The Central Government on Tuesday launched the National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for the management of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The protocol suggested medicines for various categories including Prophylactic care (high risk population, primary contacts), Asymptomatic Covid-19 Positive, Mild Covid-19 Positive and post Covid management.

“…This protocol is for management of mild Covid-19. Moderate to severe Covid-19 individuals may have informed choice of treatment options…,” the document, jointly released by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan and Minister for Ayush Shripad Yesso Naik, read.

The medicines suggested in the ‘Prophylactic care’ stage include Ashwagandha, Guduchi Ghana vati and Chyawanaprasha. That in the ‘Asymptomatic Covid-19 Positive’ category includes Guduchi Gana vati, Guduchi+Pippali and AYUSH 64. For mild Covid-19 positive (without evidence of breathlessness or hypoxia), the medicines cited are Guduchi+Pippali and AYUSH 64.

Post Covid Management measures include intake of medicines like Ashwagandha, Chyawanprasha and Rasayana Churna.

In addition to these measures, general and dietary measures need to be followed. They include gargling with warm water with a pinch of salt and turmeric, nasal application of medicated oil (Anu Taila) or plain oil (sesame or coconut) especially before going out and after coming back home, steam inhalation (once a day), adequate sleep, moderate physical exercises, using warm water boiled with herbs like ginger or coriander or basil or cumin seeds for drinking purposes, fresh warm, balanced diet, having Golden Milk (curcuma longa in warm milk)once at night and drinking Ayush kadha (decoction).

There was a rider, however, that all items were to be taken under strict medical supervision.

Similarly, it includes four page Yoga protocols with objectives such as improving respiratory and cardiac efficiency, reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing immunity.

The protocol was formed by expert committees from the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi, Institute of Post Graduate Training and Research in Ayurved (IPGTRA), Jamnagar, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy and other national research organisations.