Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, recognizes three fundamental energies that govern the functioning of the human body. These energies are known as doshas, and they are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding the three doshas is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being according to Ayurveda.
Vata dosha is associated with the elements of air and space, and it governs movement and circulation in the body. People with a predominance of Vata tend to be thin, active, and creative. They may also be prone to anxiety, dry skin, and constipation. To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends a diet that is warm, cooked, and nourishing, as well as practices such as yoga and meditation to promote relaxation.
Pitta dosha is associated with the elements of fire and water and governs metabolism and digestion in the body. People with a predominance of Pitta tend to be of medium build, ambitious, and intelligent. They may also be prone to anger, inflammatory skin conditions, and acid reflux. To balance Pitta, Ayurveda recommends a diet that is cooling, refreshing, and easy to digest, as well as practices such as yoga and meditation to promote a calm and peaceful mind.
Kapha dosha is associated with the elements of earth and water, and it governs structure and lubrication in the body. People with a predominance of Kapha tend to be heavy, stable, and nurturing. They may also be prone to congestion, weight gain, and slow digestion. To balance Kapha, Ayurveda recommends a diet that is light, dry, and warming, as well as practices such as yoga and meditation to promote energy and motivation.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that every person has a unique combination of the three doshas, known as prakriti. Understanding one’s prakriti can help to identify potential health imbalances and to make appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes to bring the doshas back into balance.
In conclusion, understanding the three doshas of Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is an essential aspect of maintaining optimal health and well-being. By recognizing the unique combination of doshas that govern our body and making appropriate lifestyle changes, we can keep our doshas in balance, promoting overall health and well-being.
Backache or more commonly known as back pain is one of the commonest troubles of mankind since ages. Earlier it was considered as a senile or age-related disorder but now it is more seen in young generations. The presentation of low backache may be similar in many cases but the underlying cause will differ from each individual. Let’s have a look at the common causes of low backache.
Causes of Low back ache (LBA)
Backache maybe because of the problems with any of the structure in the pelvic regions like bone, muscle, nerve or tendon. It may also be due to other external factors such as trauma or physical strain. Some of the basic causes are:
Herniations or prolapse of the intervertebral disc
Sciatica
Stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal cord
Abnormal spine curvatures as in Scoliosis, kyphosis etc.
Fibromyalgia (muscular pain)
Lumbar spondylosis and arthritis
Cancer of the spine or other pelvic structures.
External factors like falling from a height, lifting heavy weights or any injuries to the area.
Poor or inappropriate sitting and lying posture
Obesity or weight gain
Low back ache may be seen as secondary to other conditions such as
Kidney stones and uterine infections
Pelvic appendicitis
Ovarian fibroids and uterine prolapse
Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
As a part of menstrual cramp
Pregnancy
Ayurveda considers back pain as a symptom to other diseases rather a specific disease entity. Katishoola is generally considered as back pain but the term Katigraha is also seen equally used in similar cases. But the words itself give a clear distinction of terms as Katishoola literally means pain in Kati (hip or lower back) whereas Katigraha is moreover a stiffness in the lower back.
In general, it is a Vata predominant condition; Vata in association with another dosha will give respective symptoms. As per Ayurveda, Pakvashaya (lower abdomen) and Kati are invariably the sthana of Vata dosha, thus any simple Vataprakopaka nidanas (causative factors) can easily provoke the condition. In the ayurvedic view, Katishoola may be due to Gudagata Vata, pakvashayagata Vata and even Vibandha (constipation) can cause pain in the lower back due to improper movement of Vata or stagnation of doshas. Gridrasi in Ayurveda can be correlated to Sciatica of conventional medicine system, presents with pain in the low back which eventually radiates down to thighs and toes.
Ayurvedic way of managing Katishoola
As it is a Vataja disorder, the first line of management is obviously to tackle the vitiated Vata dosha. Eliciting the exact cause of pain, and differentiating the doshas involved is the first step. Look for any other dosha or dushya association and manage accordingly. The basic line of management is through the following measures:
Snehana– applying any suitable oils.
Swedana– give fomentation to remove the localized doshas.
Lepana– applying the paste of vatahara churnas or paste.
Basti-(the golden treatment for Vata disorders) enema with vatahara kashaya or taila.
Virechana– purgation, to remove ama( unwanted waste or toxins of metabolism).
Kati Basti– keeping the medicated oil in situ in a specially prepared black gram dough at the lower back.
Pichu-keeping cotton swabs soaked in medicated oil over the lower back.
Kizhi aka pottali sweda-heated medicated powders are made into a bundle and kept over the painful area.
Some of the common taila used in Katishoola (backache)are Sahacharadi taila, Mahanarayana taila, Bala taila, Balaswagandhadi taila or simply sesame oil is sufficient.
Internal medications are a must as the ideal way to cure a disease is not just by giving symptomatic relief but also treating from the roots and preventing the recurrence. Classical medications like Rasna saptaka kashayam, Rasnerandadi kashayam, Dhanvantaram kashayam, Sahacharadi kashayam, Gandharvahastadi kashayam are found beneficial since ages.
Do’s and Don’ts
Initially, an individual with LBA should correct his or her posture while sitting and lying.
Always lie on a flat and regular surface, never go for irregular beds.
It is very much advisable to keep a small pillow or folded bed sheet under your knee when lying supine or in between the knee on lying laterally.
Better to avoid pillow for head
While standing for a long time always make small movements in between as it may help to remove the strain on nerves and veins.
Always keep a cushion (doughnut cushions) or pillow while sitting if you have tail bone pain.
Support your back with a pillow or cushion, if you have to sit and work for long, try to keep the spine straight
Totally avoid two-wheeler as well as any animal rides( e.g. horse)
Always try to give support to the lower back with a lumbar belt or by simply tying a thick folded cloth around the hip, especially in case you have to lift any weight or while bending down.
Avoid lifting heavyweights
HOME REMEDIES
Take some lukewarm sesame oil and apply over the low back area
Boil water with Chincha (tamarind) leaves, and give good steam or fomentation
Apply paste prepared from vataharaleaves like Chincha, Nirgundi ( Vitex nigundo), Shigru( Moringa oliefera), Karanja( Pongamia pinnata),Eranda (Ricinus communis), Agnimantha( Premna integrifolia,) Bala( Sida cordifolia) and Vatamkolli(Justicia gendarussa). This can be used either as a single herb preparation or as a mixture based on the availability.
Heat leaves of Arka (Calotropis gigantea) and ties it over the low back or lie over it.
Applying a paste of garlic and ginger will give relief. Daily intake of the same will open all the obstructed channels. ( Beware of the dose!!).
In case of pain with stiffness valuka sweda (heated sand) or lavana sweda (heated salt) is very ideal.
Take a small amount of any oil, heat it by adding camphor and apply over the painful area
Practising yogasanas like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, and Kati chakrasana are good (perform only after the guidance of a qualified doctor).
Massage to the area is good, but do only after finding the exact cause.
# Stay healthy # stays happy
Author:
Dr Arya Raveendran, BAMS, With experience in treating skin disorders, pain management, lifestyle disorders, hair and cosmetic problems.
Have you seen people with the swollen neck? It is because of the abnormal enlargement of a very important endocrine gland known as Thyroid. It is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck which helps in regulating the body metabolism and thereby ensures general health. The condition in which the thyroid gland becomes abnormally enlarged is known as Goitre. In Ayurveda, it is explained under the kantagata rogas as Galaganda.
In the ayurvedic view, Galaganda is a swelling formed by the localization of the vitiated Vata and Kapha dosha along with medho dhatu in the manya( neck) region and has a shape like that of the enlarged scrotum(mushkavat) .
Causes of goiter:
Iodine deficient diet is found to be the primary cause of goitre and is seen especially in people living in the hilly areas than in the coastal belt.
Graves’s disease or hyperthyroidism in which there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones may cause the gland to enlarge.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the thyroid gland is damaged leading to hyposecretion of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). To counterbalance, the pituitary sends more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and as a result of this overstimulation, in the long run, may cause the gland to enlarge.
Benign or cancerous nodules in the thyroid gland. Sometimes, there may be multinodular goitre in which many benign nodules develop in the thyroid leading to swelling of the gland.
Pregnancy, often the HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) hormone may cause the thyroid gland to swell slightly.
Other inflammations affecting the gland.
Types of Goitre
Simple goitre– due to deficiency of iodine
Toxic goitre– hypersecretion of hormones is seen, mainly because of goitrogenic substances. (E.g. Goitrin in cabbage).
Ayurvedic acharyas have classified it based on the predominance of the Prakupita dosha as
Vataja Galaganda
Kaphaja Galaganda
Medoja Galaganda
Clinical manifestations:
Usually people won’t experience any signs and symptoms, manifestations mainly depend on the root cause involved, and in general people may have
Swollen neck, with a tight feeling in the neck.
Coughing or hoarseness of voice
In severe cases there may be difficulty in breathing as well as swallowing.
Other common problems are menstrual abnormalities, hot and cold intolerance, excessive or lack of appetite, weight gain or weight loss depending upon the hypo or hyper secretion of thyroid hormone.(Have to monitor your thyroid levels if you have any of them).
Goitre is usually diagnosed by the doctor while doing the physical examination, or may require a thyroid function test (TFT), ultrasonography (USG), or rarely a biopsy.
Is it manageable?
Of course, in the initial period one can try iodine rich diet and if there is thyroid hormone variation medications should be taken to normalize the hormone level. If it disturbs you much like breathing difficulties and problems with swallowing, your doctor may advice to have a thyroidectomy (total or partial) depending on the severity.
Can Ayurveda help?
In the ayurvedic perspective, the hypothyroid state is considered as srothodushti in the form of apravrutti, or goitre as nija shotham with Kapha predominance. Thus basically, correction of Agni, Kaphamedhohara, and shophahara chikitsa is to be followed.
Classical medications:
Amrutotaram kashayam
Varanadi kashayam
Guggulutiktaka kashayam
Guggulu panchapalam choornam
Shaddharanam choornam
Vyoshadi choornam
Kanchanara Guggulu
Amrita Guggulu
Navaka Guggulu
Amritarishtam and ayaskriti are found to be effective.
Marsha nasyam with sarshapa taila (mustard oil) or with any shiro virechana gana dravya like Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), or Shigru (Moringa oliefera).
Ayurveda also advocates Raktamokshana (bloodletting) by siravyadha (venesection) at urumula (the root of the thigh) for effective cure.
Along with medications, you can try some of the home remedies for faster action,
Give mild fomentation of the throat with kashaya prepared from tender leaves of eranda (Ricinus communis), or with milk or kanchi (a fermented ayurvedic preparation).
Lepa prepared out of Shigru (Moringa oliefera), Punarnava ( Boerrhavia diffusa) and root of Arka (Calotropis gigantea).
Fomenting around the neck by a hot towel will give some relief.
Applying a paste prepared with flax seeds and water over the neck is a common practice.
Practising Pranayama like Bhramari is found to be very effective.
Cabbage, Spinach, broccoli, Soya bean, Peanuts, coffee, cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, sweet potato and carbonated drinks.
It’s always the root cause that needs to be treated rather than controlling the symptoms. Always be aware of the needs of your body and mind, eat healthy, do regular exercise #Stay healthy # Stay happy.
Author:
Dr Arya Raveendran, BAMS, With experience in treating skin disorders, pain management, lifestyle disorders, hair and cosmetic problems.
Hair is kind of our confidence factor and there won’t be a single human who is not bothered about their hair. Earlier girls were the more concerned, but now irrespective of the sex and age, hair issues have become a common problem. Let’s have a short glance into the Ayurvedic view of basic trichological conditions.
Hair fall
Ayurveda acharyas consider hair or kesha as upadhatu of Asthi dhatu or as mala of shukra dhatu. Keshachyuti or hair fall can be because of vaigunya (irregularities) in the Asthi dhatu or it may be due to change in quality of any of the sapta dhatu. Moreover, it is due to the change in the doshic balance of the body.
Some of the common causes of hair fall are:
Stress and Sleeplessness
Nutritional deficiencies like anaemia
Gynaecological issues like PCOS
Thyroid dysfunctions
Due to other skin problems or any scalp infections
Faulty or excess hairstyling techniques and treatments
Psychological issues like depression
Autoimmune conditions
The side effect of any medications as in chemotherapy.
Types of hair fall
Patchy hair loss or Indralupta(Alopecia arieta)
Complete hair loss or Alopecia totalis
Male pattern or androgenic hair loss ( Khalitya) and Female pattern hair loss
Telogen effluvium( temporary hair loss due to stress, shock, trauma etc)
Premature Greying of hair
Who doesn’t want to look young? A single strand of grey hair is enough for all of us to get depressed and if it is worsening then there is no other tension than hair loss!! Age-related greying of hair is a natural process, but premature greying is due to deterioration of melanin content due to various factors. Ayurveda explains, Palitya or premature greying as a pathological condition due to the imbalance of mainly Pitta dosha. Prakupita or vitiated Pitta does kesha pachana or due to the heat of the Pitta hair follicles get burnt and as a result, hair becomes grey.
Causes:
In general, anything that aggravates Pitta like
excess spicy, sour and salty foods
Anger, overthinking, stress and work pressure.
exposure to hot conditions including standing in the scorching sun
Genetic factors, overuse of chemical dyes, shampoos, excessive straining of eyes is also found to be a cause of grey hairs.
How to manage?
Before treatment aspects, the most important thing is to know the exact cause as well the nature of our hair. Kesha, in the Ayurvedic view, is a key factor in identifying the Prakriti of an individual.
Doshic type
Color and luster
Healthy hair
In vitiated dosha
VATA
Black, lusterless
Thin, grows fastly,difficult to style
Dry, brittle, falls in clumps, very thin with split ends
PITTA
Brownish black, with luster
Mostly straight , medium thickness
Premature greying and baldness is more common
KAPHA
Jet black , greasy and lustrous
Thick and strong, mostly wavy hair
Very greasy, Thick and heavy, generally have dandruff and other scalp issues like itching.
Instead of vague trials with different hair products, it’s always better to have a clear idea of the exact cause and dosha involved. Based on the cause, like any other systemic diseases hair also require internal medication along with external applications. But if you feel your system is completely ok and you want to improve your hair, Ayurveda offers innumerable keshya drugs and medications like Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Kumari (Aloe vera), coconut milk etc.
Chemparatyadi kerataila
Nirgundi taila
Bhringamalaka taila
Neelibringadi taila
Neelinyadi taila
Himasagara taila ( especially for Pitta persons)
Malatyadi taila are some of the keshya taila mentioned in Ayurvedic classics.
Always keep in mind:
Avoid frequent head bath as it may alter the pH of hair ( normal pH is 4.5-5.5)
Always keep the scalp and hair clean, try to cover hair while going out.
Do proper brushing from scalp to tip; this will increase blood circulation in the scalp. Never brush and tie wet hair.
Only use a personal comb, bath towel etc
If you are using chlorinated or salt or hard water for the head bath, it’s better to store this water for around 8 hrs and then wash the hair.
Home remedies for hair fall
Have one spoon full of black sesame (til) seeds either alone or with a small piece of jaggery twice daily
One Amla (Indian gooseberry) a day is good for hair. This should be taken continuously for about 6 months
Oil prepared from hibiscus flowers, curry leaves, Bhringaraj and aloe vera is good for strong hair.
Oil prepared from leaf juice of gunja (Abrus precatorius) with the same amount of gingelly oil is found to be effective.
Hot oil massage is very good for strong and healthy hair. Take any keshya taila or the usual hair oil that you use and double boil it, when it is warm apply over the scalp and give a good massage.
Applying aloe vera gel over scalp will act as a rooting agent for hair.
Applying egg white is a very good source of protein for hair follicles.
For strong and long hair, soak triphala or hareetaki (Terminalia chebula) overnight in water and wash hair with the same.
Hairwash with previous day’s rice water is a good cleanser and nourisher.
Grey hair management
It’s impossible to have a complete reversal of this condition, in early stages ayurvedic medicines can prevent the progress by tackling the Pitta dosha. Internal medication along with a good virechana (purgation) is very necessary in this condition.
Thalapothichil or present-day henna is very effective. Henna prepared out of amla, triphala, curry leaves, aragwada (Cassia fistula) leaves, neem leaves, yashti choorna and Krishna jeeraka (Nigella sativa) can be tried.
Shiro dhara or takra dhara
Pranayama like naadi shudhi, sheetali, sheetkari.
Prepare homemade dyes by adding indigo powder and coffee powder in henna.
Giving a head massage with coconut milk is both nourishing and stress releasing.
# for internal medication always consults a qualified doctor. # Stay happy-stay healthy
Author:
Dr Arya Raveendran, BAMS, With experience in treating skin disorders, pain management, lifestyle disorders, hair and cosmetic problems.
Filariasis or Filaria (known as Shlipada in Ayurveda) is caused by Culex mosquitoes. The bite of infected mosquitos spread the microfilariae and once bitten by the infected mosquito it injects it to the healthy individual. Usually, the parasite circulates at night in the blood and reaches different parts of the body. The microfilariae develop into adult worms and start to affect the carrier body.
When the mosquito bites the infected person, it carries the parasites. When it bites another healthy person, it spreads the infection to him as well.
Symptoms:
Usually, the early symptoms are fever and sometimes fever accompanied by pain & redness along the affected lymphatic vessels is observed.
In later stages, all the lymphatic channels in the lower Limbs are affected and legs become Swollen giving rise to elephantiasis (Hathi Paon).
Some patients develop urticaria and pneumonia.
Home remedies:
Bel Leaves: The leaves of the Bel tree are very useful in the treatment of this condition. Taking three leaves everyday helps in treating Filaria. Also note, Bel tree leaves help in preventing this disease. If you stay in an area where mosquito issue is prevalent, it is advised to take Bel leaves to strengthen immunity.
Garlic: Garlic is a well known natural germicide. Take 10 cloves of garlic everyday to get rid of Filaria.
Dried Ginger: Ginger is another very helpful herb which is also available in each household. Take dried Ginger and boil it in water. Take the water regularly to fight Filaria.
Ayurvedic Treatment:
Nityananda Rasa is commonly recommended to Filaria patients. Take 1/2 tab to 1 tab, two times a day on an empty stomach for two months. As per Rasendra Sara Sangraha and Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Nityananda Rasa is considered a very useful medicine to treat Shlipada or Filiria.
Saptanga Guggulu: This medicine is prescribed 500mg twice a day. Saptanga Guggulu has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing swelling caused by filaria.
Important note: As medications prescribed for a longer time, it’s very important to take medicines under a qualified ayurvedic doctor. Based on the various conditions of the patient’s body and Prakriti, dosha, medicines can vary drastically.
Diet:
Take healthy food.
Bitter food like karela, neem flower etc help.
Take enough green vegetables (properly cooked).
Horse gram, barley etc should be added to the regular diet.
Milk, curd, jaggery etc are discouraged for the patient.
As it spreads in the body through blood, it takes quite some time to treat this condition. Continue the medications till the recommended period even when the patient starts feeling better. Stopping the medication before the recommended period can bring back the infection.
Diabetes is also known as Blood Sugar. In Ayurveda, it’s called ‘Madhumeh’. This disease is very common these days but should be taken seriously with proper precautions else can lead to severe health issues. It affects the usage of blood sugar(glucose) in the body. Glucose is very important for our health as this helps in making up the muscles and tissues in our body. Being an important source of energy it also provides fuel to the brain.
Diabetes is distinguished by its type, but whatever type it is, it always leads to excessive sugar in the blood, which is very dangerous.
Types of Diabetes
Chronic Diabetes
Type 1 – In this type the pancreas cells are attacked and destroyed by the immune system.
Type 2 – This is seen when more sugar builds up in the blood and the body becomes resistant to insulin.
Potentially reversible Diabetes
Prediabetes – This is the early stage of diabetes, which can be cured if proper precautions and appropriate measures are taken.
Gestational – This can be called a temporary stage as this happens during pregnancy and can be resolved after that.
Symptoms
Too much hunger and thirst
Weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Skin infections
Vaginal infections
Increased Urination
Precautions to be taken
Avoid taking an excess amount of sweets.
Take more green and leafy vegetables.
Do exercise regularly.
Drink plenty of water.
Quit smoking.
Avoid dairy products.
Home Remedies for treating Ayurveda
Treating with Turmeric: Root extract of turmeric is very beneficial for treating diabetes, as it helps in reducing the insulin resistance that leads to increase in the level of blood sugar in the body.
Copper Vessel: Drinking water in a copper vessel is very helpful for the body. In Ayurveda water stored in a copper vessel is called ‘Tamra Jal’. The 3 doshas in the body can be balanced well with this water. Keep water in a copper vessel overnight and drink in the morning.
Methi Seeds: Eating sprouted methi and drinking methi soaked in water overnight is very beneficial.
Bitter foods: Consuming bitter food like, amla, aloe vera, hemp seeds, bitter gourds are very beneficial and helpful in managing diabetes.
Mango Leaves: Powder of dry mango leaves is beneficial. Take 1 tsp of mango leaf powder in a glass of water and drink this daily. This will reduce high blood sugar.
Bitter Gourd: Bitter Gourd juice is very helpful too. Include this in your meal. Also, take 1 tsp of bitter gourd juice, once a day.
Gooseberry: Take 1 tsp of gooseberry juice with turmeric every morning.
Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetes:
Phalatrikadi kwath – Take this with warm water for 7 days (alternate days) – 15-20ml
Ayaskriti – Take this for 3 months – 20 – 30 ml
Shuddha Shilajit – Take this for 3 months with lukewarm water – 500mg – 1g
Triphaladi Churna – Take this for 3 months with lukewarm water or honey – 3g to 6g
Nishamalakaadi Churna – Take this for 3 months with honey – 3g – 6g
Chandraprabha vati – Take this for 3 months with water – 250 – 500mg
Choose Wisely:
Many spices from our kitchen can help you control diabetes. Choose wisely the correct spices. Like, mustard, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, asafoetida, bay leaf and include them in your meal to manage and control diabetes naturally.
The word Blood Pressure(BP) or hypertension has become a part and parcel of most of our life. We the humans are moreover like pressure cookers that may burst at any time. But what actually hypertension aka BP means in the Ayurvedic perspective is something different and interesting.
The lateral force exerted by the flowing blood on the walls of blood vessels is literally known as blood pressure, its increase or decrease is what actually matters. As per Ayurveda, acharyas have considered this as gudalinga avyakta vyadhi (a disease with hidden features or masked symptoms). There is no direct reference of this condition in any of our Ayurvedic texts. It may be due to the difference in chala guna of vata, usna guna of pitta, or the snigda- manda guna of kapha which interferes with the movement of Rakta. Thus in Ayurveda High BP is not just related to blood but more than that it is the dosha imbalance associated with rakta that causes raktaatichapa or hypertension. Some others explained it as raktagata vata or as vyanavruta prana.
In general most of the patients won’t have any symptoms and is incidentally diagnosed with other diseases. A person with a reading of above 140/90mm of Hg BP is considered as hypertensive (age matters!). Headache especially in the backside of head, sweating, nervousness, feeling of uneasiness and often vomiting are some of the basic symptoms and in severe cases, there may be bleeding from the nose, chances of stroke, and other internal organ damage.
Systolic (mm Hg)
Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal
Below 120
Below 80
Elevated (hypertension)
120–129
Below 80
Stage 1 hypertension
130–139
80–90
Stage 2 hypertension
140 or above
90 or above
Hypertensive crisis
Over 180
Over 120
Table 1: Blood pressure reference table
How to tackle it at home
In the initial period or if you are in the borderline hypertensive category you can definitely try some home remedies like
Reduced salt intake with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Have sound sleep.
Involve in activities which relieve stress.
Yoga & Pranayama practice is highly recommended.
Have a refreshing cold water shower when you feel exhausted.
When you are aware that your blood pressure is getting high always be in a head high position with good ventilation.
Milk added with crushed roots of Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina).
If you are having stress related or sleep-deprived hypertension one of the best ways is to make a smooth paste of Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa) with butter and apply it over the soles and great toe.
Have at least 6 g of Shigru leaves (Moringa oliefera) in either raw or steamed form for thrice a day.
Have a natural decoction of fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds.
Classical Ayurveda Medications:
Sarpagandhadi vati
Brahmi vati
Ashwagandha choorna
Hridayarnava rasa
Dhanvantaram kashayam
Drakshadi kashayam
Rasonadi kashayam
Always it’s better to avoid asava arishtas as it may vitiate the Pitta dosha.
Panchakarma also help in this condition as
Thalam with kachooradi choornam and ksheerabala taila or karuthavattu with ksheerabala taila in shigru leaf juice is an emergency remedy.
Padabhyanga & shiro abhyanga with any vatahara taila.
Shirodhara with takra or i.
# Its always better to consult a qualified doctor before having any medication.# stay healthy stay happy.
Author:
Dr Arya Raveendran, BAMS, With experience in treating skin disorders, pain management, lifestyle disorders, hair and cosmetic problems.
Loose, watery and soft stools are symptoms of Diarrhoea. Stomach cramps, pressure and abdominal bloating are seen in Diarrhoea patients. It can be diagnosed by the symptoms itself and no tests are prescribed. However, in severe conditions, few blood tests and stool culture may be prescribed. The patient needs to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids to ease the symptoms. Electrolyte solutions are very helpful in Diarrhoea. Eating banana, rice, toast are good.
Diarrhoea occurs when the digestive system is weakened. According to Ayurveda its usually by excess pitta. To get rid of this we need to pacify pitta and kindle Agni.
Diet:
The diet should include simple and nourishing foods. Also, drinks which have cooling effects such as, cilantro, mint, fennel, coconut should be consumed. Avoid spicy food, salty food caffeine, alcohol, sour food items, fermented food.
Home remedies for Diarrhoea:
· Take 1tsp of isabgol powder(psyllium husk) in one cup of fresh yogurt and mix well. Take this after food at bedtime.
· Take 1/4tsp of ginger powder and mix it in 1tsp of pure ghee. Add 1/2tsp of sugar and take this three times a day for 3-4 days.
· Mix 1/2tsp of fennel powder with 1/2tsp of ginger powder and take this 2-3 times a day.
Below are a few specific food preparations to treat Diarrhoea:
· Banana: Take 1-2 bananas and slice them in small pieces. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and add a teaspoon of warm ghee to it. Take this twice a day.
· Buttermilk: Blend ½ cup of curd with 1cup of water in mixer also add grated ginger and drink this twice a day.
· Rice and Yogurt: Mix 1 cup of cooked rice in yogurt and add a tsp of ghee to it and eat this.
· Apple: Chop 1 apple and add 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, salt, and some warm ghee. Cover and cook till mushy. Take this every day once.
Bed wetting means urinating in bed at night unknowingly. Few children gain control over the bladder at the age of 3-4 years and stop urination in bed. But, for few this mechanism is weak, and they pass urine in bed. For few it continues till 15-20 years and creates embarrassing situation in teenagers.
Cause:
Physical factors like, shyness, fear, conflicts
between parents, problems in school, feel insecure.
Emotional factors can also cause bedwetting.
Infection in the urinary system.
Structural defect in the tract.
Thread worms in the stool
Home remedies:
Mix sarso powder(sarshapa) in a cup of
milk and give at night before going to bed.
A teaspoon of honey should be given before going to
bed.
Ayurvedic treatments:
Below medicines
are recommended by Ayurveda practitioners to treat Bedwetting. Although most of
the ayurvedic medicines are safe, we highly recommend taking advise from a qualified
practitioner before trying below mentioned medicines.
1-2 tablets of Neo can be given twice a day for 2-3
months.
½ tablet of Chandraprabha vati can be given
twice a day.
½ tablet of Shilajitvadi vati can be given with
some warm milk.
Do’s and Don’ts:
Go for evening walks.
No oral liquids should be taken after 4pm.
Urinate before going to bed.
Spicy and fried food items should be not given as
these cause gas.
