Influenza (Aupsargikaroga-Samsargajaroga)

प्रसङ्गाद्गात्रसंस्पर्शान्निश्वासात्सहभोजनात् ।
सहशय्यासनाच्चापिवस्त्रमाल्यानुलेपनात् ।।
कुष्ठंज्वरश्चशोषश्चनेत्राभिष्यन्दएवच ।
औपसर्गिकरोगाश्चसङ्क्रामन्तिनरान्नरम् ।।

Influenza- Aupsargikaroga-Samsargajaroga

Influenza(flu)is an acute respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza virus. It affects the upper and lower respiratory tract and is often accompanied by systemic signs and symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia and weakness. Flu viruses are divided into 3 types as Influenza types A and B andInfluenza Type C and differs in severity of the disease. Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.

In Ayurveda, it may be defined as Aupsargikaroga/Samsargajaroga (communicable disease). The disease which are communicable due to history of contact with person who is affected. According to Charaka Acharya, though individual persons differ widely in physical health and vitality, they are collectively liable to devastating epidemics (that is Janapadodwansa) caused by external factor that is Bhutabhisangaja- (influenza virus)

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has a separate pediatric wing with extensive experience in pediatric care in Ayurveda, providing seamless diagnostics and solutions.

Causes of Influenza

Influenza is a respiratory infection that can be caused by a variety of influenza viruses. There are three families of influenza virus: A, B, and C. Viruses that cause influenza spread from person to person mainly by droplets of respiratory fluids sent through the air when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes.

Ayurvedic reference of Influenza- Aupsargikaroga-Samsargajaroga

Symptomsof Influenza

The flu is a respiratory disease, but it can affect the whole body. A child can become suddenly ill with any or all of these symptoms:

Fever, which may be as high as 103°F (39.4°C) to 105°F (40.5°C)
Body aches, which may be severe
Headache
Sore throat
Cough that gets worse
Tiredness
Runny or stuffy nose

In some cases, your child may also have symptoms such as:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Nausea

In Ayurveda, symptoms include,

Symptoms including fever with chill (Sheet PurvakaJwara)
Running nose (NasaSrava)
Sore Throat
Headache (Shirahshoola)
Cough (Kasa)
No Desire to Have Food (Aruchi)
Watery Eyes (Nayanaplava)

“At Dr. Gupta’sIAFA, we are providing very effective treatment for Influenza in children based on the classical principle of Ayurveda and our research. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® ensures that our health care system better meets the needs of all about your child’s health”.

Not just better healthcare, but a better healthcare experience!!!Dr. Gupta’sIAFA for your child’s future

-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet in Influenza

Do’s (Pathya) in Influenza

Handwashing is the most important way to reduce the spread of flu
Teach children to cover their noses and mouths with tissues when sneezing or coughing, to put used tissue in a wastebasket immediately, and to wash their hands after wiping their nose or handling tissues.
If a family member has the flu, clean surfaces (such as toys, bathroom taps and doorknobs) after the ill person has touched them.
If your child attends daycare, tell the caregiver if you think your child has influenza. Keep your child at home, away from daycare or school, until the fever is gone and she is feeling better.
Ahara (Food): ShadangaPaniya (medicated water prepared by Musta, Parpataka, Ushira, Chandana, Nagara, Udichya), Tarpana prepared of the LajaSaktu (Churna of perched paddy) mixed with honey, sugar and juices of fruits, Yavagu (gruel), odana (boiled rice) and Laja (popped or perched paddy), Peya(gruel) prepared with Laja
Vihara (Life style): complete bed rest, staying in well ventilated room with hygienic condition

Don’ts (Apathya) in Influenza

Ahara: Heavy food, curd, green peas, black eyed beans, lentils, yellow gram, black gram, raw vegetables and salads, refined foods such as white flour (Maida), contaminated water or food, sprouts, cold food and beverages, junk foods, fried food, bakery items.
Vihara: Physical and mental exertion like physical exercises, exposure to cold, breeze, suppression of natural urges, taking bath with cold water etc.

Yoga Therapy for Influenza

The deep breathing techniques and postures in yoga can lower your body temperature and alleviate discomfort.

Postures include,

Matsyendrasana
Sarvangasana

Pranayama include,

NadiShodhanPranayam
Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Kapalbhati pranayama

Ayurvedic Treatment for Influenza

We can prevent the spread of influenza by strengthening the Ojas and enhancing our body immunity. The treatment can be divided in following steps like NidanaParivarjana (removing the causative factors through diet and lifestyle regimens), Samana(Palliative), Sodhana(Purificatory), and Rasayana(rejuvenative) therapies.

Internal Medicines for Influenza

Uncomplicated Cases

Pachanamrta Kashaya
Shadangapanam
Laxmivilasa rasa
Medicated coffee
Vaporization with tulasi leaves

Febrile Predominance

Amrtotharam Kashaya
Sudarsanamgulika
Sa suntipeya (gruel with dried ginger)

Respiratory Signs Predominance

Pathyakusthumbaradi Kashaya
Laxmivilasa rasa

Purificatory Therapies for Influenza

In Ayurveda certain conditions of Jwara (fever) some Panchakarama (purificatory therapies) i.e., Vamana, Virechana, Vasthi, Nasya, etc. are indicated depending on doshic strategy and their contraindications. They can be applied in Influenza management depending upon the condition of patient and disease.

Single herbs used in for Influenza

Amalaki(Emblicaofficinalis)
Guduchi(Tinosporacordifolia)
Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera)
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Yashtimadhu (Glycerrhizaglabra)
Kutaki (Picrorrhizakurroa)

Punarnava (Boerhaaviadiffusa)
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Bhumyamalki (Phyllanthusniruri)
Chitraka (Plumbagozeylanica)
Nimba (Azadirachtaindica)
Haridra (Curcuma longa)

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What isInfluenza?

Answer: An acute respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza virus which affects the upper and lower respiratory tract and is often accompanied by systemic signs and symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia and weakness

Question: What are the causes ofInfluenza?

Answer: An acute respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza viruses of various types.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment forInfluenza?

Answer: Ayurveda treatment of Jwara includes dietary and lifestyle regulations along with drugs having anti-viral, cleansing and antioxidant properties. They are excellent for balancing Vata and Kapha, which are the prominent Dosha in Influenza or any other respiratory tract infections.