Highly Successful and Effective Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip

Avascular necrosis is a disease resulting from death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply.  The hip bone is the most commonly affected due to this condition and long-term disease leads to eventual collapse of the joint. Modern management consists of the use of biphosphanates to reduce or slow down calcium loss from the bone, decompression surgery, physiotherapy, and - as a last resort – surgical joint replacement.

This condition usually causes severe pain, stiffness, and limitation of joint movement.  Activities of daily living are restricted because of this disease.  Most patients who resort to decompression surgery seldom obtain any benefit from the procedure.  Total joint replacement is a costly procedure and does not offer full joint mobility.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is highly effective and successful in the management AVN of the hip.  Treatment consists of aggressively using herbal tablets which are safe and effective for long-term use.  Additionally, a medicated enema is given weekly along with local application of medicated oils and fomentation.  Graded physiotherapy is also beneficial along with other treatment.  This combination treatment is very effective and successful in treating all the symptoms of AVN related to pain, stiffness, and limitation of movement.  Most people affected with AVN can walk normally and lead a normal life after a few months of Ayurvedic treatment.

In order to prevent further deterioration of the joint and to prevent a relapse, medicines can be continued in low dose as a supplementation therapy.  However, most patients consider themselves fully cured within a few months of treatment.  It is important to initiate Ayurvedic herbal treatment at the earliest possible in order to get maximum benefit and a complete cure.  The greater the joint destruction at commencement of therapy, the longer is the treatment required to reverse the entire pathology as well as all the symptoms.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilized in successfully and effectively treating AVN of the hip joint.

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 Acute intermittent Porphyria (AIP)

Acute intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is an acute manifestation of a metabolic medical disorder which is part of a group of inherited disorders.  AIP results from accumulation of porphyrins in the body due to deficiency of certain enzymes which are responsible for conversion of porphyrins into heme.  Heme is usually present in all the body tissues, but is mostly found in red blood cells, bone marrow and the liver.  The acute presentation causes symptoms like severe pain in abdomen, constipation, vomiting, muscular pain, convulsions, tingling and weakness, confusion, hallucinations, high blood pressure, and tachycardia.  The skin can also be affected, causing symptoms like itching and rash.

The modern management of AIP consists of hospital admission, intravenous glucose, and hematin tablets, if available.  There is no medication in the modern system of medicine to prevent or cure this problem.  Simple Ayurvedic medicines can be used to control as well as reduce symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting, and thereby prevent or reduce the need for hospital admission.  Regular use of Ayurvedic medicines based on the Ayurvedic interpretation of the disease can gradually control all symptoms and help the disease go into a complete remission.

After an initial phase of treatment for about six months, most patients affected with AIP can manage very well on their own without the need for multiple medications.  AIP can be precipitated by medications, fasting, smoking, infections, surgery, stress, menstrual hormones, excessive use of alcohol, and exposure to the sun.  It is therefore very important to avoid all aggravating factors and adopt suitable lifestyle modifications.

It is heartening to note that AIP can be very systematically treated and controlled with the help of Ayurvedic medicines, using Ayurvedic principles of 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 Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a medical disorder resulting from dysfunctional bone marrow production. While there is a simple and universal paucity of red blood cells and white blood cells in aplastic anemia, in MDS, in addition, these cells also display morphological abnormalities.  MDS causes symptoms of anemia, fatigue, fever, heart disease, bleeding, reduced urine output and shock. MDS can be primary or secondary; the later type is usually caused by the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, viral infection, exposure to chemicals, and a genetic disposition.

MDS can be successfully treated with the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the bone marrow.  Medicines which are effective on the Majja dhatu (tissue) are useful in the management of MDS;  in addition medicines which act on the blood tissue as well as liver and spleen are also effective in the management of symptoms. Medicines need to be given in high doses and for prolonged periods on order to be effective, so that they can bring about a remission and prevent relapse.

In order to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce treatment time, simple Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures are added to the oral treatment.  These include giving a series of medicated enemas (basti); especially, a medicine known as Tikta Ksheer can be effectively used as a series in the management of MDS.  This enema is known as Tikta Ksheer Basti.  Given in small amounts (100ml), these can be safely administered, without any contraindications, to all affected individuals without any risk of side effects.

Treatment ranging from six to ten months is usually very effectively in successfully managing patients affected with MDS. It is important to initiate treatment at an early stage in order to bring about an early and complete treatment response as well as prevent further complications such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  At this point, it is heartening to note that even such complications can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from MDS and most such patients can be very successfully managed on a long-term basis.

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 Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP)

Porphyria is a complex group of inherited disorders resulting from faulty and incomplete conversion of porphyrins into heme.  Though heme is present in almost all body tissues, it is most commonly found in the red blood cells.  An acute presentation of this condition is known as acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), since the attacks are intermittent and recurrent, and cause acute symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, muscular pain, high blood pressure, red urine, itching and skin rash, and symptoms related to the nervous system.

This acute presentation is usually treated with intravenous glucose and the use of the medication, Hematin, where available.  Most such patients are sensitive to many medications which have to be strictly avoided, once the diagnosis has been made.  AIP can be precipitated by medications, fasting, smoking, infections, surgery, stress, and excessive use of alcohol or exposure to sun.  Other than conservative treatment of the acute stage, which is usually done in the intensive care section of hospitals, there is no known preventive or curative treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicine.  However, using Ayurvedic pathophysiology, this condition can be treated very effectively with simple medicines and simple procedures of Panchkarma.

AIP is usually treated with herbal medicines which have a digestive and antispasmodic action as well as medicines which have a lubricating and laxative action.  Other than these, medicines which treat an overactive nervous system, as well as an overactive metabolism, are useful in the management of this condition.  Thus, medicines which are useful in the treatment of Vata and Pitta doshas are utilized in the management of AIP, as well as in the long-term management of porphyria.  Simple Panchkarma procedures such as full body massage and fomentation (mild snehan and swedan), and simple matra basti (medicated enemas in low doses) are highly effective in treating acute stage of AIP as well as preventing further attacks.

Most such patients go into full remission within a few months of treatment and can then be managed with low doses of medicines, a strict diet in which aggravation of vata and pitta have to be avoided, as well as suitable lifestyle modifications in order to avoid precipitating an acute attack.  AIP as well as porphyria can thus be effectively managed and treated successfully using the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

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

Effective, Proven and Safe Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Advanced Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common and debilitating condition which affects joints, causing severe limitations to quality of life and creating an enormous economic burden.  Though related to ageing, osteoarthritis can also be adversely affected by other factors like obesity, trauma, previous surgery or infection, and genetics.  Recent medical trends believe osteoarthritis to be a mix of inflammation and degeneration which affects the entire joint.  Weight bearing joints like the knee joints are primary affected with this condition.

In the initial stage of this disease, inflammation usually causes swelling of the joint and may last for prolonged periods ranging from years to several decades.  This stage is usually followed by a gradual loss of joint space due to softening and degeneration of the cartilage.  Advanced conditions usually causes joint deviation, for example, in the knee joint, there is a collapse of the inner side of the knee resulting in outward deviation of the joint and leg.

In the initial stages of osteoarthritis, almost any anti-inflammatory medicine, be it Allopathic or Ayurvedic, combined with local application of ointments, application of heat, and simple exercises, can result in a satisfactory resolution of symptoms and provide long term relief.  However, in the chronic phase of the disease, most medicines do not work and individuals affected with this disease usually progress and become suitable candidates for joint replacement or arthroplasty.  This is the usual state of affairs since there is no known Allopathic or modern medicine which can significantly stop the progress of the disease or modify the structural damage resulting from chronic and advanced osteoarthritis.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a dual advantage of complete safety and a significant ability to reverse the entire disease process as well as the structural damage resulting from osteoarthritis.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines help to reduce inflammation and swelling, repair damage to the cartilage, help in healing of damaged muscles and menisci, and remove overall inflammation and swelling of the entire joint capsule.  Herbal medicines also gradually repair damage to eroded bone ends.  Local applications of medicines as well as hot or cold compresses can provide immediate and temporal relief from pain; however, Ayurvedic herbal medicines, given orally, form the mainstay of treatment for chronic or advanced osteoarthritis.

Depending upon the severity of the condition and the degree of joint damage, Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be required for periods ranging from two to eighteen months; however, this treatment is usually successful in reversing the disease process and repairing structural damage to the maximum extent possible.  With this, even individuals with advanced osteoarthritis who have been advised joint replacement can successfully lead a normal quality of life and recover joint mobility to the maximum extent possible.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment is thus a viable, safe, effective and proven treatment modality for advanced osteoarthritis as compared to surgical options which can be prohibitively costly and still provide limited mobility after surgery.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management of severe or advanced osteoarthritis.

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

Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) forms part of a group of diseases known as motor neuron disease, in which the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles degenerate and die, causing a progressive muscular weakness.  A similar condition, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is usually hereditary, affects both upper and lower motor neurons, and can be fatal in the long run.  Unlike ALS, PLS affects only upper motor neurons, and is considered hereditary only if it occurs in childhood.  Though rare, some patients with PLS have been observed to gradually convert over time to ALS.

Common symptoms for PLS include imbalance, weakness, clumsiness, muscle cramps and pain, spasticity, speech and swallowing difficulties, difficulty in breathing, hyper-reflexia, emotional labiality, bladder urgency, and occasionally, cognitive changes.  Symptoms usually commence from the lower extremities and may gradually progress to the upper extremities.  The onset of symptoms is usually after 50 years of age, with a gradual progression over several decades.  There are currently no specific tests which are diagnostic of this condition.  A diagnosis is usually made by exclusion of other possible diseases, and long-term observation.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is similar for all motor neuron diseases.  The management of PLS includes the use of herbal medicines which have a specific action on the brain and the central nervous system.  Additionally, medicines which act on the neuromuscular junctions as well as the muscles and tendons are also very useful in the management of this condition.  A combination of medicines acting on the nerves as well as on muscles brings about the maximum possible benefit at the earliest.  The dosage of medicines needs to be progressively increased - subject to patient tolerance - over a period of several months, in order to bring about the maximum possible therapeutic benefit.

Herbal medicines which are useful in the management of PLS include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).  Herbal combinations and herbo-mineral medicines useful in the management of this condition include Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Maha Vat Vidhvans Ras, Khanj Nikari Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Vishtinduk Vati, Heerak Bhasma, Trivanga Bhasma, Triphala Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Panchatikta Ghruta Guggulu, and Sameerpannag Ras.

Oral treatment can also be supplemented with localized therapy in the form of full body massage using medicated oils, followed by steam fomentation using medicated decoctions. Medicated oils useful for massage include Maha Narayan oil, Maha Mashadi oil, and Maha Saindhavadi oil.  Medicated decoctions for steam fomentation are usually prepared from medicines like Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and Dashmool (Ten herbal roots).

Depending upon the chronicity and severity of symptoms, treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from 12 to 24 months.  Long-term, high dose herbal treatment can stabilize symptoms, reduce disability, bring about a gradual remission of the disease, prevent further deterioration, improve quality of life, and significantly increase the overall life span of affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of PLS.

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

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Periventricular leukomalacia is a medical condition which affects unborn or newborn children.  Premature babies are most at risk from this condition, which results from a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the periventricular areas of the brain.  This causes a softening and death of the white matter of the brain, resulting in a disruption of nerve impulses from the brain to the body muscles.  PVL can cause symptoms such as motor disorders, delayed mental development, coordination problems, and impaired hearing. In addition, cerebral palsy may result due to bleeding in the brain.  An ultrasonography examination of the head is usually required to make the diagnosis of PVL.  There is no specific treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicine.  Treatment of symptoms is symptomatic and supportive, with periodical medical screening.  The overall outcome for this condition depends upon the severity of brain damage which can cause symptoms ranging from very mild symptoms to significant disability and early death.

Brain damage and death of brain cells in the first few months of life carries with it a serious morbidity and mortality, and puts a severe constraint on the available and possible treatments.  Ayurvedic treatment for PVL consists of the application of highly aggressive therapy for prolonged periods in order to bring about the maximum possible improvement.  Herbal medicines have some strong advantages in the medication possible for PVL, since these can be given in high doses and for prolonged periods even for very small children.  The mainstay of treatment is the use of herbs which have a specific action on the brain and the central nervous system.  These medicines help in strengthening brain cells, in reversing brain damage to the maximum extent possible and bringing about new interconnections between the brain cells so as to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain cells to the body muscles. 

Herbal medicines which have a specific action of normalizing metabolism of damaged cells are very useful in the management of this condition. These medicines are useful in reversing damage to the periventricular areas of the brain.  Improvement is slow to take place; however, regular treatment for periods ranging from one to two years can bring about noticeable improvement in affected children, along with a significant improvement in neuromuscular and sensory disability.

Complex herbo-mineral combinations of medicines are best avoided while treating children affected with PVL.  Herbal medicines, as mentioned earlier, are the safest for prolonged use.  Useful medications to strengthen the brain include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis).  Herbal medicines which normalise metabolism and are useful in reversing brain damage include Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Pippali (Piper longum), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Patha (Cissampelos pariera), and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus).

Localized treatment in the form of light, full body massage, using medicated oils, can also be used to supplement oral herbal therapy.  The aim of Ayurvedic herbal treatment is to minimize long-term damage, improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, improve neuromuscular coordination and sensory ability, and increase the overall life span of affected children.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of Periventricular leukomalacia.

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