Leishmaniasis, also known as Kala Azar (black fever), is a parasitic disease which is endemic in several poor countries, and presents as epidemics. Leishmaniasis is of two types: cutaneous and systemic or visceral. Systemic leishmaniasis presents as vomiting, diarrhea, chronic fever, cough, night sweats, scaly and dark skin, thinning hair, abdominal pain and weight loss. Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects mainly the skin and mucous membranes and presents as rash, ulcers, ulceration and erosion of mouth tissue, breathlessness, stuffy nose and nose bleeds, and swallowing difficulty. Systemic infection can considerably affect the immune system of the body.
The Ayurvedic treatment of leishmaniasis is aimed at treating the symptoms and preventing the complications of the disease, like disfiguration of the face; excessive bleeding; and fatal infections due to immune system damage. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Sukshma-Triphala, Gandhak-Rasayan, Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras and Ras-Manikya are used to treat the basic parasitic infection. Chandrakala-Ras, Kamdudha-Ras, Laxmi-Narayan-Ras and Maha-Sudarshan-Churna are used to treat fever. Vomiting and diarrhea are treated using medicines like Laghu-Sutshekhar, Shankh-Vati, Sutshekhar-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut and Kutaj-Ghan-Vati. Fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite can be treated using Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Agnitundi-Vati, Arogya-Vardhini and Panchamrut-Parpati. Cough and breathlessness can be treated using medicines like Tribhuvan-Kirti, Sitopaladi-Churna, Shwas-Kuthar-Ras, Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Som (Ephedra vulgaris), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka) and Kushtha (Saussurea lappa).
Ulcerations and erosions in the skin and mucous membranes are treated using medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivadi-Churna, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk, Haridra (Curcuma longa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica). Local applications are very important in accelerating the process of healing of ulcers and preventing erosion and disfigurement of the mouth. Medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Yashtimadhuk-Ghrut, Shatadhout-Ghrut and a mixture of equal parts of honey and ghee can be applied on the ulcers and erosions. An ointment containing Manjishtha, Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Yashtimadhuk, Haridra and Mandukparni can also be used for this purpose and is very effective.
Medicines like Vasa, Laxa (Purified wax), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Sphatik-Bhasma can be used to prevent excessive bleeding. Medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant and Suvarna-Parpati can be used to boost the immune system, help in early recovery and prevent serious, opportunistic infections.
Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of sandfly in endemic areas. It is important to adopt appropriate protection and prevent exposure to sandfly bites. Public health measures to reduce the sandfly population and animal reservoirs are equally important.
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