Filariasis – Homeopathy Offers a Supportive Treatment

Filariasis is a parasitic infection caused by filarial worms  (any of a group of parasitic worms belonging to family Filariidae.) This infection is transmitted through bite of an insect (like black flies and mosquitoes)  who are carrying this infection. This condition is prevalent in areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America and in India. Homeopathic Medicines for Lymphatic Filariasis can be taken along with conventional treatment for symptom relief. 

The mosquitoes that spread this infection through the larva of this worm, when they bite a person who is already carrying worms of this infection. These infected mosquitoes then can pass the larva of these worms to another healthy human being through a bite. When an infected mosquito bites healthy human beings the larva of these worms sticks on their skin from where they find a way in his/her body. In the body they enter into lymph vessels through blood stream and grow into adult worms.
Adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and these worms have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years in the human body during which they tend to produce millions of microscopic larvae thereby causing disturbance in normal functioning of the lymphatic system. The  lymphatic system functions to maintain fluid balance in the body and help in fighting infections. Any disturbance in this system leads to fluid buildup and swelling of the tissue and also results in lowered immunity. Among hundreds of species of filarial worms around 8 to 9 are known to cause infections in human beings.

Classification and Symptoms of Filariasis

This parasitic disease is classified depending on the body area affected by these worms. 

1. Firstly, it includes lymphatic filariasis that affects lymphatic system and lymph nodes and causes elephantiasis. The worms that cause it are – Wuchereria bancrofti (most common cause) , Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. 

In case of lymphatic filariasis a disease called elephantiasis mainly occurs. In this disease the filarial worm lodges in the lymphatic system causing its damage and blockage and hinders the flow of lymph through lymphatic vessels. This results in backup of the lymphatic fluid, which causes swelling. 

Many people having this infection may not show symptoms in initial stages. In others it causes lymphedema build up of fluid in soft tissue of limbs from blockage in lymph system. Elephantiasis occurs when the filarial worms gets lodged in lymphatic system and blocks flow of lymph. In people whom symptoms appear mainly include swelling and abnormal enlargement of the legs, arms, breasts or genitals (mainly scrotum in males and vulva in females). Among these sites the legs are the most commonly affected area in elephantiasis. Swelling may be attended with pain. The skin becomes thick, dry, tough and hard that resembles an elephant’s skin hence given the name elephantiasis. The skin may have cracks also. The skin also gets darker than normal, and sometimes gets pitted and ulcerated. There may be difficulty to move the affected body parts resulting in disability. Elephantiasis also cause psychological effects and the sufferer may get emotional distress, anxiety and depression due to worry about their ugly and disfiguring appearance

In some people fever and chills may be present. People with elephantiasis also have impaired immune function which makes them quite prone to get secondary bacterial infections of the skin. The symptoms in elephantiasis develop very gradually and it may take around years to develop. In the infected persons, the signs and symptoms of this condition may not come up until the disease has reached its last stage.

2. Second is subcutaneous filariasis is the one where the subcutaneous skin layer (layer immediately under the skin) and eye are affected. The worms involved in this type are loa loa, onchocerca volvulus and Mansonella streptocerca. The symptoms that occur in this are skin rash, river blindness and hyperpigmented or depigmented spots on the skin
3. Lastly, it includes serous cavity filariasis in which the serous cavity of the abdomen is infected. This one is caused by its worm types called Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi. In this skin rash, abdomen pain, joint inflammation (arthritis) and ascites (fluid build up in abdomen) arise.

Homeopathic Medicines for Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

Homeopathic medicines mainly offer a supportive role to manage lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) symptomatically. They boost the body’s natural healing mechanism to fight with its infectious agent and improve the lymph flow in the lymphatic system. They help to manage swelling, thickness, hardness and cracks of the skin in these cases. The homeopathic medicine for a given case of this condition is  selected after detailed case taking and its analysis. So, it is advisable to start any homeopathic medicine for this condition after consulting a homeopathic physician and to avoid self medication.

1. Hydrocotyle Asiatica – Top Grade Medicine 

This medicine is prepared from plants having the common name Indian Pennywort. This plant belongs to the family Umbelliferae. It is a top listed medicine for managing these cases. Persons needing it mainly have intense thickening of the affected skin. There may be pricking pains present along with this. They can also have excessive itching on the skin. Sometimes there is presence of copper coloured eruptions on the skin also.

2. Silicea – When it affects Legs, Feet and Hands

Silicea is next prominently indicated medicine for managing such cases. Its use is mainly recommended to manage its cases when legs, feet and hands are affected. Both the feet and legs are involved in cases that require it. The lower part of the thigh is also affected along with the above. Other than this it is also indicated when elephantiasis affects scrotum in males (causing swelling called hydrocele). 

3. Elaeis Guineensis – For Swelling and Hardening of Skin

This medicine is prepared from the fruit of a plant called Aouara or Avoira. It belongs to family palmaeceae. It is well indicated for these cases when there is swelling, and hardening of the skin. Most times it is indicated for swelling of the left leg. This leg is also rough and itchy. Skin is also thickened. 

4. Arsenic Album – To Manage Swelling of Lower Limbs and Pain

Arsenic Album is a useful medicine to manage swelling of the lower limbs and pain in such cases. On feet along with swelling hardness and burning of the skin can be there where it is required. Along with this sometimes on the skin brownish white spots may be present. The skin is dry and rough and looks very dirty. Other than above its use is also considered to manage ulcer on leg. Here ulcer covered with grey crust and an inflamed margin is the key feature to use it. Sometimes around the edges of ulcers pus filled eruptions may also be present.

5. Petroleum – For Cases with Rough, Thick, Hard Skin

This is a very beneficial remedy for managing conditions where skin is very rough, thick and hard. It also looks very dirty. Cracks can also be present on the skin.  brown spots on the skin can be present too. The skin is very sensitive and painful in most cases that require its use. Along with this there is marked swelling of the leg on the left side. It may have a purplish color and ooze watery substance. On drying large scabs forms on it. Itching and burning are also felt in it.

6. Merc Sol – For Managing Ulcers on the Skin 

This medicine offers help to manage skin ulcers. In cases needing it there are irregular shaped ulcers with undefined borders  on the skin. They are painful also . Mostly pricking or cutting type of pain is felt in them. Sometimes there may be bleeding from these ulcers also.

7. Natrum Carb – Another Medicine to Manage Ulcer on Skin

It is also valuable medicine to manage skin ulcers. Swelling is marked with ulcers where it is indicated. Burning sensation may be present in it. Sometimes pricking sensation and pulsation are felt in them. Pus which is yellow and have an offensive smell  may appear from it

Some Rare Remedies for Elephantiasis 

1. Bixa Orellana 

This medicine is a herb native to South America. Its use is therapeutically indicated for managing cases of elephantiasis in homeopathy.

2. Calotropis Gigantea 

It is another natural medicine present in homeopathic literature for managing these cases. It is prepared from root bark called Mudar or Yercum of family  asclepiadaceae. This medicine has been successfully used in elephantiasis treatment as recorded in homeopathic books.

3. Rauwolfia Serpentina

This is also a plant based natural medicine for elephantiasis management. For using this medicine mainly odema (swelling) is present around the ankle, upper limbs. 

4. Stillingia Sylvatica 

This medicine is prepared from the root of a plant commonly known as Queen’s delight. This plant belongs to the family euphorbiaceae. Ulcers on skin, itching and burning on skin are few complaints that it can manage.

5. Hippozaeninum and Pyrarara

Hippozaeninum and Pyrarara are yet other  therapeutically indicated medicines in homeopathy for elephantiasis management.