AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR FILARIA
Guru Chandal Yoga Gandmool Dosha Gajkesari Yoga

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AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR FILARIA

This is commonly caused by a parasite called Filaria bancrofti. Embryos of this parasite are carried from the patient to a healthy man by mosquitos. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as shlipada.

The early symptoms of this disease are urticaria, inflammation of the lymph glands as well as lymphatic channels, inflammation of the testicles and fever. The lymph glands become tender and the lymph channels become red, The fever usually starts with shivering and continues for one to three days. Usually the glands at the base of the thighs are primarily affected. Recurrent attacks of this fever, which is common, lead to hydrocele or elephantiasis.

The skin of the swollen region of the leg slowly becomes thickened and rough. Subsequently, abscesses may appear and this may lead to ulceration.

Warts may also appear over the skin and it becomes leathery. The weight of the enlarged scrotum and the swollen leg may at times cause impediment in the movements of the patient.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Filaria: This disease is commonly found in marshy areas where there is stagnant water. Drinking water from the wells and ponds and even from the tubewells of this area makes a person susceptible to the attacks of this parasite. It is, therefore, necessary that persons inhabiting such localities should drink boiled water. If dried ginger is added to the water before boiling, it serves as a very good preventive measure. To prevent mosquito bite, mosquito nets should be regularly used.

The leaves of bel tree are very useful in the treatment of this condition. Taking three bel leaves every day helps both in the prevention and cure of this condition. The drug popularly used for this disease is known as Nityananda rasa. It is to be given to the patient in a dose of 0.5 gm., two times a day, on empty stomach. Usually this medicine is in the form of tablets, each tablet weighing 0.5 gm. It is to be made into a powder in a porcelain mortar and mixed with honey before it is given to the patient. Adding juice of bel leaves to this medicine strengthens its action.

Nityananda rasa is very well tolerated during winter season. It produces a little heat for which a larger dose of it cannot be given to the patient during summer season. In winter and rainy seasons, the dose of the medicine can be increased. For this medicine to act on the body, it should be taken continuously for a period of two months. In acute conditions, where there is inflammation as well as redness and tenderness of the glands and lymph channels and also fever, this medicine acts immediately. But even if the symptoms are over, this has to be continued for a sufficiently long time to create an atmosphere in the body by which the filaria parasite will not be able to thrive.

To relieve pain, ulceration, oozing of water, etc., from the affected parts, Malla sindura is often used. This drug is available in the form of crystals because it is prepared by the process of sublimation. It is to be made into a fine powder by grinding in a porcelain mortar and given to the patient in a dose of 250 mg, twice a day. In summer season, the dose should be reduced to 125 mg, twice a day. It should be well mixed with honey and given to the patient. It contains arsenic along with other ingredients. But during processing, the adverse effect of arsenic gets neutralised and normally it does not produce any toxic effect even if taken for a prolonged period.

Diet to taken by Filaria patients: Sour and stale foods like curd and pickles should be avoided. The patient should take bitter things like bitter gourd, neem leaves and bitter variety of drumstick, green banana, patola, brinjals, cabbage and cauliflower. Garlic and ginger are very useful for such patients. About ten raw garlic cloves should be given to the patient every day if he can tolerate its smell. Otherwise, the garlic should be fried in butter or ghee and given to the patient. For drinking, water boiled with dried ginger should be used.

Other regimens: The filaria patient should avoid residing in marshy areas. In rainy season, he should avoid exposing himself to rains. Both in winter and rainy seasons, he should take bath with hot water only, and as far as possible drink hot water.