Chronic and Recurrent Pancreatitis – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Pancreatitis is a medical condition in which there is inflammation and damage to the pancreas due to gall stones, or alcohol binges along with fatty food consumption. The pancreatic juices which are responsible for the digestion of food can cause auto-digestion of the pancreas due to the inflammation process. An acute attack can be dangerous, with the potential for serious complications like infection, peritonitis, abdominal rupture and septicemia. Chronic or recurrent attacks, combined with inflammation, can cause scarring and cyst formation in the pancreas.

An acute attack is best treated in an intensive care unit of a well equipped hospital. This can prove to be life-saving. Timely treatment in a hospital can prevent or treat infection, stabilize the patient with intravenous fluids, provide symptomatic treatment for vomiting and abdominal pain, and help tide over the crisis. If impacted gall stones are the cause for the pancreatitis, surgery can be planned to remove the stones. Modern medicines however, cannot actually treat the pancreatitis or prevent further attacks, other than giving dietary and lifestyle modification advice to avoid the aggravating factors for this condition.

Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Most patients with chronic pancreatitis complain of continuous, low grade or severe pain in the abdomen, along with nausea and loss of appetite. In this scenario, while modern medicine can provide just symptomatic and short-lived improvement, Ayurvedic herbal medicines can provide complete and lasting relief from the pain, nausea and vomiting, and help gradually improve appetite as well as normalize digestion. Ayurvedic treatment can also reverse the damage and inflammation to the pancreas and prevent recurrence of attacks. Early commencement of Ayurvedic treatment can bring about a full recovery and prevent permanent damage.

Ayurvedic treatment is equally effective in both adults as well as children, since herbal medicines are used in pancreatitis treatment, which have a wide safety margin. An average of about six months of treatment is required for most patients, in order to relieve all symptoms, prevent recurrence, and help the patient regain lost weight, especially so in children. It is important to reduce weight in obese patients and avoid intake of alcohol, tobacco, and fatty foods. Patients with gall stones need to be treated aggressively with specific Ayurvedic medicines, if this is the causative factor.

To sum up, Ayurvedic herbal medicines provide a comprehensive, safe, effective and affordable treatment for chronic and recurrent pancreatitis. No recurrence has so far been observed in patients – both adults and children – who have completed a full course of regular treatment, and have abstained from all the known and aggravating factors. While modern medicine currently has no effective therapy for chronic or recurrent pancreatitis, patients with an acute attack are best managed in hospital.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic pancreatitis, kindly click here

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare autoimmune disorder which involves generalized inflammation of small arteries in the body affecting mostly the skin, joints, peripheral nerves, intestines and kidneys, though the lings are usually spared. Common symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, skin ulcerations or tender nodules, and severe muscle and joint pains, developing over weeks or months. PAN may be related to Hepatitis B and C infections, as also to genetic mutations. This disease can have serious long-term complications, especially if associated with intestinal, renal, heart or brain damage. Spontaneous bleeding from multiple sites can also prove to be fatal.  PAN is therefore a very serious disorder which needs urgent attention. 

Conservative treatment is usually with steroids and immune suppressant drugs. These medicines can be life-saving since they act immediately on the body and reduce or reverse inflammation, bleeding, organ damage and multiple organ failure. The overall outlook can thus be considerably improved with these medicines; however, the long term prognosis still remains grim. In addition to these limitations, both steroids and immune suppressants have considerable side effects when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in comprehensively treating PAN including the inflammation and damage to arteries, as well as treating and preventing long term complications. Herbal medicines can treat inflamed arteries; reduce the formation of micro aneurysms; prevent blockage, infarct, ulceration and bleeding; and thereby prevent long term damage to the organs they supply. Herbal medicines can also induce healing in inflamed arteries without compromising on immunity. Associated symptoms, or known causes, such as hepatitis, and chronic infections, can also be be treated separately with appropriate herbs. 

For a complete remission and to prevent long term relapses, the full spectrum of Ayurvedic treatment needs to be given, including detoxification, rejuvenation, and immune modulation. The various stages of these treatments need different medicines, while the herbs for treating the presenting symptoms and PAN pathology are continued concurrently. Depending upon the type of presentation, the severity of presenting symptoms, and the stage at which treatment has been commenced; Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given from periods ranging from 4 months to nearly 18 months, in order to be able to fully treat all the clinical presentations of PAN (which can be quite varied).

 To sum up, PAN is a serious disorder which needs prompt and aggressive treatment, failing which it can prove to be fatal. While modern treatment can definitely prove to be rapidly effective in controlling symptoms, it is not a satisfactory long term treatment modality. That said, for acute or emergency medical care, there is no alternative to a fully equipped modern intensive care medical unit. 

Ayurvedic treatment is a slow starter and may not be recommended for an emergency situation; however, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can successfully manage and treat PAN on a long term basis, and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from this disease. Ayurvedic herbal treatment scores comprehensively on efficacy, safety, and affordability. Early commencement of treatment ensures a more complete cure and reduces the chances for long term complications or relapse. From the patients’ point of view, a judicious combination of modern and Ayurvedic treatment is the best choice to ensure a quick and complete recovery, while minimizing risk.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for polyarteritis nodosa, kindly click here

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a medical condition characterised by inflammation, swelling, and pain in symmetrical joints, usually involving the smaller joints. This disease typically runs a chronic course, while having a varied long-term outlook. About half of those affected may have mild symptoms, which are usually well controlled with conventional treatment,  one-fourth may have a chronic but limited course, while the remaining one-fourth have an aggressive form of the disease, with severe pain and joint disfigurement.

The modern treatment of RA is usually with standard, oral anti-inflammatory and pain-killing medications, as well as local applications having the same mode of action. Most of these medicines cause acidity and ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract, and may harm the liver and kidneys if taken for prolonged periods. People affected with refractory RA are usually put on steroids and immune-suppressant drugs. The response to these medications is usually good to start with; however, the long term benefits are usually limited, while the side effects are substantial and serious. For most patients with severe symptoms, modern drugs are not able to stop the progression of the disease.

 Ayurvedic treatment helps reduce the chronic inflammation process related to RA and modulates the immune system of the body, so that it helps positively in combating the disease. Herbal medicines act on the joints to reduce pain as well as swelling, and help repair the joint structure. Deformities in joints can either be prevented or reduced with the long term use of Ayurvedic medicines. Regular Ayurvedic treatment for about 8-18 months is usually sufficient to significantly reduce all associated symptoms even in patients with severe forms of RA. Most such patients may also have concurrent symptoms related to other auto-immune disorders, especially of the skin and mucous membranes. These symptoms too can be treated aggressively, in order to bring about a remission of arthritis.

Most of the herbal medicines which are regularly used in the treatment of RA have to be given in high doses and for prolonged duration, in order to be effective; in spite of this, these medicines do not exhibit any serious side effects. Ayurvedic medicines have a major edge in treating refractory patients, while limiting the potential side effects. For those patients with very active disease and not responding even to standard Ayurvedic treatment protocols, supplementation of treatment with Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures usually brings about a favourable response. The procedures include induced vomiting, induced purgation, blood-letting, and one or several courses of medicated enemas.

To sum up, Ayurvedic medicines have a major role to play in the treatment of aggressive and refractory types of rheumatoid arthritis because of their efficacy and safety as compared to modern medicines which have an immediate effect in suppressing symptoms, but prove to be ineffective and harmful in the long run. It is pertinent to note that patients should refrain from self-medication even with Ayurvedic treatment, and take the advice of a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic physician.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, kindly click here

Osteoarthritis (OA) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the smooth cartilage which lines the long bones and forms joints. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. The knee, hip, spine and hands are most commonly affected. OA is most commonly due to old age, obesity, trauma, occupational hazards, and genetic influences; it is more common in women.

Treatment is with pain killers, physical activity, weight loss measures, local injections, and surgery to correct bone deformity or joint replacement. Most affected people do well with conservative treatment. Regular physical activity is important to maintain stability of the joint, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce pain.

Modern pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medicines are very effective in reducing severe pain; however, these medicines cannot prevent disease progression and have a whole range of serious side effects because of which they cannot be used for prolonged duration. Local injections of steroids directly into the affected joint can dramatically reduce pain; however, the effect is short-lived, and many patients end up with increased pain. Joint replacement surgery can also dramatically cure all disease symptoms; however, the cost of the procedure is prohibitive, and the range of post-operative joint movement may be limited. Though rare, surgery itself may have serious complications; mostly resulting from infection and reactions to anaesthesia.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in treating both moderate as well as advanced OA. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic medicines need to be given in high doses for about 3 to 6 months to get complete relief from pain, swelling and other symptoms related to OA. Ayurvedic medicines work by reducing and treating inflammation and swelling, and reversing cartilage damage. Immediate relief in pain can be induced by local fomentation of affected joints using medicated steam or modified acupuncture techniques.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also very effective in treating advanced OA, especially for those people who have been advised complete joint replacement. Aggressive treatment with herbal medicines, combined with local pain relief ointments or fomentation, graded exercises, and weight loss measures have resulted in stabilising affected individuals to such an extent that joint replacement is no longer required. Treatment duration for such patients is usually about 6 to 12 months. Side effects or unwanted effects of Ayurvedic medicines used for such patients are virtually nonexistent, even though high doses are required to effectively treat advanced OA. A few patients who do not respond satisfactorily to these treatment protocols, may require supplementary treatment with medicated enemas.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a very important role to play in the treatment and management of OA.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  To start Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis, kindly click here

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) – Modern (Allopathic) versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a disease in which the blood supply to the head of the joint bone reduces drastically, causing a complete disorganization and ultimate collapse of the head of the joint bone.  Though the hip joint is most commonly affected, AVN can also involve other joints such as the shoulder.  This condition may be caused due to sudden or repeated, low-grade trauma, long-term use of steroids, excessive intake of alcohol, and chronic diseases like blood disorders and auto immune disorders. 

 Of late, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence of auto immune disorders with a resulting increase in the use of steroids; hence, AVN is being diagnosed much more frequently. Patients in their late 20s and early 30s usually present with this disease. The condition may happen within a span of a few days to a few weeks, but the ensuing physical disability may remain life-long. A similar condition in children, known as Perthe’s disease, may reverse spontaneously within a year or two.

 The conservative management of this condition in the modern system of medicine is to give biphosphonates in order to possibly reduce the rate of decrease of calcium and thereby preserve the joint structure to the maximum extent possible.  This is supplemented with graded physiotherapy to preserve joint function and maintain muscular strength.  A slightly advanced condition calls for core decompression surgery in order to reduce stress on the joint.  Further management is only with the use of pain killers like paracetamol, and to adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy.

 Patients who progress to the third or fourth stage of the disease, involving gross destruction of the joint, are usually advised total replacement of the joint.  Joint replacement surgery can be prohibitively costly; in addition, it may not provide the full range of movement which the person previously had with a normal joint. If the causative factors persist, other joints may become involved.

 Most patients taking biphosphonates, or having undergone core decompression surgery, either do not benefit at all, or find the beneficial effects to be transitory. Such patients can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines for a period of about four to six months and usually get complete and lasting benefit from pain, stiffness, and limitation of movement.

 Patients having the third or fourth stage of the condition usually require higher doses of Ayurvedic oral medicines, supplemented with one or several courses of medicated enemas. Most patients with severe involvement of AVN do recover significantly with the regular use of Ayurvedic treatment for a period of about eight to twelve months.

 To sum up, modern treatment is not very effective in controlling the severe pain and other symptoms associated with AVN. The much touted joint replacement surgery is available to only a select few, and has its own limitations. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is a comprehensive, safe and economical treatment for all the stages of AVN.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start Ayurvedic treatment for AVN, click here