Category: Cabbage worm

ABSTRACT

Cabbage is the most commonly used vegetable in both forms: raw and cooked. One must clean it thoroughly before cooking and be sure that it’s devoid of any larvae or eggs over it. Consuming raw cabbage could lead to consequences such as worm infestations. Let us understand the consequences of cabbage worm, the disease caused by it and the herbal treatment for the same.

INTRODUCTION

The infections caused due to Helminthes are still a common infirmity in the tropics, developing and underdeveloped countries. This condition is more prevalent in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It is believed that up to 25% of people are affected.

Cysticercosis is considered a zoonotic disease that infects the animals and humans, which is transferred from the larval stage of Taenia solium (Tapeworm). The insect in cabbage is called tapeworm, also called as cabbage worm by farmers. Cabbage worm is the worm whose larvae fodder on cabbages. It is a parasitic infestation caused by the ingestion of Tapeworm eggs –Taenia solium. Human tapeworm infestation called as taeniasis, occurs after ingesting raw or undercooked food and Cysticercosis occurs after the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs.

WHAT IS CYSTICERCOSIS

Cysticercosis is a systemic parasitic infestation caused due to the ingestion of the eggs of the tapeworm. The symptoms of this infestation are initiated by the development of characteristic cysts called cysticerci which most of the time affect the central nervous system (CNS), Neurocysticercosis, skeletal muscle, eyes, and skin. Many people with Cysticercosis never experience any symptoms at all, they stay asymptomatic.

CAUSES OF CYSTICERCOSIS

Cysticercosis is caused by dissipation in humans of the larval form of the tapeworm, and it then forms cysts in various organs. When the eggs of tapeworm are ingested by humans, the tapeworm eggs hatch and the embryos penetrate into the intestinal wall and reach the bloodstream. Then this will lead to the accumulation of these toxic substances and responsible for the formation of cysts in different body tissues and produces symptoms, which varies depending on the location where cysts are present and on the number of cysts.

SPREAD OF CYSTICERCOSIS

• Human Cysticercosis, develops after humans ingest tapeworm eggs. The eggs mostly spread through food, water or surfaces contaminated with infected feces.
• Many times, the eggs may spread from the hands of infected food handlers who do not wash or clean their hands.
• It may even spread through fruits and vegetables which are fertilized/irrigated with water carrying infected human feces.
• The source of oral-fecal transmission most often occurs from other infected individuals.

INCUBATION PERIOD

• It is mostly about 6-8 weeks.
• But some people infested with worm may remain asymptomatic.

IS IT CONTAGIOUS?

Cysticercosis is not contagious, but people who carry the intestinal tapeworm shed the tapeworm eggs in their feces, and if they practice poor hygiene, they can infect others or themselves if the eggs are ingested.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The symptoms depend upon the location of the cysticerci and the numbers of cysticerci. The majority of patients with Cysticercosis who come to doctors have central nervous system (CNS) involvement called Neurocysticercosis or NCC.

Symptoms of Neurocysticercosis Include the Following

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion and perplexity
• Difficulty or issue with body balance
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Seizure s, often the presenting symptom and it occurs in about 70% of people with NCC.
• The involvement of any other body tissues causes skeletal muscle swelling, subcutaneous cysts.
• Vision changes from cysts infecting and then affecting the eyes.

DIAGNOSIS

• Blood investigation
• CT or MRI brain
• Stool Examination

COMPLICATIONS OF CYSTICERCOSIS

• Seizures due to the involvement of CNS.
• Stroke due to the involvement of CNS and Circulatory system.
• Vision changes if eyes are affected.
• Cognitive problems.
• If untreated for a long time it may lead to death.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CYSTICERCOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies for the effective management of Cysticercosis. The medicines prepared are by use of the best quality herbs and in compliance with the very principles of Ayurveda. Planet Ayurveda offers Herbal Medicines such as Brahmi Capsules, Kaishore Guggul, Gotu Kola Capsules, Krimi Kuthara Ras. These herbal remedies are safe to use and without any side effects.

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Kaishore Guggul
3. Gotu Kola Capsules
4. Krimi Kuthara Ras

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. BRAHMI CAPSULE

Planet Ayurveda offers Brahmi capsules to be used in the Treatment of Cysticercosis. It’s a purely herbal product containing Bacopa monnieri extract. It acts as the best nervine and generalized tonic. As the symptoms are related to CNS this will help in alleviating the condition. It nourishes the neurons which in turn helps in strengthening the nerve and its supply.

DOSAGE:  1 capsule twice daily, after meals.

2. KAISHORE GUGGUL

Kaishore Guggul is a natural blood cleanser and as the infestation gets into the blood it becomes necessary to detoxify and purify the blood. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps in restoring normal gastric functions that are disturbed after infestation.

DOSAGE: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

3. GOTU KOLA CAPSULE

Gotu Kola capsule from the house of Planet Ayurveda is an effective remedy to tackle the condition of Cysticercosis. It stimulates the nervous system to maintain the level of hormones and thus helping the patient to get relieved of symptoms. It helps in strengthening the nervous system thus helping the patient in Cysticercosis.

DOSAGE: 1 capsule twice a day, after meals.

4. KRIMI KUTHAR RAS

Krimi Kuthar Ras is an Ayurvedic formulation, best used in the Treatment of Worm Infestations. This medicine is a mixture of Ayurvedic herbs and minerals. This formulation restricts and also perish the flora of parasites.

DOSAGE: 2 tablets twice daily after meals