A morning telephone call created turmoil in my house. Any guesses?! You guessed it wrong. Neither there was any mishap in the family nor any sad news from a distant relative. Still some guesses…
Some of the ladies reading the article might have guessed it right. The phone call was from the house maid who had expressed her inability to come to work. The prompt reply of being unwell, when checked on the reason behind the absence, made the lady of the house furious. She looked at me and raged out with full beam "This is a common excuse they give, high fever; I know she will come to work tomorrow."
True or false we all had to believe the story but I could sense a pain in her voice while speaking, as the phone call was received by me, which I hesitatingly conveyed to the family members.
The next day doorbell rang and the maid was standing outside, all set to complete daily household chores. My wife looked at me with a triumphant attitude as if she had proved me wrong on the medical status of the maid. Of course she was right but I couldn’t be wrong. So I decided to get into the depth of the matter and checked with the maid about the medicines she had taken to regain her health. It was a mix of steroid, a strong anti-pyretic and a mild dose of an antibiotic.
The dose was to be taken thrice a day and the last was to be taken next day in the morning and there she was; ready to achieve the day’s target. After a pause, as though she had forgot something, she came back to me and mentioned about a syrup which the medical practitioner has forcefully given to her just for the general well-being of her body.
I asked her to bring the outer carton of the syrup and very next day she brought that for my reference. It was an Ayurvedic syrup of a lesser known brand used to treat liver ailments, whose cost was double then the four doses of allopathic medicine given to her by the practitioner.
I know what you all might be thinking. Yes, you are right, high fever was treated by the strong dose of allopathic medicines and the ayurvedic syrup was given to justify the cost of the treatment.
Of course this line of treatment is adapted by unregistered medical practitioners or the quacks which are being consulted by the individuals who could not afford the high fees of a qualified medical practitioner. So first let’s accept the fact that a daily wage worker would like to have immediate results from the treatment otherwise there is a possibility that he might have to sleep empty stomach the next day.
Can Ayurved, by any way help him in his treatment?
Coming back to the line of treatment, adapted by a qualified allopathic medical practitioner or an Ayurvedic practitioner.
In my opinion, the line of treatment would be the same, barring steroids as the only panacea to treat high fever and symptoms related to it, is an anti-pyretic.
However an Ayurvedic practitioner would also push an Ayurvedic medicine along with it which could, if taken over longer period shall improve upon the immunity of the individual.
Across our country, majority of qualified Doctors who have been trained in Ayurved are using over the counter allopathic medicines or prescription medicines to treat patients. There have been instances where these practitioners even mix allopathic medicines with Ayurvedic ones to provide immediate relief to the patient and that too under the pretext of providing treatment through Ayurved.
A common man is made to understand by the Ayurved practitioner that this ancient medicine system can cure any disease from its root while the modern system can only bring relief to the patient momentarily or for a shorter period of time.
Whether it does it or not, it’s a point of debate but being a grandson of a Vaidhya, I have a very strong conviction in Ayurved. I have seen patients with chronic diseases getting treated by this traditional system of medicine. This is possible only by providing pure and refined Ayurvedic medicines to the patients for certain period of time.
Patience holds the key to success and if one who has it he/she can reap the benefits of Ayurved.
The concept of nano medicine had long been practiced in Ayurved. Bhasam, which are micro fine particles of Gold, Copper, Iron, Zinc and other metals is obtained by series of complex process and are effectively used in the treatment of various chronic diseases like Cancer. The nano size particles get absorbed in the body easily and the efficacy of the medicine is increased manifold.
Curcumin, active ingredient found in turmeric has scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also helps to improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
No doubt modern medicine system provides immediate relief to illnesses and are indeed lifesaving but whether it has a potential to cure the disease is a point of contention. On other hand, Ayurvedic treatment has the potential to cure the disease from its root provided the patient has patience and conviction in this ancient Indian medicine system.
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