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

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Hyperhidrosis refers to a condition where the sympathetic nervous system is overactive and produces sweat in excess of that needed to keep a constant temperature. This condition may be either primary or secondary. While there is no known cause for the primary condition, the secondary condition is usually caused due to endocrine problems, hormonal treatment, psychiatric disorders, obesity and menopause. Excessive sweating can be socially embarrassing and may interfere in professional activities. It is aggravated by emotional stress and high temperatures.

The Ayurvedic treatment of hyperhidrosis is aimed at controlling the sweating, regulating the sympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and treating the known cause of the condition. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Kachnaar-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras and Ekang-Veer-Ras are used to treat the overactive sympathetic nervous system. Medicines which act on the 'Ras' and 'Meda' dhatus (tissues) of the body are useful in this condition. These medicines include Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Rakta-Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus) and Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis). Other medicines which can be used in this condition are: Saarivadi-Churna, Chandanasav, Usheerasav, Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Pittapapda (Fumaria vaillantii), Triphala (Three fruits) and Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis). Fine powders of Triphala, Chandan (Santalum album) and Usheer can also be used locally.

Stress can be treated using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina). Endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism can be treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Chandrakala-Ras, Praval-Bhasma and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus). Obesity can be treated using medicines like Medohar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati, Triphala and Trikatu (Three pungent herbs). The hot flushes of menopause can be treated using medicines like Brahmi-Vati, Saraswatarishta, Ashokarishta and Usheerasav.

Once the acute symptoms have been controlled, the recurrence of the condition can be prevented by using medicines like Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, Usheerasav, Saarivasav and Parpatadi-Qadha on a long term basis. Medicines need to be tailor-made for each individual in order to get the maximum therapeutic response.- Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

Muscular Dystrophy - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited muscle diseases, in which muscle fibers are unusually susceptible to damage and become progressively weaker. In the late stages of the disease, fat and connective tissue often replace muscle fibers. This disease commonly appears to be due to a genetic deficiency of the muscle protein, dystrophin. This group of diseases includes Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Becker's muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy (also known as Steinert's disease), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (also known as Landouzy-Dejerine dystrophy), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, distal muscular dystrophy and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

The Ayurvedic treatment of muscular dystrophy is aimed at treating the basic pathology of the disease, preventing or reducing further progress of the disease, preventing or reducing disability and prolonging survival. Medicines which act on the muscle tissue are used in this condition. These medicines include Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Tapyadi-Loh, Agnitundi-Vati, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma. Regular massage of the entire body is also believed to help in strengthening the muscles. Medicated oils are used for this purpose, which include Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil, and Mahasaindhav oil. Massage is followed by medicated steam fomentation of Dashmool Qadha (decoction) and Nirgundi Qadha.

Another important group of medicines which has high therapeutic value in the treatment of muscular dystrophy is the category which acts on the 'Mansa' dhatu (tissue). These medicines include Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). These medicines have to be given in very high doses for prolonged periods, in order to reduce muscular weakness.

Early initiation of treatment in the course of this disease, can help a lot in reducing future disability and prolonging survival. It is important to note that regular, prolonged treatment is required in order to get significant therapeutic results.

By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi