In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Ayush released a set of revised guidelines for Ayurveda and Unani Practitioners for Covid-19 Patients in Home Isolation. The fresh recommendations are in response to the surging second wave of Coronavirus pandemic.
The guidelines and recommendations have come about after an extensive consultative process by the Empowered Committee within the Interdisciplinary Ayush Research and Development Task Force setup by the Ministry of Ayush.
Home isolation is medically advised to those confirmed Covid-19 cases which are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Besides it is also advised for people who had contact with suspected cases of the Coronavirus.
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Specifying the common clinical features observed in mild Covid-19 cases, the Guidelines says that it includes sore throat, mild fever, body ache, nasal congestion, and dry cough. While there are a variety of symptoms being reported, the document says, many cases are asymptomatic and some uncommon clinical manifestations include loss of smell and taste.
Cautioning that some of the asymptomatic cases can be in the pre-symptomatic stage it says that the patient should observe evolving symptoms or signs. Having said that, it advises that this should not lead to undue anxiety.
In a tabular format, the document under Specific Measures for Covid-19 Patients in home isolation provides details of Stage/condition; Clinical Presentation; Medicine; and Dosage. For instance, for Asymptomatic Covid-19 patients it suggests Guduchi Ghana vati (Samshamani vati); Ashwagandha Tablet (Aqueous extract); and AYUSH 64. The dosage besides the quantity of the medicine also directs as to when and how the medicines need to be used.
Similar details are provided for Mild Covid-19 positive patients.
The doses and duration can be changed by the Ayurveda physician based on the requirement of the patient.
The document also prescribes certain general guidelines. These are as follows:
- Patients should follow physical distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene, and wear masks.
- Gargle with warm water along with an added pinch of turmeric and salt. Water boiled with Triphala (dried fruits of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica) or Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can also be used for gargling.
- Nasal application of medicated oil (Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila) or plain oil (Sesame or Coconut) or of cow ghee (Goghrita), once or twice a day, especially before going out and after coming back home.
- Steam inhalation with Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Pudina (Mentha spicata) or Eucalyptus oil (1-5 drops) or Karpur (Camphor) once a day.
- Frequent intake of water processed with Tulasi (basil leaves – Ocimum tenuiflorum L.Merr (synonym Ocimum sanctum L.) is advised.
- Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) should be taken and day time sleep preferably be avoided
Under the dietary guidelines, drinking of warm water or water boiled with herbs like Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Dhania (Coriandrum sativum), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), or Jeera (Cuminum cyminum) seeds is recommended. Also suggested is eating food which is freshly prepared, and easily digestible.
Drinking milk with a half teaspoon Haldi (Curcuma longa) powder in 150 ml hot milk is advised once at night which can be avoided in case of indigestion.
It may be recalled that the Ministry of Ayush had issued an advisory on January 29 last year on how to protect oneself from Covid-19 and how to stay healthy.
For the complete text of the guidelines:
https://main.ayush.gov.in/event/guidelines-ayurveda-practitioners-covid-19-patients-home-isolation
