With all the swine flu news and fear, I thought his might be useful for everyone.
Very cool, Ayurvedically-inspired tips on avoiding swine flu (stuff that also applies to avoiding other flus), from a highly-qualified doc. A good time of year to pass this info on to everyone...
Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).
The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in anti-oxidants (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Some common Ayurvedic recommendations/herbs that are very helpful for flu/cold/cough/sore throat:
Gargle: with 1/4 tsp salt+1/2 tsp turmeric water. Boil the salt and turmeric in water for a few minutes, let it cool down and use when warm. (make sure you don't use the turmeric powered settled in the bottom of the pot). Very helpful for sore throat and colds.
Neti pot (nasal rinse): with 1/8 tsp salt+1/4 tsp turmeric water. Boil the salt and turmeric in water for a few minutes, let it cool down and use when warm. (make sure you don't use the turmeric powered settled in the bottom of the pot). Very helpful for sinusitis, chronic colds and congestion.
Chyawanprash: Rejuvenating and immunity boosting herbal Jam with 45 anti-aging herbs and vital minerals. Chyawanprash has been used for thousands of years to help enhances metabolism, strengthen immunity and support proper lung function. It is a well known considered to be one of the most health promoting and "anti-aging" product in Ayurveda. This delicious herbal jam is rich in anti-oxidants and can be enjoyed daily to strengthen the body and help against the harmful effects of a stressful lifestyle.
Triphala: This is one of the most important detoxifying and rejuvenative herbal formulas in Ayurveda. It has been used for thousands of years to promote internal cleansing, improve metabolism and nourish tissues. It is a combination of "three fruits" Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, which are an important part of many classical healing compounds.
Sitophaladi + Mahasudarshan (also used as a broad spectrum anti-biotic in Ayurveda) herbal mixtures: if you have green/yellow mucous.
Trikatu or Talisadi herbal mixture: white or thick sticky mucous.
Fresh Ginger tea also very helpful when you are suffering from a cold. Also helps improve digestion and appetite.
Interesting article: "Common links in Swine Flu deaths" http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/31/CDC-Says-Kids-That-Die-From-Swine-Flu-Have-Coexisting-Bacterial-Infections.aspx
I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know 20 who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.
