Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment and Management of Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a medical condition in which the aortic valve is narrower than normal and causes less blood flow into the aorta from the left ventricle of the heart. This can cause fatigue and fainting due to less oxygen supply, as well as breathlessness and heart failure due to enlargement of the left ventricle. Increased blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm can also be caused due to this condition. Congenital causes such as a two leaflet valve instead of the normal three-leaved one, high blood pressure, obesity, old age, and infection and inflammation are known causes for this condition.

A clinical history, clinical examination, and tests like ECG, 2d echo and stress test are usually sufficient for a diagnosis of this condition; rarely, cardiac catheterization may be required. Conservative treatment is given in the form of medications to reduce high blood pressure, reduce abnormal heart rhythm, improve heart efficiency, and reduce obesity. Surgical procedures involve dilatation of the valve (balloon valvuloplasty) – usually done in children - and valve replacement using open heart surgery or by a catheter procedure known as TAVR which is less invasive.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be judiciously used in the successful long term management of aortic stenosis. Herbal medicines are used to control blood pressure, reduce obesity, reduce calcium deposition and thereby reduce thickening, hardening and scarring of valve leaflets, use specific medicines to make the aortic valve more pliable, improve heart muscle strength and efficiency, improve cardiac output, and treat or reduce abnormal heart rhythm. If required, herbal medicines can also be given to treat long term infection and inflammation.

Most patients with mild to moderate aortic valve stenosis can be managed very well using Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Treatment is usually required for about 8-10 months. For patients with moderately severe stenosis, some medicines to maintain heart efficiency and normalize blood pressure may be required on a long term or lifelong basis. Patients with very severe aortic stenosis are best treated surgically; however, those who are not fit for surgery - for various reasons - may still be managed well with Ayurvedic herbal treatment.

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

Successful Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Chronic and Recurrent Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a medical condition in which there is inflammation and damage to the pancreas due to gall stones, or alcohol binges along with fatty food consumption. The pancreatic juices which are responsible for the digestion of food can cause auto-digestion of the pancreas due to the inflammation process. An acute attack can be dangerous, with the potential for serious complications like infection, peritonitis, abdominal rupture and septicaemia.

An acute attack is best treated in an intensive care unit of a well equipped hospital. However, recurrent attacks of pancreatitis can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can also reverse the damage and inflammation to the pancreas and prevent recurrence of attacks. Early commencement of Ayurvedic treatment can bring about a full recovery and prevent permanent damage.

Ayurvedic treatment is equally effective in both adults as well as children. An average of about 6 months of treatment is required for most patients. It is important to reduce weight and avoid intake of alcohol, tobacco, and fatty foods. Patients with gall stones need to be treated aggressively with Ayurvedic medicines.

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 of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed, scaly patches which may cover a major part of the skin. This disease is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system itself targets some specific organs or systems in the body, causing inflammation and damage. Inflammation, itching and recurrent breakout of skin rash can cause serious psychological stress, which can further aggravate and fuel the condition.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can tame and gradually cure this condition using a systematic approach of detoxification, rejuvenation, and specifically targeting the skin and subcutaneous tissues with healing herbs. Chronic infection, inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, high levels of stress, and faulty diet and damaging lifestyles are important concerns which need to be addressed aggressively. While treating the condition with appropriate herbs, physicians advise patients about the daily food intake and dos and don’ts.

Recurrence is common with this condition and stress is a major contributing factor. This needs to be treated both by taking adequate medications as well as modifying attitudes, work styles, long term goals, and adopting a spiritual outlook. Exposure to adequate sunlight and fresh air is also very important for long term health.

Depending upon severity, patient compliance and response to medicines, average treatment time ranges from about 4 to 12 months.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and  www.ayurvedaphysician.com   For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of psoriasis, kindly click here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease which involves increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can in the long run cause right sided heart failure and death. Weakness, breathlessness, and occasional giddiness and falls are vague symptoms; signs and symptoms of right sided heart failure usually present in advanced cases or in those without treatment. 2-d echo tests, along with a clinical history, a possible family history, and other supporting tests can help in a diagnosis.

Congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, left ventricular failure, connective tissue disease, infections, drug toxicity, chronic lung disease, high altitude disease, tumors; and disorders related to metabolic disease, blood clotting diseases, and systemic diseases,  are all possible causes for PAH. When no specific cause can be located for the condition, it is termed as idiopathic PAH.

Treatment of PAH is with drugs which bring about smooth muscle relaxation of arteries thereby causing vasodilatation and reduction in pressure of pulmonary arteries. Calcium channel blockers and derivatives of prostacycline form the mainstay of this treatment. With the use of these medications, the overall prognosis of patients with PAH has improved considerably, along with increased survival rates. Patients who do not tolerate these drugs or do not respond satisfactorily to these medications can be started on Ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines reduce inflammation, reduce blockage, bring about vessel dilatation, and reduce resistance. Herbal medicines which act on blood, blood vessels, lung tissue, as well as the gastrointestinal system are used in combinations to bring about maximum benefit to patients. It is also important to treat the known causes of PAH. Multi pronged herbal therapy which acts on several tissues has a much better clinical effect and the patient gets sustained benefit even after cessation of therapy.

Most patients with mild to moderate severity of PAH get significant relief with about 8-12 months of treatment and maintain themselves well even without drugs for several years. Adequate life style modifications are required so that the chances for recurrence are completely avoided or minimized. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilized in the comprehensive management of PAH.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic physician at  https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of PAH, kindly click here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare autoimmune disorder which involves generalized inflammation of small arteries in the body affecting mostly the skin, joints, peripheral nerves, intestines and kidneys, though the lings are usually spared. Common symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, skin ulcerations or tender nodules, and severe muscle and joint pains, developing over weeks or months. PAN may be related to Hepatitis B and C infections, as also to genetic mutations. This disease can have serious long-term complications, especially if associated with intestinal, renal, heart or brain damage.

Conservative treatment is usually with steroids and immune suppressant drugs. The overall outlook can be considerably improved with these medicines; however, the long term prognosis still remains grim. Since multiple organs and body systems may get involved, this condition may require comprehensive management by a group of multispecialty physicians.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in comprehensively treating PAN including the inflammation and damage to arteries, as well as treating and preventing long term complications. Herbal medicines can treat inflamed arteries, reduce the formation of micro aneurysms, and prevent long term damage, blockage and infarct, which cause long term damage to the organs they supply. Herbal medicines can also induce healing in inflamed arteries without compromising on immunity. Associated symptoms, or known causes, such as hepatitis, and chronic infections, need to be treated separately with appropriate herbs.

For a complete remission and to prevent long term relapses, the full spectrum of Ayurvedic treatment needs to be given, including detoxification, rejuvenation, and immune modulation. The various stages of these treatments need different medicines, while the herbs for the presenting symptoms and PAN pathology are continued concurrently.

Depending upon the type of presentation, the severity of presenting symptoms, and the stage at which treatment has been commenced; Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given from periods ranging from 8 months to nearly 18 months, in order to be able to fully treat all the clinical presentations of PAN. Judiciously used, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can successfully manage and treat PAN, and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from this disease. Early commencement of treatment ensures a more complete cure and reduces the chances for long term complications or relapse.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic consultant at  www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com  and www.ayurvedaphysician.com  You can start treatment for this condition here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the smooth cartilage which lines the long bones and forms joints. This can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement. The knee, hip, spine and hands are most commonly affected. OA is most commonly due to old age, obesity, trauma, occupational hazards, and genetic influences; it is more common in women. Treatment is with pain killers, physical activity, weight loss measures, local injections, and surgery to correct bone deformity or joint replacement. Most affected people do well with conservative treatment. Regular physical activity is important to maintain stability of the joint, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce pain.

People usually try alternative treatment when they do not get satisfactory relief or get only temporary relief with modern medicines and conservative measures to treat OA. With moderate or advanced OA, the damage to cartilage as well as the associated symptoms keeps progressing. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective in treating both moderate as well as advanced OA. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic medicines need to be given in high doses for about 3 to 6 months to get complete relief from pain, swelling and other symptoms related to OA.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also very effective in treating advanced OA, especially for those people who have been advised complete joint replacement. Aggressive treatment with herbal medicines, combined with local pain relief ointments, graded exercises, and weight loss measures have resulted in stabilizing affected individuals to such an extent that joint replacement is no longer required. Treatment duration for such patients is usually about 6 to 12 months. Side effects or unwanted effects of Ayurvedic medicines used for such patients are virtually nonexistent, even though high doses are required to effectively treat advanced OA.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a very important role to play in the treatment and management of OA.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at  www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com   and      www.ayurvedaphysician.com    You can start treatment for this condition here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a medical condition involving a mix of several autoimmune diseases. Patients typically complain of Reynaud’s phenomenon, swollen fingers, joint pain, hardening skin, pulmonary hypertension, difficulty in swallowing, and painful muscles. The presence of U1 RNP and snRNP antibodies is diagnostic of this condition. Women are affected more than men. The presence of pulmonary hypertension and other symptoms related to the cardiovascular system indicate an adverse prognosis.

Most patients are managed with drugs to treat pain and swelling, low dose steroids, and immune suppressing agents. Symptomatic treatment is given for difficulty in swallowing and acid reflux. Patients with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease as well as heart involvement require special attention.

The Ayurvedic treatment of MCTD involves detoxification, reduction of generalized inflammation, and special rejuvenation therapy for the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system. Once the symptoms gradually start subsiding, immune modulating herbs are introduced slowly. Special care is required since most patients are already on steroid and immune suppressant therapy. As inflammation decreases, the body gradually starts accepting immune modulation and immune strengthening treatment.

Treatment is continued till all symptoms are completely in remission; at this stage, modern medicines like steroids and immune suppressant drugs need to be tapered off gradually. This stage is highly sensitive, since the patient may experience an aggravation of symptoms for about 1-2 months.  Counseling and encouragement needs to be given to the patient at this stage to continue with the treatment. Once the aggravation subsides, then further treatment can be given to treat any residual symptoms and build up the immune system of the body so that it works to the patient’s advantage.

Treatment is then gradually reduced in dosage and frequency so that the patient can start living a life free of medication. Most patients with MCTD, or for that matter, any autoimmune disease, require regular treatment for a period of about 12 to 18 months for a complete remission of the disease with complete cessation of all modern drugs.   It is important to educate the patient to adopt a healthy life style and healthy eating habits, as well as avoid stress, so as to prevent a relapse of the condition.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a specific role to play in the successful management and treatment of MCTD.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and  www.ayurvedaphysician.com for Ayurvedic herbal treatment of MCTD, kindly click here