Leukemia is a blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces abnormal and immature white cells. Leukemia is divided into acute type which further consists of acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia; the chronic type of leukaemia consists of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukaemia. Infection due to viruses, a severely weakened immunity, exposure to toxins, chemicals, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as individuals suffering from Down's syndrome, increase the susceptible to leukaemia. The common symptoms of leukaemia include fever, weakness, headache, spontaneous bleeding, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, enlarged spleen, and a susceptibility to frequent infections. The modern management of leukaemia includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, and bone marrow transplantation.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for leukaemia consists of treating the symptoms of the disease, preventing complications from this disease, as well as treating the root cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used to stimulate the bone marrow first to stop producing abnormal and immature white cells, and start producing normal white cells in a regulated manner. Specific herbal medicines, which target and act on the bone marrow, are used in high doses, in order to bring about a quick remission for leukaemia. Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory medicines are also used simultaneously with the above treatment in high doses in order to bring about a rapid relief from this condition. Immunomodulatory medicines maintain the health and stamina of the affected individual and improve quality of life.
The common symptoms of leukaemia are treated symptomatically with the appropriate Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Anti-inflammatory medicines are used for controlling joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, and fever and body ache. Herbal medicines which control infection are used in order to reduce the susceptibility to infections. Other symptoms like bleeding, weakness, and weight loss are naturally controlled with immunomodulatory treatment and treatment to stimulate the bone marrow.
Leukemia, including all its types, is a serious medical condition and needs to be treated aggressively and continuously on a long-term basis in order to bring about a fast relief from the condition and prevent relapses. Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given for about six to nine months in order to bring about significant improvement, as well as prevent relapse.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
