Even as experts reiterate that there is no need for panic with regard to Swine Flu, several remedies for the more virulent form of flu are doing the rounds.
“Chew four leaves of Tulasi (Basil) before going out. Protection against Swine flu is guaranteed,” is one home remedy that is spreading like wild fire by word of mouth. The WhatsApp Message that has gone viral is “Camphor and Elaichi (cardamom) to be mixed and powered. Keep in hand kerchief and smell once in 2 or 3 hours. This will actually kill the Swine flu bacteria.” This is the kind of remedies that the experts are worried about. The big blunder in the message is that Swine flu is caused by “bacteria”. But actually the flu is caused by H1N1 Influenza-A virus.
Local made balms and aromatic oils that are generally used for cold and cough are selling like hot cakes to persons who are often under the misconception that they would offer full protection to them, experts say. V. Nagalakshmi, a doctorate in pharmacy currently heading an Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit here says none of these remedies are foolproof, as they do not strengthen the immune system.
