Ascites is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually resulting from liver disease caused by alcoholism, chronic viral hepatitis, and drug abuse; however, tumours, obstruction in the portal vein, and protein loss can also be causes for ascites. The modern management of ascites involves treatment of the known cause for the condition as well as removal of excess fluid by tapping procedures.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for ascites includes oral medication to treat the known causes for the condition, specific treatment to reduce accumulation of fluid, as well as treatment to remove the obstruction, which is usually present due to cirrhosis of the liver. Diet regulation plays an important part in the Ayurvedic management of ascites. Most patients with confirmed ascites are initially given an exclusive diet of milk for six months, followed by a mixture of milk and other liquids for another three months, after which light diet is advised for another three months.
The obstruction which usually causes ascites can be either a large-sized clot of thrombus in the inferior vena cava, or cirrhosis of the liver which prevents circulation inside the liver. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used to treat the specific obstruction which is the known cause of the pathology in affected individuals. Ayurvedic herbal medicines with act on the clot and gradually dissolve the clot are given for prolonged periods in high doses, in order to reverse the condition. Alternatively, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the liver cells and prevent death, degeneration and cirrhosis of the liver cells are used for prolonged periods.
During this treatment, dead cells, toxins, and other debris are formed as a part of treatment which are then flushed out of the body through the blood circulation either through the gastrointestinal tract or through the kidneys. Regular, mild purgation is also given in order to achieve this flushing out of toxins as well as to remove the accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity. Treatment is usually required for periods ranging from 9 to 15 months; however, most people affected with ascites, who take regular treatment can get significant benefit from Ayurvedic herbal treatment.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of ascites, kindly click here
