As we await a cure for the dreaded COVID-19 disease, the Ministry of Ayush, along with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has begun contemplating clinical trials set to test 4 Ayurvedic drugs within a time frame of 7 days. Earlier on May 7, CSIR Director-General Shekhar Mande had said, “There has been a long-felt need for many of the Ayurvedic formulations. We should actually try from a modern science perspective so that we get acceptability.”
Without a doubt, Ayurveda is based on thousands of years of tried & tested traditional clinical practices & India trusts Ayurveda & it’s ancient wisdom. As ayurvedic science works on its own principles,we may not able to demonstrate the mechanism of action on contemporary parameters like modern medicine does however the positive results of ayurvedic treatment are undeniable. Ayurvedic practices have existed much before modern medicine Therefore, it is important that we validate Ayurvedic principles. We must admit that the timing is also right in the fight against coronavirus, as India & the world grapple with swelling numbers but the question is, how effective can an ayurvedic cure against coronavirus be? To answer this question, let us look at the ayurvedic components that India is relying on for a cure against coronavirus.
The 4 AYUSH formulations being tested against COVID-19
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that has scientifically proven health benefits. It is one of the most broad spectrum herbs in Ayurveda, a time tested science based on Indian principles of natural healing. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress.
Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, reduce cholesterol levels and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression and these findings are supported by science.
Yashtimadhu
Mulethi is also called Yashtimadhu in ayurveda & is probably one of the most commonly used herbs in not only Indian households but also Europe. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties aid the treatment of metabolic syndrome. It supports liver health and is an antiseptic that helps to calm the stomach. It is also an expectorant and decongestant that can help fight respiratory infections. There is some evidence that liquorice in small amounts can be used to decrease sugar cravings. Moreover, it is also known to be beneficial in cases of low blood pressure.
Guduchi
Giloy plant or Guduchi, is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used and advocated in Indian medicine for ages. It is known as ‘Amrita’, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’, because of its abundant medicinal properties. Boosts Immunity
Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases. Giloy boosts immunity as it helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections. Guduchi is excellent in treatment of Chronic Fever. According to Dr. Tarun Gupta, “Guduchi helps treat recurrent and chronic fevers & because it is antipyretic in nature, it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions like Dengue, Swine Flu and Malaria as well”.
Pippali
Pippali (long pepper) is an essential herb used in various Ayurvedic medicines. The roots and fruits of Pippali are used for its medicinal purposes. It is an effective home remedy in managing cough and cold. Due to its expectorant properties, it helps release mucus from the air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe easily. Pippali is known to help treat cough, diarrhea, fever & clearing mucus from the respiratory passage.One of the important actions of pippali is that it increases the bio availability of many herbs in body tissues and thus used in many ayurvedic formulations.
AYUSH-64
Ayush 64 is a formulation that was prepared to fight against malaria. Treatments for malaria, such as HCQ, were touted as potential treatments for COVID-19 and are undergoing extensive trials.