Swine flu fear is gripping the country. Even people with mild symptoms of influenza are rushing to get themselves tested. This is putting strain on the government facilities.  

Government has sought help of ancient Indian systems of alternative medicine to fight the grim situation. Department of AYUSH has asked people to try Ayurveda and Unani to increase immunity of their body and protect themselves from flu-like diseases.

Health ministry has released various measures and ayurvedic medicines that can be used by healthy person aa well as person suffering from mild flu. But people suffering from severe symptoms of flu have been advised to consult doctor.

An expert group comprising ayurveda experts, physicians from government hospitals, private sector and the department of AYUSH has been constituted to suggest the interventions that can help in treating and preventing flu-like diseases.

Ayurvedic experts have asked people to avoid Kapha provoking food substances like curd, cold drinks, cold food, fruit juices especially citrus fruits, fermented food and ice-cream. People should drink hot water instead of cold water. The decoction made up of any one or combination of tulsi, ginger, black pepper, long pepper, Guduchi in the morning is also beneficial.