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

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