Ayurvedic Preventive and Curative Protocol for COVID 19 - A Proposal

Abstract

COVID-19 is an illness caused due to Novel Corona Virus 2, now called as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus -2 (SARS COV 2).[1] Ayurveda considers it as a Janapadodhwamsa Vikara.[2] It can also be grouped under the class of Bhutabhishangaja Aagantuja Vikaara with special reference Aupasargika and Sankramika disease.[3] Furthermore, Bhuta in Ayurveda also has the meaning of Visha (poison) and virus meaning in latin is poison. Here, the origin of the virus was earlier considered from animals (Bats – primary hosts, Snake - intermediate host and further Pangolins). According to Acharya Sushruta, all share the similar Yoni.[4] Considering all factors associated with Covid-19, the illness can be considered as a Sannipata Jwara with predominance of Kapha and Pitta. Interestingly the signs and symptoms seen in this condition are quite similar to the Jangama Visha Lakshana of Kitavisha originating from Yoni of Jatuka (Bat), Sarpa (Snake), Shallaka (pangolin).[6] The choice of medicine (single and poly-herbo-mineral preparations) used should be Kapha Pittahara, Tridoshahara, Rakta Prasadaka / Shodhak, Agada (Vishahara), Jwarahara, Ashukaari, Bahukalpa Rasayana / Urjaskara (drugs having immune-boosting properties) and potent antimicrobial activities. Herbo-mineral agents possessing above activities which can be used as prophylactic as well as curative measure is been proposed in the study. Considering above concepts, a detailed review is done from Ayurvedic classics and a possible frame work is proposed in regard to Samprapti (pathogenesis), prophylactic and curative aspects of COVID-19 in the study.