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Swine flu in Ayurveda

Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs The known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 “swine flu” H1N1 virus are similar to general flue & that are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

In 2009 outbreak a nos. of patients developed complications like diarrhea and vomiting. (leading to dehydration& electrolyte imbalance). The most common cause of death is respiratory failure, other causes of death are pneumonia (leading to sepsis), high fever (leading to neurological problems), Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly.

The disease condition parallel to Swine Flu in Ayurveda is Vata-shleshamika- jwara & this the most favorable season in occurrence of this disease, can be avoided by taking care of simple measures Take it easy for stress is also the reason to get & maintain physical hygiene.

Avoid cold water specially when sweating after any physical work/ walking. Special need to care – measures -The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten day.

The herbs like Vasa, Guduchi, Kantakari, Tamalaki, Kalmega, mulethi, haldi/ daruhaldi can be helpful in curing the disease. Tamalaki & Guduchi[Tinospora cordifolia] – these herbs are known flu preventive. It is an antiviral which can kill the H1N1 virus. Guduchi is commonly available and contains a substance called Giloine which is effective for strengthening the respiratory system against viral infections.Vasa [ Adhatoda vasica ]- It reduces obstruction or inflammation in airways and increases lung capacity.