Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease that has plagued Egypt since the time of the pharaohs. An autopsy on the 3000-year-old mummified body of Natsef-Amun, a priest during the time of Ramses XI, revealed the presence of filarial worms.
Today, the disease is prevalent mainly in the Nile Delta region of the country. The filarial worms, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi or Brugia timori become lodged in a person’s lymph nodes causing them to become inflamed.
These parasitic nematode worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and develop into adult worms in the lymphatic nodes and vessels, and over several years, can cause severe damage and extreme swelling (lymphoedema) and enlargement, (elephantiasis) of the limbs, breast and scrotum.
It can be cured, if detected at its early stages when swelling of testis or breasts is noticed and progression into elephantiasis can be prevented.
NOTE: Mosquito nets can prevent bites which pass this infection to humans.
Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis
- Chills
- Fever
- Painful lymph nodes
- Skin infections
- Swelling of the breasts or testes
- Thickened skin.
Natural remedies for lymphatic filariasis
For severe infections take more than one of these remedies together.
- Black seed
- Cloves
- Gentian root
- Fennel seeds
- Garlic take four cloves per day. Crush or finely chop and leave to stand for ten minutes then take with a glass of water or juice or add to a meal.
- Ginger can be grated or sliced and added to herbal teas made from any of the other herbal remedies.
- Green/black walnut husks
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Hyssop leaves
- Oregano
- Peppermint leaves
- Pumpkin seeds one tablespoon per day until infection clears up
- Thyme leaves
For more natural remedies see: Parasites
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