Preventive strategies to combat infections–a review of traditional practices and Ayurveda concepts

Abstract

India is the land of traditions and religious beliefs that stand proudly next to the global technology. The great sages of India chanted shantih mantra and its echoes have reverberated through centuries. The quest for happiness and success has been the dynamic factor in the course of evolutionary history. It is reflected in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which conveys that "May all be free from illness/ disease" which speaks about Universal health. Ayurveda advocates several non-pharmacological measures that are critical to overall health, including diet, sleep, mental factors, and environmental hygiene. There is a need to decode some of the non pharmacological, prophylactic measures that might sound superstitious to many, but are age-old practices of our ancestors and widely followed. This paper highlights prophylaxis aspects practiced traditionally in different parts of India along with Ayurvedic views and rationale behind these practices. Many age-old practices widely followed by our ancestors to prevent infectious diseases like daily regimens, seasonal regimens, personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, dietary guidelines, immunity boosting measures are relevant even today.

Knowledge and Practice of Possible Ayurvedic, Siddha and Homeopathic Regimens Against Novel Corona Virus Pandemic Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[11] Some studies reported that Ashwagandha may be effective in improving host immunity through the modulation of key targets relevant to COVID 19. [12] Comparing with these facts it was found from our study that 70% of the population are aware of medicinal properties of Neem, Tulsi, Ashwagandha against COVID. The prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive aspect, which can be achieved by the change in diet and practices.…”

“…Fresh garlic extract has antiviral activity in invitro and in vivo, which is similar to turmeric also. [12] Ginger, also known as Mahaushadha is widely used as a dietary spice and as a traditional oriented drug. Within the limitation of our study, only 29% of study population have the practice of drinking Golden Milk (turmeric, garlic) in COVID prevention, while 43% of our population where in doubt regarding this (Figure 1).…”

Phytomedicines explored under in vitro and in silico studies against coronavirus: An opportunity to develop traditional medicines

“…Ayurveda's classical scriptures emphasize the upliftment and maintenance of immunity. In Ayurveda, the basic concept of treatment of any disease is the understanding of the symptomatic stages of the three Dosha i.e., body humors (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and treating them accordingly and making them into a balancing stage which indicates the healthy condition ( MN et al, 2020 ). Along with the prevention, Ayurveda has the potency to manage the pathophysiological condition of the patient infected with COVID-19 having mild to moderate symptoms ( Kumar et al, 2020a ; MN et al, 2020 ).…”