Management of COVID-19: Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine Perspectives

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the deadly Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. The disease can affect other systems in addition to the respiratory system. The symptoms of Covid-19 vary from mild to severe symptoms such as headache, loss of smell and taste, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, joint pain, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, thirst, and dyspnoea. In Sri Lanka, Covid-19 patients are being treated at allopathic hospitals, while other Ayurveda hospitals are using integrated Ayurveda and allopathic medicine. Recently, Covid-19 patients were treated in Ayurveda hospitals with integrated Ayurveda treatment with traditional medicine. The pathological process of this disease can be associated with flu-like illness (Abhishangaja Jvara, Aupasargika Roga). The nature of Covid-19 has been described in Ayurveda texts as Janapadodhwansa (epidemic or pandemic). According to Ayurveda, environmental pollution and sinful human behavior (Adharma) are the causes of the disease. Covid-19 can be effectively treated in an integrated approach to Ayurveda medicine and Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine. Asymptomatic patients can be treated with health promotion; Dinacharya (mid-day routine), Sadvrutta (good behavior), Ritucharya (seasonal adaptations), and Rejuvenation treatment. Patients with symptoms can be treated with Langhana (fasting), Ama-pachana (which improves digestion), and Shamana drugs (decoctions, pills, etc.). Therefore, Covid-19 (Abhishangaja Jvara) is a disease that can be effectively controlled according to Ayurveda concepts (Ama, Agni, Tridosha, etc.), as well as Sri Lankan indigenous medicine.