How Ayurveda Can Help Treat Flu

Flu is caused by the Influenza virus, which is of four different types – A, B, C, and D. The Influenza virus most commonly targets the nose, throat and the lungs. A person infected by Influenza virus can experience varying symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. In certain cases, flu has turned out to be fatal. A person, who has flu, will experiencesymptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches. Flu is highly contagious and can spread through the air, when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The Influenza virus can also remain on surface of objects, from where it can pass on to anyone who touches it.

Conventional flu treatment

The conventional approach to flu treatment involves vaccination, anti-viral drugs and medicines that relieve the symptoms such as antihistamines and analgesics. It takes around 1-4 days for the symptoms to appear, and during this time, the patient can infect other people around them. This is why it is important to take precautions when handling a flu patient.

Ayurvedic treatment for flu

Ayurvedic treatment for flu utilizes a preventive approach and the use of Ayurveda therapies, Ayurveda massage and Ayurveda medicines & herbs. Ayurveda does not deny the involvement of the Influenza virus; rather, it focuses on strengthening the immune system so that the body can fight the Influenza virus on its own. Ayurvedatherapies such as Panchkarma and Ayurveda massage significantly reduce stress levels, which in turn boosts the body’s ability to fight infections. The patient is also treated with various Ayurveda medicines and herbs that have antiviral and healing properties. Some of the most common herbs used include Tulsi, Basil, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Guduchi, Ginger, Ashwagandha, and Amalaki. These are helpful in providing relief from discomforting symptoms of flu.

Ayurvedic treatment for flu also focuses on achieving the balance between the doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Flu affects all the three doshas and achieving a balance is crucial for successful treatment. Vata and Kapha relate to the cold bio-energies, which is why there’s an increased risk of flu during the colder seasons. People at risk of flu can take precautions such as wearing woolen clothing during the winters. It is important to cover the nose, ears and the head to prevent cold from weakening the body’s defense mechanism.

Ayurvedic treatment for flu will also involve various lifestyle changes. For example, if a person is not getting adequate sleep, it may increase the risk of infections such as flu. Similarly, other unhealthy habits such as eating junk food, not getting adequate rest, overeating, etc. can also impact the Vata and Kapha doshas and increase the risk of infections. Withlifestyle changes, the right balance can be achieved in the doshas. This will ultimately boost the body’s defense mechanism and protect it from infections such as flu.

It’s important to take precautions to prevent a flu infection. Always wash your hands when you come home from outside or when you are taking care of a patient diagnosed with flu. Eat a nutritious diet and in moderation so that your immune system can work at its full potential. You also need to consume adequate fluids, which is essential for fighting infections and remaining healthy.