Guidelines for Ayurveda Practitioners for COVID-19 Patients in Home Isolation.

Preamble

The COVID-19 pandemic has re-emerged as a public health challenge. The burden of the disease and mortality are steadily increasing throughout the globe. Several social and economic factors are leading to devastating situations. Effective management to address this infection is still evolving and attempts are being made to integrate traditional interventions along with standard care.

Home isolation is applicable to confirmed COVID-19 cases which are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, or to people who had a contact with suspected cases of the disease.

General Disclaimer

• Patients need to have a general consultation from a qualified physician before starting any intervention.
• In all severe cases, immediate referral to a higher medical centre as per the Government guidelines is advised.
• Patients with co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes etc., are advised to continue their respective medications.
• Physicians may select interventions as per their own discretion.
• Use of drugs in vulnerable population is at the prudence of the consulting physician.
• Doses for children should be adjusted according to their age. 

Management Guidelines for COVID-19 Patients in Home-Isolation

The common clinical features observed in mild COVID-19 cases include sore throat, mild fever, body-ache, nasal congestion, and dry cough. Although a variety of symptoms are being reported, many cases are asymptomatic and some uncommon clinical manifestations include loss of smell and taste.

Some of the asymptomatic cases can be in the pre-symptomatic stage. Considering this possibility, the patient should observe evolving symptoms or signs. This watchfulness should not lead to undue anxiety.

Specific measures for COVID-19 Patients in home isolation

Symptomatic management of mild COVID-19 patients

General guidelines

1. Patients should follow physical distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene, and wear masks.
2. Gargle with warm water along with an added pinch of turmeric and salt. Water boiled with Triphala (dried fruits of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica) or Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can also be used for gargling.
3. Nasal instillation/application of medicated oil (Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila) or plain oil (Sesame or Coconut) or of cow ghee (Goghrita), once or twice a day, especially before going out and after coming back home.
4. Steam inhalation with Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Pudina (Mentha spicata) or Eucalyptus oil (1-5 drops) or Karpur (Camphor) once a day.
5. Frequent intake of water processed with Tulasi (basil leaves – Ocimum tenuiflorum L.Merr (synonym Ocimum sanctum L.) is advised.
6. Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) should be taken and day time sleep preferably be avoided

Dietary guidelines

• Drinking of warm water or water boiled with herbs like Saunth (Zingiber officinale),Dhania (Coriandrum sativum),Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), or Jeera (Cuminum cyminum) seeds.
• Food should be freshly prepared, and easily digestible.
• Drinking of Golden Milk (Half tea spoon Haldi (Curcuma longa) powder in 150 ml hot milk) once at night. The same should be avoided in case of indigestion.

Source : Ministry of AYUSH