Now, Ayurveda to rescue dengue patients

Bengaluru: Dengue has now found a new enemy, but not in the routine allopathy antibiotics, but in the traditional Ayurveda. To create more awareness about Ayush medicines, the State Health Department has established 'Ayush Dengue Clinics' at District General Hospitals, from where Ayush units are functioning.

“We have prepared a protocol for Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicines for different signs and symptoms of dengue and we have circulated the protocol to all District Ayush Officers. We have also supplied medicines to all Ayush wings of various District General Hospitals," said Dr Saraswati, Deputy Director, Ayush Department.

At present, there are 10 Ayurvedic medicines, including a liquid kashayam, which is widely used to fight dengue. Apart from Ayush medicines, one homoeopathy medicine, nine Unani medicines and one Siddha medicine have been disbursed to these clinics. 

“All the clinics are well stocked and functional, and this move will also increase awareness about the traditional medicine system," said Dr Saraswati.

Another formulation called Ayurvedic Dhoopana (fumigation) Dravya is also being distributed to various clinics. “It is for fumigation, which acts as a repellent with anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties. It helps children fight various diseases and also prevents medical intervention. It is safe for use inside the house too," she explained.

Currently, some 24 Ayush clinics have been supplied and stocked with various Ayush medicines and drugs are being manufactured by a 4G exempted manufacturing Unit. The dosage, however, is decided by doctors, depending on the symptoms. “All medicines are safe, and there is no cause for worry," she said.

The Department maintained that the response and public inclination towards the traditional medicine system have increased because of awareness. 

What is kashayam?
Kashayam is a widely used dosage of Ayurveda. The word Kashayam does not suggest any specific ayurvedic medicine, but is a water decoction or water extract of a herb or group of herbs. 

Based on the group of herbs used, the products are called Sukumaram Kashayam, Varadi Kashayam and the like. Kashayam contains water-soluble active principles of herbs, which makes it one of the best ways to enjoy maximum benefits of herbs. 

Water-soluble components are readily absorbed by the intestines, which is why kashayams are very swift in action. The freshly prepared kashayam gives the patient immediate relief.