Kaduppu Kazhichal (Amoebiasis)
INTRODUCTION
Kaduppu Kazhichal (Seethabethi) Noi can be correlated with amoebic dysentery. Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
SIDDHA CONCEPT
According to siddha system of medicine, this is a disease that affects both children and adults with the manifestation of symptoms like pain in abdomen with passage of loose stools, sometimes with mucus and blood.
The other symptoms that may be present are head ache, nausea, discomfort in abdomen and burning sensation in anal opening.It is also mentioned in siddha texts that the onset of the disease may be acute and then may recur to become chronic after few months.
The chronic condition may lead to anemia, loss of weight, lack of strength and edema in hands and feet.
CAUSE AND PATHOLOGY:
The ancient literature of Siddha medical system describes about worm infections / infestations, which occurs in human beings. Jeevarakshamirtham, a traditional reference mentions twenty types of worm infection in different parts of the body. According to the above quoted reference, there are seven types of worms which infect the digestive system.
According to siddha principles of disease causation, food and behavioral changes makes the body become fertile and susceptible for this disease. The common changes in food mentioned in siddha texts that may cause this disease are taking spicy and indigestible food and behavioural changes like unnecessary exposure to cold wind.
MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION
The usual way of normalizing the dominant humour by taking sufficient quantity of Castor oil along with little quantity of milk may be helpful. Castor oil mixed with Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula Retz.) Pinchu, Maasikai (Quercus infectoria Olivier) powder may also be helpful.
Few medicines which are found to be effective in treating this condition are listed below.
Parpam
NathaiParpam
Naga Parpam
Chenduram
AnnabethiChenduram
PadigalingaChenduram
Pooranachandrothayam
Gowrichinthamanichenduram
Mathirai
Oozhimathirai
Kabadamathirai
Ilagam
Karisalaiilagam
Sarapungavilvathiilagam
Churnam
SundaivatralChurnam
Nei
Venpoosaninei
DIET:
Avoid spicy or acrid foods. Liquid thin gruel prepared out of Javvarisi (sago/sabudhana), Koogaikizhangu (Arrowroot) and Kuruvai (variety of rice) are found useful. Easily digestible two times boiled (gruel filtered) rice to be taken. Food prepared out of tender vegetables like vaazhaipinju (raw banana), athiilampinju (un ripe fruit of fig), avaraipinju (unripe fruit of Cassia auriculata) with coriander may be helpful.
Note: Consultation of a qualified siddha medical practitioner is mandatory for optimal results
References:
1. Kuppusamy Mudaliar K.N, Eraipu noi, Siddha Maruthuvam, Tamil Nadu Siddha Maruthuva variyam, 1987:399-402.
2. K.S. Murugesa Mudaliar, Siddha Materia Medica, Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Chennai-106, 2013
