Ayurvedic Treatment of Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia)
Abstract
In country like India, there is a great forfeiture of proper sanitation and hygiene in certain parts of the country, disease caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other parasites are quite common. We need to adopt the campaign started by govt. of India “SWACH BHARAT ABHYAN” by keeping our surroundings immaculate, only then we can stave off the diseases caused by poor hygiene. We will scrutinize about how ayurveda will help you in manifesting such parasitic induce disease. Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine which works on the tridoshas (vata,pitta & kapha) balance theory to combat disease like giardiasis.
Introduction
It is a parasitic disease that mainly involves intestines in the body. It occurs when we eat food contaminated with ‘Giardia duodenalis’ cyst enters our body through any external source. Also may spread from animals to people when we eat animal food. It is more common in those regions where there is a lack of a proper sewage system.
As per acharya sushruta in sutrasthana chapter 24 “vyadhi samudeshiya” ( classification of disease) this comes under the ailment called “ DEV BAL PRAVRIT VYADHI [PARASITIC DISEASE] which are engender by parasites.
It states that these diseases occurs due to cursing of devta, guru, brahman or by infection and are of 2 types: Sansrgaj(infectious disease)
Akasmik (sporadic disease)
Causes
It is spread by Giardia lamblia/ giardia duodenalis transmitted through a faeco-oral route. It occurs in animals such as cows,sheep, buffaloes ( beavers) hence also known as “ beaver fever” thus when we eat their food articles ( cow milk, ghee, cheese) contaminated with this protozoa, the chance of getting this disease increases.
As per Ayurveda the causes of infectious disease are
An infectious disease occurs due to being in close contact with a diseased person, through inhalation, eating food & sleeping together, or by sharing your used clothes.
Signs & Symptoms
The clinical features (signs & symptoms) of giardiasis may appear as mild, moderate and severe from person to person it will depend upon the immune system of a person.
- Abdominal cramps
- Persistent diarrhea
- Stool is foul smelling in nature
- Weakness in the body
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Increased thirst
- Difficulty sleeping
- Skin rashes
- Excessive Sweating
Risk Factors
Risk factor means the causative agents that will boost up the spread of disease in a person. In giardiasis risk factors are related to poor sanitary, low hygienic conditions.
- Travelers who travel to various places thus might eat the contaminated food.
- People who are working in a child care home.
- Being in close contact with an infected person.
Diagnosis
It is made by doing a physical examination of the person. In ayurveda we diagnose the disease by doing ‘prakriti analysis’ of a person. In modern medicine they diagnose the disease by -stool examination- we could detect the protozoa in fecal matter of the patient.
Treatment of Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia)
Before proceeding to the treatment protocol , firstly we need to know about certain preventive measures we could adopt to stop the advancement of disease into further complicated stages.
Prevention
In ayurveda our main focus is on to prevent the spread of disease by removing the root cause of ailment keeping in mind about the ‘panchamahabhuta theory’( akash,vayu, agni, jal ,prithvi)
- By washing your hands frequently and regularly
- Always opt to drink filtered or boiled water
- Maintain personal hygiene
- Avoid untreated & contaminated water
- Keep your city clean and green
Medication
According to ayurveda it is a “krimijanya vikar” i.e caused by a parasite.
Acharya charaka in vimana sthana chapter 7 “vyadhit rupiya viman”explain the treatment of ‘krimi rog’ as
- Apkarshan (elimination) by sheerovirechan (nasya karm), vaman (vomiting induce procedure), virechan (excreting out toxins through anal route)
- Prakriti vighata (extinction of etiology) through using rough, hard food substances .
- Nidan parivarjana (etiology avoidance) by avoiding the cause.
If one needs to take medication, go for natural herbs available in our surroundings. There are numerous herbal medicines manufactured by planet Ayurveda, a leading name in the field of medicine who are serving mankind through their holistic approach.
Some formulations of ‘Planet Ayurveda ‘are as follow
Planet ayurveda is a trusted herbal manufacturing unit offering products worldwide. All these prepared products are safe and prepared using standardized extract of herbs. Planet ayurveda offers various products for giardiasis but some of them are as follows
- Vidangadi loha
- Digestion support
- Krimi mukti capsule
- Mahashankh vati
Products Description
1. Vidangadi loha
It contains vidanga (embelia ribes), shuddha parada (purified mercury), shudhha gandhak (purified sulphur), pipali (piper longum), marich(piper nigrum), shunthi ( zingiber officinalis), tankan bhasma(borax), jatiphal (myristica fragrans), loha bhasma,etc.Vidang is the ‘best krimihar dravya’( which kills worms) mentioned in our text. Rest all ingredients along with vidang possess anti inflammatory action means stop inflammatory process which is usually seen in giardiasis patients.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day with plain water after a meal.
2. Digestion Support
Is a blend of triphala( amalaki, bibhitaki,haritaki), dhanyak (coriander sativum), pippali (piper nigrum), jeerak (cyminum cuminum). Amla is explained as the most useful herb for rejuvenation & is a rich source of vitamin C, effective in wound healing. Haritaki is useful in relieving flatulence and gas. Bibhitaki helps in removing excessive kapha dosha from the body. This herbal medicine works wonders on giardiasis as it helps patients with its digestion related problem thus treat the giardiasis from its root level.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules once or twice in a day with plain water after a meal.
3. Krimi Mukti Capsule
Is a mixture of afsanteen(Artemisia absinthium), palash (butea frondosa), vidang, haritaki, haridra (curcuma longa). It is a good mixture of anti parasitic herbs that kills the toxins, worms present in the intestine of the patient.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water.
4. Mahashankh Vati
It includes Nimbu, Chitraka, Amla, Sauvarchala lavana, Vida lavana, saindhav lavana, samudra lavana, romaka lavana, pippali, etc. This medicine keeps the balance between vata & pitta dosha which is the main reason behind the giardiasis. Good for improving digestive power in case of indigestion thus keeping the alimentary tract( gastrointestinal tract) free from toxins. It normalizes the vitiated pitta dosha in the body & pittaj disorders like acidity, indigestion, dyspepsia, bloating.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water.
Conclusion
We can stop the prevalence of such an infectious disease by staying a little more active and accountable, keeping our environment utterly unblemished and cleansed. One should go for planet ayurveda as its products are 100% pure and authentic free from chemical, preservatives or harmful coloring agents made under the guidance of ayurveda experts. So walk with us and adopt Ayurveda “THE ANCIENT SCIENCE OF HEALING” You can approach us through our website herbalremedies123@yahoo.com or may also visit us at our clinic situated at Mohali Punjab.
