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Thursday 23 October 2014

Successful Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a medical disorder resulting from dysfunctional bone marrow production. While there is a simple and universal paucity of red blood cells and white blood cells in aplastic anemia, in MDS, in addition, these cells also display morphological abnormalities.  MDS causes symptoms of anemia, fatigue, fever, heart disease, bleeding, reduced urine output and shock. MDS can be primary or secondary; the later type is usually caused by the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, viral infection, exposure to chemicals, and a genetic disposition.

MDS can be successfully treated with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the bone marrow.  Medicines which are effective on the Majja dhatu (tissue) are useful in the management of MDS;  in addition medicines which act on the blood tissue as well as liver and spleen are also effective in the management of symptoms. Medicines need to be given in high doses and for prolonged periods on order to be effective, so that they can bring about a remission and prevent relapse.

In order to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce treatment time, simple Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures are added to the oral treatment.  These include giving a series of medicated enemas (basti); especially, a medicine known as Tikta Ksheer can be effectively used as a series in the management of MDS.  This enema is known as Tikta Ksheer Basti.  Given in small amounts (100ml), these can be safely administered, without any contraindications, to all affected individuals without any risk of side effects.

Treatment ranging from six to ten months is usually very effectively in successfully managing patients affected with MDS. It is important to initiate treatment at an early stage in order to bring about an early and complete treatment response as well as prevent further complications such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  At this point, it is heartening to note that even such complications can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from MDS and most such patients can be very successfully managed on a long-term basis.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com