Can Ayurveda Treatment Help to Combat Tuberculosis? Discover Ayushakti Herbal Approach to Manage Tuberculosis Symptoms
On World Tuberculosis Day 2024, let’s unite to spread awareness, Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom offers holistic care and preparedness. Together, let’s strive for a TB-free world with nature’s healing finesse.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is the 12th leading cause of death worldwide. In 2020, TB claimed the lives of over 1.5 m people globally, making it the second-largest infectious disease after COVID-19. TB has taken more lives than diseases like HIV and AIDS, affecting people of all ages, including children, women, and men. India has the highest number of TB cases in the world. Since 2000, over 66 million people have been successfully treated for TB, with Ayurveda playing a crucial role in their recovery.
What is Tuberculosis, or TB?
Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other body parts. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. TB is a major global health problem, with an estimated 10 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths each year.
Types of Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) can be classified into different types based on the affected part of the body. Here are some common types of TB and their symptoms:
1. Pulmonary TB:
- Persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
2. Extra-pulmonary TB:
- TB affects other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, bones, joints, kidneys, etc.
- Symptoms depend on the specific part of the body affected
- Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and dysfunction of the affected area
3. Latent TB infection:
- No symptoms are present
- TB bacteria are present in the body but are inactive
- Can develop into active TB if not treated
It’s important to note that TB symptoms can vary from person to person and some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms at all. If you suspect you may have TB or have been exposed to someone with TB, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What are the main factors that lead to tuberculosis, or TB?
The primary causes of tuberculosis, or TB, include:
-
- HIV infection
- AIDS disease
- Contracting the disease from another infected individual
- Close contact with a person suffering from tuberculosis
- Failure to address initial infection
- Weakened immune system
- Organ transplant
- Medication
- Sharing the same toilet or room
- Drinking from the same glass
- Advancing age
- Children with compromised immune systems
Ayurvedic Concept on Tuberculosis:
The concept of Rajayakshma, dating back to around 2400 BC in the Vedic period, is closely linked to the term Yakshma, first mentioned in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda.
क्रोधोयक्ष्माज्वरोरोगएकार्थोदुःखसञ्ज्ञकः|
यस्मात् स राज्ञः प्रागासीद्राजयक्ष्मा ततो मतः||११||
सयक्ष्माहुङ्कृतोऽश्विभ्यांमानुषंलोकमागतः|
लब्ध्वा चतुर्विधं हेतुं समाविशति मानवान्||१२||
The most common synonyms for Tuberculosis are Krodha (rage), yakshma (sickness), jwara (fever), and roga (disease).
Rajayakshma, also known as the king of diseases, is named so because it affected the moon god Chandrama. In the celestial realm, the Ashwin twins treated this disease before it descended to affect human beings, triggered by a four-fold causative factor.
Four significant causative factors of Tuberculosis
1. Sahasaja rajayakshma (due to overexertion beyond one’s capacity)
When a person overexerts themselves through activities like battle, reading, weight-lifting, or swimming beyond their limits, it can lead to chest injuries and aggravate the Vata dosha, affecting Pitta and Kapha doshas as well.
2. Vegasandharanaja rajayakshma (due to suppression of natural urges)
Suppression of natural urges like passing flatus, urine, or faeces due to bashfulness or fear can imbalance Vayu, Kapha, and Pitta doshas, resulting in symptoms like severe headache, cough, and hoarseness of voice.
3. Kshayaja rajayakshma (due to depletion of tissues)
Excessive anger, fever, grief, and other factors leading to the depletion of shukra and ojas can provoke Vata dosha, aggravating Pitta and Kapha doshas, causing symptoms like mild fever, cough, and joint pain.
4. Vishamashanaja rajayakshma (intake of irregular dietary habits)
Consuming irregular or incompatible diets can aggravate doshas and lead to severe Amavisha disorders, causing symptoms like excessive salivation, loss of appetite, and fever.
Premonitory Signs of Tuberculosis
The premonitory symptoms of Rajayakshma include weakness, tiredness, morbid appearances on the body, and other signs indicating the onset of the disease.
Pathogenesis of Tuberculosis
Rajayakshma occurs when there is an obstruction in the circulation channels or a diminution of dhatu-ushmas (tissue elements) or dhatvagnis (metabolic fires). This obstruction or reduction in tissue elements and metabolic fires leads to improper metabolism of the rasa dhatu in its location, primarily the heart. As a result, the vitiated rasa dhatu is expelled through the upper passages, manifesting as symptoms like cough, change in voice, headache, fever, and shoulder pain.
Clinical Features of Tuberculosis
The clinical features of Tuberculosis, as described in Ayurveda, include:
- Ansaparshwaabhitaapah: Feeling of warmth or burning sensation in the shoulders and flanks.
- Csantapah: Burning sensation in hands and feet.
- Karapadayoh: Raised temperature or fever all over the body.
- Jwara: Fever.
These symptoms collectively indicate the presence of Rajayakshma or Tuberculosis, characterized by a complex interplay of doshas, dhatus, and srotas leading to the manifestation of the disease.
What are some of the complications that can arise from tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis can lead to various complications, including back or spinal pain, joint stiffness and pain, headaches, liver and kidney problems, heart disorders, chest pain, lung failure, wasting syndrome, frequent weight loss, and night sweats.
What preventive measures can be taken to protect oneself from tuberculosis?
- To prevent the spread of tuberculosis, it is important to ensure good air ventilation in living spaces and maintain hygiene.
- Wear a mask if experiencing symptoms
- Eat a healthy diet to boost the immune system
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms
- Use sanitizer when in contact with suspects
- Practice yoga daily
- Avoid cold drinks and refined sugar
- Consume fruits rich in vitamins A, C, and E
Ayurvedic Approach to Tuberculosis Treatment
The treatment of Tuberculosis in Ayurveda involves a holistic approach aimed at restoring the balance of doshas, improving the strength of tissues, and enhancing the metabolic fires. The treatment protocol may include:
1. Balancing the aggravated doshas through dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.
2. Strengthening the weakened tissues and nourishing the body with appropriate diet and rejuvenating therapies.
3. Improving the digestive fire (Agni) to ensure proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
4. Detoxification therapies to eliminate the accumulated toxins and restore the normal functioning of the body.
5. Herbal formulations and Rasayana (rejuvenating) medicines to boost immunity and promote overall well-being.
Ayurvedic therapies for tuberculosis includes the following processes:
- Snehana: This involves massage with warm medicated oils infused with herbs to treat imbalanced doshas and remove toxins from the body.
- Swedana: Different procedures are used to induce sweating and eliminate toxins while balancing doshas. These include Tapa, Upanaha, Ushma, and Dhara.
- Vamana: Medicinal herbs are taken to induce vomiting, clearing toxins and mucus from the body.
- Virechana: Laxative herbs are administered orally to stimulate bowel evacuation and cleanse toxins, especially in pitta and kapha imbalances.
Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchakarma therapies are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body. Click here to check out our Panchakarma Detoxification Plan
It is important to consult an Ayurvedic physician before undergoing these treatments, as they may not be suitable for everyone.
By addressing the root cause of the disease and restoring the balance of doshas and dhatus, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to managing Tuberculosis and promoting long-term health and wellness.
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations for tuberculosis sufferers according to Ayurveda
Dos:
- Incorporate red rice and barley seeds into your diet.
- Include fruits such as pomegranate, amalaki, and mango.
Don’ts:
- Avoid fried or fatty foods.
- Steer clear of certain vegetables like brinjal and bitter gourd due to their harmful effects on tuberculosis.
- Limit excessive sexual activity and daytime naps.
- Stay away from extreme emotions like anger.
Ayurvedic Home remedies for tuberculosis:
Here are some home remedies that can help in treating tuberculosis at home:
- Amla (Indian gooseberry) and honey Juice
Instructions: Take 3 seedless amla fruits, crush them into a paste, extract the juice, mix it with a spoon of honey, and drink this mixture every morning to combat tuberculosis-causing bacteria.
- Drumstick Juice
- Drumstick leaves
- Black pepper powder
- Himalayan salt
- Hot water
Instructions: Crush drumstick leaves into a paste, mix them with black pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and hot water, and consume this concoction regularly in the morning as a beneficial home remedy for tuberculosis.
In conclusion, tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge that requires a coordinated effort from governments, healthcare providers, and communities to control and eliminate it. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and preventive measures are key to reducing the burden of this disease. Continued research and investment in TB control efforts are essential in the fight against this ancient yet still prevalent infectious disease.
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Blog Author: Dr Hemang Parekh
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.