After much debate, health experts have recognized face masks as
effective in preventing spread of deadly Covid-19. Then how about wearing
medicated ‘AyurMasks’ with added health benefits!

AyurMasks, made of khadi fabric and medicated using magical
herb tulsi and turmeric among others, are in much demand in the south
Indian state of Kerala. Besides the protective element, they add up as an effective
medication for several respiratory ailments.

“The government has already made wearing masks compulsory in
public places. Then it struck me why not attempt a medicated mask. Ayurvedic
herbs like tulsi and turmeric have proven beneficial effect in the respiratory
system,” said Dr Anand S, Vaidya Scientist Fellow, who is the brain behind the
initiative.

The AMAI (Ayurveda Medical Association of India) got
interested in the novel idea and soon began manufacturing and distributing ‘AyurMasks’
as part of the ‘Break The Chain’ campaign of the state government in preventing
the virus spread.

“The masks have pleasant smell and the user can wear it for
long hours without any difficulty. Continuous inhalation of tulsi-turmeric mix
will result in additional health benefit. The first lot of 500 masks were
manufactured at a small handloom unit at Balaramapuram near the state capital,”
added Dr Anand, also the Assistant Professor, Government Ayurveda College,
Thiruvananthapuram.

The yarn is dyed with the medical mix before being processed
as threads for mask manufacture. Hence the mask can be washed and used multiple
times.

AMAI distributed the masks to doctors, police personnel deployed
at public places and the public. “The response was heartening. There is a huge
demand for the masks and the association is in the process of mass
manufacturing,” Dr Anand said.