Eventually, Ayurveda comes up with an upper hand as Govt. nods Ayurvedic Rasayanas for Clinical Trials to fight against the upsurge of the COVID-19 pandemic

What Maharishi Charaka — the father of Ayurveda system of medicine mentioned 2000 years ago in ‘Charak Samhita’, “Rasayana treatment is also an answer to epidemics”, has now been turning out to be a reality. See! Lately, the AYUSH Ministry has approved to launch clinical research studies on the possibility of using Ayurvedic medicines as preventive or add-on to standard care to COVID-19.

This is a joint initiative of the Ministries of AYUSH, Health, Science & Technology through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with technical support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). They are going to work together to test four Ayurvedic formulations (Rasayanas) — Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi, Peepli and Ayush 64 for the purpose.

Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the probable preventive measures being applied, Ayurveda finds an upper hand. Earlier, at the onset of the outbreak of the pandemic, our honourable PM urged the people to follow the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) protocol on ways to stay fit and enhance immunity and make it a part of their lives. And these Ayurvedic measures are on the go and have been instrumental in boosting immunity, which is the most effective arsenal to combat this virus. And lately, the Govt.’s nod for clinical trials of Ayurvedic formulations (Rasayanas) will be an icing on the cake if it turns out to be effective against COVID-19.

“Indeed, this is a welcome move by the AYUSH Ministry to try a hand with Ayurvedic Rasayanas, which have the potential to come up with a probable preventive cure in some form or the other. The Rasayana products have the characteristics to increase or decrease some aspect of the bodily processes system to create balance. It can work in a multi-directional manner to help the bodily processes in regaining balance and maintaining it. The Rasayana has a vital impact on the immune system, which is the key to preventing much in terms of any illness. And it has been reported in COVID-19 cases that the stronger the immunity, the safer you are — the weaker the immunity, the more vulnerable you are”, said Mr Anand Shrivastava, Chairman, Maharishi Ayurveda.  

Adding further he said, “In case of covid-19 infection Ayurvedic Rasayana can be helpful in all the three stages. In stage one it can very effectively prevent a person from getting infected by strengthening the immune system. In the stage two if someone has got infected, the only way he can come out of infection is due to his immunity and that is apparent from the available data, which shows despite the fact that there is no treatment for covid-19 infection, more than 83 % of closed cases, people get cured of infection. It is because of their own defence mechanism. It is quite logical that if the defence mechanism of an individual is strengthened with any effective Ayurvedic Rasayana he will come out of the infection faster and with much less damages as compared to just on his own. Third stage is post covid-19 infection when a person comes out of infection he comes out with some severe morbid conditions that can be improved with the help of some specific Ayurvedic Rasayana/medicines, because if ignored this could cause lifelong problems”. 

“The Ayurvedic Rasayanas, in the form of single herbs except Ayush-64, which have recently got the nod for the trial by the Govt. have almost all the characteristics to bring holistic health, strengthening immunity but our rich Ayurvedic heritage have a long list of Rasayanas having multiple herbs working in synergy to create much greater effect. The key to safeguard us from any infection is our own immunity or defence mechanism therefore it has to be strengthened as much as possible. Today it is COVID-19, tomorrow it could be something else, may be more deadly, may be less. But one thing is sure that new viruses will keep coming and we must keep ourselves prepared with strong immunity. ”, said Dr Saurabh Sharma.

The role of Rasayana in restoring holistic health and fighting the infections borne by the epidemics is predominant. One of such Rasayana products is Maharishi Amrit Kalash — well-known and well researched, with about 40 non-clinical and 4 clinical studies, conducted in renowned institutions around the world, to its credit. All indicating it to be successful for restoring health, longevity, and overall balance and wellbeing. So, going natural and taking care of your health aiming for longevity and preparing the body to fight an infection like the current one, including the intake of the best and the most reliable Rasayana product Maharishi Amrit Kalash would be a wise option.