Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.
Ayurvedic treatment for Hypothyroidism
The Ayurvedic treatment of hypothyroidism is aimed at controlling the symptoms and treating the basic pathology of the disease. For inflammation of the thyroid gland, medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Arogya-Vardhini, Chandraprabha-Vati, Maha-Manjishthadi Qwath,Kachnaar-Guggulu, Brahmi-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Medohar-Guggulu are used. Panchakarma treatment comprising of Virechan, Niruha and Anuvasan basti, Nasyam, etc is also used along with the medicines to treat hypothyroidism.
Ayurvedic herbs useful in treating hypothyroidism
Kaanchanara (Bauhinia veriegata): This is known as purple mountain ebony and probably most powerful drug in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia for treating any type of thyroid problems.
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): This is the drug that is used widely in present Ayurvedic practice. This is well known for its calorie burning properties and therefore used abundantly in reducing weight i.e. obesity. Hypothyroidism is closely related with obesity, and therefore, this herb is extremely useful treating the condition.
Punarnava (boerhaavia diffusa): This herb falls in the category of diuretic. This is an excellent remedy for treating swelling or inflammation from all over the body. Since hypothyroidism has one of the symptoms of swelling and numbness all over the body, Punarnava can be very beneficial for treating such conditions.
The other useful herbs used in Ayurveda for treating hypothyroidism include Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica) and Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), etc.
Ayurvedic diet for those suffering from thyroid disorder
According to Ayurveda, taking adequate quantities of milk can help in preventing disorders of thyroid gland. Also rice, barley, Bengal gram, moong dal and cucumber are recommended for patients suffering from any thyroid disorders. Coconut oil which contains medium chain fatty acids, which help in improving body metabolism, is good for those suffering from thyroid disorders. They should of course avoid heavy and sour foods.
Yogasanas and Pranayama for Hypothyroidism
Apart from all this, yogasanas like Sarvangasana, Halasana, Suryanamaskara, Suptavajrasana are found helpful, though Pranayama, especially Ujjayi Pranayama has been found to be very effective in treating thyroid problems.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR COMBATING ALLERGY
Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies to that allergen. These antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine. The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions or diseases may involve any part of the body; the most frequently involved are the nose and chest with resultant symptoms of hay fever, rhinitis or asthma, respectively. The skin and eyes also commonly show allergic symptoms such as urticaria and contact dermatitis in case of skin and allergic conjunctivitis in the case of eyes. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergy, which affects many organs at the same time causing a rapid decrease in blood pressure, fainting and, occasionally, death. Such a reaction, though, is rare.
Allergies are difficult to be cured but the symptoms they cause can be treated and controlled. This may require making changes in your environment or behavior to avoid or reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Many over-the-counter medicines are available that reduce or inhibit the production of histamine and the accompanying symptoms of allergy. Many herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts have powerful allergy-alleviating property without the side effects seen with commonly used antihistamines.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):
Guduchi has been used in Ayurvedic preparations for the treatment of various ailments throughout the centuries. They are used for the treatment of general weakness, fever, dyspepsia, dysentery, gonorrhea, secondary syphilis, urinary diseases, impotency, gout, viral hepatitis, skin diseases, and anemia. In compound formulations, Guduchi is clinically used to treat jaundice, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Its antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties are well documented
Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum):
Ocimum sanctum commonly known as holy basil is a sacred plant found throughout India. Different parts of plant like stem, flower, seed, leaves, root etc are known to possess therapeutic potential and have been used, by traditional medicinal practitioners, as expectorant, analgesic, anticancer, antiasthamatic, antiemetic, diaphoretic, antidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, hypotensive and antistress agent. Tulsi has also been used in treatment of fever, bronchitis, arthritis and convulsion. The findings from various studies reveal that Tulasi has antihistaminic and antianaphylactic activity.
Haridra (Curcuma longa):
Haridra, also popularly known as turmeric, is known for its antiallergic potential. Used as a kitchen remedy in the treatment of colds, cough and wounds, Haridra also have been cited for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects. Haridra has a long tradition of use in the Ayurvedic systems of medicine, particularly as an anti-inflammatory agent and for the treatment of flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, hemorrhage and colic. Many studies have demonstrated the antiallergic potential of Haridra. The active ingredient of Haridra effectively inhibits allergic symptoms such as airway constriction and airway hyper reactivity in animals exposed to allergens.
Allergic reactions or diseases may involve any part of the body; the most frequently involved are the nose and chest with resultant symptoms of hay fever, rhinitis or asthma, respectively. The skin and eyes also commonly show allergic symptoms such as urticaria and contact dermatitis in case of skin and allergic conjunctivitis in the case of eyes. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergy, which affects many organs at the same time causing a rapid decrease in blood pressure, fainting and, occasionally, death. Such a reaction, though, is rare.
Allergies are difficult to be cured but the symptoms they cause can be treated and controlled. This may require making changes in your environment or behavior to avoid or reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Many over-the-counter medicines are available that reduce or inhibit the production of histamine and the accompanying symptoms of allergy. Many herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts have powerful allergy-alleviating property without the side effects seen with commonly used antihistamines.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):
Guduchi has been used in Ayurvedic preparations for the treatment of various ailments throughout the centuries. They are used for the treatment of general weakness, fever, dyspepsia, dysentery, gonorrhea, secondary syphilis, urinary diseases, impotency, gout, viral hepatitis, skin diseases, and anemia. In compound formulations, Guduchi is clinically used to treat jaundice, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Its antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties are well documented
Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum):
Ocimum sanctum commonly known as holy basil is a sacred plant found throughout India. Different parts of plant like stem, flower, seed, leaves, root etc are known to possess therapeutic potential and have been used, by traditional medicinal practitioners, as expectorant, analgesic, anticancer, antiasthamatic, antiemetic, diaphoretic, antidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, hypotensive and antistress agent. Tulsi has also been used in treatment of fever, bronchitis, arthritis and convulsion. The findings from various studies reveal that Tulasi has antihistaminic and antianaphylactic activity.
Haridra (Curcuma longa):
Haridra, also popularly known as turmeric, is known for its antiallergic potential. Used as a kitchen remedy in the treatment of colds, cough and wounds, Haridra also have been cited for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects. Haridra has a long tradition of use in the Ayurvedic systems of medicine, particularly as an anti-inflammatory agent and for the treatment of flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, hemorrhage and colic. Many studies have demonstrated the antiallergic potential of Haridra. The active ingredient of Haridra effectively inhibits allergic symptoms such as airway constriction and airway hyper reactivity in animals exposed to allergens.
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