Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Impotence – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Erectile dysfunction is also known as ED, or in simple words, impotence.

Definition: ED is defined as an inability to get and maintain erection of the penis, firm enough for sex. It is important to note that ED may happen even in normal persons from time to time. Depression; stress; anxiety; relationship issues; physical or mental exhaustion; worry; financial and emotional issues – all these can cause ED either temporarily or on a long term basis.

Medical causes of ED: Medical condition which can cause ED are diabetes; heart conditions; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; prostate surgery; radiation treatment of cancer; trauma; medications for pain control, blood pressure, allergy and depression; and the use of illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Complications/ Effects of ED:  ED can cause an unsatisfactory sex life; stress or anxiety; embarrassment or low self esteem; relationship problems; and possibly, infertility.

Prevention of ED: ED may occur as a normal and routine part of the ageing process. However, several steps can be taken to prevent ED. These include: 1) regular check ups and medical screening. 2) Treat medical conditions for physical, emotional and psychological issues. 3) Consider the option of stopping, reducing, or changing ED - causing medications (strictly with medical advice). 4) Exercise regularly 5) Maintain optimum weight 6) Stop smoking as well as the use of alcohol and illegal drugs 7) control stress.

Conventional Treatment of ED: The standard and conventional treatment of ED is as follows: 1) Treat the known cause 2) Increase Nitric Oxide(NO) using medicines like Viagra ( strictly with medical advice); such medicines may be contra-indicated in patients having heart disease, heart failure and low blood pressure. 3) Injectable medicines, to be administered directly into the penis 4) Urethral suppository 5) Replace testosterone 6) Penis pumps 7) Penile implants 8) Exercise 9) Psychological counseling.

Natural Treatments for ED: ED can be treated naturally with the help of : 1) Diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish 2) Exercise of moderate to intense activity, about 4 to 5 days a week 3) Good quality sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours daily 4) Losing excess weight and maintaining weight at optimum levels 5) Maintaining a positive, healthy attitude and good self esteem 6) Sex counseling 7) Stress management 8) Reduce or stop alcohol intake 9) Stop smoking completely 10) Adequate sun exposure or take Vitamin D supplements 11) Ensure adequate Zinc intake in the diet or take Zinc supplements 12) Inculcate the habit of nasal breathing.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of ED: The Ayurvedic treatment of ED can be in the form of: A) Local application: These include oils or ointments of medicines like Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Latakasturi (Musk mallow), Jaiphal (Nutmeg), Lavang (cloves) and Tejpatta (Bay leaves). These medicines have a stimulant effect which causes vasodilation when applied to the penis, and help in maintaining erection. B) Oral medications: These include several Ayurvedic medicines which have different modes of action in treating ED. These include the following: 1) Herbs like Dalchini (Cinnamon), Adrak (Ginger), Methi (Fenugreek), Kesar (Saffron) and fruits like Anar (Pomegranate). All these have blood thinning properties, reduce cholesterol, and increase blood flow in the arteries 2) Herbs and Foods which increase Testosterone: these include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilliunum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), Kraunch beej (Mucuna pruriens), Carrots, Beetroot and Spinach 3) Central nervous system stimulants: These act on the nervous system and increase sexual desire. These include medicines like Shilajit, Vardhara (Argyreia nervosa), Shuddha Kuchla (Purified nux vomica), Abhrak Bhasma (purified Mica), Kasturi (Moschus chrysogaster) and Vang bhasma (Purified Tin ash) 4) Nervous system sedatives: These reduce anxiety, stress and relax muscles and thereby help in ED.  These include medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) 5) Nervous system stabilizers: On a long term basis, these medicines help stabilize the nervous system and therefore help with ED. Medicines included in this category include Swarna bhasma (Purified Gold ash), Raupya bhasma (Purified Silver ash) and Ras Sindoor. Some well known Ayurvedic formulations which belong to this category are Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Bruhat Kasturi Bhairav Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, and Trivang Bhasma.

It is important to note that most of the above mentioned herbs exhibit therapeutic actions at multiple levels, and may also have both short acting as well as long acting properties.

Disclaimer: Avoid self medication. Do not stop or change medication without medical advice. Take treatment from qualified and experienced physicians. Even for Ayurvedic medicines, take advice from a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Use good quality medicines and herbs. Avoid taking herbal powders of undisclosed content and from unreliable sources.  

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

Cancer and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cancer is a serious medical condition and almost every lay-person is well aware that it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Modern medicine has made immense progress in treating the nearly more than 200 types of cancer seen in day-to-day practice. The standard treatments available are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological immunostimulant treatments; most of the times, a combination of these are judiciously used.

While there is an immediate improvement with these treatments for a vast majority of patients, in the long run, the high cost of treatment and the side effects take a heavy toll. Within a few months or a few years, the disease begins to relapse or recur for an alarmingly high percentage of patients.

Ayurvedic treatment is immensely useful in these scenarios both as a supplementary as well as a stand-alone treatment. Side effects of modern treatment include skin rash, vomiting, loose motions, hair fall, as well as more serious effects such as liver and kidney toxicity. Severe or serious side effects cause a break in the treatment or necessitate a change in the treatment protocol. Concurrent Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually quite effective in preventing as well as treating all the known side effects of modern medicines, thus allowing the treatment cycle to be completed as planned.

Ayurvedic medicine can also be effectively used in patients who do not respond to modern treatment, or have relapsed in spite of the best available modern treatment. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic treatment can be either given as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to the ongoing modern treatment. Even patients who are on end stage palliative treatment can benefit considerably with the addition of Ayurvedic treatment. One such example is of Ayurvedic treatment of different types of leukemias, where the treatment has cured patients who relapsed in spite of taking several cycles of modern available treatment.

It is the need of the hour to validate and document such Ayurvedic treatment protocols, and make them universally available.

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

Bronchiectasis - A Comparison of Modern (Allopathic) and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Bronchiectasis is a medical condition which involves an abnormal dilatation of the proximal and medium sized airways in the lungs. Currently, high resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the chest are the investigation of choice to diagnose this condition. The damaged bronchi are usually one and half times more dilated than normal lung bronchi, and appear in different shapes such as cylindrical, cystic or varicose.  This is a chronic and obstructive lung disease with symptoms which include breathlessness, severe cough and hemoptysis.  Severe affliction with this medical condition can cause significant morbidity and mortality.  The common causes of bronchiectasis include recurrent lung infections, incomplete treatment of infections, bronchial obstruction, hereditary lung disorders, and some auto immune diseases.

The modern management of this condition includes the use of antibiotics, chest physiotherapy, steroids, bronchodilators, and dietary supplementation. Oxygen may be required for a select few patients, while hospitalization may be advised for severe and acute exacerbations. Some specific types of bronchiectasis may require surgical treatment. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for about 7-10 days. The aggressive use of antibiotics has reduced the mortality of this condition by nearly one third that of the pre-antibiotic era. Most patients who comply with treatment regimens, practice preventive medicine strategies, and regularly follow up with their physicians, do quite well in the long run.

Modern medications are thus useful in controlling acute infection, severe and acute exacerbations, and long term management so as to prevent deterioration. However, these cannot reverse the damage already done to the bronchial airways, nor can they prevent infections by themselves. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a very important role to play in these situations. Herbal and herbomineral medicines can be used to directly reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and strengthen the mucosal lining in the lungs. This helps in prevention of accumulation of excess mucus in the lungs, which may be susceptible to infection. Panchkarma treatment modalities like induced emesis (Vaman therapy) can be used in a select few patients both on a therapeutic basis as well as preventive basis in order to reduce daily mucus expectoration and the frequency of infections.

This can help in improving the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe degree of bronchiectasis. There are several patients on record who had been advised continuous long term treatment with antibiotics, or even partial lung resection surgery, in an attempt to lessen the severity and frequency of exacerbations. Such patients have improved significantly with Ayurvedic treatment without the long-term need for antibiotics, or even the more drastic surgical treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines work well not only in strengthening the lung tissue, but also in improving the overall health and immune status of affected individuals. Patients who have long-standing or severe bronchiectasis usually end up losing weight gradually; Ayurvedic treatment effectively takes care of weight loss associated with this disease. Patients who have bronchiectasis may also be adversely affected due to respiratory allergies and autoimmune disease. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can effectively treat these medical conditions too so as to remove the root cause of the disease. Patients with long-standing disease usually end up with respiratory or right-sided heart failure. Concurrent treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines has successfully treated these long-term complications in many patients.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines can thus be judiciously utilized in the successful long term management and treatment of bronchiectasis.

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 bronchiectasis, kindly click here

Huntington's Disease – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Huntington’s disease (HD), also known as Huntington’s chorea, is a rare, degenerative neurological disease with a strong hereditary component. Children with one affected parent have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disease. Symptoms are progressive in nature and include involuntary jerky movements, impaired muscular coordination, falls, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing, mood changes, and dementia. Symptoms usually become apparent during middle age, and death may occur from between ten to thirty years. Rarely, children too may be affected with a juvenile form of the disease, which progresses much faster than the adult-onset disease.

 The basal ganglia and the brain cortex are the parts most affected by HD. The faulty HD gene produces abnormal triple nucleotide repeats, the sequence of which is repeated several times over. Patients with HD have 36 or more repeats (normal people have 26 or less); this causes formation of an unusually large Huntingtin protein, which is toxic and gradually causes degeneration of the brain. 

HD can currently be neither prevented nor cured; however, several medicines in the modern (Allopathic) system of medicine can help alleviate symptoms. Most of the medicines work by modulating neurotransmitters and include tetrabenazine and duetetrabenazine. Useful medicines also include antipsychotics like risperidone, olanzapine and haloperidol; antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and nortriptyline; and mood-stabilizers like lithium. In addition to medications, the long term management of people with HD includes graded physical exercise, proper nutrition, and planned care-giving.

 Ayurvedic treatment is especially useful in the treatment of Huntington's chorea, since Ayurvedic medicines are very useful in the treatment of nervous system disorders.  Ayurvedic medicines help to regenerate nerve cells, brain cells, and repair the damage to the nervous system.  Usually, degeneration of nerves involves damage to the outer covering of the nerves; this results in impaired functioning of the nerves, with a loss of nerve conduction and control of the limbs.  This results in severe impairment of the motor as well as sensory components of the nervous system. In this disease, there is a degeneration of the brain due to deposition of abnormal Hungtingtin protein. 

Ayurvedic treatment consists of oral medication as well as massage of the entire body with medicated oils, followed by fomentation; other procedures are also prescribed as required.  Panchkarma procedures help to reduce the number and dosage of oral medications, thereby reducing the chances of long term complications and bringing about increased compliance. Results are also faster and much more apparent; patients with moderate or advanced symptoms may see significant improvement with just 7-14 days of treatment! Once the symptoms are stabilized, further treatment can be planned as needed, while carefully monitoring the patient on a long term basis. This reduces the treatment free interval, thereby considerably reducing financial burden and emotional stress for patients as well as caregivers.

 Ayurvedic treatment can therefore improve or bring about a near cure in patients with Huntington's disease.  It is important to commence treatment at the earliest possible, in order to bring about maximum improvement.  Regular treatment is essential in order to obtain the required results.  To sum up, Ayurvedic treatment is very effective in the management of Huntington's disease or Huntington's chorea.

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

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition in which uncontrollable obsessions lead to compulsive behaviour. Obsessions revolve around fears (e. g. fear of germs), the need for symmetry, or unwanted thoughts related to taboo subjects or self-harm. Compulsive behaviour causes repetitive actions like frequent washing of hands, rearranging things, and repetition of words. This condition can cause frequent work absenteeism, loss of quality of life, health issues, personal distress, family disruptions, and social embarrassment.

While the exact cause of this condition is as yet unknown, it is believed that genetics, changes in brain structure and function, and an unhealthy environment, may contribute. This condition usually manifests in teenage or young adult years. While most affected individuals are otherwise completely normal, a few may have concurrent mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder, or tics. A diagnosis is usually made using psychological evaluation while doing a clinical examination and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.

Treatment in the modern (Allopathic) system of medicines is with medications and therapy. Medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and clomipramine. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered quite effective for OCD management. It addresses the relationship of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Exposure and response prevention is a type of CBT in which the therapist helps the client improve coping skills by a gradual exposure and practice in handling the situation or thoughts. Patients who have delusional or suicidal thoughts, and concurrent psychoses, may require hospitalization. Support groups help to cope with the condition and also with rehabilitation.

Most individuals affected with OCD usually first approach a psychiatrist for medication; however, other than controlling anxiety, these medicines usually do not offer any substantial relief. Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers some benefit to such people. The advantage of Ayurvedic medicines is that these medicines are safe for long-term use and actually treat the root problem in OCD. The medicines help affected individuals to develop sufficient understanding and will power to control their obsession and curtail their compulsive behaviour. Regular Ayurvedic treatment for 6-8 months gives people affected with OCD sufficient control over themselves, and allows them freedom to enjoy their lives without the shackles of this affliction.

People who concurrently show signs of some psychiatric disorder need to be treated for that condition too. Treatment for refractory patients can be given in a combined form, with a combination of Ayurvedic medicines and CBT or Ayurvedic medicines combined with modern anti-psychotic drugs. In such situations, regular supervision of a psychiatrist is recommended. However, for nearly 90 % of people with OCD, Ayurvedic medicines and some simple counselling suffice to give significant relief from this condition.

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 OCD, kindly click here

Ulcerative Colitis – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease which typically affects only the large intestine, and usually involves only the inner layers (mucosa and sub-mucosa) in a continuous manner. This is unlike Crohn’s disease which may affect any part of the gastro-intestinal tract, has a non-continuous spread (skip lesions), and involves the entire depth of the intestinal wall. UC has many causative factors including genetics, immune system reactions, drug usage (mostly pain killers and oral contraceptives), environmental factors, stress, smoking, and consumption of milk products. Common symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, frequent motions, mucus discharge, and rectal bleed. Patients with severe involvement may have fever, purulent rectal discharge, weight loss, and extra-colonic manifestations. 

The modern (Allopathic) management of this condition is based upon the severity at presentation. Mild disease confined to the rectum is treated with topical Mesalazine suppository; left sided colonic disease is treated with Mesalazine suppository as well as oral administration of the same drug. Patients who do not respond well to this treatment are also treated with oral steroids, including budesonide. Patients who achieve remission are maintained on a once –a-day oral drug schedule. Patients with severe disease may need to be hospitalized and treated with intravenous steroids and immune suppressant drugs, in addition to the treatment mentioned above. Surgery may be indicated for a select few patients. 

Most patients may require treatment on a long-term basis or even life-long. People affected with this condition usually have an increased mortality, either due to the condition, or as a result of side effects of ongoing treatment. There is a risk of long term complications as well as an increased risk of cancer. Elderly patients are more vulnerable to an increase in mortality. 

The Ayurvedic treatment of ulcerative colitis consists of giving symptomatic treatment as well as treating the root cause of the disease.  Pain in abdomen, chronic diarrhoea, and blood in the stool is treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which help in digestion of food, and regulate the forward movement of the intestines. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used to treat the inflammation in the intestines, to heal the ulceration, and bring the intestinal mucosa back to normal.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which strengthen the intestinal mucosa, and build up the normal cellular structure of the intestinal walls are used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.  Regular treatment for about four to six months is usually sufficient to bring about a significant healing of the inflammation and ulceration in the intestines, which is usually seen in ulcerative colitis.

 In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to normalize and boost the immune status of the affected patients.  These treat the root cause of the disease and help in early resolution of the symptoms as well as bring about a complete reversal of the pathology of ulcerative colitis.  A complete course of symptomatic treatment as well as immunomodulation treatment helps in preventing further recurrences of this condition.  Patients with severe symptoms who do not respond well to oral treatment may also require additional Panchkarma treatment in the form of medicated enemas (Basti). Overall, a patient with severe ulcerative colitis may require treatment from about twelve to eighteen months, in order to be completely cured of this condition.

 

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of ulcerative colits, kindly click here

Cirrhosis of the Liver- Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Chronic damage to liver cells causes liver cell inflammation; this usually heals with scar tissue formation. This gradual degeneration and scarring of the liver is known as cirrhosis. This medical condition is mostly caused by chronic viral infections like hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol abuse, inherited metabolic disorders, exposure to environmental toxins, and strong reactions to medicines. Cirrhosis causes a gradual dysfunction of the liver as well as blockage of blood and fluids passing through the liver. Processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, toxins, as well as production of proteins and other substances is seriously affected. 

Confirmed cirrhosis is designated as compensated – when the liver function is well maintained - and decompensated – when the liver can no longer carry on its normal function – thereby causing symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, bleeding varices, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cancer, and concurrent disease of the kidneys or lungs. In the early stages, there may be vague symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss, while in the late stages there may be symptoms like easy bruising, and severe itching. 

Modern (Allopathic) treatment consists of home care, medications and surgery. Treating or removing known causes such as drugs and alcohol consumption, and obesity, are essential to prevent further damage. Patients are advised to consume a low sodium and high protein diet, with adequate hydration. Routine vaccinations are recommended to be taken as per schedule. Medications are required mainly to reduce ascites, control hypertension, treat inflammation and infections, and for the specific treatment of hepatitis B and C. Abdominal tapping can be done as a temporary measure to remove excess of ascites fluid. Patients with advanced cirrhosis are recommended surgical liver transplant. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for cirrhosis of the liver is aimed at bringing about a reversal of degeneration and death of the liver cells, and an increase in the blood supply passing through the liver.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the liver cells and reduce inflammation and damage, and bring about a healing in the liver, are used in high doses.  In addition, other herbal medicines are also used which reduce fibrosis and remove dead cells and damaged tissue from the organ.  Toxins and unwanted material are removed through the kidneys and also the gastrointestinal tract.  Medicines are also given to remove inflammation and toxins present in the circulatory system. 

In addition, herbal medicines are also given to treat viral infections if present, and to reduce the effect of environmental toxins present in the blood.  Alcohol abuse is one of the commonest causes for cirrhosis of liver, and alcohol dependence or misuse also needs to be treated concurrently along with the treatment for cirrhosis of liver.  Most people affected with this condition need regular treatment for at least about eight to ten months, depending upon the severity of the condition.  If treatment is taken regularly, most people affected with cirrhosis of the liver benefit significantly from treatment, with a significant increase in lifespan as well as considerable improvement in the quality of life. 

Ayurvedic Herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of cirrhosis of the liver.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of liver cirrhosis, kindly click here

Hepatitis – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis, which can be either acute, or chronic if lasting for more than six months. Causes for this condition include viral infection, drug reactions, drug abuse and overdose, exposure to chemicals, and chronic alcohol abuse. Jaundice is a direct and visible effect of acute hepatitis; this can be as a result of bile pigment overproduction (due to excessive breakdown of red blood cells as seen in malaria) or bile flow obstruction (due to bile duct blockage or actual liver cell inflammation). 

There is no specific medicine in the modern (Allopathic) system of medicine to treat hepatitis and actual liver damage. However, modern medicine does have antiviral medications to treat the various types of liver viral infections like Hepatitis B and C. In addition, modern hepatologists use immune modulating drugs like interferon to reduce inflammation in chronic liver damage and improve immunity. Most of these medicines need to be taken for prolonged periods or even life-long. These are mostly quite costly and toxic, and may potentially cause damage to blood cells and kidneys, and may even prove ineffective in the long run. On the positive side, modern medicine does have a highly effective preventive vaccine for Hepatitis B, and treatment for two months with antiviral medications can effectively cure hepatitis C. Patients with irreversible liver damage or liver cirrhosis can be offered an option for surgical liver transplant, though this can prove to be a very costly and potentially risky procedure.

 Ayurvedic herbal treatment for hepatitis is aimed at giving specific treatment for the inflammation and damage in the liver cells as well as treatment for any known causes for the condition.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are considered to be very useful in the management and treatment of both acute as well as chronic hepatitis.  There are several well-known herbal medicines which specifically act on the liver and reduce inflammation and swelling of the liver cells, and bring about a reversal of the damage and dysfunction in the liver.  Herbal medicines also normalize the flow of bile through the liver as well as within the bile duct.

 Ayurvedic herbal medicines can also be given to treat and reverse damage due to drugs and chemicals as well as alcohol.  Herbal medicines which act on the liver as well as other vital organs such as the kidneys and heart need to be given in combination to treat such situations.  Chronic alcoholism also needs to be treated aggressively so as to help in an early remission of chronic hepatitis.  Acute or chronic hepatitis resulting from viral infection also need specific treatment with Ayurvedic anti-viral herbal medicines which are very useful in the treatment of viral hepatitis. 

Most individuals having chronic hepatitis also need treatment with herbal immunomodulatory agents so as to improve the overall immune status and to maintain the health and vitality of the patient.  Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver which results in permanent damage and long-term complications which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.  Hence, early institution of Ayurvedic herbal treatment in the management of chronic hepatitis is very important so as to provide early remission from the condition and prevent long-term complications.

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

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical condition which affects many individuals and is quite distressing, though it is largely benign in nature. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, discomfort, cramping, bloating, and loose motions or constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person and management may therefore vary considerably between affected individuals. A diagnosis is usually made on the basis of symptoms and by ruling out all possible organic causes. Typically, most patients have a chronic history but do not exhibit symptoms of weight loss or other serious symptoms like fever, rectal bleeding, or anemia. Stress and food allergies are believed to be important causative factors. This condition can usually be managed satisfactorily, with changes in diet and lifestyle. 

The modern management of IBS includes advice to avoid trigger factors, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep. Treatment includes fiber supplements, laxatives, medications for diarrhea and abdominal pain, and antidepressants. Other medications to reduce intestinal spasm, hyper-motility, increased intestinal secretions, and antibiotics are also used as indicated. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also aimed at specifically treating the causative factors. Herbal medicines which are used for IBS strengthen the intestinal walls, help in digestion and assimilation of food, reduce and normalize excessive movement of the intestines, regulate intestinal secretions and reduce allergy or sensitivity of the mucosal wall of the intestines. Ayurvedic treatment is also given to treat stress and anxiety, which are known causative factors of IBS. 

The successful, long term management of IBS patients requires not only symptomatic treatment but also medicines to improve the general immune status of the body as well as strengthening of all body tissues, especially blood and muscle tissues. The ultimate treatment goal for IBS is to create a sound mind along with a strong, healthy body. Modern treatment is usually required regularly or intermittently on a long term or even life-long basis, in order to satisfactorily control symptoms.  In contrast, with about six to eight months of Ayurvedic herbal treatment, patients with chronic or severe IBS improve dramatically, and most of them can learn to gradually live near normal lives without any major medication, though diet and lifestyle modifications may be required. After a complete remission of symptoms, the dose and frequency of medicines can be gradually reduced and then tapered off completely.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the successful management and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition which causes a dysfunction of the intestines resulting in different types of symptoms such as abdominal pain, discomfort, cramping, bloating, and either diarrhoea or constipation.  Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person-to-person and therefore require different types of management.  Irritable bowel syndrome can usually be diagnosed when a person has the typical symptoms of this disorder and when all other organic causes have been ruled out.  Stress and food allergy are believed to be important in causing irritable bowel syndrome.  This condition can be very chronic but is usually manageable.  Changes in diet and lifestyle are usually important in the successful management of this condition. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is aimed at strengthening the intestines, improving digestion, and also treating chronic stress in the affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the small as well as the large intestine are used in high doses as per individual requirements.  Medicines which improve the digestion as well as improve the resistance power of the intestinal mucosa are also used in combination with the above-mentioned medicines.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also used to treat and reduce stress and anxiety, which are known factors in the propagation of this disease.

 Individuals affected with irritable bowel syndrome may also require medicines to improve the general immune status of the body and as well as medicines to strengthen all the tissues, especially the blood and muscle tissue.  This treatment indirectly helps in the successful management of irritable bowel syndrome.  Most individuals affected with chronic and severe irritable bowel syndrome require regular Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about six to eight months; however, the results of regular treatment are dramatic and can significantly alter the life of affected individuals for the better.  After a complete remission of symptoms, that dose and frequency of medicines can be gradually reduced and then tapered off completely. 

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the successful management and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

 The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of IBS, kindly click on https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs 

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

 Rheumatoid arthritis 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-forth have an aggressive form of the disease, with severe pain and joint disfigurement.

The modern treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is usually with standard, oral anti-inflammatory and pain-killing medications, as well as local applications having the same mode of action. People affected with refractory rheumatoid arthritis 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. Ayurvedic medicines have a major edge in treating such refractory patients, while limiting the potential side effects.

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

To sum up, Ayurvedic medicines have a major role to play in the treatment of aggressive and refractory types of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com  For treatment of RA, kindly click on this link https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra 

Ayurvedic Herbal treatment of Cancer – An Overview

Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled growth of cells anywhere in the body. There are more than 200 types of cancer. Exposure to toxic chemicals, pollution, radiation and some pathogens, as well as chronic smoking, heavy alcohol abuse, and genetics, are known causes of cancer. The signs and symptoms of cancer include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, persistent low grade fever, severe or unusual body pain, nausea or vomiting, change in bowel habits, persistent sore throat or difficulty in swallowing, unusual bleeding or discharge, non-healing ulcer,  thickening or lump, and noticeable changes in a wart or mole.

            Cancer types include carcinomas (involving skin and coverings of internal organs), sarcomas (involving connective and supportive tissue like muscles, fat, bone, cartilage and blood vessels),  leukemias (involving bone marrow and blood tissue), lymphoma and myeloma (involving the immune system), and brain and spinal cord tumours. Physical examination, a detailed medical history, and tests like X-ray, blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and radionuclide scan can help make a presumptive diagnosis of cancer; however, a biopsy is the best way of making a definite diagnosis of cancer and its type. Treatment is usually done with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Staging of the cancer helps identify the severity of spread and the overall prognosis, while helping to decide the most effective treatment protocol.

            Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, and facing the prospect of costly, prolonged, and often harsh treatment procedures can be one of the most traumatic experiences of life. Most individuals may get confused about the future course of action. It is always best to take several expert opinions regarding the most suitable treatment protocol. If surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or a combination of all three, can quickly reduce the tumor size significantly, then this is the most preferred first line of treatment.

            If the overall prognosis and cure rate are excellent with conventional treatment, then in most cases nothing more need be done. It is important to educate oneself about the type of cancer, its known causes, and take all possible steps – mainly lifestyle modifications - to prevent recurrence. Keeping body immunity at optimum levels, in all possible ways, is one of the best ways to prevent recurrence.

            If the cancer is known to be aggressive and has a grim prognosis, it is better to start alternative treatment concurrently with conventional treatment. The two treatments can work in synergy; conventional treatment can reduce the tumor quickly with a few sessions of treatment, while Ayurvedic herbal treatment can help boost long term immunity, as well as help reduce the cancer gradually and prevent it from spreading further or recurring later. Most individuals make the mistake of opting for alternative treatment when it is too late. Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be taken for at least 18-24 months in order to see significant improvement in cancer, help in complete remission, and also to prevent recurrence.

            Ayurvedic treatment for cancer is multi faceted. Herbs are given to improve immunity; to target the specific organs and tissues affected with cancer; to improve general and specific metabolic activity, and lastly, to provide rejuvenation in the form of Rasayan therapy. Detoxification is also required on a general level as well as specific organ, tissue or cellular level as required.

            As mentioned above, the individual needs to work on a holistic level to improve oneself at the physical, mental and spiritual level in order to achieve a complete cure and enjoy a good quality of life.

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