Youths try herbal cure for swine flu

A local youth association has come up with a swine flu protection chamber to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus at Ganesh puja pandals. At the chamber, fumes of various herbs and ayurvedic medicines is generated, which is believed to prevent spread of the virus.

The 10-day Ganesh festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across this city. Pandals with various themes and idols of different varieties are attracting large crowds. This increases the chances of spread of the flu. In a bid to ward off this threat, Ganesh puja organisers at Tad falia in the old city have developed an exclusive swine flu protection chamber right at the entry of the pandal.

Visitors have to compulsorily pass through the protection chamber. Members of the youth association have arranged to continuously burn ayurvedic medicines and herbs, especially googal, inside the chamber. According to ayurvedic experts, fumes of googal and other ayurvedic medicines help prevent the spread of flu virus. Visitors have to spend about two minutes inside this chamber. It is believed that the beneficial effect of fumes  helps generate immunity from swine flu.

Talking to DNA, Jayesh Patel, president of Tad Falia Yuvak Mandal, said, "We consulted some doctors to find out if any chemical can prevent the spread of flu. The fume of googal, lobal and other herbs is believed to neutralise swine flu virus."

Besides, the youth association has tried to spread the message of 'Save the girl child' campaign at the pandal through a small audio-visual presentation.