LEPROSY AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

OVERVIEW

Leprosy is an infectious disease which occurs because of the bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. The bacteria affect the nerves of the limbs, upper respiratory tract, lining of the nose and skin. There occur severe skin sores, body disfigurement, muscle weakness and nerve damage in the legs, arms and skin. It is one of the oldest diseases recorded. However, it is not easily transmitted from one person to another but spreads through close and repeated contact with mouth and nose droplets. Children are more commonly affected than adults. If not treated at time, it can cause disfigurement and disability.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LEPROSY?

Leprosy is caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. The bacteria spread from the air droplets which are released through coughing or sneezing and multiply slowly. When someone inhales those droplets, they get infected. However, the disease does not spread through the casual contact like hugging, sitting next to them, shaking hands, etc. It only spreads through close and repeated contact for a longer duration of time.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LEPROSY?

The common signs and symptoms of leprosy are:

• Flat skin lesions
• Numbness in the affected areas
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nodule formation
• Formation of reddish plaques on the skin lesion
• Peripheral nerve thickening
• Muscle weakness
• Limb disfigurement
• Thick and dry skin
• Ulcers on the soles of feet (painless)
• Loss of eyelashes and eyebrows
• Paralysis in hands and feet
• Nose bleeding
• Nasal congestion
• Burning sensation in skin

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEPROSY

Leprosy is of different types depending on the type of lesion involved. Following are the various types of leprosy:

• Tuberculoid leprosy: It is a mild form of leprosy. In this, there are only one or few patches of discolored skin. The affected area is numb due to nerve damage. It is a less contagious form of leprosy.
• Lepromatous leprosy: It is a more severe form of leprosy. There occurs widespread skin rashes and bumps along with muscle weakness and numbness. Other body organs such as kidneys, nose and reproductive organs may get affected.
• Borderline leprosy: This type of leprosy has characterstics of both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS WHICH ARE ASSOCIATED WITH LEPROSY?

If leprosy is not treated at time, it can lead to several complications. Following are the complications which are related to leprosy:

• Loss of hair
• Blindness
• Inflammation of iris
• Face disfigurement
• Glaucoma
• Infertility
• Erectile dysfunction
• Muscle weakness
• Renal failure
• Nose bleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Permanent damage to the nerves of arms, legs and feet

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF LEPROSY

In Ayurveda, a body is composed of three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha is related to a particular set of functions. For a body to be completely healthy, all these doshas should be in complete harmony with each other. When any of the dosha gets disturbed, a disease manifests in body.

Leprosy comes under the category of kushta roga in Ayurveda. It occurs because of the vitiation of the three doshas, rakta and mamsa dhatu. Some of the herbs which are found to be very beneficial for management of leprosy are:

• Pippali
• Chitraka
• Guduchi
• Bakuchi
• Kalka
• Khadira
• Neem
• Manjishtha

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LEPROSY

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of leprosy:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.

Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.

Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.

Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.

Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.

Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.

Tal Sindoor: It contains ingredients like Shuddh parad, Aloe vera, Gandhak, etc that relieve redness in psoriasis patients.

Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water.

6. Panchsakar Churna

Panchsakar Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that consists of five ingredients named as – Saindhav Lavana (Rock Salt), Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunti – (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki  (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula). Panchsakar Churna is naturally detoxifying, thus it removes the toxins from the body. It relieves inflammation and useful in all types of skin problems.The powder has an anti – inflammatory properties due to which it can reduces the swelling.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful with lukewarm water at bedtime.

7. Neem soap

Neem soap is natural and herbal handmade soap prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers. It restores the health of damaged skin, tones skin complexion, prevents premature ageing, Wrinkles, Fine lines can protect against UV rays, and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Method of Application: Neem Soap can be regularly used on face and body, as a bath soap.

8. Trikatu Tablet

Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps totake out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.