Mitral stenosis is a disease of the heart, in which there is an abnormal narrowing of the valves opening into the left ventricle. This condition is usually due to old rheumatic heart disease, but can also be congenital, or may also result from other infections of the heart. Mitral stenosis results in breathlessness, cough, fever, repeated infections of the respiratory tract, hemoptysis, and failure of proper growth. Mitral stenosis gradual results in left sided heart failure. The management of mitral stenosis in the modern system of medicine usually consists of giving symptomatic treatment for heart failure or surgery to correct or replace the defective valve.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for mitral stenosis usually consists of oral medication as well as local application of medicated oils and pastes on the chest in order to minimize the damage due to mitral stenosis. This treatment is usually indicated in patients with mitral stenosis who do not respond in to conventional modern treatment and are not fit for surgery. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the leaflets of the valves as well as the tendons connecting these valves to the heart muscles are used judiciously in high doses. A proper combination of these medicines improves the working efficiency of the heart and minimizes the deficit from the narrowed down mitral valve. Ayurvedic medicines also improve the strength of the heart muscles as well as increase the blood flow to the heart, thereby increasing its efficiency.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for mitral stenosis usually needs to be given for about four to six months in order to bring about significant improvement in the condition. Most people with mitral stenosis get definite improvement with this treatment and can lead a near normal life. It is important to commence treatment as early as possible, usually immediately after the diagnosis of the condition, so that maximum benefit can be obtained from this therapy. Early treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help most affected individuals to obtain a complete or a near cure. Ayurvedic treatment is therefore very important in the management of mitral stenosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
