs of a more serious attack.

Treatment for Swine Flu:

Paracetamol for fever Antivirus like Tamiflu for symptomatic relief Antibiotics for severe infections Vaccines can be taken but still there isn't any assurance of protection.
However, as modern medicines is not without side effects, it is always better to take precautions and prevent the disease from occurring.

Ayurvedic view of Swine Flu

Swine flu in Ayurveda can be called as Sannipataj Jvara which is basically triggered by the aggravation of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and loss of Ojas (immunity) in the body. Low Ojas is lack of immunity at the physical level and absence of mental strength at mental level. Hence Ayurveda strongly recommends the strengthening of the Ojas (immunity) to prevent diseases like swine flu from its attack.

Ayurveda promotes the concept that if one's immune system is strong, it has the capacity to withstand viruses. This branch of medicine promotes the intake of special herbs or decoctions, touting that they not only help increase one's immunity, but also help treat symptoms. 

Ayurvedic treatment for Swine Flu

Ayurveda, the 5000 year old medical science based on natural systems, has some excellent preventive and curative solutions to diseases such as swine flu. The most significant aspect of these measures is that they are entirely based on natural substances and, therefore, totally safe on the human body.

The Ayurvedic treatment of any flu is aimed at controlling the virus and preventing complications by boosting the body’s immunity. It helps in cleansing the body by eliminating toxins and clearing blockage in channels. Hence, Ayurveda drugs may be started as soon as possible. 

• Sitopaladi Churna
• Laxmivilas Ras
• Tribhuvan kirti
• Lokanatha rasa
• Chyawanprasha
• Haridra Khanda
• Taalisadi Churna
• Khadiradi Gutika
• Lavangadi Gutika
• Malla Sindura
• Samir Pannaga Rasa
• Chandramrita Rasa
• 64 Prahari Pippali
• Suvarna Vasanta Malini Rasa
• Shwasa Kuthara Rasa
• Sanjeevani vati
• Anand bhairav rasa

Herbs useful in Swine Flu

Besides the natural immunity-boosting options mentioned above, there are several other herbs and spices one can consume to raise one's immunity levels. However, before consuming any herb or trying out a natural remedy, make sure you consult an Ayurveda practitioner.

• Tulasi (Basil)
• Ardraka (Ginger)
• Rasona (Garlic)
• Haridra (Turmeric)
• Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
• Kumari (Aloe Vera)
• Maricha (Black pepper)
• Chirayata (Swertia Chirata)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Nimba (Neem)

Precautions after the attack of Swine Flu

• Have complete bed rest in clean and airy room.
• Drink boiled warm water only.
• Hot saline gargle should be done frequently.
• Do fasting for 2 – 3 day if fever persists.
• Have cow’s milk with turmeric or ginger tea.
• Do steam inhalation with Eucalyptus oil.
• Do meditation for mental strength.
• Practice Ayurveda lifestyle regimen regularly.
• Consume light and easily digestible food.
• Avoid all junk foods and foods that are frozen, deep-fried or extremely sour.

Ayurveda home remedies for preventing Swine flu 

Ayurveda says you can prevent the spread of flu by strengthening the ojas and enhancing your body immunity with help of following remedies:

• Take 5 Tulasi (basil leaves) + 4 Maricha (whole black pepper beads) + 3 Lavanga (clove buds) + 1 teaspoonful of fresh Adrak (ginger) paste + 2 cups of water. Boil this entire mixture until the quantity of water is halved. Filter and add a teaspoonful of honey when warm. Take this decoction twice a day.
• ½ to 1 teaspoonful of Sitopaladi Churna with 1 teaspoonful of honey and have it twice daily.
• Have 1 tbsp of Chyawanprash with cow’s milk every morning to boost immunity.
• Children should be given Suvarna prashana - Ayurveda vaccine for Swine flu and other infections.
• Panchakarma detox therapies like Nasya, Vamana and Virechana are also very useful for all respiratory tract infections.
• Home should be kept clean and fumigated daily with Neem leaves, Guggal, Sarjarasa and Devdaru for environmental purification.
• Do hot saline gargle many times in a day.
• Snuff 2-6 drops of mustard oil early in the morning.
• Keep a mixture of powdered camphor + cardamom in a box and smell it every 2 - 3 hours. 
• Avoid getting wet and sleeping into the dew.
• Avoid places of crowd during endemic period of swine flu.
• Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep every night. This will boost your immune system and enhance the ojas in your body.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of boiled water each day to flush accumulated ama (toxins) from your system.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet to keep your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection. Stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
• If you have constipation, then have light laxative like Triphala churna 3-6 gms or Isabgol 5-10 gms at bedtime.
• Support your immune system by exercising moderately on a regular basis. It helps in increasing blood circulation and eliminating the blockage in body channels.
• Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions. Make sure you take the prescribed medicines at the right time and in advised quantities.

(P.S: As every human being is different according to Ayurveda, all have different cures. So, kindly consult us or an Ayurveda doctor before taking any herbal medicines.)

This post is written by Dr.Jaina Patwa who is a Chief Ayurvedic practitioner based at Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. She is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant on Skype. Skype ID - vishwacare

VishwaCARE offers Ayurvedic treatment globally for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr.Jaina Patwa uses high quality organic herbal extracts which are easy to take, effective and completely safe for long-term use.

For authentic ayurveda treatments or queries, kindly email us on vishwacare.jaina@gmail.com or contact us on +919833998817