Joint Diseases – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Diseases of the joints can be classified mainly into two categories: 1) Diseases of joints resulting from inflammation 2) Diseases of joints resulting from degeneration.  In clinical practice, very often, there is a considerable overlap between the two.

The common joint diseases mainly encountered are as follows:

1) Osteoarthritis: This is known as the ‘wear and tear arthritis’; the commonest presentation being osteoarthritis of the knees. Basically, this condition results from degeneration of the joint cartilage due to trauma, overuse, obesity, or familial tendency. This disease is usually progressive, meaning conservative treatment does not stop it from progressing.

2) Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease primarily causing inflammation, pain and swelling in the small joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immune suppressants can bring about a response, but there is no long term cure. Most autoimmune disorders affect the joints in the long run.

3) Spondyloarthropathies: This is a group of joint disorders that usually include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease associated arthritis, and reactive arthritis aka Reiter syndrome. Most patients have an involvement of the spine, though in a few patients, large joints may be involved. Treatment is mostly symptomatic and supportive.

4) Gout: This is a metabolic disorder with high uric acid being deposited in excess, mainly in the big toe. This can be treated with drugs and diet control.

5) Bursitis: This is inflammation of bursae, which are fluid filled sacs which provide cushioning and sliding surfaces for tendons close to joints. Trauma and overuse are the most likely cause of inflammation leading to bursitis. Treatment is again symptomatic.

Global Burden of Joint Diseases: As per 2019 estimates, nearly 530 million people were affected globally with osteoarthritis, with nearly 65 million cases in India alone. During this same period, 224 million cases were affected worldwide with rheumatoid arthritis. This is the severity of joint disease and the huge burden it places in terms of economic loss, loss of working hours, severe compromise in quality of life, and not to mention the burden in terms of increased morbidity and mortality.

In most households, several senior citizens and middle aged people; also some unfortunate young individuals, are forced to limit themselves to their houses due to severe restriction in activity resulting from joint diseases. The same story plays out even in the houses of health professionals themselves, since conservative allopathic treatment has limited benefit, especially in rheumatoid arthritis, while the surgical treatment of osteoarthritis calls for huge expenses which are beyond the reach of most individuals who are paying for their treatments.

In such a scenario, it would be worthwhile to consider and review the enormous treatment potential of Ayurvedic herbal medicines for all joint diseases.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Joint Diseases: Ayurvedic treatment for all joint diseases is with three treatment modalities: 1) Local application: Medicines like Narayan oil, Mahamash oil, Vishgarbha oil, and Gandhapuro oil are used as local application and are followed up with medicated steam fomentation usually using Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) leaves. This is highly effective in reliving joint pain, swelling and stiffness.  2) Oral medications: These include herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Rasnamul (Pluchea lanceolata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zinziber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), and Asthishrunkhla (Cissus quadrangularis). These medicines have excellent anti-inflammatory properties, are good immune modulators, and can be given safely for prolonged periods in high doses without serious adverse effects.3) Panchkarma Procedures: Panchkarma procedures like snehan (oleation), swedan (fomentation), virechan (induced purgation), basti (medicated enema), and rakta-mokshan (blood-letting) have immense additional therapeutic value in bringing about remission in very advanced joint disease too.

A combination of these three treatment modalities can help Ayurvedic treatment to bring about a complete remission in most patients affected with rheumatoid arthritis and other types of inflammatory arthritis. Ayurvedic herbs can repair joint cartilage and help heal advanced osteoarthritis and indeed remove the need for joint replacement. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus bring about significant improvement in all types of joint diseases. It is the need of the hour to bring about global awareness about the immense treatment potential of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in joint diseases.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at 

https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Recurrent Abortions – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Definition: Recurrent abortion or pregnancy loss is defined as two or more consecutive loss of pregnancy. Infertility in the woman – along with many other reasons - may also be due to recurrent abortion within the first few weeks, and may go unnoticed, since the bleeding occurs at the time of the next expected period.

Causes of Recurrent Abortions: 1) Anatomic defects such as unicornuate or bicornuate uterus, and the presence of fibroids 2) Genetic problems, which are usually the commonest cause of recurrent abortions 3) Hormonal abnormalities, which are most common in PCOS 4) Immunological factors 5) Heamatological problems such as intensive angiogenesis, coagulation or fibrinolysis 6) Infectious agents like toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes and 7) Environmental effects like obesity, low weight, intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs, stress, diseases of kidney, liver and autoimmune disorders, and the use of medications like NSAIDs and aspirin.

Conventional Treatment of Recurrent Abortions: This consists of 1) Reassurance and 2) Treating the known cause. Treatment includes a) medications like Heparin, Metformin, Progesterone, HCG hormone, immunotherapy, and b) surgery for incompetent os and fibroids 3) Avoidance of smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs and 4) taking a well-balanced, nutritional diet. The overall results and success rate with this approach is however, not very impressive.

In this scenario, it would be worthwhile to consider the Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Recurrent Abortions: In Ayurvedic texts, abortion before the fourth month is mentioned as Garbhastraav, while beyond this period, it is known as Garbhapaat. Ayurveda also mentions habitual abortions with terms like Apraja, Putraghni Yoni, and Jataharini.

In Ayurvedic treatment too, the principle of treatment is to treat the known cause. While surgery can take care of causes amenable to surgery, the medical treatment, for the remaining causes, is divided into two main categories:

1) Ayurvedic Treatment to Achieve Pregnancy/Conception: This includes herbs like Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Laghu Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Bruhat Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Pippali (Piper longum), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Bharangmul (Clerodendron serratum), Dadim Patra (Punica granatum), Usheer (Andropagan muricatum), Rasna (Vanda Roxburghi), and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia).

These medicines have antiviral and antimicrobial actions, are immune modulators, combat immune complexes, correct oxidative damage at the placental level, and promote pregnancy.

2) Ayurvedic Treatment to Maintain Pregnancy and Avoid Complications: This includes herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidari (Ipomea digitata), Shrungatak (Trapa bispinosa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris).

These medicines provide essential nutrients and immune modulation, have excellent anti oxidant properties, and improve the birth weight of the foetus.

Garbhapal Ras is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine known to similarly provide nutrients and help maintain a healthy foetus to full term.  Likewise, a group of medicines known as Laghu Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, and Suvarna Malini Vasant are known to nourish all seven tissues of the body as per Ayurvedic physiology, and are considered useful in nourishing the foetus and stabilizing pregnancy.

Ayurvedic texts also mention Masanumasik Garbhini Paricharya; this includes information pertaining to a) The diet for each month of pregnancy b) The do’s and don’ts for each month of pregnancy and c) specific treatment for each month of pregnancy. This includes a separate group of herbs to be given at each month of pregnancy to provide nutrition as per the month-wise growth of the foetus, and to prevent foetal anomalies and accidents.  These medicines can be taken in the form of powder, paste, decoction or medicated ghee.

A Pertinent Observation: Ayurveda has an established and safe system of treatment for infertility and recurrent abortions; the treatment procedure is safe and tried and tested for decades. It is rather unfortunate that a sizeable population of childless couples all over the world, including health professionals, go through their entire lives without experiencing the joys and wonders of conception and parenthood, simply because they are totally unaware of this System of AYURVEDA, and the immense potential it has in the treatment of infertility and recurrent reproductive/conception loss.

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

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease, aka PID is an infection of the upper female genital tract, which includes uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.  This usually results from infections ascending from the vagina but may also occur due to systemic diseases or other abdominal infections.  Untreated infection can result in complications like the formation of abscess, infertility, and abdominal sepsis.  Conservative treatment is usually with a full course of antibiotics and painkillers.  Sexually transmitted diseases are also responsible for causing PID.  This condition can be acute or chronic.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually very effective for the treatment of chronic PID.  Acute PID is best treated with modern antibiotics; however, when this treatment is not effective or only partially effective, Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be given in order to bring about a complete resolution of the infection.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment has several advantages of treating the infection as well as bringing about a complete resolution of inflammation, and also improving the immunity of the affected organs.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can bring about a complete resolution of PID as well as help prevent its recurrence.  It can also help prevent complications like abscess and infertility.

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

Successful Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of Hip

Avascular necrosis is a disease in which the blood supply to the head of the hip joint reduces drastically, leading to a disorganization and ultimate collapse of the head of the hip joint.  While this medical condition usually relates to the hip joint, it is also less commonly seen in other joints such as the shoulder joint. This disease usually occurs due to unknown causes, but it may also be related to trauma and the use of medication such as steroids.

Ayurvedic treatment has been very successful in the management of this disease, by reversing the main pathology of the disease, by improving and normalising the blood circulation to the head of the hip joint.  In addition, Ayurvedic medicines are also very successful in treating the symptoms of this disease such as pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility.  Treatment is usually in the form of oral medication and is supplemented by local applications and fomentation.  Intensive therapy is usually given for about six months, after which the affected individual can take supplemental therapy for another twelve months.  Pain and stiffness disappear in about four to six months, usually due to reversal of the pathology of the disease.  However, the process of remodelling of bone structure of the head of the hip joint takes a much longer time and may continue for twelve to eighteen months.  This is why maintenance therapy is necessary and recommended.

Currently, there is no treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicine, other than providing medication for pain relief and advising graded exercises for reducing stiffness and impaired mobility.  Gross changes in the structure of the head of the hip joint are surgically corrected, or a complete replacement is advised.  In this scenario, it is heartening to note that Ayurvedic medicines can successfully treat this disease completely and reverse the entire pathology of the disease.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Hearing Loss

Hearing loss which requires treatment can be of three types: Sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and a mixed type which involves hearing loss with both the previously mentioned types. It is best to conduct a thorough medical examination as well as an audiometry test to correctly diagnose the cause and type of hearing loss.

Ayurvedic medicines are effective in all types of hearing loss. The aim of treatment in sensorineural hearing loss is to help regenerate the auditory nerve, the parts of the inner ear connected to the auditory nerve, as well as to strengthen the hearing centre in the brain. Depending upon the severity of nerve damage, treatment from 3-6 months is usually required to help restore hearing to normal or near-normal levels. Other concurrent medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension may also have an impact upon the duration of treatment and the improvement observed with Ayurvedic medicines. In addition, elderly people with other nervous system involvement , for example, diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, may also need to be treated concurrently for these diseases, before they can get benefit for hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss is usually related to damage in the middle ear, due to various reasons like recurrent infections, trauma, or congenital defects. The aim of treatment in this type of hearing loss is to repair the damage in the middle ear - usually related to the small bones which connect the ear drum to the auditory nerve. Ossification of these bones is the usual end-result, whic causes hearing loss.Treatment is aimed at healing these damaged bones to the extent possible, and removing or treating any known cause for the condition. Ayurvedic medicines are unique in the sense that they have the capacity to reduce the ossification and gluing together of the bones in the middle ear, and allow the natural hearing process to resume.

Mixed type of hearing loss has to be treated depending upon the severity of each component present in the affected individual. In addition, most affected people also have tinnitus or buzzing sound in the ear. Most of the times, it is related to nerve damage or a disturbance in the semi-circular canals of the ear. This too needs to be treated, since it may severely incapacitate the affected individual. Treatment is usually aimed at reducing the pressure in these canals, and reducing the stickiness of fluid present inside.

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