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Thursday, 19 January 2012

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Immunodeficiency Disorders

Immunodeficiency disorders are usually due to a lack of some components of the immune system such as the B cell or the T cell.  This condition can be either inherited, acquired, on drug induced, and is usually caused due to advanced cancer, extensive anti-cancer therapy, viral infections, blood transfusions, surgery, malnutrition, and stress.  AIDS is currently the most devastating immunodeficiency disorder which targets the T4 cells.  The duration of treatment for immunodeficiency depends upon the nature and severity of the disorder; however, most conditions like congenital immune system defects and AIDS require either like long-term or lifelong therapy.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for immunodeficiency disorders is aimed at boosting the general immune system of the body, correcting the known deficits, and giving symptomatic treatment for the affected individual.  There are many herbs which have a known immunomodulatory action and a combination of such herbs is used in large doses and for prolonged periods in the management of immunodeficiency disorders.  In addition, several Ayurvedic medicines and herbs have a specific action on different organs and systems of the body.  Such medicines can be used on a case-to-case basis according to the presentation of the immunodeficiency and the symptoms, as well as the disease caused because of the deficiency.  Such specific immunomodulation needs to be given in courses of small duration.  For example, immunomodulation of the respiratory tract consists of one specific course of 19 days which needs to be repeated several times, especially in the winter season.  Yet another course of medicines of the respiratory tract is given regularly for two or three months at a time.

A special form of treatment known as ‘Vardhmaan Rasayan’ is a special feature of Ayurvedic treatment in which immunomodulatory medicines are given in progressively increasing doses so as to help the body assimilate the medicine and benefit from them, without any side-effects.  Such treatments can be used for the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and for almost any disease as well as generalised immunomodulation of the body.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a specific role to play in the management and treatment of immunodeficiency disorders.

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

Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder in which affected individuals display overwhelming day time drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.  The common symptoms of this condition include day time sleepiness, sudden episodes of loss of muscle tone and sleep paralysis, hallucinations, automatic behaviour, and inadequate night-time sleep.  Disturbed genetics and a disturbed immunity are believed to be the causes for this condition. This condition is known to cause serious disruptions in the daily life of affected individuals. The modern management of this condition includes appropriate medications and adaptation and modifications to lifestyle, with an advice for affected individuals to exercise regularly, follow a fixed day time schedule, take frequent naps, and take into confidence friends, colleagues and neighbors regarding their condition.  Affected people should avoid long drives, nicotine and alcohol.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for narcolepsy involves treating a disturbed immunity as well as providing corrective treatment for known defects in genetics.  Immunomodulatory herbal agents are used in high doses and for prolonged periods in order to successfully manage the root cause of this condition.  Depending upon the genetic information provided of affected individuals, different herbal treatment can be advised so as to target the known and specific causes for the condition.  Ayurvedic treatment is also required to strengthen the central nervous system and provide a soothing and corrective action, in addition to de-stressing the patient, so that the affected individual gradually is able to adopt a pattern of increasing night-time sleep, and reducing day-time sleep episodes.

Depending upon the known causes for the condition and the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal treatment of individuals affected with narcolepsy is required to be given for periods ranging from about three to six months.  A judicious combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in helping such individuals obtain significant remission in their condition and bring their lives to near normal.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of narcolepsy.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which is spread by tick bites.  Lyme disease manifests in three different phases.  These include the early localised phase of skin inflammation, followed by the early disseminated stage in which the heart and nervous system get involved. This is followed by the late phase of the disease where there is considerable motor and sensory nerve damage, brain inflammation and arthritis.  Maintenance of adequate hygiene is important in order to prevent transmission of this disease and individuals staying in tick areas need to learn or adopt techniques for the prevention and avoidance of tick bites such as using protective clothing.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Lyme disease is aimed at preventing infection and treating the symptoms according to the stage of the disease.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific anti-inflammatory and infective action form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition.  In addition, for the early phase, medicines which have a specific action on the skin and subcutaneous tissue and reduce the inflammation present in this area are used in order to treat the initial symptoms.  The second stage of the disease is treated with herbal medicines which have a specific action on the heart and nervous system.  At this stage too, medicines with an anti- infective action and anti-inflammatory action are important for the adequate management of the condition.

The third stage involves considerable inflammation of the nervous system including the spinal cord, as also infection and inflammation of the joints.  Treatment of this stage includes the use of herbal medicines which have a specific anti-inflammatory action both on the central nervous system as well as the joints, and a strengthening action on the nervous system.  Immunomodulatory treatment is also equally important in order to reduce treatment time, and improve the cure rate for this condition.

Depending upon the severity of the condition and the stage of presentation of the affected individual, the treatment of Lyme disease is required for periods ranging from four weeks to about six months, in order to obtain significant relief from this condition.  If an aggressive and regular treatment is instituted, most individuals affected even with the third stage can be completely cured of this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Lyme disease.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection caused by bacteria which cause miscarriage, still birth, premature birth and also serious infections in young children, elderly people, and people with a weakened immune system.  This disease is transmitted from mother to child, by inhalation of contaminated dust, consumption of contaminated dairy and meat products, and coming in contact with infected animals.  The common symptoms of this condition include fever, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, neck stiffness, irritability, convulsions, and coma.  While this condition can be fatal in people with an immunocompromised system, most healthy people usually recover from this condition within a few weeks.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Listeriosis is aimed at treating the infection, giving symptomatic treatment for the various symptoms, and improving the immune status of the affected individual.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial action are used in the management of this condition so as to control infection.  Medicines which have a normalising and corrective action on the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system are also very important in the management of this condition.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific immunomodulatory action are very important in the management of this condition, since these medicines modify the course and severity of the infection seen in this condition.  Herbal immune agents reduce treatment time, improve the cure rate, prevent relapse of the condition, and also prevent infection from fresh outbreaks.  Such herbal medicines have the added advantage of safety, since they can be given for prolonged periods even to pregnant women, so as to prevent later complications like miscarriage, still birth, premature birth, and infection in the newborn.  Such medicines can also be safely given to elderly people affected with this condition.

Depending upon the severity of infection, most individuals affected with this condition require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from one to six months, in order to significantly improve or cure this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Listeriosis.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Legionnaire’s Disease

Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia which is caused by a bacterium known as legionella.  The risk factors for this condition include old age, a history of smoking, the presence of chronic disorders like lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and cancer; a weakened immune system, and professional occupations related to air conditioning maintenance and repair.  The symptoms of this condition include high fever, chills, body pain, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, and other mental disorders.  This condition may also cause aggravation of infections in wounds and in other parts and systems of the body including the heart.  A weakened immune system increases the morbidity and mortality in this condition, and therefore, prompt and aggressive hospital treatment is important in the management of this disease.  Outbreaks of this condition can be reduced with meticulous cleaning and disinfection of water systems, pools and spas.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given as the mainstay of treatment if the affected individuals can be treated on an outpatient basis or as supportive therapy if intensive care in hospital is required.  In the latter case, the main focus of Ayurvedic treatment is on improving the immune status of the affected individual, so as to reduce treatment time and improve the cure rate.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial action form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition.  Medicines which have a specific action on the heart, brain, and lungs are also very useful while treating Legionnaire’s disease.  Ayurvedic medicines which have a specific action for treating fever and respiratory tract infections can also be used while treating this disease.

In addition to anti-infective therapy, Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents are also very important in the management of this condition in order to prevent or reduce the chances for infection.  Herbal medicines which improve the immune status of affected individuals can be used both for curative as well as preventive purposes.  Most individuals affected with this condition require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from two to eight weeks, in order to bring about a significant improvement or cure in this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Legionnaires disease.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition seen mostly in first born male children in the age group of 4 to 8 years, and is analogous to avascular necrosis of the hip seen in adults.  The head of the femur bone loses its blood supply and gradually collapses, after which it gradually re-forms and reshapes over a period of several years.  Symptoms of this condition include pain in the hip-joint, which is aggravated by activity and reduced by taking rest.  Early diagnosis of this condition and accurate management are important in order to prevent permanent damage to the joint and future disability.  The modern management of this condition includes a combination of rest, plaster- casting, physiotherapy, and medications.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition is similar to the treatment given for adult individuals having avascular necrosis of the hip, but in a much lower dose, depending upon the age of the affected child.  Herbal medicines are given which improve the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone.  In addition to these medicines, other herbal medicines are given which help in repair and re-moulding of the head of the femur-bone.  Herbal medicines which have a soothing and corrective action on the blood, blood vessels, and capillaries form the mainstay of treatment in the management of this condition.

Oral medication can also be supplemented with localised therapy in order to control pain and limitation of movement.  Local therapy is given in the form of application of medicated ointments and oils, followed by medicated steam fomentation.  These local treatments give considerable relief from pain and help in early movement and mobility of the affected joint.  A judicious combination of rest and graded exercises need to be advised in the management of this condition.

Most individuals affected with this condition require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from six to nine months, depending upon the severity of the condition.  Ayurvedic treatment can definitely improve the cure rate of individuals affected with this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Submandibular Sialadenitis

Submandibular sialadenitis is a condition involving inflammation and blockage of the submandibular gland which is one of the major salivary glands.  Acute infection is usually due to bacteria, while chronic inflammation is because of calculi formation, blockage in the salivary duct and reduced salivation.  Acute symptoms resolve within a few days to a few weeks, while chronic inflammation may take a more longer course which is relapsing and remitting.  This disease can also be associated with other medical conditions like Sjogren Syndrome.  Oral rehydration is an important step in the management of this condition.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for submandibular sialadenitis depends upon the cause of the condition.  Infection can be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific anti-infective and antibacterial action.  Anti-inflammatory medicines can also be given with these medicines in order to comprehensively treat the acute condition.  Oral medication can also be supplemented with local therapy in the form of gargles using solutions of various herbs.

Chronic submandibular sialadenitis may involve blockage of the opening into the oral cavity from the submandibular gland.  This may be due to chronic infection or the formation of calculi within the gland.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given to treat the chronic inflammation as well as to dissolve the calculi, so that the submandibular gland becomes healthy and starts discharging normal saliva into the oral cavity.  The chronic condition too can be treated both with oral medication as well as with local application of pastes and medicated oils.

Depending on the severity of the condition, chronic sialadenitis may require treatment for about 4 to 12 weeks, in order to bring about a significant improvement in the condition.  Most individuals achieve a complete cure with regular treatment.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of both acute as well as chronic submandibular sialadenitis.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com