Worm infestation in Ayurveda and modern science: Approach and management

Abstract

The worm infection or helminthisis is one of the most common problems in pediatrics practice especially in developing countries due to the poor hygiene. The common parasitic infection in children is Ascaris Lumbricoides (Round worm), Enterobiasis vermicularis (Pin worm), Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hook worm), Echinocuccus granulosis (Hydatid diseases) and Cystercosis. Most common worm infection in children is Ascaris Lumbricoides. Helminthiasis has been found to result in poor birth outcome, poor cognitive development, poor school and work performance, poor socioeconomic development, and poverty. Chronic illness, malnutrition, and anemia are further examples of secondary effects of helminthiasis. The Ayurveda described worm infection as Krimi Roga. In Ayurveda term Krimi can be correlated with helminthiasis in modern sciences. Excessive intake of madhura, amla, eating during indigestion, avoid exercise and resorting to day sleep is main etiology in Ayurveda. Main symptom of Krimiroga is Jwara (fever) Vivarnata (discoloration of skin) Sula (Pain) Hridaroga (Heart trouble) Sadanam (lassitude) Bhaktadveso (Anorexia) Atisara (Diarrhea) Vamana (Vomiting). Ayurveda puts three basic approaches for the treatment of Helminthis disease such as Apakarsana (Removal of visible worm from the body), Prakriti Vighata (to create unfavorable environment by means of diet and medicine) and Nidana Parivarjana (Avoid etiological factor). According to Kashyap samhita Krimi chikitsa, Vidanga Ghrita kills krimis. This review article explores approach and treatment of worm infestation (Krimi roga) in children.