People go in for traditional medicines

With no preventive medicines available for swine flu in modern medicine, people are increasingly turning towards the traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda and homeopathy.

The homeopathic medicine Influnzenium 200 is in great demand these days. A repesentative of Dr Reckweg Clinic in the city said “the medicine has become the most sought after these days after the swine flu menace spread. Earlier, nobody asked for it even once in a day.” Stocks are fast selling out and we have ordered fresh stocks, said a homeopathic medicine shop owner.

Homeopath Tareshwar Jain says swine flu is an influenza-like illness where primary symptoms are very much similar to those of influenza. Thus, one can take Influnzenium 200 as a preventive medicine. However, consulting a doctor will be advisable before self-medication.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, director of the National Institute of Ayurveda, says there is both preventive and curative medicines in traditional medicine. He says as a preventive measure care has to be taken on maintaining cleanliness and proper diet.

He said an OPD will soon start functioning at the institute from next Monday offering free medicines and guidance. “We can treat people with initial symptoms. However, in advanced and complicated cases with symptoms of diarrhoea and bleeding, it is advisable to approach a specialised hospital, “he added.

He says application of either mustard or sesame oil in the nostrils to get relief from cold, besides swallowing two to three tulsi leaves (with out chewing), also help to increase immunity against the virus.

Dr Sharma suggests taking a dose of the boiled water of a teaspoon of turmeric (haldi) black pepper, tulsi leaves, and jeera could be of great help in curing the the respiratory system and immune system from all kinds viral infections and cure for the common cough and cold.

However he suggests “it is better to avoid butter milk (chach) and curd (dahi) during this period. People are advised to take proper diet and those who suffer from constipation should take some remedy as it increases the chances of infection.”