Remedy for Swine Flue

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Editor's Note:

 

The following suggestions are not medically (officially) approved but are

presented in good faith. Pl. follow them as per your own convictions.

 

Swamy

One of the moderators here

 

 

 

 

1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal

name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of

therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections

by way of strengthening your immunity.

 

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in

many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of

Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to

extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious

fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it

sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction)

while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not

available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a

similar drink once a day.

 

3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should

be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while

children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find

it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be

taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.

 

4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in

the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens

immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.

 

5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every

night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).

 

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long,

cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily

can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost

immunity.

 

7. Take homeopathic medicines - Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular

- five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While

these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as

preventive against common flu virus.

 

8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated

into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in

good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work

wonders for your body's resistance against all such diseases which attack the

nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.

 

9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry)

juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another

three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is

commonly available nowadays.

 

10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and

warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after

touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as

a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public

place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy

at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

 

(The author is an avid reader and follower of alternative therapies including

spiritual healing, ayurveda, yoga and homeopathy)