ACUTE RHEUMATISM:
Cause : Excessive gas and blood-poisoning.
Symptoms: Round -shaped swellings in different places ( like ringworm swellings), paleness, dulless, frequent pains in the joints (sometimes decreasing), oozing from inflamations, burning sensation, pinching pain, swooning, madness, thirst, etc. Before the onset of the disease, there is perspiration or lack of perspiration, black spots in different places, pain in wounds and joints, idleness, dullness, etc.
Treatment: Kostha Suddhi Batika wherever there is constipation. At the beginning of the disease, give Saribaddarista, Brihot Guruchyadi Lauha with menispermum glabrum juice and honey, and Manikya Ras with ghee, sugar, and honey. Mornings and evenings Maharudra Taila or Guruchyadi Taila should be massaged for one hour on the affected parts. Where there is body pallor, massage with Brihat Somaraji Taila or Kandarpasar Taila. Saribadi Bati cures all sorts of pains, burning sensation, swellings, and urinary difficulties. It should be used in the following cases: eruptions, articular rheumatism and other rheumatisms, gout, seminal diseases, biliousness, liver troubles, burning sensations (eyes, hands and feet), skin diseases, leprosy, and leucorrhoea. It supplies pure blood and makes the bowels clear. It aids digestion, brings appetite, produces strength, and keeps the mind cheerful and healthy. The normal dose is one pill twice daily with 1/4lb. cold water. In chronic diseases, the medicine should be taken with Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu or Mahatikta Ghrita. In acute rheumatism with pain, also give Brihat Bat Gajankus with extract of vitex negundo and honey, and massage with Sadhana Balm.
Diet: Light and laxative foods. Meat and fish are not allowed. Ghee is good but mustard oil is not. Mugh, arahar, and gram lentils are good. Vegetables recommended are trichosanthes dioica, jute plant leaves, eggplant, helencha, karala, soft rattan leaves, etc. Though some are bitter, they are useful in acute rheumatism. Also recommended are figs, green bananas flower, aram, gourd, jhingay, potatoes, lemons, hog-weed. Where there is fever and great pain, rice is not to be given. Daytime sleeping, heavy exercise, fire heat, cohabitation, curds and sour things are to be avoided.
Diet: