Botulism is an illness which causes paralysis of muscles caused by a neurotoxin known as botulism toxin which is produced by a bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. This condition causes respiratory paralysis, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness. Paralysis of the respiratory muscles causes acute respiratory failure which needs to be treated in the intensive care-unit of a hospital with the help of a ventilator, along with nursing care for several weeks. Individuals who survive an acute episode may experience fatigue and shortness of breath for several years. Botulism is of 3 types: food borne, wound botulism and infant botulism. Food borne botulism is considered to be a public health emergency. The food borne and wound type of botulism can be treated with an antitoxin which blocks the action of the neurotoxin circulating in the blood.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for botulism is aimed at treating the neurotoxin, removing it from the body, and neutralizing its toxic effects on the body. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the nervous system and which strengthen the nerve cells are used in the management of this condition. Other herbal medicines which improve neuromuscular coordination and prevent muscular paralysis are also very important in the management of this condition. There are yet other herbal medicines which act on the neurotoxin and remove it from the body circulation either through the kidneys or through the gastrointestinal tract.
Localised treatment in the form of full body massage with medicated oils, and Panchkarma treatments like medicated enemas as are also useful in the management of botulism, along with herbal Ayurvedic medication. These treatments can also be given as supportive therapy in addition to modern medicines and nursing care. Especially, patients who have recovered from acute episodes and suffer from long-term fatigue and breathlessness can be helped to recover completely with the help of Ayurvedic treatment.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with botulism require treatment for about 4 to12 weeks. Patients with long-term complications may require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about 4 to 6 months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can significantly improve the outcome both in acute botulism as well as in the chronic phase of the disease.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
