How Meningitis can be treated naturally

Overview

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective covering (meninges) of the brain and spinal cord caused due to certain infections. It is a serious and life threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It is mostly caused by a viral infection but bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections may also be the causes. The early treatment of meningitis can prevent serious complications. This infection can occur in children as well as adults.

What are the causes of Meningitis?

• Viral infection is the most common cause of meningitis followed by bacterial infections and rarely fungal infections. The bacterial infection is life threatening therefore identifying the cause is essential.

Types of Meningitis are:

1. Bacterial Meningitis

• It occurs when the bacteria  from the bloodstream travels to the brain and spinal cord and cause acute bacterial meningitis or it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges.
• Bacteria that cause infections such as Streptococcus pnemoniae, Haemphilus influenzae, Neisseria meningiditis and Listeria monocytogenes.

2.Chronic Meningitis

• Chronic meningitis is caused when a slow growing bacteria such as fungi or Mycobacterium tuberculosis invade the membranes and the fluid surrounding the brain,
• The signs and symptoms of chronic meningitis are similar to that of acute meningitis such as fever, headache, vomiting, mental cloudiness etc.

3.Fungal Meningitis

• Meningitis caused by fungal infections is very rare. Its symptoms may mimic the symptoms of acute bacterial meningitis.
• Cryptococcal meningitis is a common fungal form of the disease that affects people with immune deficiencies.

4.Viral Meningitis

• Viral meningitis is the most common type and is mild and usually clears on its own.
• Viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HPV), mumps etc. can cause viral meningitis.

What are the symptoms of Meningitis?

In the initial stages, the symptoms of meningitis mimics flu.

The symptoms are:

1. Stiff neck
2. Sudden high fever
3. Headache with nausea and vomiting
4. Seizures
5. Severe headache that seems different from the normal
6. Loss of appetite and thirst
7. Sensitivity to light
8. Confusion
9. Difficulty in concentrating

What are the symptoms of Meningitis in newborns and infants?

1. High fever
2. Inactivity or sluggishness
3. Poor feeding
4. Stiffness in the baby’s neck or body
5. Constant crying
6. Excessive sleepiness
7. Irritability
8. A bulge in the soft spot on the top of baby’s head

Diagnosis:

• The doctor can diagnose meningitis based on the medical history, physical examination and with the help of certain tests such as blood tests or CT scan.

Treatment

• Modern medicine physicians prescribe corticosteroids and intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of acute bacterial meningitis to reduce the risk of swelling and seizures.
• For viral meningitis, antibiotics are not prescribed as it can resolve on its own after sometime.

How Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Meningitis?

• According to Ayurveda, meningitis is caused due to low immunity and vitiation of Pitta and Kapha mainly Tarpak Kapha. The function of Tarpak Kapha is that it helps the nerve impulses to move at a proper rate by nourishing and protecting the axons of nerves but when it is vitiated it obstructs the nerve impulses.
• Along with the modern treatment for meningitis, ayurvedic treatment can be continued to prevent the complications.

How Planet Ayurveda can help in the treatment of Meningitis?

• Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies that act as Rasayanas for enhancing the immunity of an individual and other herbs that act on the brain and nervous system to provide strength and nourishment.

Meningitis Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda includes:

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Kaishore Guggul
4. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules
5. Medhya Churna
6. Septrin Tablets

1.Brahmi Capsules

• Brahmi is an anti-oxidant herb that is used very commonly in Ayurvedic practice. Planet Ayurveda’s Brahmi Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri.It is used in the treatment of all brain disorders such as dizziness, confusion, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and lack of mental composure. It is a very good nerve tonic and protects the nerves, heart and blood vessels. Brahmi is also as an anti-inflammatory herb therefore useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2.Ashwagandha Capsules

• Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda since a very long time for several health conditions. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is considered as a Rasayana. Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used in the treatment of meningitis. This herb protects the brain from degeneration and dementia.

Dose: Take 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3.Kaishore Guggul:

• Kaishore Guggul is a classical Ayurvedic medicine which possesses anti-microbial properties. Planet Ayurveda’s Kaishore Guggul contains the natural purifying herbs like Triphala and Giloy which are useful in removing toxins from the blood. It has anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory actions which help in the treatment of infections as it is a natural blood cleanser. It acts as Rasayana as well.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

4.Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

• Boswellia Curcumin Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a unique product that contains Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as the ingredients. Both these ingredients are anti-inflammatory in nature and work in a synergistic manner to reduce infection and inflammation. Curcumin is the best anti-inflammatory herb that has potent effects similar to the efficacy of corticosteroids. Turmeric has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic properties that are useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

5Medhya Churna

• Planet Ayurveda’s Medhya Churna is a powerful blend of dried extracts of herbs that  act as a wonderful brain tonic. All the herbs used in this powder have been used individually since immemorial times for various types of brain disorders. Therefore, this churna is very effective in the treatment of meningitis.

Ingredients of Medhya Churna are:

Dose: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

6. Septrin Tablets:

• Planet Ayurveda’s Septrin Tablets are useful in  conditions such as infections, pain, and inflammation. All the herbs used in this formulation are anti-inflammatory in nature which are very useful in the treatment of meningitis.

Ingredients of Septrin Tablets are:

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Prevention:

• Since it is an infectious disease, it can spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils, cigarette etc. So it is necessary to wash hands, practice good hygiene etc.

Diet:

(Reference: Charak Samhita Chikitsasthanam, Chapter No. 12, Shlok No. 20)

Meaning: In this shloka, a diet that should be avoided in inflammation is explained. According to this shloka, a person having inflammation should avoid lean meat, dry leafy vegetables, newly harvested grains, food items prepared from jaggery and rice flour, fermented foods, curd, sesame seeds, oily foods, alcohol and sour foods.