AYURVEDA FOR PREVENTION, PROPHYLAXIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19: A REVIEW

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic which has spread to 216 countries in eight months resulted in 7.50 lakh deaths across the globe. SARS CoV-2, highly infectious causative agent of this disease is transmitted through droplets, contact routes and aerosols. Even the most developed nations are experiencing difficulty to limit its spread and the disease is still spreading at an alarming rate. For filling the gaps and lacunas in the healthcare system this is high time to integrate different healthcare systems available to meet the ever emerging health challenges. Ayurveda has documented the first reference of epidemics as Janapadodhwamsa and has given a scientific insight to its causes, effect and prevention along with management strategies. No established and approved treatment of COVID-19 is yet available and off label drugs are being tried for prophylaxis and therapeutic purpose. Variation in host susceptibility and outcomes has been observed and host factors are being explored along with fast track vaccine development. Ayurveda treatment always take into account the host factors to alleviate the disease by improving the Agni and providing nutrition and strength to the host by means of Rasayana, Panchakarma, lifestyle measures and using drugs of varied origin. The clinical profile of COVID-19 matches with Vata-Kapha dominant Sannipataja Jwara for which detailed treatment guidelines and array of pharmaceutical preparations are described in Ayurvedic literature which are being practiced by qualified Ayurvedic physicians effectively since long. This paper highlights the Ayurvedic perspective of the COVID-19 along with its prevention, prophylaxis and management strategies through Ayurveda.