Treatment for Filaria, Filariasis, and Elephantiasis through Ayurveda

Filariasis otherwise known as elephantiasis. It is an infectious disease caused by the transmission of parasitic round worms (Wuchereria bancrofti) located in the blood, lymphatics and other tissues and it is spread by bite of mosquitoes (genus culex). Around 120 million people are affected with lymphatic filariasis worldwide. Mosquitoes get infected when they ingest blood after biting an infected carrier. These microfilariae mature in the mosquito and become infectious round worm. When mosquitoes bite humans, they deposit the mature larvae on the skin and can enter the body. Most lymphatic filarial
infections are asymptomatic but they damage the lymphatic system and kidneys. Later the painful condition appears (lymphedema, elephantiasis, scrotal inflammation) which gradually lead to social stigma, low self-esteem and negatively impact their mental, social and financial conditions. Early stage is characterized by headaches, chills, fever and skin lesions. Later swelling in lower extremities, external genitalia occur.

Ayurveda explains, filariasis as slipada. It is commonly seen in places with stagnant water bodies. Deranged mamsa, aggravation of kapha, rakta are leads to the pathology. As disease progresses, all three dosha involvement is observed. If vata is predominant, there will be severe pain, fever, ulcers can be noted. If pitta involvement is high, burning sensation occurs. If it is due to kapha vitiation, swelling will be hard and change in colour can be seen.

Vamana (emesis) help in eliminate vitiated kapha from the body. It clears the toxins and gastrointestinal tract. Lepana (external application of pastes) with dhatura, eranda, nirgundi, shigru, punarnava in mustard oil can be done accordingly. lepanam with sudarshana choornam is beneficial. Swedanam,
purgation, blood-letting are indicated in this condition. Internally nityananda rasa, vidagarishta, ardhavilwam kashayam, punarnavadhyarishta, sudharshana ghana vati etc can be given under supervision of an expert ayurvedic doctor.

Recommendations

Add garlic in your diet
Green gram, barley, horse gram should be included
Consume bitter, pungent food items
Castor oil is good

Proper rest is needed and avoid strenuous exercise and works
Avoid milk and milk products
Avoid jaggery and sweet products
Good skin hygiene
Practice pranayama to avoid stress and anxiety
Elevate the swollen leg
Use mosquito nets
Keep your surroundings neat and tidy
Use mosquito repellants

Ayurveda supports the patient with variety of approaches. Treat it timely before it reaches to its chronic stage. Always consult a doctor before taking any medicines and treatments. Feel free to contact our health professionals at Dr. shyam’s ayurveda, Dubai & Ajman.