Chyawanprash, meditation, turmeric: Health ministry's post-COVID recovery protocol

Chyawanprash, the protocols stated, is highly recommended

The Centre, on Sunday, released post-COVID management protocol for patients who recovered from acute COVID-19 illnesses. As per a document from the Union health ministry, signs and symptoms of post-COVID illnesses include fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. "This document provides an integrated holistic approach for managing patients who have recovered enough from COVID for care at home. It is not meant to be used as preventive/curative therapy. The recovery period is likely to be longer for patients who suffered from more severe form of the disease and those with pre-existing illness." 

The Centre recommended immunity promoting AYUSH medicines (to be prescribed only by practioners permitted under law) such as Chyawanprash, Ayush Kwath, Samshamani vati, warm milk with half a teaspoonful of turmeric, Giloy powder with luke warm waters, Ashwagandha or Ashwagandha powder and Amla fruit or Amla powder.

Chyawanprash, the protocols stated, is highly recommended (under the direction of registered Ayurveda physician) as it is believed to be effective in post-recovery period.

The follow-up protocol, as mandated by the Centre:

At individual level

1. Continue COVID appropriate behaviour (use of mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing).

2. Drink adequate amount of warm water (if not contra-indicated).

3. Take immunity-promoting AYUSH medicines to be prescribed by a qualified practitioner of AYUSH.

4. If health permits, regular household work to be done. Professional work to be resumed in graded manner.

5. Mild/ moderate exercise or daily practice of yogasana, pranayama and meditation, as much as health permits or as prescribed.

6. Breathing exercises as prescribed by treating physician.

7. Daily morning or evening walk at a comfortable pace as tolerated.

8. Balanced nutritious diet, preferably easy to digest freshly cooked soft diet. 

9. Have adequate sleep and rest.

10. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.

11. Take regular medications as advised for COVID and also for managing comorbidities, if any.

12. Self-health monitoring at home: temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar (especially, if diabetic), pulse oximetry etc. (if medically advised)

13. If there is persistent dry cough / sore throat, do saline gargles and take steam inhalation.

14. The addition of herbs/spices for gargling/steam inhalation.

15. Cough medications, should be taken on advice of medical doctor or qualified practitioner of Ayush.

16. Look for early warning signs like high grade fever, breathlessness, Sp02 < 95%, unexplained chest pain, new onset of confusion, focal weakness.

At the community level, the protocols asked recovered individuals to share their positive experiences with their friends and relatives using social media, community leaders, opinion leaders, religious leaders for creating awareness, dispel myths and stigma, and participate in group sessions of yoga and meditation with due precautions like physical distancing.