Sepistan, Shunth, Kali Mirch: J&K govt lists home remedies to boost immunity in time of COVID

SRINAGAR: From `Sepistan to Tulsi and from Dalchini to Kali Mirch’, Jammu and Kashmir government has embarked on a unique journey to promote home remedies to boost immunity in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID 19 in the union territory.

Directorate of Indian System of Medicine (ISM) and AYUSH in collaboration with Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) have come up with a list of self-care guidelines for boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health.

Department of Health and Medical Education have listed two decoctions which can help in boosting immunity.  The department has also given out method for preparing decoctions using easily available herbs including Behidana, Unnab Fruit, Sapistan, Tulsi, Dalichini, Kali Mirch, and Shunth.

 “Ministry of AYUSH recommendations are based on Ayurvedic/Unani literature and scientific publications for preventive health measures to boost immunity with special reference to respiratory health,” reads the advertisement issued by the Department of Health and Medical Education.

Joint Director, DIPR, Haris Handoo said Ayurveda, Unani, Naturopathy, Homeopathy and other streams of Ayush are supplementing the efforts of the medical education department. 

“They are focusing on immunity booster measures. They are basically asking to do simple things like using spices, herbal tea, decoctions, steam inhalation, drinking warm and others,” he said.

Dr Iftikhar Gazi, Divisional Nodal Officer of ISM for COVID 19, said since there is lockdown and people cannot step out, simple homemade decoctions can be made from the things which are used in daily lives. 

“Garlic, Ginger, Dalchini (cinnamon) and others are available in our kitchens. They are anti-oxidants and best immunity boosters. People can make their decoctions and drink twice daily. Particularly it is good for people suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and heart ailments,” he said.

Dr. Gazi said they have distributed specially procured immunity medicines among 85000 beneficiaries so far in the Kashmir valley. “Some medicines have been nominated for boosting immunity. We have distributed the medicines among 85 000 beneficiaries. We have distributed medicines among the frontline workers, people in red zones, and quarantine centers. Even district administration offices too have been covered,” he said.