Ayush Ministry’s Siddha Preventive Measures to tackle Covid kick-off in Tamil Nadu

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<strong>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the second Siddha Covid Care Centre at Meenambakkam’s A.M. Jain College in Chennai. The 70-bedded facility for treating Covid-19 patients will also offer yoga, pranayama and herbal therapies.</strong></p>
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This Centre is one of the 14 announced by the State Government, while the first one was established in Vyasarpadi.</p>
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With alternative systems of medicine being tapped to fight Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has come up with “Siddha’s Preventive Measures for self-care during COVID-19 Pandemic”.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Siddha_Centre_inaugurated_by_MK_Stalin4_@mkstalin.jpg" style="width: 851px; height: 569px;" /></p>
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<em>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurates Siddha Covid Care Centre (Pic: Courtesy Twitter/@mkstalin)</em></p>
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The Ministry stated that in the wake of the current spike in COVID-19 cases, the enhancement of the body's natural defence system (immunity) is important in maintaining optimum health.  Thus, it recommends a set of self-care guidelines modified as per the available evidence for improving immunity.</p>
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Suitable medicines should be used considering the properties of Thatpa Veeriyam (cooling properties) and Veppa Veeriyam (hot properties) and the symptoms.</p>
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<strong>Recommended General Measures</strong></p>
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Herbal water infusion made up of half teaspoon of Chukku (Dried Ginger) / boiled in two litres of water can be used as drinking water.</li>
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Injithenooral / Inji (Ginger) Tea / Adhimaduram   (Licorice) tea may be taken as hot beverages.</li>
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Take milk at bedtime. It is advisable to add a pinch of Manjal (Turmeric) and Milagu (Pepper).</li>
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Do steam inhalation with Tulasi/ Notchi (Vitex negundo) leaves / Manjal (Turmeric).</li>
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Gargle with water boiled with a pinch of Salt and Turmeric. It should be done not less than three times.</li>
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All karappan pandam (allergic foodstuff) should be avoided in the diet.</li>
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Food should be freshly prepared, and easily digestible.</li>
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Daily practice of Yogam such as Naadi sutthi Pranayamam, Pranayamam, Suriyanamaskaram, Savasanam, Makarasanam, Meenasanam, Arthameenasanam helps to increase the elasticity of bronchioles as well as rejuvenate the lung tissues and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by the Ministry of AYUSH National Clinical Management Protocol for COVID-19 prophylaxis.</li>
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Sleep adequately (7-8 hours) and avoid daytime sleep.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/ayush-ministry-s-unani-medicine-for-self-care-during-covid-pandemic-85134.html">Ayush Ministry’s Unani medicine for self-care during Covid-19 Pandemic</a></strong></p>
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<strong>Siddha Immunity Promoting Measures – Option 1</strong></p>
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Consume NellikaiI lagam 5 to 10 gm twice daily with lukewarm water.</li>
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Take 500 mg to 1 gm of powdered Amukkara with milk or hot water.</li>
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Self-stimulation of immune-boosting Varmam points as per the Guidelines for Siddha practitioners for COVID-19 by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Siddha Immunity Promoting Measures – Option 2</strong></p>
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Take Seenthil Chooranam 500 mg to 1 gm / Amukkara Chooranam tablet 500 mg (1 to 2 tablets) twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.</li>
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Kaba Sura Kudineer (KSK) / Nila Vembu Kudineer (NVK) / Visha Sura Kudineer  (VSK) 5ml to 60 ml as per the advice of the physician.</li>
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Self-stimulation of immune-boosting Varmam points as per the Guidelines for Siddha practitioners for COVID-19 by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Siddha Immunity Promoting Measures – Option 3</strong></p>
<ul>
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Kaba Sura Kudineer (KSK) / NilaVembu Kudineer (NVK) / Visha Sura Kudineer (VSK) 5ml to 60 ml as per the advice of the physician.</li>
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Inji Vadagam  1-2 tablets with water thrice a day.</li>
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Self-stimulation of immune-boosting Varmam points as per the Guidelines for Siddha practitioners for COVID-19 by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.</li>
</ul>
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<strong> Simple Siddha Procedures</strong></p>
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One is advised to take an oil bath twice a week with medicated oils like Karisalai Thailam , SanthanathyThailam.</li>
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Nasal Application: Thumbaipoo, Thulasi leave the juice for sore throat and nasal obstruction.</li>
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Pugai: Kandangathiri Pugai, Milagu Pugai, Manjal Kombu Pugai for rhinitis, nasal obstruction.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/fresh-guidelines-for-ayurveda-and-unani-practitioners-for-covid-released-84249.html">Fresh guidelines for Ayurveda and Unani Practitioners for Covid-19 released</a></strong></p>
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<strong>Paediatric Age Group</strong></p>
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Consume Nellikai Ilagam 2 – 5 gm twice daily with lukewarm water for 3 years and above.</li>
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Take Uraimathirai 1-2 in a divided dose for below 3 years.</li>
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Kaba Sura Kudineer (KSK) / NilaVembuKudineer (NVK) 5ml to 30 ml as per the advice of the physician.</li>
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 Take 200 mg of powdered Amukkara with milk or hot water.</li>
</ul>
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The document mentions that the above measures can be followed to the extent possible as per an individual’s convenience.  Also that the advisory does not claim to be a treatment for COVID-19.</p>
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According to the Ayush Ministry document, the suggested measures are supported by Siddha Classical literature, scientific publications, and evidence based on COVID-19 studies undertaken by the Ministry of AYUSH.</p>