Significance of Phthisis
Phthisis in Ayurveda is described as a serious disease characterized by difficult breathing and severe respiratory symptoms, often leading to death. It is associated with chronic cough and requires urgent treatment. Dharmashastra classifies Phthisis as a consumption disease resulting in wasting away, while Rasashastra identifies it as a wasting disease of the lungs that can arise from improperly processed lead. Historically, it is linked to tuberculosis and treated with specific medicinal preparations, emphasizing its serious nature and required remedies.
Synonyms: Consumption, Tuberculosis, Wasting disease, Lung disease, Tb, Pulmonary tuberculosis
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Phthisis'
In Hinduism, Phthisis represents a severe pulmonary disease, often linked to tuberculosis and characterized by significant wasting and respiratory distress. It highlights both natural and medicinal remedies within traditional practices for effective treatment.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A wasting disease, particularly of the lungs, which may arise from the ingestion of lead that has not been properly processed.[1] (2) A condition that can be cured when incinerated gold is taken with specific materials.[2] (3) A historical term for tuberculosis or lung ailments that are addressed by the medicinal preparation.[3]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A term often used to describe a wasting disease, especially pulmonary tuberculosis, which the medicine is claimed to remedy.[4] (2) A wasting disease, often referred to as tuberculosis, for which hingu should not be used as an accompaniment.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A wasting disease that cowrie shells are indicated to cure.[6]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) This term is another name for Rajayakshma, and is associated with symptoms such as pain in the shoulder and the sides, inflammation in the palm of the hands and feet, dullness of the digesting heat, fever, aversion to food, vomiting of blood and pus, loss of weight and weakness, and it is due to an abnormal excess of the three dosas.[7]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) This is a disease that is also known as Shosha, and it is the subject of discussion in the provided text, covering symptoms and medical treatment, including its mythological origin.[8] (2) A serious pulmonary condition often resulting from chronic cough, identifiable through severe symptoms and requiring immediate treatment.[9]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A disease leading to death characterized by difficult breathing and other severe respiratory symptoms.[10]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Aushadha Ayaskriti is specially efficacious in cases of phthisis (Raja-Yakshma) and improves the impaired digestive functions.[11]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) the disease of consumption; a condition leading to wasting away.[12]