In Ayurveda, this is known as Shilipada Jawara. This disease is commonly caused by a parasitic called Filaria bancrofti. Embroys of this parasite are carried from the patient to a health man by mosquitos.
The early symptoms of this disease are urticaria, inflammation of the glands as well as lymphatic channels, inflammation of the testicles and fever. The llymph glands become tender and the lymph channels become red. The fever usually starts with shivering and continues for one to three four days.
Usually, the glands at the base of the thighs are primarily affected. Recurrent attacks of this fever, which is common, lead to hydrocele or elephantiasis. The skin of the swollen region of the leg slowly becomes thickened and rough. Subsequently, abscesses may appear and this may lead to ulceration. warts may also appear over the skin and it becomes leathery. The weight of the enlarged scrotum and the swollen leg may at times cause an impediment in the movements of the patient.
Gross enlargement of the legs may produce such an extent, that their circumference increases to several feet and the scrotum may attain a wei9ght of almost 25 K.gms
Elephantiasis may develop elsewhere in the body. i.e.. the arms, etc., and even in ladies in their breast but not very commonly.
According to Ayurveda, the disease caused by the vitiation of all the three Doshas, but mainly Kapha. Blood letting is advised by the Acharyas in certain cases of elephantiasis. But it should be done under the guidance of an expert.
The fever of filaria is a short, sharp fever. It rarely continues for more than four days, but its attacks are frequent and the symptoms described above start showing. The inflammation tends to increase with each fresh attack till the legs of the patient resemble thereof an elephant, his testicles enlarge to enormous proportions and he feels difficulty in walking.
This disease is commonly found in marshy areas where there is stagnant water. Drinking water from the wells and ponds and even from the tube wells of this area makes a person susceptible to the attacks of this parasite. It is, therefore, necessary that persons inhabiting such localities should drink boiled water. If dried ginger is added to the water before boiling, it serves as a very good preventive measures. To prevent mosquito bite, mosquito nets or another method should be regularly used.
In acute conditions, where there is inflammation as well as redness and tenderness of the glands and lymph channels and also fever, Nityananda rasa acts immediately. The leaves of bel tree are also very useful in the treatment of this condition in prevention and cure of this disease.
Nityananda rasa is available in the form of tablets, each tablet weighting 0.5 gms. It is to be made into a powder in a porcelain mortar and mixed with honey before it is given to the patient.
Adding juice of bel leaves to this medicine strengthen its action. To relieve pain, ulceration, oozing of dirty water, etc., fr5om the affected parts, malla sindura is should be applied.
This drug is available in the form of crystals because it is prepared by the process in a procelain mortar and given to the patient in a dose of 250 mg twice a day.
In summer season, the dose should be reduced to 125mg twice a day. It should be well mixed with honey and given to the patient. It contains arsenic along with other ingredients. But during processing, the adverse effect of arsenic gets neutralized and normally it does not produce any revers effect even if taken for a long period.
For the fever which accompanies filariasis or elephantiasis, the following medicines are most helpful.
Sanjivani 120mg
Shringa Bhasma 120mg
Hingu-leshwar 120mg
To be taken thrice daily with warm water.
After the fever has subsided the following prescription should be consumed for a permanent cure of the maady.
Nityananda Rasa 250mg
Pippli Churna 500mg
Shripadagajakeshari 120mg
To be taken twice(morning and mid -day) with a decoction of the bark of Shakhotaka tree should be given in one dose at night.
A paste made of Dhatura, root of castor tree, Nirgundi, Punarnava, bark of Sahijan or mustard seeds-all in equal quantities- ground in the urine of cow or water should be applied to the affected parts.
The patient should avoid residing in marshy areas. In the rainy season, he should avoid exposing himself to rains. Both in winter and rainy seasons, he should take bath with hot water only, and as far as possible he should drink hot water also.
Sour and stale foods like curd and pickles should be avoided. The patient should take things like bitter gourd, neem leaves and bitter variety of drumstick, green banana, patola, brinjals, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Garlic and ginger are very useful for such patients. About ten raw cloves should be given to the patient every day. For drinking, water boiled with dried ginger is also very helpful.