Implications of Unani medicine in the management of Covid-19: An overview

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus-2 is a novel coronavirus belonging to the family Coronaviridae and is now known to be responsible for the outbreak of a series of recent acute atypical respiratory infections originating in Wuhan, China in early December 2019. The disease caused by this virus, termed coronavirus disease 19 or simply COVID-19. COVID-19 has now spread globally with increasing morbidity and mortality among all populations. While going through Unani literature there is no direct description in about coronavirus in general and in particular coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but Amraz-e-Waba is used. It is an umbrella term which is used in Unani medicine for all types of epidemics but the clinical features of COVID-19 resemble with those of Nazla-e-Wabaiya, a type of Amraze-Waba (epidemic disease). As per Unani classical wisdom, improving immunity with immune boosters is one of the key approaches for prevention of disease and maintenance of health. Therefore, a strategy to enhance immunity and provide symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infection is advocated.