Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Impotence – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Erectile dysfunction is also known as ED, or in simple words, impotence.

Definition: ED is defined as an inability to get and maintain erection of the penis, firm enough for sex. It is important to note that ED may happen even in normal persons from time to time. Depression; stress; anxiety; relationship issues; physical or mental exhaustion; worry; financial and emotional issues – all these can cause ED either temporarily or on a long term basis.

Medical causes of ED: Medical condition which can cause ED are diabetes; heart conditions; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; prostate surgery; radiation treatment of cancer; trauma; medications for pain control, blood pressure, allergy and depression; and the use of illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Complications/ Effects of ED:  ED can cause an unsatisfactory sex life; stress or anxiety; embarrassment or low self esteem; relationship problems; and possibly, infertility.

Prevention of ED: ED may occur as a normal and routine part of the ageing process. However, several steps can be taken to prevent ED. These include: 1) regular check ups and medical screening. 2) Treat medical conditions for physical, emotional and psychological issues. 3) Consider the option of stopping, reducing, or changing ED - causing medications (strictly with medical advice). 4) Exercise regularly 5) Maintain optimum weight 6) Stop smoking as well as the use of alcohol and illegal drugs 7) control stress.

Conventional Treatment of ED: The standard and conventional treatment of ED is as follows: 1) Treat the known cause 2) Increase Nitric Oxide(NO) using medicines like Viagra ( strictly with medical advice); such medicines may be contra-indicated in patients having heart disease, heart failure and low blood pressure. 3) Injectable medicines, to be administered directly into the penis 4) Urethral suppository 5) Replace testosterone 6) Penis pumps 7) Penile implants 8) Exercise 9) Psychological counseling.

Natural Treatments for ED: ED can be treated naturally with the help of : 1) Diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish 2) Exercise of moderate to intense activity, about 4 to 5 days a week 3) Good quality sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours daily 4) Losing excess weight and maintaining weight at optimum levels 5) Maintaining a positive, healthy attitude and good self esteem 6) Sex counseling 7) Stress management 8) Reduce or stop alcohol intake 9) Stop smoking completely 10) Adequate sun exposure or take Vitamin D supplements 11) Ensure adequate Zinc intake in the diet or take Zinc supplements 12) Inculcate the habit of nasal breathing.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of ED: The Ayurvedic treatment of ED can be in the form of: A) Local application: These include oils or ointments of medicines like Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Latakasturi (Musk mallow), Jaiphal (Nutmeg), Lavang (cloves) and Tejpatta (Bay leaves). These medicines have a stimulant effect which causes vasodilation when applied to the penis, and help in maintaining erection. B) Oral medications: These include several Ayurvedic medicines which have different modes of action in treating ED. These include the following: 1) Herbs like Dalchini (Cinnamon), Adrak (Ginger), Methi (Fenugreek), Kesar (Saffron) and fruits like Anar (Pomegranate). All these have blood thinning properties, reduce cholesterol, and increase blood flow in the arteries 2) Herbs and Foods which increase Testosterone: these include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilliunum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), Kraunch beej (Mucuna pruriens), Carrots, Beetroot and Spinach 3) Central nervous system stimulants: These act on the nervous system and increase sexual desire. These include medicines like Shilajit, Vardhara (Argyreia nervosa), Shuddha Kuchla (Purified nux vomica), Abhrak Bhasma (purified Mica), Kasturi (Moschus chrysogaster) and Vang bhasma (Purified Tin ash) 4) Nervous system sedatives: These reduce anxiety, stress and relax muscles and thereby help in ED.  These include medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) 5) Nervous system stabilizers: On a long term basis, these medicines help stabilize the nervous system and therefore help with ED. Medicines included in this category include Swarna bhasma (Purified Gold ash), Raupya bhasma (Purified Silver ash) and Ras Sindoor. Some well known Ayurvedic formulations which belong to this category are Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Bruhat Kasturi Bhairav Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, and Trivang Bhasma.

It is important to note that most of the above mentioned herbs exhibit therapeutic actions at multiple levels, and may also have both short acting as well as long acting properties.

Disclaimer: Avoid self medication. Do not stop or change medication without medical advice. Take treatment from qualified and experienced physicians. Even for Ayurvedic medicines, take advice from a qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Use good quality medicines and herbs. Avoid taking herbal powders of undisclosed content and from unreliable sources.  

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

Cancer and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cancer is a serious medical condition and almost every lay-person is well aware that it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Modern medicine has made immense progress in treating the nearly more than 200 types of cancer seen in day-to-day practice. The standard treatments available are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological immunostimulant treatments; most of the times, a combination of these are judiciously used.

While there is an immediate improvement with these treatments for a vast majority of patients, in the long run, the high cost of treatment and the side effects take a heavy toll. Within a few months or a few years, the disease begins to relapse or recur for an alarmingly high percentage of patients.

Ayurvedic treatment is immensely useful in these scenarios both as a supplementary as well as a stand-alone treatment. Side effects of modern treatment include skin rash, vomiting, loose motions, hair fall, as well as more serious effects such as liver and kidney toxicity. Severe or serious side effects cause a break in the treatment or necessitate a change in the treatment protocol. Concurrent Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually quite effective in preventing as well as treating all the known side effects of modern medicines, thus allowing the treatment cycle to be completed as planned.

Ayurvedic medicine can also be effectively used in patients who do not respond to modern treatment, or have relapsed in spite of the best available modern treatment. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic treatment can be either given as a stand-alone treatment or in addition to the ongoing modern treatment. Even patients who are on end stage palliative treatment can benefit considerably with the addition of Ayurvedic treatment. One such example is of Ayurvedic treatment of different types of leukemias, where the treatment has cured patients who relapsed in spite of taking several cycles of modern available treatment.

It is the need of the hour to validate and document such Ayurvedic treatment protocols, and make them universally available.

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

Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (Ashy Dermatosis) – A Comparison of Modern (Allopathic) and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP), also known as ashy dermatosis, is a skin disorder in which grey-blue colored, ashy-looking patches appear on the face, neck and trunk. The rash is usually symmetrically distributed and often spares the mucous membranes. This condition is more common in women, and is similar in histopathological nature to lichen planus.  In most cases the cause is unknown, but it may also result from parasite or viral infection, ingestion of certain chemicals, or as a result of side effects from drugs.  This condition may persist for several years and is usually resistant to treatment.

Diagnostic tests for EDP are usually negative. A skin biopsy for histopathological examination is usually done both for a diagnosis as well as to rule out other skin conditions.  Various modern medicines have been used in EDP treatment with some or partial results, but no cure as yet. These include clofazimine, ultraviolet phototherapy, topical steroid applications, antibiotics, antihistamines, chemical peels, griseofulvin, vitamins, isoniazide, and chloroquine.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for EDP is more specific, and provides a comprehensive control and cure of the condition. Herbal medicines which act on the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as blood tissue, are considered most useful for the management of this condition. Medicines which have an anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory effect are also found beneficial.

Treatment is in the form of oral medication as well as local application. Oral medication may contain bitter herbs in tablet form or as medicated ghee (clarified butter). Local application is usually in the form of herbal pastes or medicated oils. Various Panchkarma detoxifying modalities can be used concurrently so as to bring about a faster remission, and minimize the chances for recurrence. These treatments include induced emesis, induced purgation, and blood-letting.

Depending upon the severity of the condition and individual response of patients, Ayurvedic herbal treatment for EDP may be required for periods ranging from eight to twelve months.  Those who do not respond quickly to medication may require high doses of oral medications, along with Panchkarma treatments.  Refractory patients may also require specific treatment for any known cause. A dysfunctional immunity may be responsible, and may need separate herbal treatment. However, all patients invariably respond very well to treatment with a complete remission of skin lesions.

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

Bronchiectasis - A Comparison of Modern (Allopathic) and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Bronchiectasis is a medical condition which involves an abnormal dilatation of the proximal and medium sized airways in the lungs. Currently, high resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the chest are the investigation of choice to diagnose this condition. The damaged bronchi are usually one and half times more dilated than normal lung bronchi, and appear in different shapes such as cylindrical, cystic or varicose.  This is a chronic and obstructive lung disease with symptoms which include breathlessness, severe cough and hemoptysis.  Severe affliction with this medical condition can cause significant morbidity and mortality.  The common causes of bronchiectasis include recurrent lung infections, incomplete treatment of infections, bronchial obstruction, hereditary lung disorders, and some auto immune diseases.

The modern management of this condition includes the use of antibiotics, chest physiotherapy, steroids, bronchodilators, and dietary supplementation. Oxygen may be required for a select few patients, while hospitalization may be advised for severe and acute exacerbations. Some specific types of bronchiectasis may require surgical treatment. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for about 7-10 days. The aggressive use of antibiotics has reduced the mortality of this condition by nearly one third that of the pre-antibiotic era. Most patients who comply with treatment regimens, practice preventive medicine strategies, and regularly follow up with their physicians, do quite well in the long run.

Modern medications are thus useful in controlling acute infection, severe and acute exacerbations, and long term management so as to prevent deterioration. However, these cannot reverse the damage already done to the bronchial airways, nor can they prevent infections by themselves. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a very important role to play in these situations. Herbal and herbomineral medicines can be used to directly reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and strengthen the mucosal lining in the lungs. This helps in prevention of accumulation of excess mucus in the lungs, which may be susceptible to infection. Panchkarma treatment modalities like induced emesis (Vaman therapy) can be used in a select few patients both on a therapeutic basis as well as preventive basis in order to reduce daily mucus expectoration and the frequency of infections.

This can help in improving the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe degree of bronchiectasis. There are several patients on record who had been advised continuous long term treatment with antibiotics, or even partial lung resection surgery, in an attempt to lessen the severity and frequency of exacerbations. Such patients have improved significantly with Ayurvedic treatment without the long-term need for antibiotics, or even the more drastic surgical treatment.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines work well not only in strengthening the lung tissue, but also in improving the overall health and immune status of affected individuals. Patients who have long-standing or severe bronchiectasis usually end up losing weight gradually; Ayurvedic treatment effectively takes care of weight loss associated with this disease. Patients who have bronchiectasis may also be adversely affected due to respiratory allergies and autoimmune disease. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can effectively treat these medical conditions too so as to remove the root cause of the disease. Patients with long-standing disease usually end up with respiratory or right-sided heart failure. Concurrent treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines has successfully treated these long-term complications in many patients.

Ayurvedic herbal medicines can thus be judiciously utilized in the successful long term management and treatment of bronchiectasis.

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

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

One of the leading causes of blindness is a medical condition known as age related macular degeneration; known in short as AMD or ARMD. As the name suggests, this condition causes degeneration of the macula, the most important and functional part of the retina, usually leading to diminished central vision. There are multiple risk factors associated with this condition and include ageing, female gender, genetics, faulty diet, excessive sun exposure, smoking, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obesity.

This disease is classified as either wet type or dry type. The dry type aka non-exudative or non-neovascular AMD, involves a gradual process of drusen (yellowish spots) deposits within the layers of the retina, causing a gradual thinning and leading to diminished central vision. Though the dry AMD affects nearly 90 % of affected individuals, this causes limited vision loss, as the process usually stabilizes after some time.

The same does not hold true for the wet type of AMD, which causes more than 80 % of the vision loss encountered in AMD patients, though it affects only about 10 % of affected individuals. Also known as exudative or neovascular AMD, it involves growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, leading to leakage of fluid and blood. Vision loss may be sudden, dramatic and progressive, often within a few days or weeks.

The symptoms of dry AMD may be prevented or slowed down with the help of food and diet supplements such as fish, dark green leafy vegetables, garlic and onion, soy, yellow fruits and vegetables, blueberries, grapes, wine, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium, fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, carotinoids, vitamins A, B,  C, and D, glutathione, flavinoids, amino acids, gingko biloba, sage, bilberry and milk thistle.

Treatment for wet AMD includes injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti VEGF) drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and use of low vision devices. The anti VEGF intra-ocular injections are currently believed to be the most effective treatment for wet AMD; however, this treatment may have potentially serious short and long term side effects.

Dry AMD can be treated with Ayurvedic medicines using oral Rasayan (rejuvenating) herbs along with Triphala or Mahatriphala Ghrut (clarified butter) both orally and locally, especially in the form of a Panchkarma procedure known as Netra-Tarpan (eye lubrication). After Ayurvedic treatment, most affected individuals have been known to retain a decent vision since more than three decades.

To avert sudden and drastic vision loss in the wet type of AMD, the use of leeches on the forehead area - just outward of the eye margins – is a useful and effective treatment measure. Mild and repeated purgation helps in reducing fluid build-up beneath the retina. Medicines can then be given to remove toxic collection from the eyes, as well as to help reduce the abnormal vessel growth and frequent leakages. Alternating courses of Netra-Tarpan and Netra-anjan (application of herbomineral wet powders in the eyes) are required to reverse the process of neo-vascularization. For patients who still do not respond, additional treatment is given in the form of shiro-dhara (liquid medicine drip aimed at the forehead) and courses of basti (medicated enemas). In this way, vision can be gradually restored fully or partially (depending upon the stage at which treatment has been commenced), and further loss of vision can be prevented. The standard treatment time for this is usually 4-6 months.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used to effectively treat both the dry and wet types of AMD, without the risk of serious long-term side effects.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start Ayurvedic herbal treatment for AMD, click here

 

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Modern (Allopathic) Versus Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

 Coronary artery disease, aka CAD is a disease of the heart, commonly regarded as “heart attack”, with the well known symptom of chest pain. The arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) are normally smooth and elastic, and supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscles, which work 24x7. CAD is a process in which a collection of inflammatory cells, cholesterol and calcium, known as atheromatous plaques, deposit in the inner wall of the coronaries, thereby gradually causing obstruction. The arteries gradually harden, and the lumen gets blocked, leading to ischemia or infarct. The plaques can also break off, and cause symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

Chest pain is the commonest symptom and is diagnostic of CAD; however, people describe this symptom in different ways such as aching, burning, numbness, squeezing, tightness and heaviness. Indigestion and heartburn may have symptoms which overlap with those of CAD; hence a great degree of alertness is required to accurately diagnose CAD. It may be accompanied by associated factors such as sweating, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, and palpitations. This condition is more common in the elderly, obese, male sex, and often linked to a family history, hypertension, diabetes, high stress, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating.

The diagnosis of CAD is made with a detailed medical history and physical examination, supported by blood tests, ECG, 2d-echo test, stress test and angiography. CAD treatment includes cessation of smoking and drinking alcohol, handling stress efficiently, exercising regularly, and controlling weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Adequate modifications need to be made in the diet by cutting down on salt, sugar, and fats, and increasing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Unsaturated fats are recommended for use, while the use of saturated fats and trans-fats is discouraged.

The conventional treatment of CAD as per the modern (Allopathic) system of medicines is with the use of drugs like aspirin, cholesterol medicines, nitroglycerine and medications to lower and control high blood pressure. Balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and CABG are the known surgical procedures. Some new procedures introduced include stem cell use to induce angiogenesis, and enhanced external counter-pulsation.

The common complications of CAD include heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. The process of CAD is unrelenting and may start as early as childhood; though actual symptoms may manifest much later on in adult life or old age. Fortunately, there are many modifiable factors which can be treated to keep this process in check and prevent an acute attack and long-term serious damage.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be judiciously utilised to significantly reverse this unrelenting CAD pathophysiology. Herbal medicines help to treat inflammation, and reduce or prevent atherosclerosis. Dietary advice is important in reducing weight. The arteries can be kept elastic and less prone to damage and rupture by invoking a right combination of herbal medicines, exercises, yogic asanas like shavasana; breathing techniques like “bhastrika” and “anulom” and “pratilom” techniques; and body massage and fomentation. Ayurveda advocates the right use of oils and medicated ghee (clarified butter) to treat CAD; these can be used both locally and orally with good results.

Herbal and herbo-mineral medications can be effectively used to treat heart disease right from the early, asymptomatic stage to the later stages of enlargement and failure. Panchkarma treatment modalities like medicated enemas (basti) and “hridaya-basti” (localized chest treatment) can help strengthen fatigued heart muscles and hardened arteries. Recurrent attacks of chest pain (angina) can be effectively treated using Ayurvedic medications; Ayurvedic medicines and treatment modalities are more effective than modern medicines in treating such episodes where no specific pathology can be detected using diagnostic methods. Confirmed heart vessel blocks can be effectively reversed using Ayurvedic treatment on a long term basis.

A judicious combination of modern diagnostic methods, basic modern medicines to control symptoms, and additional Ayurvedic treatment can be effectively utilized to completely cure CAD on a long term basis. Ayurvedic medicines can also effectively treat associated conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. It is important to note that an acute attack of CAD should not be ignored or taken lightly, and all affected individuals should be referred to a hospital as soon as possible.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com To start treatment for CAD, kindly click here