Treat Influenza(Flu) Symptoms with Effective Siddha Medicine
Preventing Winter Sickness Through Integrative Siddha Medicine - Influenza(Flu)
Good evening to all the members and friends joining from the USA, and good morning to all our friends from India and Malaysia.
In this webinar series, today marks the third session. We will be covering the topic of the flu, also known as influenza.
Flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs — the upper part of the respiratory tract. It is caused by a virus. Most people recover on their own, but sometimes the flu and its complications can be dangerous.
To protect against seasonal flu, we are all familiar with the annual flu shot. Although the vaccine is not 100% effective, there are additional non-pharmacological approaches, particularly integrative Siddha approaches, to prevent and manage flu symptoms.
You are likely aware of how the flu spreads. The virus is typically transmitted from person to person through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. However, the virus can also survive for a short time on objects such as doorknobs, pencils, wooden sills, eating utensils, cups, phones, keyboards, and other surfaces.
As a result, flu can also spread when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face. Also Flu can spread when an infected person touches objects or surfaces, and another person then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes. This is a common mode of transmission.
Several factors affect the prevalence and incidence of flu infections. These include:
2.Health Conditions : People with chronic conditions, such as recurrent respiratory tract infections, heart disease, long-term diabetes, or chronic kidney conditions like kidney insufficiency or kidney disease, are at higher risk.
3. Immune System : Individuals with compromised immune systems due to chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, chronic asthma, or chronic rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk.Medications like chemotherapy or long-term use of steroids can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible.
4. Environmental Factors : Low temperatures can increase the risk of flu transmission. Humid weather may also contribute to the spread of the virus.
These are the common risk factors and symptoms of the condition, many of which you may already be familiar with.
Symptoms of the Flu
Influenza symptoms can vary from person to person. While respiratory symptoms are common for everyone, the flu can affect the entire body. Here are the most common symptoms:
• Cough with severe breathing difficulty.
• Extreme exhaustion and fatigue, which may last for several weeks.
• Headache and high fever.
• Runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
• Severe body aches.
• Sneezing and sometimes a sore throat.
• Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon in some cases.
Fever and body aches typically last 3 to 7 days , but cough and fatigue can persist for 2 to 3 weeks . These are the common influenza symptoms.
HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus)
As many of you may already know, China is currently dealing with an outbreak of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) . Videos on social media show overcrowded hospitals and overburdened healthcare systems. Health experts have expressed concerns about the potential spread of HMPV to other parts of the world.
HMPV, like influenza, is a respiratory virus that can cause significant illness, especially in vulnerable populations.
Yes, according to reports published in the media, recent cases of HMPV show an upward trend, particularly among individuals under the age of 14 in northern China.
2. Has the WHO declared an emergency?No, the WHO has not declared a state of emergency regarding HMPV. While reports and social media posts describe the situation as a crisis, Chinese and WHO authorities are still examining the flow of infections. The outbreak coincides with other respiratory infections typically observed during the winter season when such illnesses tend to rise.
3. What is HMPV?According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in 2001. It is an RNA virus belonging to the same family as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
HMPV causes : Upper and lower respiratory tract infections with symptoms resembling the common cold and flu.
4. Who is affected?Individuals across all age groups, with higher incidence in young children and the elderly, especially those with weakened immune systems.
5. How does HMPV spread?HMPV spreads in a manner similar to other respiratory viruses, primarily through droplet infections caused by coughing and sneezing. According to the CDC, HMPV is most commonly transmitted during late winter and spring.
6. What are the symptoms of HMPV?The CDC identifies the following common symptoms of HMPV:
Cough ,Runny nose and nasal congestion, Chest congestion, Fever, Sore throat, Wheezing.
In severe cases, individuals may experience:
Shortness of breath.
Lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and bronchopneumonia.
Long-term complications, including asthma.
Like other flu viruses, the following groups are at higher risk:
Children under five years old.
Individuals with immunocompromised conditions.
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease).
Currently, there are no specific vaccines or preventive measures available for HMPV in the biomedical system. While supportive care is the main approach, prevention can focus on general measures such as:
Maintaining good hygiene.
Practicing respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes).
Limiting contact with infected individuals.
Specific Treatment and Preventive Measures
It is essential to pay attention to improving the immune status of every individual to combat viral infections effectively.
Disclaimer:This information is not a substitute for current recommendations. Please follow the updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local health authorities. At present, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any specific preparation or Siddha treatment can protect against HMPV.
The preventive methods described here are based on prior experiences with Siddha formulations that have shown antiviral properties for other viral infections.
Preventive Methods in the Siddha System
Preventive methods described in the modern biomedical system align well with principles found in ancient Siddha literature. These are classified into three levels:
Focuses on preventing the development of risk factors in the first place.
2. Primary PreventionAims to manage risk factors and prevent the onset of disease.
3. Secondary PreventionInvolves the early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the disease to prevent complications and further progression.
4. Tertiary PreventionIn addition to secondary prevention, which focuses on early diagnosis and prompt treatment, tertiary prevention aims to reduce complications and disabilities caused by the disease.
These approaches underscore the importance of proactive health management, particularly for viral infections like HMPV. By combining Siddha wisdom with modern biomedical practices, a comprehensive strategy can be developed to enhance immunity and mitigate risks.
Primordial Prevention
As discussed in the first session, primordial prevention emphasizes lifestyle changes and practices to prevent the development of risk factors. These include:
• Managing sleep effectively.
• Practicing yoga and reducing stress.
• Drinking adequate amounts of water.
• Consuming fermented rice water.
• Avoiding white sugar, table salt, refined oils, fast food, and other incompatible food items.
• Using periodical cleansing methods, such as bubble cleansing or herbal oil treatments.
• Avoiding chemical products for cleaning purposes.
• Boosting immunity with homemade preparations.
We will now share some simple homemade preparations to enhance natural immunity.
This spicy powder can be consumed in small amounts daily, either as an addition to your meals or with warm water, to strengthen immunity.
This preparation, called "Spicy Powder," is a simple and effective immunity booster.
Ingredients:Curry leaves (double the quantity of the other ingredients) , Dry ginger, Thymol seeds (ajwain) , Asafoetida , Cumin seeds , Pepper , Fennel seeds
Preparation:1. Take all ingredients in equal parts, except for curry leaves, which
should be double the total quantity. For instance, if the total quantity of the
other ingredients is 100 g, add 200 g of curry leaves.
2. Clean, dry, and grind all ingredients into a fine powder using a clean mortar and
pestle or a blender.
3. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
Take 1 teaspoon of this powder mixed with: Buttermilk, Hot water, or Rice.
Consume daily to boost immunity. This preparation helps prevent flu, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anemia.
In addition to the homemade preparations like spicy powder , ginger tea , and garlic honey , there are other important practices to strengthen immunity and prevent respiratory diseases during the winter.
1. Abdominal BreathingAbdominal breathing, a simple yet effective practice, can help prevent many diseases. Here’s how to practice it:
Sit in a comfortable position.
Focus on slow, deep, and conscious breathing, ensuring that your abdomen expands with each
inhale and contracts with each exhale.
Enhances lung expansion and supports intracellular respiration and cellular
metabolic processes.
Reduces brainwave frequency, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Increases oxygen absorption and helps gain control over negative thoughts.
Boosts immunity by improving the body’s overall immune status.
Improves concentration, memory, and mental clarity, leading to a peaceful mind.
Certain yoga poses are particularly beneficial for preventing respiratory conditions and improving overall immunity.
Recommended Poses:Standing Forward Bend Pose (Uttanasana): Enhances lung capacity and improves
blood circulation.
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Relieves stress and promotes relaxation.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): Induces deep relaxation and helps the body rejuvenate.
These yoga practices regulate breathing, relax the brain, and pave the way for better mental and physical health, ultimately enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms.
Integrative Benefits of Yoga and Abdominal Breathing:
Reduces the risk of diseases by strengthening the immune system.
Helps maintain a peaceful state of mind and encourages positive thoughts.
Improves concentration and memory, supporting overall well-being.
Since there are no specific vaccines or treatments currently available for the new virus , the focus must be on boosting the individual immune system through these Siddha-based primordial preventive methods. By adopting these practices, individuals can build resilience against respiratory infections and maintain optimal health.
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention focuses on measures to stop the spread of disease during an outbreak. These include lifestyle modifications , food-based preventive methods , and specific Siddha preparations .
1. Lifestyle-Based Preventive MeasuresThese simple practices can help prevent the spread of infections: Steam Inhalation:
With turmeric powder.
With mint leaves.
With a combination of pepper powder and turmeric powder.
Using clove oil or neem oil (once a day).
Regular steam inhalation helps prevent upper respiratory tract infections during epidemics.
Gargling with alum powder or specific decoctions (e.g., Tulsi decoction) is effective. Regular gargling helps reduce throat infections and prevents the spread of viruses.
Oil Baths and Yoga/Exercise:Practicing yoga, light exercises, and taking herbal oil baths contribute to better immune defense.
2. Food-Based Preventive MethodsIncluding certain foods in your diet can enhance immunity and protect against infections:
Black Gram , Green Gram , and Sesame Seeds: Regular consumption boosts immunity.
Homemade herbal combinations can also play a significant role in prevention.
Several Siddha remedies have shown effectiveness against viral infections based on past experiences:
For adults: Take half a teaspoon twice daily with honey or ghee.
For children: A quarter teaspoon, 3-4 times daily with honey or hot water.
Neem oil or herbal decoctions for topical and internal use help in prevention.
Additional Practices Brushing with Herbal Tooth Powder:A combination of turmeric powder, pepper, and honey can be used for oral hygiene.
Herbal Teas and Decoctions:Turmeric, ginger, and pepper decoctions are effective against the common cold. Turmeric and Ghee Mixtures:
These can be consumed daily to strengthen immunity.
By following these primary prevention strategies, individuals can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading upper respiratory infections, including viral conditions.Secondary Prevention
Secondary prevention comes into play once the disease has occurred. The aim is to use Siddha preparations to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and aid recovery.
1. Siddha DecoctionsDecoctions are highly effective for managing flu symptoms. Here’s how they can be prepared and used:
Nilavembu Kudineer Decoction: Preparation: Use 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 g) of Nilavembu Kudineer powder.
Mix it with 250 ml of water.
Boil the mixture on a low flame until it reduces to about 60 ml.
For prevention: Take 60 ml twice daily.
During severe symptoms: The dosage may be increased as per a physician’s advice.
2. Symptomatic Management For Fever:
Anic Decoction: This preparation helps in controlling fever effectively.
For Respiratory Symptoms: Kabasura Kudineer: A well-known Siddha formulation that alleviates respiratory
symptoms like cough and nasal congestion.
Manjal (Turmeric) Decoction: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties,
turmeric decoctions can provide relief.
Certain advanced Siddha medicines are recommended for severe flu symptoms:
Vasaka (Adhatoda Vasica):
Used for managing respiratory conditions and clearing mucus buildup.
Vishnu Chakra Mathirai:
A traditional Siddha medicine used to alleviate high fever and flu symptoms.
For these higher-order medicines, consultation with a qualified Siddha physician is essential to determine the correct dosage and suitability.
By following these secondary prevention methods , individuals can manage flu symptoms effectively while reducing the risk of complications. These remedies work best when combined with proper rest, hydration, and physician guidance.