Urging people not to panic, Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living said , "India has a wealth of knowledge from Ayurveda to counter swine flu".
Elaborating on this, Dr. Manikantan and Dr. Nisha Manikantan, senior ayurvedic doctors at Sri Sri Ayurveda centre said, "Swine flu invades the body because of a breakdown in immunity. And Ayurveda offers simple & effective remedies to boost immunity & build resistance. Tea made from Laxmi Taru leaves (botanical name: Simarouba), Tulsi, Amla and Amrut (Giloy) acts as an immunity enhancer. Alternatively & additionally, Ginger and Turmeric (haldi) powder mixed with either lime juice or honey can also be taken twice a day."
"To counter air-borne swine flu viruses, Sambarani dhoop (loban stems) should be burnt in the house twice a day. Sambarani is a very potent atmospheric sterilser", the doctors added.
He said, "In addition, our mind also plays an important role in our immunity. Whenever we panic and have fear, our immunity level goes down. Practices like pranayama and meditation play a vital role in reducing panic / fear and keeping ourselves calm. Independent studies conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru have empirically proved that practices such as pranayama and meditation boosts immunity at least three-fold. If we can integrate these practices in our daily lives along with the simple Ayurvedic remedies, we can effectively counter swine flu".
