A conceptual study on an Ayurvedic perspective in prevention and management of COVID-19 with reference to Charak Samhita

Abstract

Introduction: This paper correlates the vastly detailed concepts of Janpadodhwansa and COVID- 19 from Charak Samhita to the novel coronavirus. The aim of this paper is to draw the attention of the experts toward the similarities between coronavirus and Ayurvedic preventive measures, in hopes of finding some more effective measures of prevention as well as cure for the ongoing pandemic. The descriptions of Janpadodhwansa are scattered in different Ayurvedic classics which reveals the rich knowledge of the Ayurveda developed since the time immemorial. Aim & Objective: To review the well documented concept of the Ayurveda about Janpadodhwansa and its preventive and supportive management as in present era of COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & Methods: A brief description was given about Adharma and immunity. The concept of pandemic/epidemic is explained with the term “Janpadodhwans.” Literary study of COVID-19 through the perception of classical disquisition like Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita of Ayurveda with the available commentaries, with modern correlation was done. Conclusion: It was deduced that every disease changes its mode of onset and course of progression with changing climatic conditions and timeline peculiarities. The diseases are not identical, but the author hopes that the similarities drawn can be of use to better understand the whole spectra of diseases that have come and those that have yet to come.