At present, there are more than 38 million people infected with Covid-19 in the world. One and half million people have died because of it.
The number of infected people in Nepal has exceeded one lakh after a nationwide lockdown was declared on April 25 after an actively infected person was found. As of 23 September, more than 600 Nepalese have lost their lives.
Meanwhile, news declaring coronavirus vaccines are being made, have been made, and are being tested are spreading rapidly. China, the country of origin of the virus, has reported that infected people are successfully treated using traditional herbs. However, scientific facts with sufficient evidence are yet to come.
In the course of this research, it has been claimed that Ayurveda Teaching Hospital in Kirtipur and Community Natural Hospital in Nawalpur, Rajahar can treat corona using Nepali herbs.
The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of our herbs that have the ability to fight disease and to explain the method of use and consumption of these herbs.
Basil, Neem and Gurjo
Their leaves and flowers are dried and drunk as a tea, boiled and steamed or its juice is mixed with water to increase the immune system. However, too much of it is likely to cause more heat. It is suitable to cook neem leaves and drink the solution.
Gurjo is a climber. Its useful part is the stalk. It is considered healthy to cut its stalk into pieces and dry it and eat it with honey on an empty stomach. These plants are believed to help prevent viral diseases.
The mixture made from the fruits of Harro, Barro and Amla. Its regular consumption fights the disease or enhances the immune system. It is equally beneficial to eat these fruits separately.
Spicy herbs like garlic and onion do not let mould to grow. Garlic and onion of local variety are useful for health. Garlic can be boiled in hot water, made into a paste with honey, added to vegetables or consumed in any way. Ginger and turmeric are also considered to be helpful for a healthy body. Turmeric is more useful if taken with milk. According to Ayurvedic doctors, black cumin has proved to be useful in the treatment of Covid-19.
Sajivan, Jethimadhu and Ashwagandha
Sajivan is a small tree species found in the Terai and hilly regions. This plant, also called moringa or drumstick tree, contains a wide variety of nutrients. It contains more calcium than milk. The fruit of Sajivan is also eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are more useful than fruit. The leaves can be dried in the shade and made into green tea or powder. Many kinds of herbal medicines and food supplements are made and sold abroad from the leaves of Sajivan.
Liquorice (Jethimadhu) is considered to be better for health than gurjo and turmeric. Its roots and stems are multi-purpose. Its role is to prevent the spread of the virus and to prevent it from growing. Liquorice, which has antioxidant properties, is also used to reduce asthma, respiratory problems and relieve fatigue.
Fruits
Fruits like, pomegranate, pear, mango, and lemon are rich in vitamins. Lemons are rich in vitamin C. In China, some patients with COVID-19 were initially reported to be given vitamin C by injection. Chutro (barberry) and kafal (bayberry) are also important fruits that increase energy in the body.
Tea and Ginseng
Tea, which we drink daily, is also rich in antioxidants, making it very useful for viral infections. Green tea is also considered a medicinal drink in tea. It is also claimed that the Chinese are relatively less affected by corona because they often drink green tea. Similarly, ginseng used in traditional Chinese medicine is also considered to be tonic and disease resistant.
Pipla, Pepper and Aloe Vera
Scientists in Bangladesh have conducted experimental studies of Pipla (Long pepper) and Pepper in corona positive patients, with positive results. Aloe Vera juice is also considered to be helpful in the treatment of viral diseases which are rich in antioxidants.
Apart from the above mentioned, there are also foods like ghee, honey, shilajit, which when mixed with other herbs, gives energy to the body and increases the body’s ability to fight disease.
Cashews, raisins, yarsa, saffron, etc. work to add energy to the body. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and sprouted nuts are essential foods to treat.
After being infected:
Jethimadhu and Tapre (Brahmibuti):
Liquorice (Jethimadhu) comes to the forefront of the herbs used when the virus attacks the body. According to Chinese research articles, the stems and roots of this herb have played a key role in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The dried seeds (which can also be used as coffee) of the Senna Occidentalis plant, Tapre (pennywort), found in the Terai and hilly regions of Nepal, have been found to be very useful.
Oranges: Studies have shown that orange juice and peel, which are rich in vitamin C, are also very useful in preventing corona positive patients from becoming more serious.
Sarpagandha: The reserpine element found in the roots of Sarpagandha (serpentine wood) found in bush prevents the number of viruses in the body from increasing. The scientific name of it is Rauvolfia serpentina.
Juhi: The flower stalks and leaves of this wave plant have also been found to play an important role in stopping the growth of the virus. The scientific name of this plant, which is also planted in the garden, is Lonicera japonica.
Sunakhari – The use of stalks of plants belonging to the genus Dendrovium also helps in preventing viral diseases. Sunakhari, which blooms in Chaitra and Baishakh in the Salhes Forest of Siraha, is one of these species.
Do not consume medicinal herbs haphazardly:
Some experts are claiming that the disease can be cured by herbs as the vaccine against Covid-19 has not been developed yet. Some even claim that certain herbs are the perfect medicine.
Yes, our traditional herbs have medicinal properties. And, its proper use helps to increase immunity. However, relying solely on herbs for the Covid-19 epidemic can be risky for the time being.
Furthermore, not all herbs are good for the body. Its type, dosage, and method may vary. So don’t take them carelessly. For example, two species of Gurjo, Tinospora cordifolia and Tinospora sinensis are found in Nepal. Among the two which one is more useful for the body is still not studied.
What we can suggest to you now is to eat nutritious food to avoid Covid-19. Let’s use herbs that have been proven by behaviour and science. Let’s be careful.
Translated from the online version of Himal Khabar published on Sunday, September 25, 2077, written by Dr Mitra Pathak, the scientist and Garden Officer at National Botanical Garden Godawari.
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