People of Gujarat have now taken to applying cow dung and cow urine onto their bodies, after which they bathe in milk or buttermilk. They strongly believe that this remedy will boost their immune system and protect them from the virus.
The practice in itself is ridiculous but what's even worse, is that it has been endorsed by some pharmacists.
Researches in the field of medicine have taken pains to study the effects of the traditional remedy, and have found absolutely no scientific backing for this awful act. Instead, they have warned the practitioners of the risk of other diseases from cow dung and cow urine application on human skin.
Why is this remedy practiced?
The Cow is a sacred animal for Hindus and they consider the cow to be a symbol of health, wealth and well-being.
But, taking the symbolism of the cow too far, they have started endorsing and popularizing the cow dung remedy for preventing themselves from the lethal virus.
Doctor's point of view
Of course, doctors do not endorse or popularize anything without sufficient medical backing and research. They are very critical of this ongoing practice and have warned people against it.
Orthodox citizens of our country believe this to be the only way to fight the virus. The cow-dung therapy seems to give hope to the hopeless.
There's one more perspective to this entire act. Some researched believe that if patients endorse this practice wholeheartedly and place complete faith in it, they may actually see a positive trend in their health, but not because of the application of cow dung but because they so passionately believe that it will cure them of all ailments. The sheer belief and will to get better has such a stimulating effect on the mind, that it leaves a profound effect on our physique as well.
Doctors and scientist all over the world continue to place faith in their own methods and are extremely skeptical about traditional remedies or herbal remedies, because if it were really effective, the world would have got rid of the virus, without us having to see a second or third wave.
Moreover, one must always keep in mind that, the existing diseases of the cow, which may not be visible to the naked eye, may pass into it's faeces, thereby causing infectious diseases on application.
The last thing we need is another infectious pandemic catching the world off guard and throwing all our planned economic, social and cultural activities off-the-track.
Written By- Keerthana Bharadwaj
Edited By- Tushna Choksey
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