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America

What is Chagas disease?

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is an illness that can cause serious heart and stomach problems. It is caused by a parasite. Chagas disease is common in Latin America, especially in poor, rural areas. It can also be found in the United States, most often in people who were infected before they moved to the U.S.

What causes Chagas disease?

Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. It is usually spread by infected blood-sucking bugs called triatomine bugs. They are also known as "kissing bugs" because they often bite people's faces. When one of these bugs bites you, it leaves behind infected waste. You can become infected if you rub the waste in your eyes or nose, the bite wound, or a cut.

Chagas disease can also spread through contaminated food, a blood transfusion, a donated organ, or from the pregnant parent to the baby during pregnancy.

Who is more likely to develop Chagas disease?

Kissing bugs can be found throughout the Americas, but they are more common in certain areas. The people who are most at risk for Chagas disease:

  • Live in rural areas of Latin America
  • Have seen the bugs, especially in those areas
  • Have stayed in a house with a thatched roof or with walls that have cracks or crevices
What are the symptoms of Chagas disease?

In the beginning, there may be no symptoms. Some people do get mild symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • A rash
  • A swollen eyelid

These early symptoms usually go away. However, if you don't treat the infection, it stays in your body. Later, it can cause serious intestinal and heart problems such as:

  • An serious arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat) that can cause sudden death
  • An enlarged heart that doesn't pump blood well
  • Problems with digestion and bowel movements
  • An increased chance of having a stroke
How is Chagas disease diagnosed?

To find out if you have Chagas disease, your health care provider:

  • Will do a physical exam
  • Will take your medical history, including asking about your symptoms and where you have lived and traveled
  • Will run a blood test for Chagas disease
  • May run tests to see whether the disease has affected your intestines and heart
What are the treatments for Chagas disease?

Medicines can kill the parasite, especially early on. You can also treat related problems. For example, a pacemaker can help with some heart complications.

Can Chagas disease be prevented?

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent Chagas disease. If you travel to areas where it occurs, you are at higher risk if you sleep outdoors or are staying in poor housing conditions. It is important to use insecticides to prevent bites and practice food safety.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for reference only. Many of these treatments may be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field. The owner of this website will not be held liable for any injuries and deaths cause by following any home remedies. We have no control of what is posted.

Home Remedies for America

CANNOT SLEEP [insomnia]
   Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.), or "mad dog weed", is used as a sedative by people in the Appalachian mountains. Was used by American Indians to treat heart disease, diarrhea, eliminate after-birth and foster menstruation.

Steep 2 teaspoons dried leaves in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups a day maximum.
Mechanism - flavonoids and essential oil
IvanTurgenev | August 4th, 2020
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UNK

SORE THROAT [pharyngitis]
   Ulmus fulva, known as Slippery elm, has been used to treat a sore throat or inflamed mouth or intestines. Slippery elm bark has been used by american indians to treat a sore throat since the early 1800s.

In a cup, use boiling water to steep 1 tablespoon of Slippery elm bark powder for 10 minutes. Gargle and then swallow as needed.

Alternatively, purchase Slippery elm lozenges and consume as directed.Jerry | August 7th, 2020
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UNK

SORE THROAT [Pharyngitis]
   Red root (Ceanothus americanus) contains ceanothic acid and ceanothetric acid which have been claimed to inhibit Streptococcus bacteria growth in tincture form. To make Red root tea, heat 1 pint of water just below boiling and add 1 ounce of red root. Heat for 20 minutes. Let cool. Gargle with 1 tablespoon, then swallow. Repeat for a total of 4 times a day.
Mechanism - ceanothine A-E, pandamine, zizyphine, scutianine, adouetines
GuydeMaupassant | August 11th, 2020
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RESTORE DIGESTION
   Grind 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium). Add to a cup of warm water and drink. Best on an empty stomach in the morning. Repeat for a week.
Mechanism - ginsenosides, polysaccharides
Jlaiii | August 12th, 2020
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UNK


WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.

Felter's Materia Medica on America

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM
    The whole... / ...plant Achillea millefolium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); a common wayside and field herb in North America and Europe. Common Names: Yarrow, Milfoil, Thousand Leaf. Principal Constituents.—The bitte... / ...wholly to atony, and not to the presence of tissue change or destruction. It sometimes relieves hematuria, and is soothing to the urinary tract. 2

ACONITUM NEPALLUS
   The dried tuberous root of... / ...um Napellus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Mountains of Europe and Asia, and northwestern North America. Dose (maximum), 1 grain. Common Names: Aconite, Monkshood, Wolfsbane. Principal Constituent... / ...approaching from the extremities to the body. Excessive sweating comes on, rapidly lowering the body temperature, dimness of vision, 2

ARALIA RACEMOSA
   The root of Aralia racemosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Araliaceae). Found in... / ...h woodlands and rocky situations in the eastern half of the United States. Common Names: Spikenard, American Spikenard, Spignet, Pettymorrel. Principal Constituents.—Resin and a trace of an aromatic ...2

ARNICA MONTANA
   The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...turia, with dull, aching, lumbar pain; or from overexertion. Debility with enfeebled circulation." (American Dispensatory.) Action.—Arnica is a decided irritant to the skin, under some circumstances ...2

ASAFOETIDA (Ferula fetida)
   A gum-resin derived from the rhizome and rootlets of Ferula Asafetida, Linné; Ferula foetida, Regel, and other species of Ferula (Nat. Ord.... / ...nal irritation, with flatulence and palpitation of the heart; dry, deep, choking bronchial cough” (American Dispensatory). Action.—Asafetida is a general excitant causing quickened breathing and hea... / ...or tardy or imperfect menstruation. Asafetida is contraindicated by inflammation. It may be given in emulsion, tincture, or pill or capsule. 2

ASPIDIUM
   The rhizome of Dryopteris Filix-mas and of Dryopteris marginalis, Asa Gray (Nat. Ord. Filices). World-wide ferns of the Northern Hemispheres. Dose, 1 to 4 drachms. Common Names: (1) Male Fern;... / ... used; the oleoresin being preferred. The latter is also effectual against the hookworm ( Uncinaria americana).2

BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM
   A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe from... / A balsam obtained from Toluifera Pereirae (Royle) Baillon. San Salvador in Central America; called Balsam of Peru because first exported to Europe from Peru. Common Names: Balsam of P... / ...Peru balsam should not be used in inflammatory or febrile conditions; and its use should be discontinued if it produces gastro-intestinal irritation.2

BAPTISIA
   The recent root and leaves of... / ... tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North America. Common Names: Wild Indigo, Indigo Weed. Principal Constituents.—A poisonous alkaloid bapti... / ...healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as applied locally.2

BOLETUS
   The fungus Polyporus... / ...officinalis, Fries (Boletus laricis, jacquin). (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America. Common Names: White Agaric, Purging Agaric, Larch Agaric. Principal Constituents.—Agaric A... / ...is one of the most effectual of antihydrotics. In 113 grain doses it controls the thirst, cough, and the excessive sweating of consumptives.2

CAFFEA
   The seeds of Caffea arabica,... / ... (Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae). Native of Arabia-Felix and Ethiopia; and extensively cultivated in Asia and America between the north and south latitudes of 56°. Common Name: Coffee. Principal Constituents.-... / ...preferably without sugar or cream; for use in narcotic poisoning very strong, “black coffee” may be given freely, both by mouth and per rectum.2

CAPSICUM
   The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose, 1 to 2... / The ripe fruit, dried, of Capsicum frutescens, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Tropical America; also cultivated in most tropical countries. Dose, 1 to 2 grains. Common Names: Cayenne Pepp...2

CARTHAMUS
   The florets of Carthamus tinctorius, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, but... / ...tivated in Europe and the United States. Common Names: Safflower, Dyer’s Saffron, Bastard Saffron, American Saffron. Principal Constituents.—Two beautiful coloring principles, Safflor yellow, and a ... / ...and to determine the eruption in scarlet fever and measles. It is somewhat diaphoretic and laxative, and is little used by physicians.2

CASSIA MARILANDICA
   The leaves of Cassia marilandica, Linné (Nat. Ord.... / The leaves of Cassia marilandica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Leguminoseae). An American perennial herb of the eastern half of the United States. Common Names: American Senna, Wild......t to contain chrysophan. Preparation.—Infusum Cassiae Marilandica Compositum. Compound Infusion of American Senna (Leaves, 1 ounce; Coriander Seeds, 1 drachm; Boiling Water, 16 ounces. Dose, 4 to 5 f...2

CASTANEA
   The leaves of Castanea dentata (Marshall), Sudworth, collected in... / ... or October while still green (Nat. Ord. Fagaceae). Native of Asia Minor, naturalized in Europe and America. Common Name: Chestnut. Principal Constituents.—A mucilaginous principle, extracted by hot ... / ...some good. The infusion (which is by far the best preparation) may be sweetened if desired, and given freely to the patient several times a day.2

CEANOTHUSCEANO
   The root, root-bark, and leaves of Ceanothus americanus, Marshall (Nat.... / The root, root-bark, and leaves of Ceanothus americanus, Marshall (Nat. Ord. Rhamnaceae.) A small shrub indigenous to the United States, particul......n spleen pathology; also non-inflammatory catarrhal conditions with abundant secretions. During the American Civil War the decoction was used by the soldiers for “ague cake” or malarial splenitis.2


WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.

Physician's Materia Medica on America

ALUM-ROOT
   The root of HEUCHERA AMERICANA, Lin. A powerful astring ent. Useful as an astringent wash, gargle or injection.3

AMERICAN CENTAURY
   The flowering herb of SABBATIA ANGULARIs, Pursh. A bitter tonic, used as a prophylactic against intermittent fever, having de cided anti-periodic efficiency. Otherwise used in much the same way as Columbo.3

AMERICAN COLUMBOFRCA2
   The root of FRAsERA CAROLINENsIs. Walt. Bitter tonic, char acterized by its mildness; aperient. Prescribed in debilitated condi tions particularly where the stomach is in an irritable condition.3

AMERICAN HELLEBORE
   The rhizome and root of VERATRUM VIRIDE, Solander. Cardiac - depressant. having remarkable power to reduce the pulse in fever. Its most- important use is in controlling blood pressure in aortic an eurism, in cerebral hyperemia and in certain heart affections. Apt to cause nausea unless combined with an opiate. Produces best ef fects when doses are frequently repeated. Dose 0.06 to 0.2 Grm. (1 to 3 grs-).3

AMERICAN IVY (Ampelopsis)
   The bark of the root of PARrrinNOCrssUs QUINQUEFOLIA, (Lin.) Planch. Alterative, tonic, expectorant, astringent. Used in dropsy, in pulmonary diseases and in strumous affectious.3

AMERICAN SARSAPARILLA
   The root of ARALIA NUDICAULIs, Lin. Aromatic, alterative, in hot infusion diaphoretic.3

ANGELICAANGEL
   The seed of ANenLIen ATROPURPUREA, Lin. (American Angelica) and the root of ANGELICA AncHANGELIen, Lin. (European Ange lica). Aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue. Used in flatulent colic, in chronic bronchitis and in dysmenorrhea.3

JERSEY TEACEHE
   The root of CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS, Lin. Astringent, alterative, antispasmodic. Used in dysentery, in gonorrhea, in syphilitic affections and in chronic bronchitis.3

SAFFLOWER (American Saffron)CATI
   The florets of CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS, Lin. Resembles Chamomile in its action, In hot infusion, diaphoretic and so antipyretic; emmenagogue.3

WHITE ASHFRAM2
   The bark of FRAXINUS AMERICANA Lin. Tonic, cathartic, febrifuge, antiarthritic; a vaso-motor stimulant. Has been recommended in uterine diseases dependent upon plethora.3


References

1) Bergner, Pal., Griswold, Alexandra F., Hufford, David J., et al. . Morton Grove, Il: Publications International, 2017.
2) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
3) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.