Courtesy -The Times of India Health News
Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of
H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period.
It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence, building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more economical idea.
Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including
swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and
choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must.
1:-- Have five duly washed
leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning.
Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.
2:--
Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of
giloi, add five to six leaves of
Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and
sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or
Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this
kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If
giloi plant is not available, get processed
giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.
3:-- A small piece of
camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with
mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.
4:-- Those who can take
garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.
5:--. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or
lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of
haldi (turmeric).
