Influenza virus
Disclaimer: Kindly consume these herbs after the consent of an Ayurvedic physician.
The Influenza virus or flu is caused by an imbalance of the kapha and vata energies. The virus is compared to ama, which is produced by the vitiation of Agni, the digestive fire within the body. Ama, also known as undigested food particles or toxins, further produces abnormal protein in the body, causing diseases. The flu can compromise the immune system, making it harder to fight back against the virus. It is recommended to drink hot water as it is easier for the body to absorb than cold water and flushes out immunity-compromising ama (toxins) from the system, hydrates mucus membranes, and pacifies the dry, cold vata dosha with its hot, hydrating properties.
Additionally, Ayurveda believes that an illness, including the flu, indicates that the doshas are out of balance, a condition exacerbated by eating foods that clash with your dosha. Finally, Ayurveda considers the Kapha Doshas are responsible for regulating the respiratory and nasal systems, and the Vata Doshas pertain to regulate the overall immunity of the body.
What are types of Influenza virus?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by different types of influenza viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses are the most common types that cause seasonal epidemics of flu in people. Influenza A viruses are also known to cause flu pandemics, which are global epidemics of flu disease. Influenza C viruses cause mild respiratory illness and are not responsible for seasonal flu epidemics. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect humans easily. It is important to note that influenza viruses can further be classified into subtypes based on the variations of their surface proteins.
Several beneficial plants that can help in managing the symptoms of influenza virus:
- Ginger- It is known to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, and it is considered one of the best remedies for colds due to its ability to reduce excess mucus production caused by the kapha dosha.
- Vasaka or Vasa- It has potent antiviral and expectorant properties that may help reduce cough and congestion associated with the flu. It is bitter, astringent, light, dry, and cold, with a pungent taste.
- Pippali- It is also known as long pepper, is helpful in managing cough and various types of viral and bacterial throat infections.
- Turmeric- It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with influenza.
- Tulsi- Considered one of the most purifying Ayurvedic herbs, tulsi can help reduce headaches and fevers, relieve congestion, and support digestion. It is also known for soothing the nerves, supporting healthy emotions, and enhancing mental clarity.
- Neem- It is known to have antiviral properties and may help reduce fever and inflammation associated with the flu.
- Shirish- It has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce fever and inflammation associated with influenza.
- Ashwagandha- It has immunomodulatory properties and may help boost the immune system, which is essential in fighting off viral infections like influenza.
- Anantmool- It has antipyretic and analgesic properties that may help reduce fever and body aches associated with the flu.
- Kantkari- It has antitussive and expectorant properties that may help reduce cough and congestion associated with the flu.
- Triphala- A combination of three Ayurvedic spices — amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki, triphala may help reduce joint inflammation, improve digestion, and promote oral health.
References:
https://kripalu.org/resources/ayurvedic-cold-and-flu-remedies
https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/role-of-ayurveda-in-handling-viral-infections/
https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/flu/
https://kripalu.org/resources/ayurvedic-cold-and-flu-remedies
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/health/ayurveda/ayurvedas-10-best-flu-survival-tips/
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/health/ayurveda/practices/healing-with-food/
https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/role-of-ayurveda-in-handling-viral-infections/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/advanced-reading-types-of-flu-viruses
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/index.htm
https://www.verywellhealth.com/learn-about-different-types-of-flu-770509
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327397
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
Image credits:
https://api.parashospitals.com/uploads/2020/02/influenza-thumb-l.png (img1)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0054/9811/0003/files/ginger_powder_tea.jpg?v=1622710741 (img2)
https://www.iafaforallergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vasa-1-1.jpg (img3)
https://svasthaayurveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/pippali-health-benefits-1.jpeg (img4)
https://post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tumeric_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg (img5)
https://5.imimg.com/data5/SR/IS/MY-5751538/neem-leaves-500x500.jpg (img7)
https://dqt8gd4elnkw6.cloudfront.net/image/Powerful-Health-Benefits-Of-Ashwagandha.jpg (img9)
https://4.imimg.com/data4/LT/MM/MY-4360024/anantmool-herb-500x500.jpg (img10)
https://www.deepayurveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/compressed-mvsb-1200x900-1-1024x768.jpg (img11)
https://www.keralaayurveda.biz/media/blogs/NPD/Blog%201.png (img12)
TLDR:
Influenza virus is caused by an imbalance of the energies of Kapha and Vata and is compared to Ama, which is produced by a poor digestive fire. Ayurveda recommends drinking hot water, eating foods that suit your dosha, and using herbs such as ginger and turmeric to manage symptoms. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Several herbs and spices have helpful properties for managing the flu, such as reducing fever and relieving congestion.
