One early morning this week, a crowd was gathered outside the Bhaktapur Homeopathic Clinic to get 10ml vials of Arsenicum album 30C, a remedy believed to boost the human immune system.
The very next day, the place was deserted after the police was alerted about the lack of physical distancing and distribution of “COVID-19 pills” as some who believe in homeopathic treatment called it.
Five months into the pandemic, countries around the world still struggling to contain the virus. And in the of absence new therapy and vaccine, many have come to rely on alternative and traditional forms of medicine to prevent the disease.
Nepal has seen an increase in the number of confirmed cases and four deaths from COVID-19, and some panic-stricken citizens are now on the lookout for a magic cure. There are reports in China that combining allopathic treatment with traditional Chinese medicine considerably improved the cure rate, hospital time and even mortality rate in coronavirus patients.
In January, India’s Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) recommended the use of Arsenicum album 30C for effective prevention of the COVID-19. Arsenicum album is a homeopathic therapy used to treat a range of symptoms including insomnia, digestive disorders, allergies, anxiety and depression.
Homeopathic treatment is called ‘pseudo-science’ by some, but adherents say that its use of tiny amounts of plants and minerals to strengthen the body’s healing process works without the side effects that modern pharmaceutical drugs have. It was developed in Germany 300 years ago, and is used across Europe and India.
Himalayan healers, Ayesha Shakya
Proponents of the homeopathy in Nepal have come together to form the Homeopathic Pandemic Combat Group and have asked the government to make homeopathy more accessible for the people who wish to try it as an immunity booster. They deny it is a quack treatment and say its therapeutic effects have been scientifically proven, and cite a study of 50 COVID-19 patients in Italy treated with homeopathic medicines, none of whom had to be hospitalised.
“Homeopathy treats patients by strengthening the immune system and their ability to cope with a disease,” says Ambika Prasad Gyawali, vice president of the All Nepal Homeopathic Association. “Coronavirus is increasing at an exponential rate and it has been particularly overwhelming for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions. Which is why it might be beneficial to try homeopathy as it is a natural treatment system without side effects.”
The Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine in Kathmandu has now approved distribution of Arsenicum album 30C based on Ayurveda and Alternative Medicines protocol and guidelines. Seven homoeopathy institutions within the country are working together with ward officials to distribute Arsenicum album 30C to frontline workers such as healthcare providers, security personnel and journalists but also to the public.
However, the department’s Vasudev Upadhaya has a note of caution: “Herbal plants and mineral based medicines can help in increasing immunity and in the long-term battle against COIVD-19. However, it is not advisable to distribute these medications as a proven cure for COVID-19.”
After years of unsuccessful allopathic treatment that saw him visit every hospital in Kathmandu, 41-year-old Raj Kumar Mahato from Sarlahi has been on homeopathic medication from 2013 for spinal chord compression.
“Homeopathy worked on me like magic, I am now able to sleep well and don’t have to stand up every few minutes during flights to relieve pain,” he says.
Mahato, who is a provisional health officer with the World Health Organization (WHO), is convinced that Arsenicum album 30C can boost people’s immunity against the coronavirus.
Sabu Adhikary,43, had endured four surgeries for a lump in her armpit but to no avail. “Everyone thought I would die because none of the medicines were for me. Then I turned to homeopathy which finally healed the lump. Honestly, I won’t hesitate to take preventive homeopathy medicine for COVID-19,” she says, adding that people should give homeopathy a chance.
Back in Bhaktapur, founder of the Homeopathic Clinic Rabindra Puri, who has been using homeopathy medicine himself for the past 35 years, says it has been difficult to get people to believe in alternative medicine, and sensational media headlines have not helped.
“It is better to treat symptomatic diseases over time rather than jumping the gun and taking strong antibiotics. It is not to say I am against allopathy. Every time my wife has an asthma attack, she needs an inhaler,” adds Puri. “It would be effective if the government sought an interdisciplinary approach to treat diseases, not only during the pandemic but also otherwise.”
Homeopathy doctor Ambika Prasad Gyawali agrees: “Allopathic sector relies on modern essential drugs whereas Ayurveda and homeopathy believe in time-tested medicines without side effects and proper diet to combat disease. If the government could integrate these important approaches, it would be cost effective to the people.”
Read also:
I am an amchi, Sabine Pretsch
Bending over backwards, Marcus Benigno
Recommended
Clash of cultures in Bhaktapur June 1, 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVs9hoIwFUc&feature=youtu.be t a donor conference after the 2015 earthquake, more…
New treatment offers hope for Nepal’s leprosy patients July 12, 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJLBI7sim0M&feature=youtu.be revolutionary treatment for open wounds has dramatically reduced the…
Nibha Shah: Nepali poetry’s mansara October 4, 2019 Photo: MONIKA DEUPALA orn in 1971 into an aristocratic Rana-Shah…