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Ayurveda – An invaluable gift by ancient sages

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It is the duty of every person to keep his body and mind healthy. Ayurveda is a very effective medium which is being used since ancient times for this.

‘Ayurveda is a Veda related to life. Whichever materials are necessary for getting relief from diseases and for a healthy life, are incorporated in Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurveda describes very well the effect of food and materials having sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and acidic taste on dosha (Disorder), dhatu (Humour of the body as phelgm, wind, bile) and mala (Feculence/excrement).

‘‘न अनौषधं जगति किंचित् द्रव्यं उपलभ्यते’’

चरक सू २६-१२

Ayurveda states that, ‘There is not a single substance in the world which cannot be used as a medicine.’

Place occupied by Dhanvantari Deity and prayers in Ayurveda

Dhanvantari Deity who destroys disease and offers health, occupies a special place in Ayurveda. Prayers have been regarded as having immense importance at every stage, that is, while selecting any herb orplant, processing and consuming it.

Understand the importance of Ayurveda

Nowadays, people start allopathic treatment even for a simple unrest. ‘Importance of Ayurveda’ as told by ancient sages is conveniently disregarded. Allopathic medicines may have side-effects or some other complications may arise. There is no possibility of any such risk in Ayurvedic medicines. Hence a person can become healthy and live long by taking a Ayurvedic medicines. Having realised the importance of Ayurveda, now foreign countries are trying for a ‘patent’ of Ayurvedic medicines.

Modernisation of Ayurvedic medicines

There is a conception that Ayurvedic medicines start showing effects on the patients after a long time; hence they are not of much help in treating severe and critical diseases. So tablets and injections should be made by separating active components namely alkalides, glycosidesfrom these medicines.’

O children, Ayurveda is an invaluable gift given to us by our Sages. Remember, you have to shoulder the responsibility to preserve this rich heritage of Hindu culture.

Source: https://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism-for-kids/504.html

Image source: http://afterbehind.blogspot.in/2015_05_01_archive.html

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Explained: What Is Hydroxychloroquine, The Drug Touted As Cure To Coronavirus!!

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Anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine is back in the news after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at retaliation if India does not export the drug that is believed to be helpful in treating the Coronavirus.

The US President has been touting hydroxychloroquine’s potential and terming it a gamechanger. But does this anti-malaria drug have the potential to treat the disease? Could it be a possible miracle that can pull humanity out of the pandemic? That remains to be seen.

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat malaria. The drug was invented during World War II. It is also prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Johns Hopkins University Lupus Center, the anti-malarial medication has been shown to improve symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, inflammation of the heart and lung linings, fatigue, and fever. Hydroxychloroquine is sold under the brand name Plaquenil and is available as generics.

Is it safe to use?

The Indian Council for Medical Research Director General Balrama Bhargava has recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for treating healthcare workers tackling the suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases and also the asymptomatic household contacts of the lab-confirmed cases. The treatment protocol recommended by the National Task Force has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for restricted use in emergency situations.

Another scientist at the ICMR said: “The empiric use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.” he said.

Side effects of the drug can be heart block, heart rhythm disturbance, dizziness, giddiness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

In March, a man died while his wife was left in a critical condition in Arizona after they took chloroquine phosphate, an additive used to clean fish tanks that is related to the composition of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.

Can hydroxychloroquine be used to treat Coronavirus?

In France, 40 coronavirus patients were given hydroxychloroquine and more than half of them experienced the clearing of their airways within three to six days. The study suggested that the anti-malarial drug can slow infections from Sars-CoV-2 — the virus behind Covid-19 — by blocking it from entering cells in the body.

“But more recent, albeit small-scale, research from China has shown that patients who were treated with the drugs fought off coronavirus no more quickly than those who didn’t get it. Indeed, one patient given hydroxychloroquine severely worsened in condition while four patients on the medicine developed signs of liver damage and experienced diarrhea,” the Guardian reported.

And it is important to note that a drug used with for treatment with subjecting it to a full and thorough clinical trial is, at the best, untested and may have severe drawbacks.

According to the European Medicines Agency, hydroxychloroquine should not be taken by coronavirus patients except for clinical trials or emergency use programs.

Source: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-explained-what-is-hydroxychloroquine-and-can-it-be-used-to-treat-coronavirus/350221

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