Recurrent Abortions – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Definition: Recurrent abortion or pregnancy loss is defined as two or more consecutive loss of pregnancy. Infertility in the woman – along with many other reasons - may also be due to recurrent abortion within the first few weeks, and may go unnoticed, since the bleeding occurs at the time of the next expected period.

Causes of Recurrent Abortions: 1) Anatomic defects such as unicornuate or bicornuate uterus, and the presence of fibroids 2) Genetic problems, which are usually the commonest cause of recurrent abortions 3) Hormonal abnormalities, which are most common in PCOS 4) Immunological factors 5) Heamatological problems such as intensive angiogenesis, coagulation or fibrinolysis 6) Infectious agents like toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes and 7) Environmental effects like obesity, low weight, intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs, stress, diseases of kidney, liver and autoimmune disorders, and the use of medications like NSAIDs and aspirin.

Conventional Treatment of Recurrent Abortions: This consists of 1) Reassurance and 2) Treating the known cause. Treatment includes a) medications like Heparin, Metformin, Progesterone, HCG hormone, immunotherapy, and b) surgery for incompetent os and fibroids 3) Avoidance of smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs and 4) taking a well-balanced, nutritional diet. The overall results and success rate with this approach is however, not very impressive.

In this scenario, it would be worthwhile to consider the Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition.

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Recurrent Abortions: In Ayurvedic texts, abortion before the fourth month is mentioned as Garbhastraav, while beyond this period, it is known as Garbhapaat. Ayurveda also mentions habitual abortions with terms like Apraja, Putraghni Yoni, and Jataharini.

In Ayurvedic treatment too, the principle of treatment is to treat the known cause. While surgery can take care of causes amenable to surgery, the medical treatment, for the remaining causes, is divided into two main categories:

1) Ayurvedic Treatment to Achieve Pregnancy/Conception: This includes herbs like Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Laghu Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Bruhat Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Pippali (Piper longum), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Bharangmul (Clerodendron serratum), Dadim Patra (Punica granatum), Usheer (Andropagan muricatum), Rasna (Vanda Roxburghi), and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia).

These medicines have antiviral and antimicrobial actions, are immune modulators, combat immune complexes, correct oxidative damage at the placental level, and promote pregnancy.

2) Ayurvedic Treatment to Maintain Pregnancy and Avoid Complications: This includes herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidari (Ipomea digitata), Shrungatak (Trapa bispinosa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris).

These medicines provide essential nutrients and immune modulation, have excellent anti oxidant properties, and improve the birth weight of the foetus.

Garbhapal Ras is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine known to similarly provide nutrients and help maintain a healthy foetus to full term.  Likewise, a group of medicines known as Laghu Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, and Suvarna Malini Vasant are known to nourish all seven tissues of the body as per Ayurvedic physiology, and are considered useful in nourishing the foetus and stabilizing pregnancy.

Ayurvedic texts also mention Masanumasik Garbhini Paricharya; this includes information pertaining to a) The diet for each month of pregnancy b) The do’s and don’ts for each month of pregnancy and c) specific treatment for each month of pregnancy. This includes a separate group of herbs to be given at each month of pregnancy to provide nutrition as per the month-wise growth of the foetus, and to prevent foetal anomalies and accidents.  These medicines can be taken in the form of powder, paste, decoction or medicated ghee.

A Pertinent Observation: Ayurveda has an established and safe system of treatment for infertility and recurrent abortions; the treatment procedure is safe and tried and tested for decades. It is rather unfortunate that a sizeable population of childless couples all over the world, including health professionals, go through their entire lives without experiencing the joys and wonders of conception and parenthood, simply because they are totally unaware of this System of AYURVEDA, and the immense potential it has in the treatment of infertility and recurrent reproductive/conception loss.

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

Premature Ejaculation (PE) – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Premature Ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction and is defined as the regular inability to delay ejaculation for more than a minute after penetration during intercourse. This is different from erectile dysfunction (ED), which is inability to achieve and maintain penile erection.

This may happen even in normal persons from time to time; it needs to be treated if it happens regularly or persistently. PE may be lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary).

Causes of PE: Physical, psychological or emotional, or a combination of several causes, may be present. These include a poor body image, poor self esteem, depression, history of sexual abuse (either as victim or perpetrator), guilt, worry, anxiety, stress, problems with current relationship or sexual partner. Physical causes include ED, disturbed hormones, neurological causes, and inflammation of the prostate or urethra. Certain drugs like recreational drugs may also be responsible.

Conventional Treatment of PE: This includes 1) Changes to the sexual routine such as a) prior masturbation b) other sexual activity to divert the mind and relieve performance pressure c) start and stop method and d) squeeze method; the last 2 can be done either by the male or his sexual partner, and needs to be done at least three times a week. All these methods may take several weeks to be effective, or may be ineffective altogether. 2) Pelvic floor exercises including kegel exercises; these may need to be done for several weeks to several months to be effective.3) Decreasing sensitivity by using a condom or anaesthetic spray or ointment. 4) Medicines like Viagra may help both with PE and ED.5) Counselling for both sexual partners and 6) Treating anxiety, depression etc.

Natural Treatments and Foods which may help with PE: These include 1) Zinc and magnesium supplements 2) nuts 3) dark chocolate 4) dry fruits 5) garlic 6) seafood 7) dark leafy vegetables 8) beef and lamb.

Ayurvedic herbal Treatment for PE: The medicines which help with ED may also be equally effective for PE. The Ayurvedic treatment of PE 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 and may also help delay ejaculation. B) Oral medications: These include several Ayurvedic medicines which have different modes of action in treating ED and PE. 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 and PE.  These include medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) 5) Some medicines are traditionally known to reduce sensitivity and increase ejaculation time; these include Jaiphal (Nutmeg) and Akarkarabh (Anacyclus pyrethrum) 6)Nervous system stabilizers: On a long term basis, these medicines help stabilize the nervous system and therefore help with ED as well as PE. 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

Increase Testosterone with Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Testosterone is a key male sex hormone that regulates fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red cell production. Testosterone levels tend to drop with ageing; testosterone supplements are prescribed only for specified conditions, and not to counter the natural, age-related decrease. Replacement therapy is available, but it has its own risks and side effects.

Testosterone is produced primarily by the testicles in the Leydig cells. Females also produce testosterone usually in smaller amounts; usually in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The pituitary in the brain regulates testosterone levels, and this testosterone assists in the development of mature sperm.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone: 1) Reduced sex drive 2) Erectile Dysfunction 3) Low sperm count 4) Enlarged breast tissue 5) Loss of body hair, muscle bulk, strength 6) Increase in body fat.

Causes of Low Testesterone: 1) Trauma or infection of the testicles 2) Medications like opiate analgesics 3) Diseases like diabetes, kidney and liver disease, obesity, HIV/AIDs, and 4) Genetic diseases like Klinefelter Syndrome.

High Testosterone Effects: In men, high testosterone can lead to precocious puberty. In women, it may cause male pattern baldness, a deep voice, menstrual irregularities, swelling of clitoris, reduced breast size, change in body shape, acne, oily skin, facial hair growth, and increased risk of uterine fibroids.

Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally: 1) Exercise and lift weights 2) Eat adequate amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates 3) Minimize stress and cortisol levels 4) Get some sun exposure or take vitamin D supplements 5) Consider taking supplements, especially Zinc 6) Get good quality sleep 7) Avoid oestrogen-like chemicals like BPA and parabens 8) Control alcohol intake

Foods that Increase Testosterone: These include fatty fish, dark leafy vegetables, cocoa products, avocados, eggs, berries, cherries, pomegranates, shellfish, carrots and beet.

Ayurvedic herbs that Increase Testosterone: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilliunum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), Kraunch beej (Mucuna pruriens), and Adrak (Ginger).

Ideally, age related drop in Testosterone should be treated first by natural methods and food stuffs as mentioned above. If the response is not adequate, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced and qualified Ayurvedic Physician for 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

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