cholera

Cholera, which can be known as Vishuchika in Ayurveda, is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It leads to severe dehydration and can be fatal if untreated. Ayurveda provides a detailed understanding of cholera's causes, symptoms, and treatment by balancing the doshas and using natural remedies.

Causes of Cholera

• Contaminated water and food.
• Poor sanitation and hygiene.Overcrowded living conditionsImbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha.
• Consumption of unclean or stale food and water.
• Agnimandya (weak digestive fire).
• Ama (toxins) accumulation in the gut.

Symptoms of Cholera

• Profuse watery diarrhea (rice-water stools).
• Severe dehydration.
• Vomiting.
• Muscle cramps.
• Sunken eyes and dry mouth.
• Low blood pressure and shock in severe cases.

Diagnosis of Cholera

1. Hygiene:

• Boil or filter drinking water.
• Avoid raw or street food.
• Practice handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet.

2. Diet:

• Avoid heavy, oily, and spicy foods.
• Eat freshly prepared, easily digestible meals.

3. Sanitation:

• Maintain clean surroundings.
• Properly dispose of human waste.

Diagnosis of Cholera

• Stool culture to confirm the presence of Vibrio cholerae.
• Rapid diagnostic tests in emergency settings.

Ayurvedic Interpretation of Cholera

• Vata: Governs movement in the body, leading to excessive diarrhoea and dehydration.
• Pitta: Causes excessive heat, leading to burning sensations and digestive disturbances.
• Kapha: Contributes to mucus accumulation, affecting digestion and metabolism.

Treatment of Cholera

1. Hydration Therapy:

• Drink Peya (thin rice gruel) with salt and a pinch of ginger to rehydrate and restore electrolytes.

2. Simple Home Remedies:

• Mix 1 tsp dried ginger powder with a pinch of rock salt in warm water for nausea and dehydration.
• Prepare a decoction of bilva fruit pulp and drink twice daily to manage diarrhoea.
• Add 1 tsp honey to a mixture of ginger juice and lemon juice for rehydration.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

Diet:

• Include easily digestible, warm, and cooked foods like rice gruel and vegetable soups.
• Avoid cold drinks, raw foods, and heavy meals.

Lifestyle:

• Rest and avoid physical exertion during recovery.
• Maintain a calm and stress-free environment.

Herbs useful in treating Cholera

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica):

Effective in controlling diarrhea.

Bilva (Aegle marmelos):

Regulates bowel movements and strengthens digestion.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

Boosts immunity and reduces Pitta.

Shunthi (Ginger):

Alleviates nausea and improves digestion.

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa):

Helps manage dehydration and diarrhea.

Note:

Cholera can become life-threatening very quickly. While Ayurvedic treatments can complement modern medical care, immediate medical attention is essential in severe cases. Always consult a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner.