Histoplasmosis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection prevalent in temperate climates throughout the world. Risk factors for this condition include living in endemic areas with contaminated soil; exposure to a large amount of the fungus; immunocompromised status; and concurrent respiratory diseases. This condition can be acute, chronic, or progressive and disseminated. Common symptoms include fever, headache, chills, joint pain, skin lesions, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, chest pain, mouth ulcers, diarrhea and involvement of the eyes.
Most individuals affected by this condition do not require treatment, since the infection is usually self-limiting. Ayurvedic treatment can be given in case of prolonged or disseminated infection, and in individuals with an immunocompromised status. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms and boosting the immune status of the body. Medicines like Shwas-Kuthar-Ras, Sitopaladi-Churna, Talisadi-Churna, Gojhivhadi-Qadha, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Bruhat-Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Karkatashrungi (Pistichia integerima), Kulingan (Alpimia galangal) and Som (Ephedra vulgaris) are used to treat cough and breathlessness. Medicines like Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka), Sphatik-Bhasma and Praval-Bhasma can be used to treat hemoptysis. Inflammation and involvement of the lungs can be treated using medicines like Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma and Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa).
Involvement of the lymph nodes can be treated using medicines like Kachnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu. Involvement of the intestines can be treated using Sutshekhar-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut and Panchamrut-Parpati. Mouth ulcers can be treated using Yashtimadhuk, Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Bakul (Aconitum ferox), Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus). Involvement of the liver and spleen is treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Rohitak (Tecoma undulata). Involvement of the heart can be treated using medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Laxadi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Arjunarishta and Dashmoolarishta. Medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Abhrak-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant are used to boost the immune status of the body.
Acute histoplasmosis may prove to be life-threatening and usually requires immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Chronic infection may take a long, protracted course lasting from several months to years. The relapse rate in this condition is very high. Ayurvedic medicines may be used in combination with modern therapy in order to improve the therapeutic response and prevent a relapse.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.
