AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

*Dr. Anita Mahapatra **Dr. C D Siby

*Senior Ayurvedic Physician, Ayur Centre, Malaysia

**Chief Ayurvedic Physician, Ayur Centre, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds - Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute

respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID 19). It is primarily spread between
people via respiratory droplets from cough and sneeze, contact with infected individuals and
fomites. There is no specific treatment available for corona virus till now and a vaccine is yet to
become available until 2021. This viral disease could be successfully prevented with Ayurveda
medicines and service. There were many earlier instances of infectious outbreaks effectively
managed by Ayurveda over centuries with Ayurvedic principles.
Objectives – To support National Health Care System in preventing spread of corona virus and
address the psychological trauma in society, find an effective preventive medication for COVID
19.
Methodology – A systematic literary review and research of available documents related to
similar infectious diseases are studied. An open debate was also conducted among Ayurvedic
experts to develop an Ayurvedic treatment protocol for Infectious diseases based on Ayurveda
concepts.
Results – A unique combination with 2 herbal decoctions (Panchatikta Kashayam,
Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam) and 3 tablets (Swasanandam Gulika, Vilwadi gulika,
Vettumaran Gulika) are suggested to cater in this emergency need, even though Ayurveda
advocates a customized treatment protocol based on individual constituents and many other
factors. This combination was given in 300 patients from outpatient department of Ayur centre,
Malaysia along with other preventive measures in different dosage forms for different age group
from 4 to 80 year for a period of 4 weeks. It is found that this medication is safe in use without
any adverse effect, no case reported to get infect with corona.
Conclusion – It is interesting to note that the classical texts described centuries back are very
much relevant at this present era, and their importance cannot be neglected.

KEYWORDS: Corona virus, Ayurveda, Tridosha, Kashayam, Rasayana

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new recently

discovered novel Corona Virus. The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of
Hubei province in central China, and has since spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20
coronavirus pandemic. [1][2] 187 countries are in the grip of this deadly viral disease for which
there is no specific treatment available till now and a vaccine is yet to become available until
2021. As per WHO factsheet as on 24.03.20 - 350,000 confirmed corona cases, 95 % of cases are
mild and 5% cases are in critical.

When a person suffering from this disease sneezes or coughs, a lot of droplets spread in the air or
fall on the ground and nearby surfaces. If another person is nearby and inhales the droplets or
touches these surfaces and then touches his face, eyes or mouth, he can get the infection. The
chances are more if one is within a distance of less than 1 meter from the infected person.
Majority of the people (80%) will require symptomatic treatment and will recover on their
own. A small proportion (<20%) may need hospitalization. A very small proportion (mainly with
underlying chronic illness) may need admission in intensive care unit (ICU). [3]This disease is
known to occur in all age groups. The infection is generally mild in children. Older persons and
persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung
disease, cancer or diabetes) are at a high risk to develop serious illness.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum
production, diarrhea, and sore throat are less common. [4][5][6] While the majority of cases result in
mild symptoms,[7] some progress to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. [8] This is more
common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems,
infants, and older adults. The test can be done on respiratory samples obtained by various
methods, including a nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample. [9] Results are generally available
within a few hours to two days. [10]

COVID 19 a pandamic diseases; Ayurveda classics have coined a term Janapadodwansa,

primarily describes the cause of communicable diseases. Although individuals defer in physical
constitution, food habits, suitability, strength, immunity, age, etc., they do get affected with
disease owing to vitiation of some factors that are common to all those who inhabit in that
community. These factors lead to the simultaneous manifestation of disease having the same set
of symptoms among all the inhabitants leading to widespread manifestation in the community.
The factors that are common to all the individuals in a community include air, water, land, and
season. [11] Agent, host, and environmental factors interrelate in a variety of complex ways to
produce disease in humans. Their balance and interactions are different for different diseases. [12]

Acharya Sushrut, one of the proponents of Ayurveda, has depicted different modes of
communicable disease transmission in his classical treatise Sushrut Samhita. He says by physical
contact (Gātrasansparśāt), expired air (Niḥśvāsāt), eating with others in same plate (Saha
bhōjanāta), sharing a bed (Sahaśayyāsanāccāpi), using clothes, garlands, and paste
(Vastamālyānulēpanāt) infectious diseases spread from person to person. These concepts are
very much relevant today. In addition, he has also given examples of some diseases that spread
though all these modes, such as different types of skin diseases (Kusṭha), pyrexia (Jvara),
pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (Sōṣa), and conjunctivitis (Nētrābhisyanda), etc., which are
caused by direct contact and respiratory routes, respectively. [13] The following [Figure 1] gives a
detailed classification of modes of disease transmission with a later note on their approximate
Ayurvedic concepts as depicted by Acharya Sushrut.[14]
 Figure 1: Mode of disease transmission as per Sushurta Samhita

These modes of transmission happen when a person is involved in volitional transgression

(Pragnya aparadh). Deranged intellect (Dhi vibrashtta), deranged restrain (Dhruti vibrashtta),
and deranged memory (Smriti brashtta) leads to all sorts of unwholesome actions (Ashubh
karma). Due to this various failings appear; ill health and sorrow ensues. 

It is believed that an infected animal may have first transmitted the virus to humans at a market
that sold live fish, animals and birds in Wuhan. Such meat of infected /diseased animal is said to
be tridoshakar and responsible for the human death. The zoonotic transfer of COVID19 has been
manifested; a Pragnyaparadh; Adharma; leading to the present pandemic. The symptoms of
COVID 19 are similar to Sannipataj Jwara. Agantuja Vyadhi is caused due to  krimi (Bhuta
(microorganism), visha  (microorganism toxins). Once the krimi enters, vyadhi kshamatwa alters,
tridoshas gets vitiated in the amashaya; pittasthana and vata kapha aggravation happens. Further
such patients get prone to spread the microorganisms are called Aupasargik Vyadhi.

Probable pathophysiology of COVID 19

● Pragnya aparadha / Adharma

● Eating infected flesh (Visakata anna)/ Virus(COVID 19) enters into human body
● The vishakta anna reaches the Pittasthan, interaction between the virus and the
individual's immune system depend on virus type, Prakruti {genetics (such as HLA
genes)}, Vaya (age), gender, Aahar sausthava (nutritional status), Tridosha
(neuroendocrine-immune regulation), and Bala, vyayama shakti (physical status). 
● These factors contribute on the duration and severity of the disease, and the reinfection.
● A recent report showed commensal microbioata is important to activate pulmonary
dendritic cells to induce influenza virus- specific immune responses.( pittasthana
samudbhava of swasa vyadhi)
● Pitta pradhan and alpa kapha and vata lakshana like Kasa, Jwar, Daha, Klama,
Vamathu, Atisar alongwith trut and tamo darshan, later Sannipataj pattern seen. 
● Virus is something not swabhava yukta for the Sharir, it is a foreign body or visha. Its
prabhava is similar to Oja kshaya concept, which may develop into Swasa (Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome) or pandu, eventually leads to death.
The infected individual with above mode of transmission, disease passes to other humans. Based
on their vyadhi kshamatwa, kha vaigunya and tridosa and visa prabhava, the individual shows
the symmptoms of Amashaya gata dusthi or Pranavaha srota dusti. Then gradually number of
Aupasargika cases leads to Janapadadwansa.

OBJECTIVES

The study is conducted in Ayur Centre, Malaysia with the objectives to support National Health
Care System in preventing spread of corona virus, to address mild and moderate stages of corona
virus, to educate people on preventing corona and address the psychological trauma in society.
The study also aims to find an effective preventive medication for COVID 19.
 
METHODOLOGY

To find an effective intervention for COVID, literary review and research of available documents
related to similar infectious diseases are studied. An initial systematic literature review by the
help of internet-based search engines revealed very negligible work since it is new virus. Hence,
an attempt was made to analyze various principles of Ayurveda relevant to epidemiology and
interpret their contemporary significance. An open discussion also was conducted among
Ayurvedic experts to develop an Ayurvedic treatment protocol for Infectious diseases based on
Ayurveda concepts. A key part of managing the COVID-19 pandemic is trying to decrease the
epidemic peak, known as flattening the epidemic curve through various measures seeking to
reduce the rate of new infections. Slowing the infection rate helps decrease the risk of health
services being overwhelmed, allowing for better treatment of current cases, and provides more
time for a vaccine and treatment to be developed. [15] Once COVID 19 is diagnosed, the treatment
is managed with supportive care, which may include fluid, oxygen support, and supporting other
affected vital organs.[16] Steroids such as methylprednisolone are not recommended unless the
disease is complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome.[17]

A unanimous decision was to taken include few medications as a combination, which can tackle
the symptoms of viral infections, like fever, respiratory complaints like cough, dyspnea and
alimentary disroders like loose motion and reduce endotoxins. The combinations of drugs are
Panchatikta Kashayam 10 ml, Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam 10 ml, Vettumaran gulika 1
tablet, Swasananda gulika 1 tablet and Vilwadi gulika 1 tablet. This combination can be given
twice in a day before food. The dosage of herbal decoctions is to be reduced 5 ml each and ½
tablet of each, twice in a day for children of below 12 year of age. The medications were given
for period of 4 weeks.
Panchatikta Kashayam is combination of 5 herbs Kshudra (Solanum xanthocarpum), Amruta
(Tinospora cordifolia), Nagara (Zingiber officinale), Paushkara (Inula racemosa), Kiratatikta
(Swertia chirata), is used in the treatment of Visama jwara or chronic fevers, 3rd and 4th day
fevers and irregular fevers. This medicine is used as a preventive measure during outbreak of
endemic diseases. It contains the herbs, which are having antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam contains 14 herbs of dasamoola, trikatu and vasa. It is used for
reducing cough and dyspnea occurring due to lung’s diseases or respiratory disorders. It is likely
to have a hot potency and reduces mucus production (pacifies mucus in lungs). The
ingredients are of anti-inflammatory properties and acts as bronchodilator. It acts as mucolytic,
antitussive, appetizer, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It reduces mucus production in the lungs
and mitigates inflammation in the airways and lungs. It is used in productive phlegm, in chest
pain occurring due to excess gas in alimentary tract and back ache. Vettumaran Gutika contains
Borax (Tankana Bhasma), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Shuddha Vatsanabha (Purified Aconitum
ferox), Shuddha Hingula (Purified and processed Cinnabar), Ajamoda (Trachyspermum
roxburghianum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale). It is used for fever, vomiting and abdominal
colic pain. Swasanandam Gulika is a herbo-mineral combination contains Shuddha Hingula
(Purified and processed Cinnabar), Karpoora( Cinnamomum camphora), Vatsanabha (Purified
and processed Aconitum ferox), Triphala ( Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica
officinalis), used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, Asthma. Vilwadi Gulika contains
Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Surasa (Ocimum sanctum), Karanja (Pongamia pinnata), Nata
(Valeriana wallichi), Surahva (Cedrus deodara), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki
(Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki(Emblica officinalis), Shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Maricha
(Piper nigrum), Pippali(Piper longum), Nisha (Curcuma longa), Daru Haridra(Berberis aristata)
and goat’s urine. It is used in alimentary canal disorder like sprue and cholera, Crohn’s disease,
IBS, anti-toxic, anti-poisonous. This medicine is used for treating poisonous bites, Herpes zoster,
Wart treatment, eczema and skin infection disorders such as boils and abscesses.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This combination was given in 300 patients from outpatient department of Ayur centre, Malaysia
from 1st February 20 to 24th March 20, along with other preventive measures in different dosage
forms for different age group from 4 to 80 year for a duration of 4 weeks. The combinations of
drugs are Panchatikta Kashayam 10 ml, Dasamulakatutrayadi Kashayam 10 ml, Vettumaran
gulika 1 tab, Swasananda gulika 1 tab and Vilwadi gulika 1 tablet. This combination can be
given twice in a day before food. The dosage of herbal decoctions is to be reduced 5 ml each and
½ tablet of each, twice in a day for children of below 12 year of age. Out of 300 patients,
maximum patients were from musculoskeletal disease, common cold, skin disease, allergic
sinusitis, heart disease, Lung cancer and minimum patients of Chronic kidney disease, Interstitial
lung fibrosis, Bronchiectasis etc. The details are shown in figure 2.

Number of patients
Type of disease ( From 01.02.20 to 24.03.20)
Musculoskeletal disease 76
Common cold, Flu 68
Neurological disorders 43
Skin disease 40
Allergic sinusitis 28
Heart disease 18
Lung cancer 11
Chronic kidney disease 6
Interstitial lung fibrosis 6
Bronchiectasis 4
 Figure 2: Type of diseases
It is found that this medication is safe in use without any adverse effect, no case reported to get
infect with corona. Only 2 patients out of three hundred, complaints of dryness of mouth, more
body heat. These 2 patients were managed by reducing the dose to half of adult dose for 2 days
then continued with normal dose.
At this point of time, a great emphasis is need to be given towards the preventive measures like
maintain social distancing, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, stay home when you are
sick, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or
sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at
least 60% alcohol.
Avoid consuming food from outside, wash fruits in warm water and salt before consuming them,
avoid uncooked salads, do not mix meat and dairy in your food, minimize consumption of non-
vegetarian food, avoid repeated defrosting and consumption of old food.
Regular exercise can improve lung capacity is ‘Alternative Nostril Breathing’. This very relaxed
breathing technique that balances the breath is used to help calm the nervous system and aid in a
restful night’s sleep. It also helps to increase your lung capacity. The practice of yogasana can be
followed under supervision.
Maintain environmental hygiene by de-clustering your surroundings, fumigate home and
surroundings with gum resin, eagle wood bark, carom seeds, turmeric etc, cleanse your
surrounding with Homa-Havan with herbs like Shirish, Nimba, Palash, Arjun, karpoora,
Bakuchi, Khadir, Haridra, Vacha, Audumbar, Ashwattha, Vata, Amra, Shweta
nirgundi,  Guggulu etc,
Regularly use herbal decoctions from Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale),
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), to
strengthen the immune system and prevent unnecessary infections. Samshamani vati 500 mg can
be taken twice a day along with Anu taila 2 drops on each nostril daily in the morning for 15
days. Regular cleansing therapies like therapeutic emesis and purgation can be followed in
frequent interval along with Immunobusters drugs.
CONCLUSION

A good number of principles are found in the classical texts of Ayurveda, which can be
compared with the concepts of epidemiology. In the process of theoretical analysis, the following
concepts were found relevant, such as the concept of causation of disease, causes of epidemic,
modes of communicable disease transmission, and natural history of disease.
It is interesting to note that the classical texts described centuries back are very much relevant at
this present era, and can be able managed efficiently in such communicable diseases. Even now
their importance cannot be neglected.
This study confirms that this combination is safe and effective in preventing corona virus. This
combination can be used under supervision of Ayurvedic physician. It is also planned to study
further in lager population with multiple comorbidity conditions and also in mild form of corona
infected cases.
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