How Helpful is Neem in Fungal Diseases
Introduction to Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are very common and they are considered as a global health problem. These are caused by fungi that can live in air, water, soil, plants and some fungi that can live in the human body also. Fungi are usually not harmful but some of them are harmful. When the harmful fungi enter the human body, it becomes very difficult to kill them and if we do so, these fungi re-infect the person as they can survive in the environment. Fungal infections mainly occur when our immune system becomes weak to fight against that fungi and that fungi start invading a large area of our body, resulting in fungal infection. These infections sometimes can result in severe complications.
Examples of Some Fungal Diseases
There are various types of fungal infections, few of them are explained below
1.Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is caused by a yeast named Candida. Normally candida lives on the skin tissues and inside the mouth, throat, gut and vaiganal area. It can cause infections if it grows abnormally and penetrates into deeper tissues of the body. It is further divided into subtypes on the basis of the area involved.
A. Oral Candidiasis
It is caused due to Yeast like fungus named Candida albicans. There are almost 20 known species of Candida but Candida albicans are very common. This type of infection is also known as oral thrush. In this type of fungal infection, Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of the mouth. It is normally present in the mucosal lining of the oral cavity but when it starts multiplying, it causes various symptoms. It causes lesions in the mouth area usually on the tongue and inner cheeks. These lesions are white and creamy. Sometimes this infection can spread to the roof of mouth, gums, tonsil. Oral thrush can occur in anyone but it is more likely to occur in babies and older persons as they have low immunity power.
B. Urinary Tract Infection
Candida is also present in the Urinary tract and vagina. When it overgrows, it leads to following symptoms in females and males
Symptoms in Females
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes vaginal irritation, itching in vaginal area and vulva and discharge from the vagina. Vaginal discharge is odorless and whitish-gray in color. The discharge is having cottage cheese-like consistency. Other symptoms include painful sexual intercourse and pain and burning sensation during urination. There are redness and soreness of vaginal walls.
Symptoms in Males
In males, it can present with – Red rash on penis, itching on the penis and burning sensation on the penis.
C. Skin Infections
In normal conditions, there is a presence of a small amount of candida on our skin surface. But when it begins to multiply it can cause the following symptoms-
- Red or purple patches
- Rashes
- Cracks and scaling of the skin
- Erythema
- Soreness
Types
Types of Candida Fungus Skin Infections Includes
- Oral thrush
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Nail fungus
- Jock itch
- Diaper rash
2.Aspergillosis
It is caused due to fungus named Aspergillus niger that lives indoors and outdoors. Skin, lungs and mucous membranes are the most common sites. It can present with – Cough with blood, fever with chills, chest pain, skin sores, shortness of breath and wheezing.
3.Cryptococcosis
It is caused due to fungus named Cryptococcus neoformans. This type of infection is associated with immunosuppressive persons. Lungs and Central Nervous System are the most commonly affected by this fungi. It can present with –
1. In Lungs – In Lungs it can present with – Pneumonia, cough, fever, chest pain and shortness of breath.
2. In Brain – In Brain, it can present with – Nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, neck pain and sensitivity to light.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Fungal Diseases
According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, imbalance in any of these leads to various types of diseases. Fungal diseases occur due to the vitiation of kapha and Vata doshas. Kapha is heavy, cold, dense and sticky in nature whereas, Vata represents wind or air. Fungal infections are mainly seen due to the accumulation of toxins in the deeper tissues of the skin, Mansa (muscles), lasika (lymphatic), rakta(blood) and rasa (nutrient plasma).
Few Points About Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
Introduction
Neem is a major herb with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Classical reference regarding Neem (Azadirachta indica
Reference- The Bhavprakash nighantu, Verse 13-16.
Meaning
In this verse, various synonyms, properties and health benefits of Neem have been explained. Various synonyms for Neem are – Nimb, arishta, pichoomard, paribhadra, tikatak, and hinguniryas. Neem is light, absorbent, pungent after digestion, has cold potency, digestive nature, used in the Treatment of Vata Disorders, thirst, cough, fever, anorexia, worms infestation, wounds and is also used in the treatment of leprosy, diabetes, nausea, and vomiting. Leaves of neem are bitter in taste, unctuous, light, hot in potency, good for eyes, used for treating Kapha, pitta dosha. Neem is carminative in action. It is useful in treating piles and various skin disorders.
Classification – It is as follows
- Latin name – Azadirachta indica
- Kingdom – Plantae
- Order – Rutales
- Family – Meliaceae
- Common name – Neem, Nimtree, Indian lilac
- Sanskrit name – Arishta, Pakvakrita, Nimbaka
Ayurvedic Properties-These are as follow
- Rasa (Taste) – Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Guna (Physical Property) – Laghu (Light), Rooksha (Dry)
- Virya (Potency) – Sheet (Cold)
- Vipaka (Metabolic Property – After Digestion) – Katu (Pungent)
Effects on Doshas
It balances Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Ayurvedic Classification
According to Ayurveda Neem is included in the following group of herbs-
- Kandhughna ;- It is a group of herbs used for treating itching and skin troubles.
- Tiktaskanda – It is a group of herbs that is bitter in taste.
- Argwadhadi gana
- Guduchyadi gana
- 5.Lakshadi gana
Useful Parts
The whole plant is useful but mainly leaves, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, and roots are used.
Dosage
- Powder – 3-6 gms
- Juice – 10-20ml
- Decoction – 50-100ml
Formulations by Planet Ayurveda
Neem Capsules by Planet Ayurveda
Neem capsules by Planet Ayurveda are the best herbal treatment for managing Fungal diseases. These capsules are pure, natural, vegetarian, safe to use, chemical and preservative-free, not having any side- effect. These are manufactured under the direct supervision of MD Ayurvedic Doctors by strictly following the principles of Ayurveda. Neem capsules are very useful in treating fungal diseases.
Composition
These capsules are prepared by using pure standardized extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica).
Benefits
Neem has antiseptic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, boosts the immune system of the body, helpful in managing fungal infections, beneficial in removing toxins from the body. Neem is nature’s best herb which is very useful for the cleansing of blood by acting as a blood purifier. Neem possesses various medicinal properties and is used for treating various skin troubles like pimples, acne, wounds, and ulcers used to prepare various medicinal shampoos, soaps, creams, balms. Neem paste is very useful to cure pimples and acne if applied externally. The decoction of neem leaves is used to detoxify the blood.
Dosage – 1 capsule two times daily with plain water after meals only.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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