New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) The AYUSH Ministry on Tuesday dispelled the notion that 'kadha' decoction, which many are imbibing nowadays to build up immunity against the Novel Coronavirus infection, can damage the liver.

Brushing aside reports that prolonged use of the decoction can potentially harm the liver, the Ministry of

AYUSH termed these reports as baseless and said there is no evidence that consumption of the decoction

damages the liver.

Admitting that these reports have raised suspicions in the minds of people towards kadha, AYUSH Secretary

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha told the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Health that the ingredients from which the kadha is made, are all resistant to different types of viruses.

As studies on COVID-19 are ongoing, so there is no conclusive evidence of the effect of the decoction on

COVID-19 patients, he said.

Mr Kotecha spoke in detail about various preventive measures to fight Coronavirus, including general measures like gargling with warm water with turmeric and salt, steam inhalation, moderate physical exercises, as well as dietary measures like drinking AYUSH Kadha or Kwath once a day.

'These are our traditional wisdom, which we can use regularly,' he stated. He also briefed about the usage of various Ayurvedic medicines like Ashwagandha and Guduchi and its dosage to be followed for high risk as well as primary contacts.

'The decoction, however, has a very positive effect on the respiratory system. It is a misconception that kadha damages the liver. There is no evidence that it is bad for the liver,' he added.

'There are four things inside a kadha. Cinnamon, holy basil, black pepper and ginger. These four are also used as spices in the house. If the effect of a person is hot, then it will be fine if he takes jaggery, sweets or raisins with the decoction. The notion that kadha will damage the liver is wrong,' said Mr Kotecha.

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