Get Authentic Ayurvedic Treatment for Influenza

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What is Influenza? 

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It affects millions of people globally every year and especially in the colder months. The flu is more severe compared to a cold and may result in serious health issues, hospitalisations, & even death.

The flu virus can get into your system via the mouth, eyes or nose. It's generally spread when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks and small drops of virus enter the air. You may catch the flu by breathing in these droplets or by touching things contaminated with the virus such as phones or doorknobs, and then your face.

Flu symptoms can vary significantly but generally consist of fever, runny nose, congestion, cough, muscle aches, chills, fatigue & headache. Others might also experience sore throat, diarrhoea and vomiting. These signs can appear suddenly and might be mild or even severe. The flu is particularly dangerous for elderly individuals, young kids, pregnant women and individuals with specific health issues due to the increased risk of serious complications and symptoms.

There are four main Influenza viruses: A, B, C & D.

• Influenza A and Influenza B: Seasonal flu epidemics are caused by Influenza A and Influenza B. Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins located on their surface: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The most familiar subtypes are H3N2 and H1N1. Influenza A is responsible for major outbreaks & global pandemics.
• Influenza B: This is less serious but may still trigger outbreaks. It has no subtypes and is split into the lineages B / Yamagata and B / Victoria.
• Influenza C: This causes mild respiratory symptoms or none whatsoever. It doesn't bring about serious illness or epidemics.
• Influenza D: This affects cattle only and doesn't infect or sicken humans.

Understanding these types of Influenza viruses is vital for preparing for flu seasons. In case you believe you might have the flu, it is important to consult an Ayurvedic doctor for diagnosis & treatment.

Common Causes of Influenza 

Influenza is an infectious respiratory illness which spreads quickly from person to person. Understanding how it spreads can help you defend yourself and all those around you during the flu season.

Common causes of Influenza transmission are:

• Close Contact: Being near someone afflicted with the flu raises your chance of catching it. A person who is infected may transfer the virus directly to others as he coughs, talks or sneezes.
• Airborne Transmission: The flu virus might remain in the environment in the form of droplets. If you inhale these droplets, the virus gets into your system via your respiratory tract.
• Touching Contaminated Surfaces: The flu virus may survive on surfaces for hours. Touching things such as doorknobs, light switches and phones infested with the flu virus and then your face, lips, eyes or nose can spread the illness.
• Crowded Places: Common transmission locations include schools, workplaces, public transport and shopping centres, where people gather in mass. The proximity of multiple individuals in these areas makes the flu virus easier to spread.
• Compromised Immune System: Weakened immune systems make individuals more prone to catch the flu. This can be because of an existing health problem, certain medications or age (small children and older people).
• Travel: Travelling exposes you to various strains of the flu virus, particularly on lengthy trips or flights to areas where there is an outbreak of the virus.

Understanding these transmission routes & causes emphasises the need for flu prevention techniques like vaccination, good hygiene practices including handwashing, sanitisers and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Good lifestyle choices to strengthen your immune system can also help avoid Influenza.

Influenza(flu) treatment ayurveda Symptoms

Sudden onset of high fever

Fever: A high fever is among the most common symptoms, and can be the very first sign of the flu.

Severe chills without an apparent cause

Chills: Some individuals with the flu get chills which are serious before a fever develops.

Widespread and possibly severe muscle pain

Muscle or Body Aches: The flu may result in considerable body pain which can be widespread and severe.

A dry cough that worsens over time

Cough: A persistent, dry cough is typical and could worsen with disease progression. It might be accompanied by a sore throat.

Sudden and intense headaches

Headache: An abrupt, sharp headache is common with the flu.

Unusual tiredness or weakness, even after rest

Fatigue: A typical flu symptom is feeling unusually tired or weak even without substantial exertion & could last for weeks.

An irritating, persistent sore throat

Sore Throat: Some flu patients report a sore, scratchy throat among the first symptoms.

Significant nasal congestion or runny nose

Runny/Stuffy Nose: Nasal congestion and runny nose are typical but are also observed in common colds.

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Influenza

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic flu treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

• HACCP accredited Ayurvedic medications : These are scientific blends that help in rebalancing your body and support psychological health.
• Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices support psychological health and wellness.
• Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma and various kinds of massage cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
• Diet & Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing your eating and lifestyle choices for overall better health results.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Influenza

Ayurveda offers natural herbs and remedies to manage the symptoms of Influenza, a respiratory illness which frequently triggers discomfort with signs of fever, coughs and body aches. These traditional medicines strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms and balance the body's doshas (vital energies).

Ayurveda herbs for Influenza include:

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is referred to as the "Queen of Herbs," due its holistic health benefits. It stimulates antibody generation and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitussive functions. Eating tulsi leaves or tea frequently can soothe respiratory passages and boost immunity.
• Honey: Honey has antimicrobial qualities and may ease sore throats and loosen mucus, so it can be expelled. It may be taken alone or coupled with other ingredients like fresh lemon juice or ginger for additional effects.
• Mulethi (Licorice Root): Mulethi helps with oral health and canker sores, eases respiratory infections and boosts immunity. It can be chewed directly or mixed into teas to soothe the throat.
• Pippali (Long Pepper): Pippali helps loosen and expel mucus due to its expectorant property. It can be powdered and added to honey for additional benefits.
• Sonth (Dry Ginger): Sonth is used to treat respiratory infections and relieve sore throats by mixing it with honey.
• Giloy (Amrita or Guduchi): This herb contains antioxidants and has fever reducing properties. Giloy may be taken as a juice or tablet to increase immunity.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains antioxidants which can fight infections. It can be drunk as 'Golden milk', a remedy of warm milk mixed with turmeric powder.
• Ashwagandha: This is used for its energy building, antihistamine and decongestant qualities to ease the symptoms of Influenza and strengthen the body.
• Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a natural bactericide and also prevents the development of yeast and bacteria, supporting respiratory health.
• Ambala: Ambala is loaded with Vitamin C and is good for immunity and preventing infections.
• Coriander Seeds: These seeds have antibiotic compounds allowing it to treat viral infections.
• Kadha/Kashayam: A traditional concoction made by boiling herbs including tulsi, ginger, and pepper to ease throat discomfort and dissolve phlegm.
• Ginger-Tulsi Mixture: A simple syrup of ginger extract, crushed tulsi leaves and honey can help treat cough.

With these Ayurvedic herbs and remedies, you may experience relief from the symptoms of Influenza and boost your resistance against the disease. Remember, although these remedies might alleviate symptoms, you need to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to customise treatments for your particular health issues and problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Influenza

What is Influenza? 

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It generally leads to high fever, body aches, severe cough, and exhaustion. It's extremely contagious and can vary in severity.

How can Ayurveda prevent Influenza? 

Ayurveda offers immunity-boosting herbs like Tulsi and Giloy to support the body's natural defenses. The regular use of these herbs with a balanced diet and lifestyle could help avoid flu infections.

What's the best Ayurvedic remedy for flu cough? 

Honey & Tulsi leaves may be used as Ayurvedic remedies for flu-induced cough. Honey is a cough suppressant and Tulsi clears the airways and calms inflammation.

Could Influenza be treated completely with Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda provides natural remedies to ease flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness with herbal medications and diet modifications. However, it is important to consult with an Ayurvedic expert, particularly in serious cases.

How does Ayurveda diagnose Influenza? 

Ayurvedic diagnosis relies on observation of symptoms and identifying the unbalanced doshas. In Influenza, Kapha and Vata doshas are usually disturbed leading to cough and body aches.

How long does Influenza last and can Ayurveda accelerate recovery? 

Influenza generally lasts between several days and 2 weeks. Ayurveda might accelerate recovery by suggesting herbs including ginger & tulsi to increase immunity and clear congestion and by practices like steam inhalation.

What is the difference between Influenza and COVID-19? 

Both sicknesses produce respiratory symptoms, but COVID-19 might also produce uncommon symptoms including loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 is related to more serious respiratory complications and long-term effects than the flu.

How do I know if I have the flu or simply a regular cold?

Influenza symptoms are generally more intense and come on rapidly, like high fever and severe muscle pain. A regular cold typically begins gradually with mild symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat.

Can Ayurvedic remedies for flu help children and elderly? 

Yes, Ayurveda has effective and safe remedies for kids and older people. However the herb dosages and therapies must be adjusted according to age and health condition under the direction of an Ayurvedic professional.

What dietary recommendations are prescribed in Ayurveda for flu prevention? 

Ayurveda recommends warm & easily digestible foods like soups and cooked vegetables and avoiding cold & raw foods to keep a strong digestive tract vital for immunity.

Are there any unwanted side effects of Ayurvedic herbs against Influenza? 

Ayurvedic herbs have comparatively a lower or no risk of unwanted side effects if they are taken correctly. But individual responses may differ, and it is important to use them under the direction of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.

How do Ayurvedic remedies help in managing flu symptoms? 

Ayurvedic remedies can help with influenza symptoms by balancing the body’s energies and boosting immunity. They can be more effective when customised to individual health status & condition.