All of us can agree that now is a time unlike any, we have collectively known. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all our lives in an extremely personal and regular manner. While anxieties of the common people rise regarding the uncertainty of the situation, medical professionals, researchers and scientists are working tirelessly to unearth a solution.

There is no dearth of bad news around the virus. Hence, let’s speak of something good and positive. We’ll begin with the basics. Do you know what AYUSH is? It refers to the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

The Ministry of Health and welfare has collaborated with the Ministry of AYUSH, the Ministry of Science and Technology along with the expert guidance of the Indian Council of Medical Research. The breakthrough consists of 3 ancient Ayurvedic medicines that have officially been cleared for testing. Yes! These are:

  1. Ashwagandha
  2. Yashtimadhu, also referred to as Mulethi
  3. Guduchi and Pippali

With COVID-19 cases on an exponential rise, turning to traditional medicinal methods has been thought of as a prudent step. Even the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has given Ayurveda and Homeopathy the green signal to conduct research around the virus. In fact, health workers along with any labour force stationed at high-risk areas have begun undergoing clinical trials.

What’s more? The Gujarat Government has made the claim of a success story! The drinking of an ‘Ayurvedic Kadha’- essentially an amalgamation of Ayurvedic herbs and medicines that help to boost immunity- has been successful for quarantined patients to be tested negative for the virus.

The kadha was provided to about 3, 585 individuals and homeopathic medicines were administered to about 2,625 individuals. The results showed that only 11 of the sample tested positive for COVID-19, that too due to an unfinished dosage.

This is not only a beacon of hope for all you restless souls currently under lockdown, but also a great transformation in the future of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic disciplines. They just may have the potential to affect the future of the world, for the better.

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP

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