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.