SCOPE OF UNANI MEDICINE IN THE PROPHYLAXIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by infection with a novel coronavirus SARSCoV-2. The disease severity can range from mild to developing into critical with pneumonia and even life-threatening complications such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), shock, or multi-organ system dysfunction. The clinical picture of Nazla-e-Wabaiya is almost similar to that of Covid-19 like body ache, sore throat, nasal irritation, burning sensation in eyes sneezing, cough, and fever. As per the Unani scholars, the prophylaxis and management include various single and compound drugs to be used orally. They also prescribed various drugs as disinfectants to be used for fumigation, incense, and spray. Ibn Sina advised that houses should be sanitized daily by spraying Arq Gulab (Rosa damascene), Arq Bed Sada (Salix caprea), or Arq Nilofer (Nymphaea alba) and recommended Bukhoor (incense) of Sa'ad Kufi (Cyperusrotundus), Habb-ul-Aas (Myrtuscommunis), Kundur (Boswelliaserrata), and Sandalwood (Santalum spp.). For the treatment of Nazla-e-Wabaiya, the decoction (Joshanda) of Unnab, Sapistan, and Behidana along with Sharbat Banafsha have been recommended by many eminent Unani scholars. They have also recommended using various types of Khamiras like Khamira Gaozaban, Khamira Abresham SheeraUnnabWala, Khamira Marwareed to improve general health and immunity.