Bronchiectasis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Bronchiectasis is an abnormal dilatation of the proximal and medium sized bronchi or airways, resulting in a chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease manifested by airways that are inflamed and easily collapsible. Breathlessness, impaired clearance of lung secretions often with disabling cough, and hemoptysis, are common symptoms of this condition. Infections, bronchial obstruction, hereditary disorders and auto-immune diseases are usually responsible for causing bronchiectasis.

The Ayurvedic treatment of bronchiectasis focuses on repairing the damage done, and maintaining optimum function of the lungs. Medicines like Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Som (Ephedra gerardiana) and Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) are used to clear excessive secretions from the lungs.

Pushkarmool, Ras-Sindur and Shrung-Bhasma are used in high doses along with Yashti-Madhuk and Pippali to reduce inflammation and scarring resulting from chronic infections. Medicines like Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) also help to reduce scarring and inflammation in the lung tissue. Repeated courses of Yashtimadhuk and Pippali in high doses are given to normalize the mucous membrane inside the airways and lungs.

As per the Ayurvedic texts, the lung tissue is predominantly made up of the 'Rakta' dhatu (tissue). Therefore, all medicines acting on the rakta dhatu are also believed to be beneficial in treating lung disease. These include medicines like Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).

Long term courses of Laghu-Malini-Vasant, Madhu-Malini-Vasant and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, combined with Yashtimadhuk and Pippali are given as tonics to improve the overall condition of the lungs. Other medicines like Chyavanprash can also be used for this purpose.By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

Female Infertility - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, after one year of unprotected, regular intercourse. The cause of infertility can be traced to either or both of the male and female partner. Sometimes the cause of infertility remains unknown.

Female infertility accounts for 35-40 % of overall infertility. Treatment depends upon the specific identifiable cause. Ayurvedic herbal treatment of female infertility is discussed below.

Ovulation disorder is the most common female infertility factor. This most often occurs because of a disturbance in the reproductive system involving the hypothalamus (an area in the brain), pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, the ovaries and the uterus. This disturbed cycle can be normalized by using traditional Ayurvedic formulations like Chandraprabha Vati, Yograj Guggulu, Ashokarishta and Dashmoolarishta. Herbal medicines useful in this disorder are: Ashoka( Saraca indica), Dashmool (Ten Roots), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Aloes (Aloe vera), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Hirabol (Commiphora myrrha) and Harmal (Paganum harmala).

Ovulation problems caused due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be treated using Latakaranj ( Caesalpinia crista), Varun ( Crataeva nuevula), Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggulu. Thyroid gland disorders are treated using Arogya Vardhini, Kanchnaar Guggulu and Punarnava Guggulu. Adrenal gland disorders are treated using Gokshuradi Guggulu, Gomutra Haritaki, Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Deodar (Cedrus deodara). Pituitary gland tumors (which secrete excess prolactin) may be treated with Kanchnaar Guggulu, Panch Tikta Ghruta Guggulu, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Mogra (Jasminum sambac) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). Diabetes is treated using medicines like Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre) and Amalaki. Obesity is treated using Medohar Guggulu, Amalaki, Psyllium (Plantago ovata) and Lashuna (Alium sativum). Psychological stress is treated using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Vacha (Acorus calamus). Excessive exercise and weight loss too can result in ovulation problems.

Premature ovarian failure (POF), though comparatively rare, is an important cause of female infertility. This condition can be treated using Ashoka, Dashmool, Chandraprabha, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Jeevanti ( Leptadania reticulata). These medicines can be given in addition to hormone replacement therapy.

Blocked fallopian tubes, adhesions (scar tissue) and pelvic inflammatory disease may also result in infertility. Medicines like Kaishor Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, Guduchi, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Punarnava can be used in these conditions. A treatment modality called "Uttar-Basti" may also be used for blocked tubes and minimal adhesions . Large fibroids and gross structural abnormalities are best treated surgically.

Cervical mucus can react with the sperm, either blocking penetration (usually due to an infection) or killing the sperm (because of the presence of antibodies). These conditions can be treated using herbal medicines like Vata (Ficus bengalensis), Ashwatha (Ficus religiosa), Udumbara (Ficus glomerata), Plaksha (Ficus infectora), Shirisha (Albizia lebec),Haridra (Curcuma longa), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Saariva and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia).

Women who are underweight or have a small, undeveloped uterus or cervix can be treated using medicines like Shatavari, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), Ksheervidari (Ipomoea digitata), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Samudrashok (Argyria speciosa), Nagbala (Grewia hirsuta), Shrungatak (Trapa natans) and Yashtimadhuk.

Some women do conceive, but are unable to retain the pregnancy till full-term. This can happen because of an incompetent os (a loose opening of the cervix - the mouth of the uterus), genetic abnormalities in the fetus (unborn child), or because of an immunological reaction to infections (usually referred to as TORCH infections). Surgical ligation, along with other treatment and complete bed-rest, usually takes care of an incompetent os. Immunomodulatory treatment can be given using Guduchi, Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Yashtimadhuk, Pippali (Piper longum), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serriatum), Padmakashtha (Prunus cerasoides), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and Manjishtha.

The ancient Ayurvedic texts mention various herbal formulations which can be given throughout the nine months of pregnancy to prevent abortion, and help optimum healthy growth of the fetus. Known physical and organ defects and genetic abnormalities running in the family, can be addressed using these medicines a few months in advance of attempting conception. For example, some couples may want to improve skin color, height or intelligence; yet others may want to avoid heart disease and lung problems like asthma, in their future children. Even healthy couples may make use of such herbal formulations.

This is, thus, a short description of the various causes of female infertility and their Ayurvedic herbal treatment.By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

Retinal Detachment - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

The retina is an extremely thin tissue that lines the extreme back of the eye and is basically responsible for the assimilation of visual data, which is then transmitted to the brain by the optic nerve for interpretation. A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying tissue, usually due to trauma, bleeding, extreme near-sightedness, medications or surgery. This condition invariably leads to complete loss of vision, and needs to be treated urgently. Currently, surgery is the only viable medical option in the management of retinal detachment.

The limitations of surgery are that eyesight may not be regained for several months, and recovery may be only partial. In addition, complications like infection and recurrence of retinal detachment are also possible. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be quite useful in these situations as supportive therapy, to prevent bleeding, reduce the severity of damage to the retina, induce faster healing, salvage the maximum possible vision in the affected eye, and prevent a recurrence of the condition.

Ayurvedic medicines like Tapyadi -Loh, Laxadi-Guggulu, Usheerasav, Saarivasav, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Triphala-Ghrut, Punarnavadi-Mandur, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, and Gokshuradi-Guggulu can be used to reduce or prevent swelling and bleeding in the interior of the eyes. Herbal medicines like Laxa (Purified wax), Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea), Sphatik Bhasma (Purified alum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) can also be used for this purpose.

Medicines like Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Tapyadi-Loh, Ekangveer-Ras, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are used to minimize eye damage and induce faster healing.

Further damage can be prevented by treating known risk factors like diabetes and hypertension, and by boosting the immune status of the body by using medicines like Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati , Panch-Tikta-Ghrut and Maha-Triphala-Ghrut.

Retinal detachment is currently a medical condition which is difficult to treat and therefore, the potential contribution of Ayurvedic herbal treatment assumes special significance. It is important that all such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a team of Ophthalmologists.By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

11 Effective Home Remedies for Warts

Read this article to know the best Home Remedies for Warts. First of all let me tell you what are Warts?

Warts are small, skin-colored, coarse lumps on the skin. Warts are caused by virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts are generally harmless, but they can look nasty.

Warts are not painful, although verrucas can sometimes hurt. Warts normally take place on the hands or fingers or near the fingernails. Warts normally appear gradually and are generally painless.

Warts possibly are passed from person to person, sometimes not directly. Warts often vanish without treatment over a period of several months to years. Warts will treat on their own, given long sufficient, but this may take years. Warts are identified by their appearance during a physical examination. Warts are treated with ways that destroy the wart.

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Warts:

Home Remedies for Warts:

1) Fresh Aloe vera juice is applied straightly to dissolve warts and tone the skin.

2) The fresh plant, sap (figs) or concentrate (papain) can be applied; any of these can be taped to the skin for numerous hours. Apply the juice from fig stems and leaves to the warts as this acts as good Home Remedy for Warts.

3) Milkweed a weed that is found normally in North America; the fresh milky sap of the leaf or stem is applied straightly to warts once a day.

4) Onions are also useful in warts. They are irritating to the skin and rouse the circulation of the blood. Warts occasionally disappear when rubbed with cut onions.

5) The herb Indian squill is helpful in removing warts. A powder of the bulb of this herb should be applied locally over the affected area for superior results. This is one of the good Home Remedy for Warts.

6) The herb dandelion is valuable Home Remedy for Warts. The milk from the cut end of dandelion should be applied over the infected area two or three time's daily.

7) The oil removed from the shell of the cashew nut is also useful in warts as it is a powerful irritant to the skin. It should be applied outwardly over the affected area in treating this state.

8) Marigold is another herb found beneficial in the warts removal. The juice of the leaves of this plant can be applied over warts. The sap from the stem has also been found useful in the removal of warts. This is another effective Home Remedy for Warts.

9) Apply fresh cut pineapple to affected areas several times daily.

10) Raw potatoes are also helpful in the treatment of warts. A potato should be cut and massaged on the affected area several times daily. This should be repeated for at least two weeks for warts removal. This is also effective Home Remedy for Warts.

11) Rub crushed garlic on the wart 2-3 times daily until the wart fades away in 3-4 weeks. You can also crush a garlic clove so it is pulpy and moist. Cover the wart with this pulp. Leave it for overnight. Wart will begin disappearing from the first night.

The Author is an ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine.
By Ashi Jas