CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadugovernment will provide 'nilavembu' powder - the anti-dengue siddha drug -- free of cost to all eateries through the designated officers of the food safety department in every district, so they can make the decoction and give it free to the public, health minister C Vijaya Baskar said on Monday.
'Nilavembu kudineer' is already distributed free in government hospitals and public places such as bus stops and railway stations. It is available for a cost in retail outlets and pharmacies. Siddha practitioners, however, say taking the drug without adequate medical supervision can do more harm than good. "Some patients should not be taking the herbal decoction at all. It can worsen their illness," said Dr Selvin Innocent Dhas, president of the Indian Siddha Medical Graduates Association.
"If you give the decoction to pregnant women or people with stomach ulcers, acidity or digestive problems, it can trigger vomiting. In severe dengue, where patients are already dehydrated, this medicine can be deadly. It's a herbal medicine that should not be used indiscriminately," he said.
The minister, who met members of the hoteliers association as part of the government's anti-dengue measures, said the department of Indian medicine and homeopathy will be instructed to make the powder available free of cost to all eateries. "Designated officers will ensure that hoteliers are trained to make the decoction which boosts the immune system," he said.
"The government designated officers should ensure every eatery makes the right dosage. It can be a tough task, but if they manage to do it correctly, it will help bring down dengue cases," said National Institute of Siddha director Dr V Bhanumathi.
Central Council of Indian Medicine state representative Dr Muthukumar said the medicine must be taken twice a day for at least three days for it to work. "It is important for hoteliers to keep people informed. Taking it once will be ineffective," he said.
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