Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Ataxia Telangiectasia

Ataxia telangiectasia, also known as A-T or Louis Bar Syndrome, is a rare and inherited neuro-degenerative disease.  This disease is characterized by ataxia or poor coordination and movements as well as involuntary movements due to dysfunction of the cerebellum; dilated capillaries in different parts of the body – especially in the eyes - known as telangiectasia; a reduced immunity, causing a predisposition to infections of the ear, sinuses and lungs; an inability to repair broken DNA, thereby increasing the risk of cancer; delayed milestones; early ageing; and feeding as well as swallowing problems.

This disease usually makes an appearance in early childhood.  The conservative management of this condition includes symptomatic treatment as well as special education and supervision by a team of experts.  Ayurvedic treatment can be judiciously utilised to control and manage all the symptoms of this condition.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines are primarily used to strengthen the different parts of the brain and nerves, especially the cerebellum.  Herbal medicines are also given to improve neuromuscular coordination and strengthen nerves, muscles and tendons.

Concurrent herbal treatment also needs to be given to boost the immune status of the body and normalize damaged DNA in order to prevent the risk of infections and cancers, as well as to prevent early ageing and normalize growth of the body tissues.  Treatment also needs to be given to treat dilated capillaries and strengthen blood vessels.  Overall, medicines which normalize the growth of all the tissues in the body are useful in the management of this condition.  If required, localized supplementary treatment in the form of full body massage can also be done with the help of medicated herbal oils.

The normal life expectancy for individuals with ataxia telangiectasia is about 25 years; modern management has enabled a much longer survival for affected individuals.  Additional Ayurvedic treatment can help to significantly control and treat most of the symptoms of this disease.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can therefore definitely help to improve the quality of life of patients affected with ataxia telangiectasia.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as IC, is characterized by recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding region.  This condition is more common in women.  The severity and frequency of symptoms varies from person-to-person, and is usually associated with a frequency of urination or an urgent need to pass urine.  IC is also aggravated by menstruation and vaginal intercourse.

Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis can only be made when there is no known or demonstrable cause for the condition, such as infection or urinary stones.  This condition is usually associated with an irritable or scarred bladder wall.  Minute bleeding spots or patches of broken skin or ulcers can also be seen within the bladder wall.  Irritable bowel syndrome may also be associated with this condition.  The modern management of interstitial cystitis includes bladder distension, bladder instillation, oral medications, electrical nerve stimulation, bladder training and surgery.  Although different treatment modalities provide some sort of relief from the condition; however, none of these have so far proved to be a definite cure for interstitial cystitis.

Ayurvedic treatment can be effectively used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.  The demonstrable pathology of the disease can be treated by using medicines to reduce the irritation or stiffness of the bladder muscles.  Medicines can also be given to treat inflammation and ulceration which is commonly seen in this condition.  In addition, herbal medicines which have a strengthening effect on the entire genitourinary tract can be used judiciously to bring about considerable relief in the management of this condition.  Associated symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome also need to be treated separately.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment of interstitial cystitis needs to be given for periods ranging from two months to six months, depending upon the severity of the disease and individual response to the medicines.  Overall, the majority of individuals affected with interstitial cystitis can be given significant relief with the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.

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 Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)

Central serous retinopathy, aka CSR, is a disease of the eyes in which there is loss of vision due to accumulation of fluid beneath the retina.  There is localised retinal detachment in mostly male patients aged 20 to 50.  The loss of vision is usually painless and sudden.  This condition may be significantly related to stress and the use of steroids.  About 80 to 90% of affected individuals recover spontaneously within 6 months; however, the remaining 10% may have persistent symptoms or recurrent episodes.  A variant known as type II CSR demonstrates more widespread retinal pathology and is associated with a more serious prognosis.

In CSR, there is accumulation of choroidal fluid beneath the retina due to breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium.  This condition can therefore be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce the accumulation of fluid and strengthen the retinal epithelium in order to prevent further leakage.  Ayurvedic medicines are also given to strengthen all the components of the eye so as to be stress resistant so that there are no long-term recurrences of the condition.  Treatment needs to be given for about three to four months in order to bring about a complete remission of the disease and significantly reduce chances of recurrence.  Individuals with type II CSR may need to be treated more aggressively and for longer periods.

Ayurvedic herbal eye drops can also be used to supplement the oral treatment. Some patients may need additional treatment for stress. Some individuals report concurrent problems of gastritis or kidney disease, which may need additional treatment.

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 Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which individuals experience excessive sweating from specific areas of the body such as the armpits, palms and soles of feet.  In most individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, the cause is usually unknown; however, sweating is aggravated due to stress, heat, and eating spicy food.  This idiopathic variety of the disease is usually bilateral.  Hyperhidrosis due to secondary causes is usually due to trauma, neurological disorders, or as a result of medications.  Hyperthyroidism can cause excessive, generalized sweating.

Conservative treatment for hyperhidrosis includes local application of antiperspirants; medications to treat the overactive sweat glands; Botulinum toxin injections; laser ablation; and surgery.  Most individuals do not get satisfactory results with these measures; surgery can bring about significant relief in sweating from the palms; however, it can itself create fresh problems for the affected individual.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be successfully utilized to treat the overactive sweat glands, reduce stress, and treat the overactive sympathetic nervous system.  A majority of individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis have also been found to be suffering from hyperacidity which needs to be treated separately.  Most individuals get relief from the first month of treatment, which is continued for another few months to establish a complete remission of symptoms.  The medicines are then gradually tapered over the next few months and stopped altogether.  Treatment is in the form of herbal medicines to be taken orally, and local applications are usually not required.  If medicines are tapered slowly, a recurrence of the problem is rarely seen.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be successfully utilised to treat hyperhidrosis, which can be socially distressing and embarrassing to affected individuals.

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 Chronic Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune-related disease known for its chronic and refractory nature.  There are five different types of psoriasis, of which the commonest is the plaque type, in which skin cells pile up and create a silvery appearance.  When the plaque is removed, pinpoint bleeding spots can be seen in the skin below. It is estimated that nearly six million people in the US and nearly 21 million people in India are affected with various forms of psoriasis.  While not life-threatening, this chronic skin condition can cause considerable disability and loss of quality of life, in addition to being socially embarrassing and psychologically distressing.

Various treatments are currently available for psoriasis in the form of local applications and oral treatment.  While these treatments do provide temporarily relief, currently there is no known cure for psoriasis with conservative treatment.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines, given in high doses, can gradually bring about a complete remission in most patients of chronic psoriasis.  Treatment needs to be regularly taken for about four to six months to obtain a complete remission, with a complete resolution of all the patches on the skin, which assumes a normal appearance.

After a complete remission of the disease, medicines which were initially  required to be given thrice daily can then be reduced to twice daily for a few months and then once daily for another few months.  This ensures that the patient remains in remission and there is no relapse of the disease.  Local Ayurvedic applications in the form of ointments, oils and pastes can be used to help supplement the oral treatment.  The treatment protocol for psoriasis requires to be individualised according to the response of each patient; however, significant relief can be obtained by nearly all patients, provided regular treatment is taken.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus provide relief to millions of people affected with psoriasis.

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