Filaria or Filariasis is a chronic disease popularly known as Elephantiasis that typically affects the legs. This disease is caused by a worm and is spread through the mosquitoes. The disease occurs due to the bite of an infected mosquito of the ‘Culex’ species.
Filariasis occurs in different tropical regions and can be seen from mild to very severe stages of the condition. Treatment is decided according to the symptoms and body constitution of the patient and environment etc.
Ayurveda and Filaria
In Ayurveda it is given the name of Shleepada. Legs are swollen and skin becomes thick. If left unchecked the legs may become swollen and become very big. This is why this medical condition is called as elephantiasis. Kapha dosha causes the obstruction in lymphatic movement giving way to filaria. Vata dosha aggravation also can cause filaria in some cases.
Filaria Signs and Symptoms
The initial sysmptoms are fever and pain in the affected area along with redness along the lymphatic vessels. Gradually all the lymphatic channels are affected and legs start to develop swelling. Swelling and pain in the testis can be found. Pneumonia and urticaria can also result in some cases.
Ayurveda Treatment for Filaria
The most commonly used Ayurvedic herbal remedy is a tablet known as Nityananda Rasa. Depending upon the patient’s condition halt to one tablet is advised to be taken on empty stomach for about 2 months.
Blood letting from the affected areas applying leeches is used to get rid of the symptoms. Treatment must start early. When filaria reaches chronic stage the scope for treatment becomes limited. Cleansing processes like Panchakarma can help to correct the dosha disturbances. Depending upon the state of the condition the treatment procedures and medicines may be prescribed.
Ayurvedic medicines are prepared with single herbs or in combination of more herbs. Local applications like ointments for external use and other medicines in the form of tablets or powders are recommended.
Nityananda Rasa is very commonly used for filaria. Patients are advised to take ½ to 1 tablet twice s a day on empty stomach for 2 months.
Nityananda Rasa, Arogya-Vardhini, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu and Triphala-Guggulu and need to be given in high doses for long durations to reduce the swelling and also thickening of the skin lesions.
Apamarga, Dashmool-Qadha, Deodar, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Gomutra-Haritaki, Punarnavadi-Qadha, and Sahinjan are also prescribed for reducing the swelling. Other effective medications are Dashang Lep and Shoth Har Lep.
Ayurvedic ointments containing herbs like Daruharidra, Haridra, Gandhak, Manjishtha, Ras Sindur and Saariya are helpful in removing the swelling and thickening of the skin.
Ayurvedic Herbal Home Remedies
Eating 10 garlic cloves on a daily basis is helpful. Water in which dried ginger is boiled is also effective. Eating three leaves of Bel tree every day can prevent filaria.
Prevention of Filaria
Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention of filaria. So avoid living in marshy areas. Using mosquito nets regularly is another way of preventing filaria. Use hot water for bathing as well as drinking.