Ayurvedic Treatment for Botulism
In this shloka, physical qualities of Vata dosha are explained.
Qualities of Vata dosha are
- Rooksha: Dryness
- Laghu: Lightness
- Sheeta: Coldness
- Daruna: Unstable
- Khara: Rough and coarse
- Vishada: Clarity
(Reference: Charak Samhita Sutra Sthan: Chapter-12 and shloka-4)
As per Ayurveda Aspect
Doshas Imbalance Causes
Vata Dosha Imbalance: Facial paralysis, poor muscle tone
Pitta Dosha Imbalance: Restlessness
Kapha Dosha Imbalance: Poor breast feeding, lethargy, breathing
As Per Modern Aspect
Indigestion caused due to botulism toxin results in the illness which is caused due to the several types of food borne diseases, botulism is the rare illness and is a very serious condition that causes abnormal functioning of the nerves which may lead to paralysis and weakness.
This condition is usually linked with fruits and vegetables. The canned foods carry the bacteria Clostridium botulinum causes botulism because it releases a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system.
In infants, it is characterized by constipation and “failure to thrive” which is followed by weakness, impaired respiratory process, and death.
What are the Types of Botulism?
Botulism is mainly of two types:
- Food Borne Botulism
This may be caused by the consumption of food that contains botulinum neurotoxin.
- Infant Botulism
Babies up to the age of 6 months old swallow botulinum spores then the spores can germinate into the bacteria.
You may take an example of dust, soil or honey which are the most common causes. The bacteria present in its release the toxins. As the child gets older, this builds up the defenses in the intestines that keep the spores away from taking root.
- Wound Botulism
Botulism spores get entered into the open wounds and slowly start reproduction that releases the toxins. It is associated with the overuse of drugs such as black tar heroin into the skin rather than the veins.
- Inhalation Botulism
Breathing in the toxins is rare and though some nations have tried to make biological weapons that would spread a deadly form of toxins into the air.
- Adult Intestinal Colonization
This type of botulism occurs when the bacteria colonize the digestive tract.
- Iatrogenic Botulism
It occurs due to an overdose of botulism toxin.
What are the Causes of Botulism?
The botulism is a toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which is available in the soil and exists in untreated water.
What are the Main Symptoms Associated with Botulism?
The symptoms may depend upon the types of botulism:
- Food Borne Botulism
It includes vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea which is followed by constipation as well as abdominal distension. The other symptoms are difficulty in breathing and weakness that appear between 18 and 36 hours after the consumption of constipated food and vary between 3 hours and 8 days.
- Wound Botulism
In this condition, the nerves that connect the brain to the spinal cord which is known as the cranial nerves may experience the symptoms firstly. After that, it may spread to the rest of the body parts with an incubation period of 4 days to 2 weeks.
The patient may experience blurred or double vision, drooping of eyelids, facial weakness, dysphagia, dryness in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, speech slurring and body muscles become weak.
Infants May Experience the Symptoms that Include
- Poor breastfeeding
- Flat facial expressions
- Breathing difficulties
- Restlessness
- Lethargy
- Reflexes are improper or slow
- Poor muscle tone
- Weak sucking
- Unfocused eyes
In this Condition, the incubation Period Varies from 3 days to 30 days.
How to Manage the Symptoms Associated with Botulism?
Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies for managing the symptoms associated with botulism which is botulism care pack. These herbal remedies are 100% pure, natural and are free from preservatives, fillers, additives, and chemicals. These formulations strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda and have no use effects. Regular use can manage the symptoms.
Botulism Care Pack includes
- Kaishore Guggul
According to Ayurveda, botulism is caused due to the accumulation of three doshas along with rakta dosha in the body channels. Its main ingredients are Guduchi, vidanga, Amalaki, haritaki, bibhitaki, ginger, long pepper, Indian jalap and guggul (resins). This combination of herbs is useful in treating symptoms related to botulism such as flat facial expressions, poor muscle tone, lethargy, etc.
Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with plain water after meals.
- Ashwagandha Capsules
The natural and standardized extract of ashwagandha is used for the formulation of ashwagandha capsules. Being a nerve tonic it provides strength to the nerves. It has been used in Ayurveda for many ages because of its various medicinal properties. It is beneficial in boosting the brain functions and balances the Vata and pitta dosha in the body.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.
- Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia Curcumin Capsules contain shallaki and curcumin which are used as standardized extracts in these capsules. Boswellia contains active compounds called boswellic acids which are used to control swelling and inflammation. The active compound called curcuminoids present in curcumin gives effective results in botulism. This effective combination works in a synergic manner and gives very effective results.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with water after meals.
- Vrihat Vata Chintamani Ras
Vrihat Vata Chintamani ras is an Ayurvedic formulation useful in the treatment of Vata dosha imbalance in the body. The ingredients in it are Swarna bhasma, Rajata bhasma, Loha bhasma, Mukta bhasma, abhraka bhasma, Suta bhasma and juice extract of Aloe Vera. It treats flat facial expressions, paralysis, psychosis, etc which is caused due to the Vata dosha imbalance.
Dosage: One tablet two times a day with plain water after meals.
All the above mentioned herbal remedies are useful in managing the symptoms associated with botulism.
