In COVID 19 situation there has been increased awareness worldwide about the concept of preventive healthcare. Till the invention of vaccine or specific medicine we have only two options left in our hand - prevention and protection. As far as prevention from getting infected is concerned, there are many guidelines issued by the different Government agencies which are now available in public domain. Wearing mask, hand hygiene, social distancing are some well known examples. People at large are seriously following the instructions. The wide publicity about the necessity of these measures has made us aware and conscious.
One more thing gaining popularity during this period is Ayurveda, thanks to its concept of vyadhikshamatya (immunity). The term immunity-boosting is very popular i these days. For example, just type "immunity" in search bar, you will get leads of immunity booster food, immunity booster medicines, immunity boosting tea and believe me, immunity sandesh also. The wide publicity of Ayurvedic immunity-boosting protocol of GoI by different stakeholders has changed the mindset of the people of not only our country but it is true for people allover the world. It is true that, immunity of an individual is important to combat a diseases and it is also true for COVID 19. Till the invention of vaccine or medicine we need to rely on our immunity. This is what I say protection, the second option.
Being a practicing Ayurvedic doctor I am getting a large number of queries regarding Ayush Kwath, turmeric milk, Guruchi, Sudarshan vati and many other medicines. A considerable number of people I found believe that, these drugs will increase there immunity to such an extent that corona will never touch them, some strongly believe that, these are basically specific medicines for COVID 19. A group of people are also there who believe that, it is better to take these Ayurvedic things than not the take anything; after all Ayurvedic drugs have no side effect. Many people are taking this matter seriously, they are taking medicines consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
I am sure many of my colleagues are having the same experience like me. We, Ayurvedic doctors, have an important role in this juncture of time. We need to understand, if people are taking more Ayurvedic medicines in this situation really because of their awareness about Ayurvedic concept of preventive healthcare - swasthyasya swasthyarakshanam, the time will give the answer. Being an academician I think, Ayurvedic fraternity should promote Ethical Ayurvedic Treatment in this crisis moment. Simply tall claims, fake claims and product promotion with commercial interest will not cause much benefit to the system. We must come forward to express that, Ayurveda is not all about what is seen in television commercials, advertisement in news papers and the posters stuck on lamp posts. The time has come to say loudly that, Ayurveda is a medical system of Indian origin, it is a science, there are Institutions where Ayurvedic studies are conducted, qualified Ayurvedic doctors are from conventional science background and most important thing i.e. consulting an Ayurvedic doctor before taking an Ayurvedic medicine is essential. I believe, the myth is created for long past with some malign interest that Ayurvedic drugs are safe and without any side-effect as I did not find any such reference in any of the Ayurvedic treatise in my two and half decades of Ayurvedic career. We should start a myth-busting campaign to make our society aware about the fact that, all Ayurvedic medicines are having mild to serious adverse effects and may invite serious health hazards if taken without proper advice of qualified Ayurvedic doctor. People should know that, food and food supplements are different from Ayurvedic medicines.
The Ayurvedic fraternity and Government agencies should take this opportunity to propagate only and only Ethical Ayurvedic Treatment for diseases or else it will always remain an alternative system of medicine.
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