Are they growing? swine flu losses make you anxious? Not sure how to avoid falling victim to the growing epidemic? First of all, there is absolutely no need to panic. Here are some simple steps you can take to deal with any type of flu virus, including swine flu. You don’t have to do all the steps at once. You can choose the combination of funds that suits you best. However, if you already have the flu, these measures can only help to a certain extent. 1. Take five properly washed leaves of tulsi (known as basil in English; medical name Ocimum sanctum) every morning. Tulsi has many medicinal properties. It keeps the throat and lungs clear and helps with infections by boosting immunity. 2. Giloa (medical name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot-long branch of giloya, add five to six tulsi leaves and boil it in water for 15 to 20 minutes, or long enough for the water to reveal its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or misri (crystallized lump sugar to make it sweet) to taste. Let it cool down a bit and drink this kadha (decoction) while it is still warm. It will do wonders for your immunity. If the giloa plant is not available, buy processed giloa powder from Hamdard or others and prepare a similar drink once a day. 3. A small piece of camphor (kapur) about the size of a pill should be taken once or twice a month. Adults can swallow it with water, and children – together with mashed potatoes or a banana, because it will be difficult for them without helpers. Please remember that camphor should not be taken every day, but only once a season or once a month. 4. Those who can take garlic should eat two cloves of raw garlic in the morning. Drink warm water every day. Garlic also strengthens the immune system, like the previously mentioned measures. 5. Those who are not allergic to milk should drink a glass of hot or warm milk with a little haldi (turmeric) every evening. 6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) is also a commonly available plant. Its thick and long cactus-like leaves have an odorless gel. A teaspoon of gel taken daily with water can do wonders not only for skin and joint pain, but also for boosting immunity. 7. Take homeopathic remedies — particularly Pyrogenium 200 and Inflentium 200 — five pills three times a day or two or three drops three times a day. While they also don’t target H1N1 specifically, they work well as a preventative against the common flu virus. 8. Do pranayama daily (preferably guided if you’re not already dedicated to it) and go for a morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs healthy and your body toned. Even in small amounts, it will do wonders for strengthening your body’s resistance to all such ailments that affect the nose, throat and lungs, apart from keeping you in shape. 9. Eat citrus fruits, especially amla (Indian gooseberry) juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Since fresh amla is not yet available in the market (for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged amla juice, which is now widely available. 10. Last but not least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before eating or whenever you touch a surface that you suspect may be infected with the flu virus, such as a doorknob or handle/knob, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should always be on hand and used until you have access to soap and warm water. (The author is an avid reader and advocate of alternative therapies, including spiritual healing, Ayurveda, yoga, and homeopathy)
