Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disease involving the formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. This disease is quite significant since it is potentially life-threatening, with a high mortality rate of 5-15%, even though affecting only the skin and mucous membranes. Circulating antibodies are directed against the keratinocyte cell surfaces in the skin; this causes a loss of cell-to-cell adhesion, resulting in a breach of the skin epidermis, thereby causing blisters. These blisters are of varying size, and may appear on normal or inflamed skin. The blisters are fragile and rupture easily; these are painful and heal slowly, usually without scarring. Almost all patients present with oral cavity involvement; other mucous membranes which may be involved include the conjunctiva, esophagus, labia, vagina, cervix, vulva, penis, urethra, nasal mucosa, and anus.

Diagnosis is usually made by skin biopsy from the edge of a blister; direct immunoflourescence (DIF) on normal-appearing skin surrounding the blister or plucked hair sheaths; and indirect immunoflourescence (IDIF) using the patient’s serum. ELISA tests can detect the presence of antibodies and these titers correlate well with disease activity. While antidesmoglein 3 antibodies are present in patients having only mucosal involvement, the course of the disease correlates well to antidesmoglein 1 antibody levels. Reversion of DIF test to negative can be used as an indicator of remission and for monitoring while tapering medicines.

Treatment of PV is mainly with corticosteroids to reduce and stop the inflammation process. Immune suppressing medicines are sometimes used early on in the course of the disease as steroid-sparing medication. Fatalities are more common in the first 5 years of the disease, and are related to susceptibility to infection, as well as fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Morbidity and mortality is related to the severity and extent of the disease, the dosage of steroids required to induce remission, as well as the presence of co-morbidities. Elderly patients and patients with extensive disease have a more serious prognosis. The long term use of steroids and immune suppressants also contributes to the overall morbidity and mortality. Rituximab, sulfasalazine, pentoxyphylline, methotrexate and dapsone have been used as steroid-sparing drugs. Intravenous immunoglobin therapy and plasmapheresis have been used with some degree of success in refractory patients.

Because of the high mortality of this disease as well as the contributing toxicity of steroids and immune suppressants drugs, Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a significant role to play in the overall long term treatment and management of PV. This being an autoimmune disorder, the treatment protocol includes a multipronged approach of detoxification, proper nutrition, rejuvenation of body systems, immune modulation, as well as specific treatment for the actual systems or organs affected.

Special attention is focused on strengthening the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. This involves the use of medicines which act specifically on the skin and mucous membranes as well as on blood vessels. Herbal medicines which have immune modulating properties as well as act specifically on skin and mucous membranes are very useful in this scenario. Medicines also need to be given to help in healing of ulcers, and for the prevention of secondary infection in the sores.

Detoxification for each patient needs to be tailor-made according to the severity and chronicity of PV lesions. While some patients may require just a few additional medicines to boost kidney and liver function, yet others may require an elaborate detoxification plan for induced emesis, induced purgation, and blood-letting. Known in Ayurveda as Panch-karma, these procedures may be used as standalone or as combination-procedures. These detoxification procedures may provide rapid remission of PV symptoms; however, patients need to be selected carefully, since most affected with PV are old or have concurrent comorbid conditions.

Depending upon the severity of the condition as well as the response of patients to treatment, Ayurvedic herbal medicines may need to be given for periods ranging from about 6 to 10 months. With regular treatment, most patients affected with PV respond well to Ayurvedic herbal treatment and more than 80 % achieve full remission. Gradual tapering of medicines, as well as suitable modifications in diet and lifestyle, can help prevent recurrence of the condition. Aggravating factors like stress and certain medications also need to be avoided. A judicious utilization of Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus bring about significant improvement in PV and considerably minimize the mortality due to this condition.

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 PV, kindly click here

Chronic Urticaria – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Urticaria, also known commonly as hives, is an allergic reaction of the skin with characteristic red, itchy patches of various size and shape. The individual patches usually subside within 24 hours, without any pigmentation or scaling. This condition is known as chronic urticaria if lesions recur for more than 6 weeks. A more serious variant of this condition is known as angioedema, in which the swelling goes much deeper and involves the mucous membrane, usually in areas like the eyelids, lips and tongue.

Chronic urticaria is usually diagnosed clinically with the help of a detailed medical history and physical examination. Further investigations may be required in case of a concurrent history of parasitic infection, thyroid disorder, or autoimmune disorder. Rarely, a skin biopsy may be required if the lesions persist for more than 24 hours at a time, or there are accompanying features of skin bleeds, autoimmunity, fever or arthritis.

Chronic urticaria is usually divided into three subsets: 1) Physical or inducible urticaria, also known as symptomatic dermatographism, cholinergic urticaria, and pressure urticaria. About 20 % of patients present with this subtype, in which the trigger is some consistent, identifiable factor such as mechanical stimuli (pressure, vibration), temperature changes, sweating, stress, sun exposure, and water contact.2) Chronic urticaria secondary to some underlying medical condition; however, this is very rare. 3) The largest subtype is known as chronic idiopathic urticaria or chronic spontaneous urticaria. No definite causative factor can be attributed to this subtype; however, in about 20-45 % of such patients, there may be an underlying autoimmune process driving the disease.

The standard management of chronic urticaria includes the use of anti-histamines to reduce the rash as well as itching. Most people with mild symptoms can be managed well with these medicines itself. For those with moderately severe symptoms, additional medicines like colchicine, dapsone, and steroids are given for a limited time period. Those with an autoimmune process may require immune modulating drugs, while a small percentage may require anti-thyroid medications.

It is equally important to avoid triggers like mental stress, overtiredness, tight fitting clothes, alcohol, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Application of soothing ointments can help relieve itching; night time pruritis can be alleviated by lukewarm baths. Chronic urticaria may last from months to years; however, about 50 % patients experience remission within a year with proper treatment. With the exception of angioedema, this disease is not life threatening; however, it can significantly affect the quality of life.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be used with very good results in the treatment of chronic urticaria, especially in those patients who do not respond to conventional therapy. Herbal medicines can be used to reverse the basic pathology of the disease. Medicines which strengthen the skin tissue, treat allergy, and prevent recurrence, are used to reduce symptoms. Medicines useful in this condition are those which act on the skin, subcutaneous tissue, mucus membranes, capillaries, and blood.

Ayurveda also differentiates the treatment protocol for chronic urticaria based on the symptoms and specific causes. Urticaria with predominantly ‘Vata’ dosha symptoms is known as ‘Sheeta-pitta’;  with dominant ‘Pitta’ symptoms, it is known as “Utkotha”; while with dominant ‘Kapha’ symptoms, it is known as ‘Udarda’. Each of these types of urticaria is treated differently, according to the clinical presentation, causative factors, and severity. For patients with refractory symptoms, purification Panchkarma procedures like induced emesis, induced purgation, and bloodletting are utilized, either as stand-alone procedures, or as combinations, or even as repeat combination-procedures, if indicated.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines also need to be given to treat chronic gastro-intestinal symptoms, repeated worm infestations, thyroid disorders, chronic stress, latent infections, and chronic inflammation. For patients with an underlying autoimmune process driving chronic urticaria, an elaborate treatment needs to be planned, which includes detoxification; treatment of chronic inflammation; healing of damaged organs, tissues and body systems; rejuvenation using tonifying medicines; provision of specific nourishment; gradual immune modulation; and providing treatment for the specific type of chronic urticaria.

With proper and regular treatment, most patients having chronic urticaria can be fully treated in about 4-8 months. Before commencing treatment, it is important to do a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis, in order to achieve a quick remission. Depending upon the severity, patients with autoimmune disease may require treatment for longer periods. It is equally important to adopt suitable lifestyle modifications and avoid know triggers.

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 chronic urticaria, kindly click on this link https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com/product-page/urticaria-chronic 

Multiple Myeloma – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma or Kahler’s disease, is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are responsible for producing different antibodies against infections to which the body is exposed. Myeloma features an abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, causing destructive bone lesions, and producing an abnormal protein known as monoclonal antibody or M protein. Common symptoms include anemia, fatigue, weight loss and weakness, unexplained fever, bleeding, bone pain and bone tenderness, hypercalcemia, fractures, kidney disease, nerve pains, enlarged tongue, skin lesions, and an increased susceptibility to infections.

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is as yet unknown; however, it is believed that exposure to chemicals, radiation, and viruses; immune disorders; and a family or genetic history, may cause or trigger the disease. This condition is usually seen in middle and old age. A detailed medical history and clinical examination, coupled with multiple blood and urine tests, along with x-ray and bone marrow tests may be required for a confirmed diagnosis of myeloma.

Based upon the severity, the disease is usually divided into three stages and has a median survival of about three years; however, there may be wide variations, depending upon the disease severity, immune status of the patient, and the response to treatment. Although there is presently no cure for this disease, a combination of treatments can help achieve a prolonged remission. Treatment includes immune-modulators, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, blood transfusions, and plasmapheresis.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be used concurrently with modern treatment in order to bring about a complete remission of the disease and prevent a relapse. In order to reverse the basic pathophysiology of the disease, herbal medicines are given to neutralize and remove the malignant plasma cells and help the bone marrow produce normal blood precursors. The deposition of abnormal protein causes damage in various organs, and this needs to be treated separately. Kidney damage can be reversed completely if treated with herbs at early detection. Nerve damage and neuropathy has to be treated with herbal medicines which act on the central nervous system as well as on peripheral nerve endings. Medicines which act on the blood tissue need to be given on order to treat anemia, abnormal bleeding, and skin rashes.

Other herbs are added to help treat bone pain, reduce crowding of plasma cells in bone, prevent fractures, and bring about healing of bone lesions. Severe bone pain is a typical feature of advanced disease. Highly aggressive treatment is required in order to provide relief from bone pain, bone tenderness and prevent fractures. Sometimes, a special Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedure known as Tikta-Ksheer basti is needed. In this procedure, several courses of enemas of medicated oils and medicated milk are given to help ease off bone lesions.

Immune modulation is an important part of treatment to help prevent severe infections. For multiple myeloma, Ayurvedic herbo-mineral drugs, known as Rasayanas, are used judiciously with maximum impact in reversing most of the symptoms and signs of this condition. It is important to choose one or several Rasayanas which regulate blood and bone marrow metabolism, modulate immunity, reverse weakness and weight loss, and also treat anemia and low grade fever. At the same time, these medicines should be well tolerated by the patient and should not have any adverse effects on important body organs like the kidneys, liver and heart.

Once a patient achieves remission, it is important to gradually taper off the treatment while continuing a few important medicines so as to prevent a relapse. Blood and urine tests are used to monitor for a relapse. With a combination of modern and Ayurvedic treatment, most patients having multiple myeloma achieve remission within 12 to 18 months. In order to prevent a relapse, they need low dose medications and monitoring for at least 5 years.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used in combination with modern treatment to successfully manage and treat multiple myeloma.

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

Tinnitus – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Abnormal sounds in the ear are known as tinnitus; these can be of varying types such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping or whistling. The sounds may be continuous or intermittent; and may vary in intensity from being mild – which may be just a nuisance – to severe or very severe, and may adversely affect interpersonal relations and quality of life. It may or may not be associated with hearing loss.

Tinnitus can be caused by excess accumulation of wax in ears; ear or sinus infections; sudden or prolonged exposure to loud sounds; Meniere disease (a disease of the inner ear), otosclerosis (hardening of the middle ear bones); neck and jaw problems; neck and head injury; certain diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, allergies, anemia, underactive thyroid and diabetes; natural aging (due to hardening of arteries and degeneration of sensory hair in the inner ear); and drugs like aspirin, certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, quinine medications, and some diuretics. Tinnitus may be aggravated by fatigue, stress, smoking, and consumption of alcohol or caffeinated drinks.

The standard management of tinnitus involves looking for and treating any known causes for the condition. This includes - as the case may be – wax removal; antibiotic drops and oral medication for infection; medical and surgical treatment for trauma, tumors and otosclerosis; specific treatment of unrelated medical issues which may be the cause for tinnitus; and avoidance of drugs which may be causing or aggravating this condition. Anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs in low doses are helpful in some people. Sound masking devices may be used to reduce exposure to loud sounds. Tinnitus training therapy, cognitive therapy and biofeedback may also be used to mitigate the effects of tinnitus. While tinnitus may resolve spontaneously in a few individuals, yet, in other affected people, it may not get eliminated or reduced in spite of removing all known causes as well as taking adequate treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given to those affected individuals who have tinnitus refractory to standard treatments and with poor quality of life due to its severity. The primary pathophysiology of tinnitus relates to degeneration and dysfunction of the sensory hair in the inner ears, and distorted auditory input being conveyed to the brain. Treatment is given to reverse or reduce this pathology by using herbal medicines which strengthen and tonify the inner ear components as well as modulate auditory nerve impulses. Most of these herbs also serve to reduce stress and fatigue, which are known to aggravate or amplify the effects of tinnitus.

Additional Ayurvedic treatment is also given to treat specific causes of tinnitus. For otosclerosis, herbal medicines are used which reduce calcification, and make the middle ear bones more pliable and responsive to sound waves. In the case of Meniere’s disease, Ayurvedic medicines are used which reduce the pressure and fluid overload in the inner ears. People with a known history of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are given herbal medicines which reduce atherosclerosis and stiffening of arteries, and make blood vessels more elastic. Some people with severe tinnitus have a history of serious allergies, and herbal treatment for this brings about significant amelioration of tinnitus symptoms.

Ayurvedic tonics known as Rasayanas are useful in several people with tinnitus; it is believed that these medicines improve digestion and tonify the metabolism of the body at the tissue level as well as at the cellular level. While the use of medicated oils as ear drops in tinnitus treatment is controversial – and especially contraindicated in people with perforated ear drums – this treatment does have a place in softening impacted wax; treating  hardened and over-sensitive eardrums; and as additional therapy in aged people. Some medicated oils are mild and have a soothing and strengthening effect, while others are strong and have an irritating or stimulant effect; these have to be selected and used on a case-to-case basis.

Depending upon the severity and cause of tinnitus, most affected people get significant relief or a cure from this condition with about 4 to 6 months of treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilized in the management and treatment of tinnitus.

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 tinnitus, kindly click here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment – Acute Intermittent Porphyria

Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is a medical condition which forms part of a rare group of hereditary conditions known as Porphyrias, which involve defects in heme metabolism, resulting in excessive secretion of porphyrins.  This causes intermittent episodes of acute abdominal pain, neuropathies, and constipation.  Heme is the iron part of hemoglobin in blood. Other porphyrias include skin and central nervous system involvement. Diagnosis is confirmed by elevated levels of urine porphobilinogen, and conservative treatment is with intravenous glucose infusion, which inhibits heme synthesis and helps reduce abdominal pain.  Patients having attacks of severe pain and those with neurological involvement usually require treatment with Hematin.

All individuals having this genetic defect have increased levels of porphyrins secretion, but all do not experience symptoms. It is stipulated that systemic inflammation brings about a reduction in kidney function as well as neurological damage, which in turn causes peripheral and autonomic neuropathies and psychiatric symptoms. AIP usually occurs in the age from 18 to 40, with women being more affected than men. Attacks of abdominal pain usually last from 3 to 7 days. Precipitating factors include unknown causes, fasting, alcohol, prolonged exposure to sun, stress, heavy exercises, and drugs like Phenobarbital, estrogens, and sulphonamides.

Individuals having AIP who have recurring attacks, severe incapacitating neuropathies, and those having severe neuropsychiatric manifestations are suitable candidates for Ayurvedic herbal treatment. Ayurvedic treatment not only provides good symptomatic relief, it also significantly reduces inflammation, which is the hallmark of severe symptoms and recurrence. Involvement of the skin and central nervous system has to be treated separately.

With the commencement of Ayurvedic treatment, most patients get relief from severe pain within 1 to 5 days. Further treatment is aimed at preventing a recurrence, and ensuring a good bowel movement. Patients need to be treated regularly for about 3 to 5 months in order to get lasting relief and freedom from recurrence of the symptoms. Treatment is then tapered off and stopped completely. For day to day medical issues, short courses of simple Ayurvedic medicines are given to treat symptoms. Ayurvedic medicines are tolerated quite well and have not been known to aggravate or precipitate AIP; however, patients should avoid self-medication, and take treatment from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. It is equally important to avoid all known precipitating factors.

Patients having skin involvement usually present with severe itching; this can be controlled very well with Ayurvedic herbs within a few weeks. Patients having neuropsychiatric symptoms or motor neuropathy need specialized treatment for longer periods – nearly 6 to 9 months. Along with oral medication, Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures like full body massage, fomentations, medicated enemas and Shiro-bastis may be required. A few patients with severe involvement of the nervous system may even require medications for up to 2 years for a full remission of symptoms.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines can thus be judiciously utilized in the successful management and treatment of AIP as well as all porphyrias.

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

Migraine - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Migraines are severe headaches that occur along with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. The age at onset is usually between 10 and 40 years, with women being 3 times as likely to suffer from migraine as compared to men.  Duration of an attack may be between 4 to 72 hours; in a few individuals, it may be longer. This medical condition is significant because of its incapacitating nature and high prevalence; nearly 1 in 7 persons are affected worldwide, and it is more common than diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma combined. Nearly I billion people worldwide are estimated to be suffering from this neurological disease. Migraines may aggravate with menstruation; some women find that this condition improves or disappears by the age of 50.

Migraines tend to run in families; even the trigger factors may be inherited. Stress, certain foods (such as aged cheese, chocolate, alcohol, and certain food additives), caffeine, changes in weather, bright light, menstruation, fatigue, skipping meals, and changes in sleep, can trigger migraines. Triggers activate the trigeminal nerve, which releases chemicals responsible for causing increased swelling in the blood vessels lining the brain. This releases neurotransmitters which cause pain and inflammation.  Typical migraine symptoms may also be accompanied by symptoms affecting the eyes and brain, which may be severe enough to warrant hospital admission and intensive care.

The conservative management of migraine includes over-the-counter pain killers, medicines to counter nausea and vomiting, preventive medications (medicines to control blood pressure, convulsions, antidepressants, and CGRP inhibitors), biofeedback, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Avoiding the known trigger factors, stress management, relaxation training, regular meal schedule, and moderate exercise can also help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. Other than those suffering from comorbid medical conditions, people affected with migraine usually have normal blood and imaging reports.

The Ayurvedic management of people with migraine involves taking a detailed medical history; including severity and frequency of symptoms, trigger factors, diet and lifestyle. Lifestyle and dietary modifications are suggested. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given to provide symptomatic relief from symptoms as well as to treat the known causes, as determined by the clinical history. The treatment of hyperacidity, indigestion, constipation, and stress, go a long way in successfully treating migraine as well as preventing further episodes. It is important to treat inflammation in cranial blood vessels in order to reduce the tendency for recurrent migraine attacks, as well as to treat a hyper-reactive nervous system.

In addition to oral treatment, medicated nose drops are used to treat inflammation of blood vessels and involvement of the brain, which may – in individuals with severe migraine – mimic symptoms of stroke, blindness, and glaucoma.  Nose drops may be used both to alleviate an acute attack as well as to prevent migraine. Regular courses of medicated enemas are used to treat a hyper-reactive nervous system. A special treatment modality known as Shirobasti is used to treat severe forms of stress which may be causing recurrent attacks of migraine.

Refractory patients who do not respond well to simple oral treatment are given courses of Panchkarma detoxification treatments in the form of periodical blood-letting and induced purgation. The treatment response varies widely from patient to patient; some individuals with long-standing, severe symptoms respond dramatically to just one short course of treatment, while others with milder symptoms may require a protracted course of treatment with more medicines, that too, in higher doses.

Migraine is a chronic disease which significantly affects the quality of life of affected individuals, and is a public health issue with serious health and economic consequences. While modern medicine can reduce the severity and frequency of migraine episodes, it currently does not offer a cure. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can help provide significant improvement in patients with migraine, and can bring about a cure for most affected people.

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

Ayurvedic Herbal treatment of Cancer – An Overview

Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled growth of cells anywhere in the body. There are more than 200 types of cancer. Exposure to toxic chemicals, pollution, radiation and some pathogens, as well as chronic smoking, heavy alcohol abuse, and genetics, are known causes of cancer. The signs and symptoms of cancer include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, persistent low grade fever, severe or unusual body pain, nausea or vomiting, change in bowel habits, persistent sore throat or difficulty in swallowing, unusual bleeding or discharge, non-healing ulcer,  thickening or lump, and noticeable changes in a wart or mole.

            Cancer types include carcinomas (involving skin and coverings of internal organs), sarcomas (involving connective and supportive tissue like muscles, fat, bone, cartilage and blood vessels),  leukemias (involving bone marrow and blood tissue), lymphoma and myeloma (involving the immune system), and brain and spinal cord tumours. Physical examination, a detailed medical history, and tests like X-ray, blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and radionuclide scan can help make a presumptive diagnosis of cancer; however, a biopsy is the best way of making a definite diagnosis of cancer and its type. Treatment is usually done with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Staging of the cancer helps identify the severity of spread and the overall prognosis, while helping to decide the most effective treatment protocol.

            Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, and facing the prospect of costly, prolonged, and often harsh treatment procedures can be one of the most traumatic experiences of life. Most individuals may get confused about the future course of action. It is always best to take several expert opinions regarding the most suitable treatment protocol. If surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or a combination of all three, can quickly reduce the tumor size significantly, then this is the most preferred first line of treatment.

            If the overall prognosis and cure rate are excellent with conventional treatment, then in most cases nothing more need be done. It is important to educate oneself about the type of cancer, its known causes, and take all possible steps – mainly lifestyle modifications - to prevent recurrence. Keeping body immunity at optimum levels, in all possible ways, is one of the best ways to prevent recurrence.

            If the cancer is known to be aggressive and has a grim prognosis, it is better to start alternative treatment concurrently with conventional treatment. The two treatments can work in synergy; conventional treatment can reduce the tumor quickly with a few sessions of treatment, while Ayurvedic herbal treatment can help boost long term immunity, as well as help reduce the cancer gradually and prevent it from spreading further or recurring later. Most individuals make the mistake of opting for alternative treatment when it is too late. Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be taken for at least 18-24 months in order to see significant improvement in cancer, help in complete remission, and also to prevent recurrence.

            Ayurvedic treatment for cancer is multi faceted. Herbs are given to improve immunity; to target the specific organs and tissues affected with cancer; to improve general and specific metabolic activity, and lastly, to provide rejuvenation in the form of Rasayan therapy. Detoxification is also required on a general level as well as specific organ, tissue or cellular level as required.

            As mentioned above, the individual needs to work on a holistic level to improve oneself at the physical, mental and spiritual level in order to achieve a complete cure and enjoy a good quality of life.

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