Fungal Infection – When The Spores Managed to Invade

Abstract

Fungus is not so uncommon in our surroundings. As with every organism, there are helpful and harmful fungi around us. Fungi exist even inside us like Candida albicans, a form of yeast present in our gastrointestinal system. Our immune system is well aware of the species that are helpful and harmful to us. So, if a harmful fungus tries to invade our body, the immune system fights it off. But due to various reasons, this may not always be the case! That’s the whole point of this article. What is a fungal infection? And How does Ayurveda have a role in saving you from it? Let’s get started with a slight introduction to fungal infection, shall we?

An Introduction to Fungal Infection

Fungal infections, technically called mycosis, are infections caused by fungus. This occurs when a fungus manages to penetrate our body and severely affect that part, in an intensity that is too much for our immune system to handle. There is a division for infection according to the part of the body, i.e.

1. Superficial, like Dermatophytosis
2. Subcutaneous, like Eumycetoma (Madura foot)
3. Systemic, like Pneumocystis Pneumonia, Aspergillosis, etc.

Causes of Fungal Infection

The cause can be both external and internal. We encounter so many microbes on a daily basis, but they are handled by our immune system. A weakened immune system, for whatever reason! That can be poor overall health due to depleted nutritional intake to severe immune deficiency diseases can give a suitable environment for these fungi to flourish. Cancer treatments, prolonged use of antibiotics, or the use of steroids too can be a reason for a weakened immune system.

Spores can find their way inside us through the airway or penetration through cuts or wounds.

Symptoms of Fungal Infection

This too depends on the health of the host. In healthy persons, the infection is handled by the immune system without giving out so many symptoms. But in case of immune deficiency, the body may show signs of infection for receiving external help. Also, symptoms change according to the place of infection. Some of the common symptoms are;

• Itchiness, rashes, redness
• Cracking or peeling of the skin
• Symptoms related to the organ affected like aspergillus in lungs causing dry cough, chest pain, etc.
• Fungal influence in the brain can cause confusion, meningitis, and even seizures.

Diagnosis

Mainly based on signs and symptoms, but skin infection can resemble eczema or other skin diseases. Microscopic examination, culture, medical imaging are a few ways to sort out other possible illnesses.

Treatment

• Topical application of antifungal medication. Internal administration through ingestion or injections.
• In extreme cases, excision of the affected tissue.

Now let us disclose to you, the potential of Ayurveda against fungus!

Ayurveda has complex theories that need profound understanding to be practiced. But when we simplify it, it is deep-rooted into certain factors. They are Agni (digestive ability) and Ojas (can be correlated with the immune system). Agni is the base of everything, even for ojas, what we ingest is processed by Agni, to be precise, Jatharagni ( digestive fire in the stomach. Later the nutritional essence is used by the body to produce its tissue using dhatwagni (digestive fire to make each tissue like rakta dhatwagni, mamsa dhatwagni, etc.). In the end, the purest essence of the food is used to create Ojas.

So, an interruption of natural processes at any level of these transitions can severely cause depletion in ojas, i.e. immune deficiency, which can be due to either internal or external reasons as mentioned earlier, or both. The cure lies in fixing this path along with treating the causative organism and symptoms. All the ayurvedic medicine at least contains one drug that supports the agnis. And most drugs that are abundantly used in the formulations of Ayurveda are capable of fighting microbes and enhancing the body’s immune system. Examples are many but here is a familiar few; Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), white-flowered embelia (vidanga– Embelia ribes).

Let us, Planet Ayurveda! Guide you to the cure!!

If you are confused about who you should consult or where you will get medicines that satisfy you in quality, Planet Ayurveda is that one spot where you will stop worrying any more. We have expert doctors at your assistance to clear all your worries and confusion around your health situation. For both consultation and medicine, Planet Ayurveda is just a click away from you. Planet Ayurveda is the most trustworthy, globally recognized, a pharmaceutical that provides the best online consultation service and quality medicines. We go to extend to deliver the safest medicines to our customers. Our medicines are chemical-free and 100% vegetarian. Made with all the safety measures to ensure healing without any collateral side-effects!

Following are a few medicines carefully selected by our expert team members to help you tackle fungal infections.

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Mahamanjishthadi Kwath
4. Vran Rakshas Tel

Product’s Description

1. Curcumin Capsules

This is a single herb capsule containing 500mg of standardized curcumin extract from Haridra (Curcuma longa) and an amazing drug from the family of Zingiberaceae, the benefits of which are unending and still in process of exploration. Curcumin itself is an active ingredient in turmeric which gives it all the antimicrobial effect that is needed to ward off the infections, which is multiplied due to its intake in a concentrated form.

Dosage: Recommended dosage is 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals. 

2. Gandhak Rasayan

A classic single ingredient mineral tablet containing 500 mg of purified Sulfur, with Rasayana (rejuvenating) property, helps in enhancing the immune system and fighting against fungal infection. The krimighna (anti-microbial) and kushtagna (effect against skin issues) of gandhak (Sulfur) is mentioned in the classics. The most purified form of Sulfur, just like ours, doesn’t give you any side effects and you can consume it with zero worries.

Dosage: Recommended dosage is 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water

3. Mahamanjishthadi Kwath

A classic polyherbal decoction that is a myriad of drugs beneficial for the skin. The decoction contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and 42 other ingredients that make this an elixir for skin-related issues regardless of whether caused by internal or external factors. The decoction is enriched with innumerable phytoconstituents like anthraquinones, triterpenoids, mustakone, patchoulene, etc. From all the 45 drugs that help heal your skin and is a prime choice of a physician in treatment for skin infections.

Dosage: Recommended dosage is 10-20 ml twice a day after meals. The administration must be done after mixing in lukewarm water.

4. Vran Rakshas Tel

Vran Rakshas Tel is a herbo mineral Ayurvedic classical preparation that is effective in infectious skin conditions. It consists of 9 ingredients including Parada (mercury), gandhak (sulfur), Sarshapa (mustard- Brassica juncea), etc. which possess active ingredients like glucosinolates and polyphenol. They are highly beneficial in skin-related issues. Purified Mercury, Sulfur, copper etc present in this combination are so beneficial in rejuvenating and replenishing the skin, which altogether makes this a perfect medicine for external application in fungal skin infections.

Dosage: Instructed to be applied externally over the wound area after washing and drying it well. It can be applied 3-4 times a day.

Conclusion

We are elated to share this knowledge with you. Thank you for learning with us!! We hope you will choose to heal with us. Welcome to the world of Ayurveda, where you experience healing through herbs.In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com