New dengue cure

Lakshmi DE SILVA

A dengue prevention campaign organized by the Colombo Municipal Council's Department of Indigenous Medicine unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka Homeopathic Medical Association was held at the Dematagoda Siridhamma Community Hall yesterday.

An Indigenous medicinal dust made out of Maduruthala and Kohomba leaves to use as an incense and Maduruthala seeds were distributed to the public free of charge by the CMC Department of Indigenous Medicine while Homeopathic Doctor M.I Latiff gave medicine free of charge `to enhance the immune system.

Director of the CMC Indigenous Medicine Dr. C.D. Palathiratne said ancestors used Maduruthala plants to prevent mosquitoes entering houses. This plant was grown in front of houses in the past but now these good habits are to not adhered to anymore.

The CMC expects to encourage people to grow at least one plant that would bring triple benefits by giving Maduruthala seeds to the public Dr. Palathiratne said.

Maduruthala could be used as an ornamental or a medicinal plant which could be used for colds and coughs and a plant that has a religious value.

Heen Maduruthala's botanical term is Ocimum Satum. It is called Thullasi in Tamil. The English term is Purple Stalk Basil or Sacred Basil. In Sanskrit this plant is called Pavithra, or Vishnupriya, he explained. Asian Homeopathic Medical League Vice President and Sri Lanka Homeopathic Medical Association President Dr. M. I. Latiff said this combined effort by the CMC was an unique operation.

This is a prevention and immunization program at a low cost which has been used throughout generations.

CMC Competent Authority Omar Kamil thanked Dr. Latiff for providing the Homeopathic medicine free of charge.

"We need the cooperation of the public and civil society to eradicate the dengue menace and we invite the public to be cautious.

If the public seek CMC assistance, we are ready to provide our services," Kamil noted.