Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that affects the lungs and other organs of the body. It’s an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and even speaking. Fortunately, there are remedies available to help treat and manage TB. In this post, we will discuss some of the natural remedies for TB that can be used to help treat and manage the symptoms of this condition. We will also look at some of the lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the risk of developing TB. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the different remedies and lifestyle changes you can make to help manage and prevent the spread of tuberculosis.
What Exactly is Tuberculosis?
It is an infectious bacterial disease. It causes growth of nodules (tubercles) in the lungs tissues. TB can cause by exposing to close contact with patient and it’s belongings. Tuberculosis is a chronic contagious bacterial infection and is one of the most dreaded diseases. It is a major health problem in India and often rated the number one killer. Over five lakh people die of this disease every year. Main cause of the disease is tubercle bacillus. The germ enters into the body through the nose, mouth and windpipe and settles down in the lungs. It multiplies by millions and produces small raised spots called tubercles.
Indian Names in Different Languages
TB is very serious disease. If you test positive for the disease and your doctor recommends medication, take all of it. Along with medical treatment, there are number of herbal remedies that might prove helpful. TB home remedies are easy to use and can make with common kitchen ingredients. Other names used for tuberculosis are Phthisis, Great White Plague and TB, Yakshma / Kshay (Hindi / Urdu), Kacanoy / Ksayarokam (Tamil), Ksayaroga / Kshayrog (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Yaksmaroga / Ksayakasa / Ksayaroga (Bengali), Ksaya / Ksayarogamu (Telugu), Kshay (Kannada), Ksayareaga (Malayalam), Ti (Punjabi), Kshaya Rog (Gujarati), Kshayrog / Kshayroga (Nepali).
Common Symptoms and Signs
There are four types, namely of lungs, intestines, bones and glands. Pulmonary tuberculosis or tuberculosis of the lung is by far the most common type of this disease. It tends to consume the body and the patient loses strength, color and weight. Rise in the body temperature especially in the evening, a persistent cough and hoarseness, difficulty in breathing, pain in the shoulder, indigestion, chest pain, and blood in the sputum are other pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms.
Root Causes
Lowered resistance or devitalization of the system is the chief cause of TB. Inadequate diet can result into lower resistance as it causes mineral starvation of the body tissues. In many other ways, it is the disease of calcium deficiency. There can be no breakdown of the tissue and no tuberculosis growth where there is adequate supply of organic calcium in the said tissue. Thus an adequate supply of organic calcium in the system together with organic mineral matter is a sure preventive for development of tuberculosis. If you spend 8 hours a day for six months or 24 hours a day for two months with anyone with active TB, there’s a 50 % chance that you will get it.
Tuberculosis Cure and Natural Treatment
Tuberculosis is not hereditary disease. Generally, It is an infectious or communicable disease. Thus, it can be easily cause by coughing or spitting by tb patient. Germs enter the nose or mouth of healthy person and they contract the disease. Therefore mouth breathing, kissing, contaminated food and water are responsible for spreading tuberculosis. Further the bacteria remains dormant after entering the body and hence only about 10 % of infected individuals actually come down with overt TB. The remaining 90 % produce TB antibodies and hence they show no signs of infection and cannot spread the disease.
- Echinacea – Tremendous Immune System Booster: Medical doctors have praised the tremendous power which echinacea seems to exert upon the entire immune system. Echinacea is a remarkable herb to treat various cases from tuberculosis and tonsillitis to spinal meningitis and syphilis. Make a tea with echinacea herb. To make this tea, firstly take 2 tsp. echinacea, 2 tsp. burdock root and 1 tsp. sassafras simmered on low heat in 4 cups of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Finally strain and use.
- Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa): The Chinese use forsythia as an antibacterial antiseptic. Strong teas are very active against several bacteria. Forsythia plant is useful against TB, when combined with honeysuckle. To fight a variety of infections, use forsythia twigs in a 1:2 ratio with honeysuckle in a tea or hot lemonade. This is also a best approach for treating TB.
- Garlic: Studies show that allicin, the antibacterial compound in garlic, enhances the action of such antibiotics as chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) and streptomycin against TB bacteria. Hence syrup of Garlic is useful. Garlic destroys germs on the outside and the inside of your body. Overall eating garlic it may help protect the lining of germs in nose, mouth and windpipe.
- Easy Home Remedy: The custard apple is an effective food remedy. Also it contain the qualities of rejuvenating drugs. The Ayurvedic practitioner prepares a fermented liquor called sitaphalasava from the custard apple in its season for use as medicine in the treatment of tuberculosis. To make sitaphalasava, Ayurvedic practitioners, boils custard apple pulp and seedless raisins in water on slow fire. Boils till it remains 1/3 of original quantity. Finally strain and add powdered sugar candy, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Hops – Kills Unfriendly Bacteria: Alcoholic extracts of hops in various dosage forms is useful clinically in treating numerous forms of leprosy, pulmonary tuberculosis and acute bacterial dysentery with varying degrees of success. To make a strong extract, firstly combine 1 1/2 cups of cut, fresh hop fruit with 2 1/4 cups of good quality imported Russian vodka or an expensive brandy. Finally, put into a bottle with a tight lid or cork. Shake once a day, allowing the herbs to extract for about 2 weeks. Let the herbs settle and pour off the tincture, straining the liquid through a clean muslin cloth or fine filter paper. Two tablespoonfuls each day taken orally on an empty stomach surely will help fight infection internally.
- Indian Gooseberry to Fight Infection: Indian gooseberry has proved to be an effective remedy for tuberculosis. Mix one tablespoon fresh amla juice and honey together and take every morning. Its regular use will surely promote vigor and vitality in the body within a few days. Regular use of radish is beneficial.
- Thyme – A Natural Antibiotic: Thyme is an excellent remedy against epidemics. Hence from boils to typhoid and cough to tuberculosis, it is excellent beyond compare. There are various preparations can be possible using this wonderful natural antibiotic to use internally and externally. For gargling sore throat, and drinking purposes, make a tea. Steep a dozen sprigs of fresh thyme in 1-3/4 pints of boiling water. Cover and keep it away from the heat for half an hour. Finally, strain and drink 3 – 4 cups daily. Also use as a hot compress on the chest to break up lung congestion.
- Onion – Antibacterial Action: Try including garlic and onion in variety of ways in regular diet because garlic and onion both has antibacterial property.
FAQs
Q. What is the first sign of tuberculosis?
The first sign of tuberculosis is usually a persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or longer. Other signs and symptoms may include chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Q. What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks, and someone else inhales the bacteria. Symptoms of TB infection may include a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood or sputum. TB can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
Q. What are the symptoms? What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis?
The symptoms of tuberculosis can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Pain in the chest
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
Q. What is the main cause of tuberculosis?
- Infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis: It is the primary cause of tuberculosis. This bacteria is spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.
- Poor Nutrition: People who do not have enough to eat or who eat a diet that does not contain enough vitamins and minerals are more likely to get this disease.
- Weak Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with HIV, are more likely to get tuberculosis.
- Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: People who have been exposed to second-hand smoke from cigarettes or other tobacco products are more likely to get tuberculosis.
- Living in Crowded Conditions: People who live in crowded conditions, such as people in refugee camps, are more likely to get tuberculosis.
Q. How many types of TB are there? What are the 4 main types?
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis: This is the most common form of TB and occurs when the bacteria grows in the lungs.
- Extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis: This form of TB occurs when the bacteria grows in other areas of the body, such as the spine, abdomen, brain, and lymph nodes.
- Latent Tuberculosis: This form of TB occurs when the bacteria is present in the body but is dormant and not active.
- Drug-resistant Tuberculosis: This form of TB is caused by bacteria that is resistant to one or more of the antibiotics used to treat TB.
Q. What is the most common way to spread tuberculosis? How is tuberculosis transmitted?
Tuberculosis is usually spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The germs can also be spread through saliva, but this is less common. People who have close contact with an infected person, such as family members or coworkers, are at greater risk of becoming infected.
Q. What are the prevention and control of tuberculosis? How can you prevent TB from home? How can you prevent tuberculosis?
- Get Vaccinated: Tuberculosis vaccination, also known as the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, is the most effective way to prevent the spread of TB. The BCG vaccine is generally given to children, but adults can also get it if they are at high risk of coming into contact with TB.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of TB. Always wash your hands after coming in contact with someone who is infected, and avoid sharing cups, utensils, or other personal items with others.
- Avoid Crowded Places: Staying away from crowded places can help to reduce the risk of contracting TB from other people. If you must go to a crowded place, wear a face mask to reduce your risk of coming into contact with the bacteria.
- Get Tested: If you think you may have been exposed to TB, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.
Q. Can tuberculosis ever be cured? Is tuberculosis curable?
Yes, tuberculosis can be cured. The most common treatment for tuberculosis is a combination of several antibiotics that are taken over a period of 6-9 months. In some cases, TB can be cured in as little as 2 months.
Q. What is the vaccination for TB?
The vaccination for tuberculosis (TB) is called the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. It is a live, weakened form of the bacteria that causes TB and is given as an injection into the skin.
Q. What is bone tuberculosis?
Bone tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the bones and joints. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms of bone TB may include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area, fatigue, fever, and night sweats. Treatment for bone TB usually involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery.
Q. Is bone tb communicable?
Yes, bone TB is communicable. It is a type of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which can be spread from person to person through the air.
Q. What is the diagnosis of TB?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. The diagnosis of TB is made through a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging tests, laboratory tests, and a physical examination.
Q. Is tuberculosis considered to be hereditary?
No, tuberculosis is not considered to be hereditary. It is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Q. What should be the diet for someone with tuberculosis meningitis?
Diet is an important part of managing tuberculosis meningitis. It is important to consume a nutrient-dense, balanced diet consisting of a variety of foods from all the food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. In addition, it is important to stay hydrated and to limit salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help fight off infection and reduce inflammation. Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, lean beef, and legumes, are also important for fighting off infection and reducing inflammation. Finally, it is important to get plenty of rest and to reduce stress levels, as these can both have a negative impact on the immune system.
Q. What is spinal tuberculosis?
Spinal tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis infection that affects the spine. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can lead to pain and stiffness in the spine, as well as other symptoms. Treatment usually involves a combination of medications and surgery.
Q. Can tuberculosis happen twice, even if it was properly cured earlier?
Yes, tuberculosis can happen again even if it was properly treated and cured earlier. While the risk of a recurrence is low, it is still possible for someone to develop tuberculosis a second time, especially if they are at a higher risk of exposure.
Q. Can you recover from tuberculosis without treatment?
No, tuberculosis cannot be cured without treatment. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications and supportive care. Without treatment, tuberculosis can cause serious health complications and can even be fatal.
Q. Is there any ayurvedic medicine to cure tuberculosis completely?
No, there is no ayurvedic medicine that has been proven to cure tuberculosis completely. Ayurvedic medicines may be used to support treatment and help manage symptoms, but they should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatment. Treatment of tuberculosis should be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.