Pregnancy and Postpartum Care - An Ayurvedic View

PREGNANCY

A beautiful start of an incredible journey. No words can describe its beauty and feelings.

Pregnancy occurs when an egg fertilizes with a sperm, grows inside the uterus and develops into a baby. Its duration is approximately 40 weeks (9 months 7 days\ 280 days' \ 10 moon months) from the last menstrual period. Missed periods, tender breasts, nausea and vomiting, hunger, frequent urination and other premenstrual symptoms all indicates that you may be pregnant. Consult your doctor and have a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

Once you come to know that you are pregnant, get ready for a change in lifestyle and diet. Pregnancy period is generally classified to three trimesters.

• First trimester – 1 to 3 months including conception
• Second trimester – 4 to 6 months
• Third trimester – 7th month to delivery

First Trimester

The first day of your last period to the end of week 12 is considered as the first trimester. This means that when your urine shows double lines in the stick, you are likely to be 5 or 6 weeks pregnant. A lot happens during these first three months. Almost 25% of pregnant women show up a "show" i.e. slight bleeding during their first trimester (implantation bleeding).

Conception occurs in this time. Foods that enhances the growth of zygote and which aids proper implantation should be taken during this time.

Please avoid the foods that are difficult to digest, also which are pungent, sour and salty.

Unripe Papaya (latin – carica papaya) and pineapple (latin – ananus comosus) are always a question by pregnant ladies. Unripe papaya can initiate premature uterine contraction. Certain enzymes in pineapple may cause the softening of cervix. Both are not good in early pregnancy. So it is better to be on safe side by avoiding these two food items.

Drink plenty of water (3 liters per day). Include tender coconut water, butter milk, rice gruel and fruit juices. This may help to minimize the stretch marks after delivery.

Normally, medical checkups should be done once in a month till 7 months, twice a month till 36 weeks and there after weekly once till delivery.

Folic acid, calcium and iron tablets should be taken according to doctor's prescription.

HOW MUCH FOLIC ACID DO I NEED TO TAKE DURING MY PREGNANCY?

It is recommended to have daily 5 mg folic acid supplement intake for 6 months prior to conception. It should be continued to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

This folic acid intake before and during pregnancy will help the fetus to fight against the neural tube defects including spina bifida.

The folic acid which we get through our food is referred to as folate. The major sources of folate in food includes:
Green leafy vegetables : Lamb's quarters (bathua), mustard greens (sarson), coriander (hara dhania), fenugreek leaves (methi), radish (mooli) leaves, mint (pudina) ,lettuce (salad patta) and spinach (paalak).

Vegetables: Bottle gourd (lauki), apple gourd (tinda), lady's finger (bhindi), carrot (gajar), beetroot (chukandar), bitter gourd (karela), capsicum (shimla mirch), cauliflower (phool gobhi), cauliflower (phool gobhi), asparagus (shatwar/sootmooli), cabbage (patta gobhi), broccoli (hari gobhi), french beans (been), peas (matar), corn (makai) and brussels sprouts (chhoti gobhi).

Lentils and Pulses: Bengal gram (chana), soya beans, black-eyed beans (lobhia), chickpeas (kabuli chana) and kidney beans (rajma).

Fruits: oranges (narangi/santara), muskmelon (kharbuja), pomegranate (anaar), avocado or butter fruit (makhanphal), guava (amrood), sweet lime (mausambi, kinnow) and strawberries.

Fortified breakfast cereal: Cornflakes, whole wheat flakes, oats, wheat germ and wheat bran. Whole wheat flour, whole meal bread,and whole wheat pasta.

Dry fruits and nuts: Peanuts (moongphali), walnuts (akhrot), and almonds (badaam).

Ayurveda prescribes medicine and diet plan for every month of pregnancy. Also emphasizes the factors that affect the mental faculty of the progeny. The mental faculty of parents and the sounds heard repeatedly by the mother accounts for this. So all the expecting mothers please relax and enjoy some nice music.

Ayurveda put forwards the concept of pumsavana to have healthy and desired progeny. Also Ayurveda describes certain measures for the maintenance of pregnancy. Milk or boiled with drugs like brahmi (latin – bacopa monnieri), durva (latin – cynodon dactylon), giloy (tinospora cordifolia), neem (picrorhiza kurroa cordifolia), bala (sida cordifolia) should be taken during pregnancy.

AYURVEDA MENTIONS ABOUT CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT HEALTHY PREGNANCY. THIS INCLUDES:

• Resorting to seats which are uncomfortable irregular and high
• Inhibition of the urges of flatus, micturition and defecation
• Resorting to difficult and unsuitable exercises
• Intake of sharp and hot food, food in excessive quantity or in less quantity
• Injury or pressure frequently, physical assaults
• Hearing of loud noises in excess
• Habitually resorting to sexual intercourse
• Constantly given to grief and anger
• Addiction to alcohol and smoking

Avoid all the above mentioned factors. Sure, you will have a safe delivery.

Certain milk decoctions for every month are prescribed in Ayurveda for healthy mother and fetus.

1. First month – roots of bala (sida cordifolia)
2. Second month – lakhmana  (ipomoea marginata)
3. Third month – brhathi (solanum indicum) and kantakari (solanum surratense)

METHOD OF PREPARATION OF MILK DECOCTION

30 gms of drug is washed well and crushed. This is added to 150 ml of milk and 600 ml water. It is boiled well and reduced to 150 ml. This should be taken in twice daily before food. Those who are reluctant to have this can take it at least for first 10 days of the month. Bala (sida cordifolia) alone can be used to prepare the drink for every month.

Proper administration of such drinks helps to

• Increases the Hb content of blood
• Reduces the chances of miscarriage
• Fights against pregnancy infections like rubella (TORCH infections)

Milk, butter, shashtika rice should be taken in first trimester. Shastika rice is best in third month of pregnancy.

During the first trimester of your pregnancy, actually won't likely need any additional calories. Instead of the additional calories, you should focus on choosing nutritious food items that keep up your energy and for supporting your baby's development.

In charaka samhita, acharya it is mentioned about the regimens for pregnant woman. During the first month she should take milk in adequate quantity regularly. She should take wholesome food in morning and evening. During second month, milk should be given boiled with drugs having sweet taste. During third month, milk mixed with honey and ghee should be given.

• Spinach – Spinach is high in folic acid, which is crucial in allowing your babies neural tube to properly fuse in the first month after consumption.
• Lentils – Protein is important during each trimester, as it aids in the proper growth of your babies tissue and muscle.
• Lean Beef- Beef is great source of iron and as long as you do not eat it under cooked, beef is great for you and your unborn baby.
  Note : The best choice for expecting moms is organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free.
• Salmon- Calcium and vitamin D are rich in salmon and is one of the safer fish to eat during pregnancy.
• Collard Greens- Collard greens are high in iron and many pregnant women lack enough iron.
• Chicken- Chicken is high in iron which creates red blood cells and helps your body get enough oxygen.
• Yogurt- Calcium and vitamin D is rich in yogurt and it ensures your body is getting enough which prevents your baby from having to “steal” it from your bones while eating.
• Broccoli- Broccoli really contains a high amount of iron which is needed in the first trimester to form red blood cells & hemoglobin in your baby.
• Eggs- Aside from being an excellent source of protein, eggs are high in calcium and vitamin D as well, both of which are needed for your baby for proper formation of bones.
• Asparagus- Asparagus is high in vitamin D of which many women are deficient.
• Nuts- Pregnant women need an extra 60grams of protein a day beginning the first trimester of pregnancy. Avoid if you have allergy.
• Cottage Cheese- Cottage cheese contains both calcium and proteins which are good for muscle and bone development. Always have food which is properly cleaned and cooked perfectly.

Avoid food which can cause allergy (especially shrimps). This may vary from person to person. Change the diet according to your body constitution and cravings.

COMMON PROBLEMS DURING FIRST TRIMESTER & ITS MANAGEMENT

• Keep biscuits (or cream crackers) by your bed and nibble one or two before getting up from your bed in the morning.
• Have a ginger-based drink, such as ginger tea (adrak ki chai), ginger ale or a cup of hot water with a slice of fresh ginger and lemon.
• When you feel nauseous in this period you should chew one piece of fresh or dried ginger.
• Fresh coriander or mint and sniff freshly cut lemons.
• Pomegranate juice
• Tender coconut water
• Coriander water with sugar
• Water boiled with puffed rice or puffed rice gruel
• Guduchyadi panaka

Consult doctor immediately if bleeding, lower abdominal cramps and back ache occur.

URINARY RELATED PROBLEMS, LEUCORRHEA

Pressure exerted by the fetus on urinary bladder makes an increased urge for urination. Also the change in the pH of vaginal discharges may lead to leucorrhea and candidiasis like infections. Coriander water, coconut water helps in this. Proper voiding of urine also should be taken care of. Personal cleanliness should be maintained well. If infection is present vaginal area can be washed with nalpamara powder or triphala powder mixed with lukewarm water.

CONSTIPATION, PILES

Due to the increased activity of progesterone hormone, constipation occurs during pregnancy.

• Eat more fiber
• Have 2 – 3 prunes daily. Having more prunes may result in diarrhea, which is not advisable in first trimester.
• Flours and cereals with bran
• Gooseberry (amla – emblic myrobalan)
• Elephant yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)
• Leafy vegetables and fruits
• Shallots (allium cepa)

Severe constipation if left unmanaged, leads to piles.

In case of Heart burn & regurgitation one must chew little coriander.

Second Trimester

"There is no better feeling than the movement of life inside you"

Yes, it's the phase where you can feel your little ones kicks and jerks. The baby's fingers and toes are well- defined in the second trimester of pregnancy -months 4, 5, and 6. Eyebrows, eyelids, nails, eyelashes, and hair are formed, and teeth and bones of the fetus become denser. At this point of pregnancy the nervous system starts to function.

It is also called as the honeymoon period of pregnancy, nausea subsides, emotions even out and sex drive returns. Now you can relax a little as the restrictions over the travels can be reduced.

You may always feel hungry. But try to avoid over sweetness especially refined sugar and packaged foods. Include all kind of food in the diet. Don't stick to a specific kind of food.

It's the time to have an appointment for your second trimester scan.

Milk decoctions prescribed for second trimester are

1. Forth month – roots of shalaparni (desmodium gangeticum)
2. Fifth month – giloy (tinospora cordifolia)
3. Sixth month – kantakari (solanum surratense\xanthocarpum)

You have to increase your daily calorie intake by 300 to 350 calories per day.

• If you don’t have enough weight, especially once you hit your second trimester (when morning sickness and food aversions subside), & if you are not getting enough of your Daily calorie (there are 12 types of foods that are really important for a healthy mother & baby. This includes protein, calcium, whole grains and legumes, vitamin C foods, green leafy and yellow vegetables and fruits, other fruits and vegetables, the right amount of fats and salty foods, water and other fluids, iron-rich foods and your prenatal vitamin supplements). If you are in this category, try to increase the Daily calorie each day, such as lean protein, whole grains & calcium-rich foods. If you still have trouble in gaining enough weight, speak with your dietician.
• On the other hand, if you gain weight too quickly or you’re likely getting more calories than you need, it may have negative effect for you and your baby including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth. So make some planning for a well-balanced diet (i.e. eliminate refined and processed calorie-dense but nutrient-less foods) and ensure that you're not cutting out the essential nutrients that your baby wants.

SPECIAL DIET IN

• Forth month – shastika rice with curd. If your digestive power is good you can have non veg too. Milk should be given along with butter in 12 gms dose.
• Fifth month – shastika rice, meat, milk, ghee. Ghee is particularly important.
• Sixth month – ghee prepared with gokshura juice (tribulus terrestris) along with rice gruel. Ghee taken out directly from milk and boiled with drugs having sweet taste can be given

CONTRAINDICATIONS IN SECOND TRIMESTER

• Weight lifting and strenuous exertion
• Lying in supine and prone position (lying on left side is always better)
• Depression, anger, fear
• Fasting
• Foods that increases the body heat, pungent
• Excess sweet (causes gestational diabetes, obesity)
• Excess salt (causes gestational hypertension, may affect the health of babys hair)
• Excess sour (causes skin and eye diseases)

COMMON PROBLEMS DURING SECOND TRIMESTER & ITS MANAGEMENT

• Back ache: Pressure exerted by the increased body weight and your raised fundal height causes back pain. Some may experience back pain extending from lumbar region to the leg (sciatica). This is because of the force exerted on sciatic nerve by your fetus. His sudden movement may trigger this. Sit straight. Lie on your left side. Place a pillow in between your legs while sleeping. Avoid the use of heels during pregnancy.
• Breast tenderness: Your body is preparing to feed your little one. Use clean loose and cotton inners.
• Gum bleeding: Hormonal changes make your gums soft and it may bleed. Gargle lukewarm water boiled with thriphala.
• Nasal bleeding: Place a cool cotton ball on nose.
• Increased vaginal discharge and urination continue as in first trimester.
• Increased hair growth is noted. Unwanted hairs can be removed by daily scrubbing it with turmeric.
• Headache: Decrease your mental tensions. Relax by practicing yoga and meditation. Apply rasnadi choorna over the forehead either using lemon juice or lukewarm water.
• Leg pain with swelling: Drink plenty of water. Take enough rest. Reduce salt intake. Consult doctor if condition persists.
• Anemia: A pregnant lady requires at least 10 gm% Hb. Iron tablets should be taken as per doctor’s advice.
• Pre eclampsia: Hypertension, swollen legs, presence of albumin in urine indicates pre eclampsia of pregnancy. Milk decoctions, maha dhanwantharam tablet is found to be useful. Ghee prepared with gokshura juice (tribulus terrestris) is good in this.

ABHYANGA AND YOGA IN PREGNANCY

Daily bath with oil massage will ease your pregnancy. Abhyanga with dhanwantharam thailam is advisable. You can select your oil after consulting with an Ayurveda physician.

Yoga therapy not only eases your pregnancy period but also helps you to have a safe and normal delivery. Practice yoga with proper guidance from your doctor. Some of the yoga asanas practiced during pregnancy is

• Thaalasanam
• Sukhasanam
• Vajrasanam
• Anantha shayanasanam
• Namaskara asanam
• Hastha utthanasanam

Third Trimester

Welcome to the third trimester! False contractions like Braxton Hicks contractions usually start about now. They feel like an intermittent tightening in your abdomen. Third trimester includes weeks 29 to 40. The end of your pregnancy is nearby. Wait a bit. . Your baby is arriving soon. It is okay to have tiredness and sure, you are so excited to have your little one.

Continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Stay active unless you're experiencing swelling or pain. Do Kegel exercises and work out for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. An extra of 500 calories per day is needed for your body at this phase of pregnancy. To enhance this calorific value have a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat forms of protein, and fiber.

You may have sleepless nights. Please don't resort to sedative pills. Get the help of your partner and get your foot soles massaged.

Massage your nipples with butter to avoid cracked nipples.

MILK DECOCTIONS USED ARE

1. Seventh month – barley with bran
2. Eighth month – roots of murva (Latin name- Marsdenia tenacissima )
3. Ninth month – shatavari (asparagus racemosus)

FOODS AND AMNIOTIC FLUID

• Golden melon (cucumis melo)
• Passion fruit (passiflora edulis)
• Tender coconut water
• Water melon, strawberries, tomato

THIRD TRIMESTER DIET CHART

• Magnesium rich foods - Nuts, whole grains, avocado, dark green leafy vegetables
• Protein rich foods - Milk, eggs, yogurt, tofu
• Calcium rich foods - Watercress, broccoli, cheese
• Folic acid rich foods - Beans, lentils,Brussels sprouts
• Iron rich foods - Beans, Breads and pastas, red meat

During seventh month pregnant mother should be made to drink 12 gms of butter boiled with sweet drugs along with kola (zizyphus jujube) decotion.

Itching occurs in seventh month due to increased blood supply and due to the disturbance to normal bile flow. To ease this symptom,

• Anoint the body with the paste of chandana (santalum album), powder of sirisha (albizia lebbeck), sarshapa (brassica nigra) or madhuka (glycyrriza glabra)
• Paste of nimba (azadirachta indica)
• Surasa (ocimum sanctum), manjistha (rubia cordifoila) is also useful
• Thriphala choorna can also be used
• Bath should be using water boiled with leaves of karavira (nerium indicum), malathi (aganosma dichotoma) or madhuka (glycyrriza glabra)

If you feel itched, please don't scratch, it may injure the skin and disfigure it. If it is intolerable, gentle kneading and friction massage can be done.

During eighth month, she should regularly take milk and gruel added with ghee. By doing this, the mother herself will keep good health and give birth to a child endowed with excellence of health, strength, complexion and compactness which will make him the best even among the children of the entire clan.

During ninth month, she should be given anuvasana basthi (unctuous enema). Cotton swabs soaked in dhanwantharam thailam should be kept in vagina for the oleation of the uterus and genital tract. This helps in the downward movement of vata and helps in delivery with ease of desirable and healthy child endowed with excellent qualities in proper time.

You can include pineapple in your diet which may help to induce the labor.

SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND PREGNANCY

The pregnant women who are having normal pregnancy (without much complication) can have sex until their fluid leaks or the labor pain begins. If you are not sure about your complications, be free to ask your practitioner. Sexual intercourse in pregnancy will not affect the baby as the fetus is covered in amniotic sac. Also the strong uterine muscles protect the baby. A thick mucus plug seals the cervix and guard against infection. During intercourse, the penis doesn't reach the baby as it doesn't go beyond the vagina.

Most women have an uncontrollable sex drive during the second trimester. Don't feel ashamed. It's natural. It's not you; your hormones and increased blood supply to cervix and vagina are the real culprits. Sex in second trimester is safe. But Ayurveda restricts over indulgence in sexual intercourse.

Sex in third trimester is safe more over sperms can induce labor. Hormonal changes during orgasm may help to stimulate your uterine contractions. Having orgasm can trigger the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that helps your contractions. Semen may help to soften, or ripen your cervix & can make it ready to open when labor starts.

You should avoid sexual intercourse in the following circumstances:

Bleeding or spotting after sex: those who have noticed bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse should probably avoid intercourse. Also consult your healthcare provider to determine the cause as soon as possible.

Placenta previa: it is one of the main pregnancy complications. Here the placenta either totally or partially covers the cervix. Those who are diagnosed with placenta previa should avoid sexual intercourse, as it could cause serious problems.

When your fluid leaks towards labor, you should abstain from sexual intercourse, as the fetus is no longer protected by the membranes.

POSTPARTUM CARE

The first six weeks after childbirth is referred to as the postpartum period. This is really exciting and enjoying time, but it is also painful and hectic for a new mother to adjust to her new surroundings. Bonding with your baby happens in these weeks and make sure you never miss your postpartum checkups with your physician.

It is equally important to take care of new mothers like a newborn. Of course, the mom is also a newly born in every sense. Her body strength as well as her mental strength should be taken as prior importance.

BABY BLUES VS. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

During pregnancy, the mother might have dreamt of many events like the sex of the child, its complexion and so on. Also she may have expected a normal delivery, but might have ended in emergency c – section. Sometimes she had complication with her delivery. She has to struggle a lot to cope up with the new situation. This may lead to depression. This is known as baby blues or postpartum depression. It may extend to two weeks after delivery. This is mainly due to changes in the hormonal level in the body. 70 – 80% of women tend to experience mood swings & negative feelings after delivery. Symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. Sometimes there won't be any symptoms at all. Some of them are:

• unexplained crying
• irritability
• insomnia
• sadness
• mood changes
• restlessness

Your nights become sleepless. Your days become hectic. Your baby is sucking out all your energy. Also you have to get back to your work as soon as possible. Here are some tips that may help you to a great extent.

• Relax and have some rest. Take rest as much as possible. You should feed your baby in every 3 hours. Have enough sleep. If you had c – section, rest more.
• Ask for help when needed. You should ask for help when needed. Your beloved ones can understand you and they are ready for you. Ask help, please don’t hesitate.
• Have a well-balanced diet. Have a healthy diet that helps you to heal. Try to increase the use of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein.
• Exercise. Discuss with your doctor before starting exercises. You may need a little more time to exercise if you had a c – section. Start with light warming ups.
• Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Less intake of water can lead to urinary infections. Having more quantity of water can cause inflammation due to the raised levels of hormones in the body.
• Abdominal bandaging (vibandha bandage) should be done. This not only helps to reduce the tummy but also alleviates the aggravated vata and reduces back pain. Abdomen should be bandaged with a cloth of 15 cm wide and should be bandaged including the lower tummy. It is to be removed after 5 to 6 hours. Ladies who undergo caesarian section can also do this. But start only after 2 weeks.
• Oil massage bath is also recommended during this time. Dhanwantharam thailam can be used. Balaswagandhadi Taila, Ksheerabala taila or Bala taila can also be used. Those who had caesarian section can also use dhanwantharam tailm in combination with panda thailam. Adding turmeric to the oil enhances glowing skin and also removes unwanted hair developed during pregnancy. Hot water bath is advised. It doesn’t mean than you should have boiling water. Heat should be balanced to your tolerance level. This should be continued atleast for 7\14 days.
• Water for bathing can be boiled with nalparamara choornam, castor leaves (ricinus communis), ixora coccinea leaves or bhandika (clerodendrum infortunatum). Water should be boiled on the previous day and again boil it before use.

DIET IN POSTPARTUM

Avoid non vegetarian diet for first 12 days after delivery. Having meat initially can cause digestive problems. Later small fishes, mutton soup can be included in the diet according to hunger. Tuna and mackerel fish even though helps to increase breast milk but can cause stomach pain. So it is better to avoid it.

Include vegetables, fruits, fiber rich food, and tender coconut water to ease the difficulties of constipation.

Include ragi, wheat, green gram in your diet rather other processed food stuffs.

COMMON AYURVEDA MEDICINES GIVEN IN POSTPARTUM

• Panchakola choornam
• Dasamoolarishtam
• Jeerakadyarishtam
• Indukantham kashaya
• Dhanwanthram kashaya
• Kurunji kuzhambu (linctus made of strobilanthes kunthiana)
• Ulli lehyam (linctus made of shallots)
• Leaf porridge – leaves of biophytum sensitivum, cotton plant (gossypium), azima tetracantha, etc.
• Fenugreek porridge
• Turmeric porridge

The first three months after delivery is really very crucial for the mother. It is in this period, the body changes back to pre-pregnancy. The expanded uterus shrinks back & regains the normal position. The muscles, ligaments and tendons associated with uterus start to gain back the lost power.

AIMS OF POSTNATAL CARE (SUTIKA PARICHARYA)

• To restore the agni. (Digestive fire)
• Normalize the vata, which may vitiated after the delivery
• Optimize the quality of breast milk.
• To avoid exertion.
• To prevent the complaints during Sutika kala such as UTI, Backache, Loss of appetite, Thirst, Anxiety, Anger, Disturbed sleep, Depression, etc.

Musta – Nut grass – It helps to improve breast milk production and also relieves milk duct clogs. Musta paste is made by grinding in water. This is applied over the breasts helping to relieve inflammation and to improve lactation. A decoction of musta is made and administered to the mother, If the baby has mild fever or diarrhea.

Shatavari – shatavari is powdered and boiled in milk. It is consumed for 3 – 4 months to improve breast milk production. Apart from improving breast milk, it is also useful in post-partum depression. It helps in normal involution of uterus (changes back to pre-pregnancy state) as well.

Yashtimadhu (Mulethi, Licorice) and fennel are the other two herbs used for improving lactation.

HOME REMEDY FOR CLEANSING UTERUS

Mukkutti ( Biophytum sensitivum): leaves of mukkuti is crushed and boiled well in water and given to the delivered ladies to expel the lochia and other remains from the uterus.

MEDICINES FOR THE BABY

Apply Lakshadi keram overhead and Nalpamaradi keram over body for massage according to the prescription of a doctor and give warm water bath. The water should be boiled with Nalpamaradi powdered and filtered well through a clean cloth. These mentioned oils will provide strength to muscles and bones. These also have antiseptic and anti-allergic properties. It enhances complexion and give nourishment to skin.

Uramarunu (traditional medicine for newborn baby) – it is a Preventive and curative aid for digestive disorders in infants and children in tablet form. This is very effective in indigestion in babies. It normalizes the intestinal flora. This medicine includes drugs like garlic, asafoetida, nutmeg, rasna (alpinia galanga), yashtimadhu (glycirrhza glabra), ugragandha (trachyspermum ammi), hareerathaki (terminalia chebula), vaca (acorus calamus) etc. it should be given with breast milk.

FOR THE FIRST 15 DAYS

• Dasamoolarishtam + jeerakadyarishtam : 30 ml twice daily after food. Dasamoolarishtm should be slightly more. Otherwise there are chances of having stomach pain.
• Fenugreek porridge for breakfast
• Ulli lehyam - 1 tablespoon at night after food

NEXT 15 DAYS

• Dhanwantharam kashayam: 15 ml of kashaya mixed with 45 ml of lukewarm water twice daily before food
• Dhanwantharam gulika : twice daily with kashaya
• Kurunji kuzhampu: 1 tsp twice daily after food
• Vidaryadi lehyam, shatavari gulam etc. as directed by an Ayurveda physician.
• Some Ayurveda physicians’ opine that for the first day after delivery, she should take dry ginger powder with jaggery (heated together to form linctus), thrice a day. This will alleviate the aggravated vata and prepare the digestive fire for the upcoming medicines.
• Diabetic mothers can take accordingly to physicians’ prescription.

EXERCISES AND YOGA THERAPY IN POSTPARTUM

Delivery weakens your uterine muscles and loosens your pelvic floor. These are strengthened by exercises and yoga therapy. Start up slowly with warm ups. Slowly increase the turns. Slowly you will get back to your pre- pregnancy body. Tighten and then relax the perineal muscles. Do it again and again. Consult your doctor before starting exercise if you had caesarian.

Do pranaayama in postpartum. This will help a lot in managing the postpartum depression.

Yoga postures to be included in post -partum:

• Kegels exercise – in weakened pelvic floor
• Gomukha asana – in aching neck and shoulders
• Virabhadra asana – helps in loss of endurance
• Pelvic rocking – in weakened Abs
• Viparita karani – is a great solution for fatigue
• Pavana mukta asanam – for aggravated vata. Relives flatulence

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding helps to have a magical bonding with you and your little one. It also has many health benefits for your baby. But it may not be much enjoyable to every mother. Some may have pain on feeding. This can cause stress in them. The pain can be caused due to following causes : breast engorgement, cracked or bleeding nipples, sore, oversupply or low supply of breast milk, reflux and mastitis (blocked milk ducts).

The most natural way to feed your baby is Breastfeeding.

When the baby latches your breast you should give an attention to how it does. Baby's mouth should cover a big part of the areola below the nipple, and your baby's mouth should be far back to the nipple in. When the suction hurts, break the suction (by inserting your little finger between your baby's mouth and your feeding breast) and try again. Feed after every 3 hours interval for newborns.

HOW TO INCREASE MILK SUPPLY?

• Feed in every 3 hours. Increased feeding increases the milk supply.
• Include vegetables fruits and legumes in the diet.
• Include moringa leaves, fenugreek, papaya, carrot, garlic, spinach, asparagus, almonds and cashew nuts.
• Avoid shrimps during lactation
• Avoid spicy and sour foods

IN AYURVEDA

• Wash the breasts using decoction made of chandana (santalum album), ushira (vetiveria zizanioides) and roots of bala (sida cordifolia)
• Moringa leaves are boiled with salt in water. Water is then strained out. Filtrate is heated with ghee. This ghee preparation taken in night will increase breast milk.
• Kashaya made from jeevanthi (holastemma adakodien) can be taken for increased laction.
• Shatika rice with milk or ghee at night is good during lactation
• Kashaya prepared with jeevanthi (holastemma adakodien), shatavari (asparagus racemosa) and ivy gourd (coccinis grandis) is also useful
• Having oat meal also helps in good lactation

WHAT TO GIVE IF MOTHER IS NOT LACTATING WELL?

• Ayurveda insists to take the baby to other lactating ladies (concept of dathri).
• Butter can be given to the baby.
• Cow’s milk or goat’s milk can be given. It should be perfectly boiled and processed with medicinal herbs.
• Equal quantity of water should be boiled with milk and is reduced to half. This can be given to the baby. Otherwise some babies may have stomach pain.

HERBS USED ARE

• Roots of shalaparni (desmodium gangeticum)
• Roots of prishniparni (pseudoarthria viscid)
• Roots of pashanabheda (aerva lanata)
• Roots of varttaki (solanum meolgena)
• Mustha – cyperus rotundus

If you notice these signs, your baby should be getting enough milk:

• Feeding of your baby will be multiple times of a day.
• Your breast feels free of pain and comfortable after breastfeeding started for the first few sucks.
• After feeding, your breast will feel soft.
• When the feed began, your breast will feel slightly elongated.
• For the first 48 hours the baby’s wetting will be 3 to 4 nappies and after that it will be frequent. When he's over five days old, he should have at least six wet nappies in a day. Baby's pee should be pale and odourless.
• Once if the baby is latched properly, you could clearly hear the sound of swallowing, when the milk starts to come in.
• Normally, the baby’s poo has mustard yellow color, when he is five days old. It is also normal to have slightly greenish yellow poo until he is 2 weeks old.
• Don’t over feed your baby. This may cause vomiting and can make the stomach upset and the baby gets irritated and tough to sleep.

PROBLEMS DURING LACTATION & ITS MANAGEMENT

The most common breastfeeding-related problems and how to avoid then are listed below:

Sore and cracked nipples. Check the position of the baby when she latches on; butter or shatadoutha gritha over your nipples after each nursing session; and let your nipples air dry after each nursing session. Also, alternate which breast you start on for each session. If the baby is positioned well and his latching is good, there will not be any clicking sound. Hold the baby closer to you as much as possible and the areola part of the nipples should be in the baby's mouth for proper feeding.

• Apply ivy gourd leaves juice with butter over the cracked nipples.
• Ixora flower processed in coconut milk can be applied.
• Paste of tulsi leaves can be applied.
• Pumpkin bud paste with salt can also be used
• Rubbing breast milk itself is good

Engorgement (overly full breasts) or blocked milk duct. Warmly massage your breasts, slightly warm compression; washing the breasts with slight warm water may help you in this situation. Laying cabbage leaves or jasmine flowers on your breasts can help relieve some of the pressure. Express out some milk in between feeds.

Mastitis or breast infection. Feverish feeling, red, hot, sore breasts with mild tenderness all indicates the chance of breast infection. Consult with your doctor. The only way to prevent mastitis is breast feeding. Express out some if you feel fullness of breast. Carelessness to fullness of breast may lead to mastitis.

Thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection. Careless oil massage & bath is the main reason to this. It may start in the breast and when the baby latches on to breasts it may spread to baby's mouth. Oils applied on the breast should be thoroughly removed before you breast feed your baby. Other reasons for thrush include cracked or sore nipples, following a diet high in sugar or yeasty foods or taking antibiotics, birth control pills or steroids. All these can throw your body's natural yeast levels out of control and lead to thrush. The symptoms of thrush include very achy or painful breasts, sore nipples, or shiny, itchy, pink, flaky or cracked nipples.

It's a truth. Pregnancy and postpartum is really hectic. But enjoy it. The best thing in the world is seeing your baby smile because of you.

SHBG (Sex hormone-binding globulin) Levels in Male | Functions of The Testosterone Hormones

SHBG LEVELS IN MALE

SHBG refers to sex hormone binding globulin is a glycoprotein that is responsible in binding the two sex hormones androgen and estrogen. This globulin helps to bind different hormones and a certain level of these hormones should be present in the body. High or low level can cause problems.

SHBG levels are usually about twice as high in women as compared to men.SHBG is produced mostly by liver and is released into the blood stream. Besides that, there are many other sites that produce SHBG that are brain, uterus, testes and placenta. The production of SHBG by testes is known as androgen-binding protein. And some time the level can decrease and cause problems. If the SHBG level is not sufficient, then the production of testosterone in males can also decrease which can cause further problems.

Testosterone is produced chiefly by the testes and in small quantities by the adrenal glands. Not only males have testosterone hormones but in minute concentrations females also have this hormone. Leydig cells in the testes produce testosterone in males. Testosterone is then circulated in the entire body to produce sperms and regulate functions of the male reproductive system. In early twenties when boys reach adolescence the testosterone hormone reaches at its peak. Testosterone plays a vital role in developing the prostrate and male reproductive organs such as testis and penis. The level of this hormone is necessary for good health of males and prevention of osteoporosis. Testosterone hormone is produced naturally in the body.

FUNCTIONS OF THE TESTOSTERONE HORMONES IN MALES

This hormone plays a vital role even during parental development as it determines the gender of the developing embryo. Testosterone is responsible for "Brain masculinization" as it has a certain effect on brain development also. During adolescence many changes occur in appearance of boys. They acquire a deeper pitch, muscle bulk increases, facial features take on a more defined contour, shoulders become broader, enlargement of sebaceous glands. All these changes are due to testosterone. Testosterone's role is to regulate normal sperm development in adulthood age. This hormone increases energy metabolism as men shed extra pounds from their body, and acquires a fit physique. At the age of 40 testosterone level starts declining naturally. The decreased level of testosterone hormone causes decreased energy, low libido, a decreased muscle strength and an accumulation of visceral fat. Most of the males face loss of energy and poor sexual performance due to aging as the level of testosterone gets low. Increased testosterone level in males naturally by using fenugreek seed extract which is responsible for stimulating this hormone, enhances libido and raises energy metabolism. Zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 are also helpful in increasing testosterone naturally.

Tribulus Power Pack

Here is a list of some herbal products introduced by Planet Ayurveda to increase the testosterone level in males.

1. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi in which 'Ati' means full of and 'Rasa' means full of power. This churna is an effective medicine for relieving premature ejaculation, loss of libido and low sperm count. The herbs used in it like Safed musli, kali musli, Semal musli, Gokshura, Shatavari, ashwagandha etc. are used in the preparation of this churna which is meant to strengthen the male reproductive system and enhance stamina. This wonderful churna does not cause any side effects and results last longer. This churna is helpful in conditions like infertility, loss of libido, loss of stamina, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sperm count and male impotency.

Dosage: One tablespoon of this churna should be consumed by the patient two times along with milk or plain water. This churna can be consumed with any fruit juice.

2. Tribulus Power

This power capsule naturally fights against erectile dysfunction. This herbal capsule contains gokshura in it which is a popular aphrodisiac. This is nature's best source of male hormones precursors. This herb is used by the body builders to improve their stamina and this works without causing any side effects or hormonal imbalances in males.

Dosage: Patients should use two capsules two times in a day. Capsules should be taken only after meals with plain water. Patient should not exceed the recommended dose.

3. Chandraprabha Vati

This is an ayurvedic formulation which is prepared from the mixture of various herbs like vacha, musta, chirata, giloy, kapur kachri, sonth, maricha, swarna makshika bhasma, chotti pipali, gajapippali etc. This preparation helps to treat problems related to testosterone as it has aphrodisiac property in it. This vati is very effective and has calming properties in it.

Dosage: Patient should consume one to three pills two times a day with milk, guduchi kwath or honey.

4. Shilajit Capsules

Shilajit Capsules contains pure form of shilajit in it as it is rich in fulvic acid and humic acid. This has a strong anti-oxidant property as it is good for relieving mental and physical stresses. This acts as a good dietary supplement for human sexual sphere as it helps in increasing stamina and vigor. These capsules are required in sexual problems.

Dosage: Patient should take one capsule twice daily with plain water half hour after meals.

5. Tri-bull Oil

This oil contains various ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, kesar, jaifal, laung, malkangani, shatavari, gambhari chal, gokhru bada, pan patta, til taila etc. in it. These herbs are beneficial in erectile dysfunction which causes damage to the arteries, fibrous tissues and smooth muscles of reproductive organs.

Usage: Apply 5-10 drops of this oil on the penis. Once every alternate day.

6. Rativallabhakhya Tail

A combination of natural ingredients like sugandhi varo (Vetiveria zizanioides), kesar (Crocus sativus), devdar (Cedrus deodara), lata kasturi, nagarmoth (Cyprus rotundus), lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) etc. is advised for local application. It support the male reproductive organs.

Usage: The appropriate quantity of oil may be massaged once a day or as directed by the physician.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Hypocortisolism (Addison's disease) - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Herbal Remedies

WHAT IS HYPOCORTISOLISM?

Hypocortisolisam is a long term endocrine disorder in which there is not enough production of steroid hormones by the adrenal gland. This problem arises when the body's immune system starts getting damaged or due to some kind of medication or bleeding into both adrenal glands. Damage of the cortex does not produce the hormones in adequate quantity which can lead to this particular problem. It is also known as Addison's disease.

IT CAN BE CLASSIFIED INTO TWO TYPES

• Primary adrenal insufficiency- where adrenal gland is directly affected. This is associated with other auto immune endocrinopathies.
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency- this is caused by the decreased ACTH production. This is far more common than primary adrenal insufficiency.

This problem mostly occurs in middle aged females and most females also suffer from loss of libido developing hyper pigmentation on skin.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HYPOCORTISOLISM

1. Hemorrhaging into adrenal glands
2. Other adrenal glands infection
3. Tuberculosis

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOCORTISOLISM

1. Loss of body hair
2. Muscle pain
3. Vomiting and diarrhea
4. Nausea
5. Decreased blood sugar
6. Hyper pigmentation
7. Sexual dysfunction (in women)
8. Weight loss
9. Fatigue

If this problem is not treated on time, it further leads to a very dangerous condition and further leads to hypotension or low blood pressure and low sugar level (hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia respectively). These problems are very critical for health and needs urgent attention.

Other Symptoms May Include:

• Hypotension
• Fainting
• Pain in abdomen and legs
• Low back pain
• High potassium level
• Extreme tiredness
• Unintentional weight loss

DIAGNOSIS

• Blood tests
• ACTH stimulation tests
• Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test
• Imaging test

TREATMENT

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Taking prescribes corticosteroids
• In the long run problem prednisolone,betamethasone ordexamethasone are given
• These are given due to problems like asthma,arthritisand some tissue disorders

But the treatment through medication involves a deep observation of different parameters such as blood pressure, weight, blood sodium and potassium levels, blood cortisol levels. These conditions should be observed and after that medication and the tablets should be taken depending upon the body situation. Compliance is very important in this type of problem.

But sometimes the compliance is not easy to maintain which can lead to further problems and because of this particular reason people bend more towards natural remedies. Ayurvedic medicines can be a great way for the management of Hypocortisolism. So to cater the needs of the patients various Ayurvedic medicines are prepared using natural herbs in it. These medicines are free from side effects. Hence a good option to treat any disease.

MEDICINES AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha also known as withania somnifera contains steroidal alkaloids and lactones which is really effective for managing adrenal gland disorder.

This herb is most often used in ayurveda for a number of health reasons.

The extract of the herb ashwagandha is used to prepare this capsule.

2. Cap. Immune Booster

As the name describes, this is specially formulated for healthy immune system.

These capsules are formulated by combination of different herbs like grape seed, cow colostrum, bhumiamla, and amlaki.

These particular herbs help to make the immune system healthy and energize the immune system to fight with the symptoms of this particular disease.

3. Curcumin Capsules

These capsules are made keeping in mind the condition of adrenal glands. This is made from cur cumin herb that is beneficial for the health of adrenal glands. The product is considered very beneficial for hypocortisolism.

4. Fenugreek Capsules

These capsules are made from pure extracts of fenugreek. The seeds of this plant are enriched with phosphates, lecithin, trigonelline, choline, iron, trimethylamine. Trigonelline is considered best for adrenal glands.

PRODUCT QUANTITY AND DOSAGE

SR. NO.	PRODUCT	QUANTITY	DOSAGE
1.	Ashwagandha Capsules	60 capsules( each bottle)	1 capsule twice a day (with plain water after meals)
2.	Immune Booster Capsules	60 capsules (each bottle)	2 capsules twice a day (with plain water after meals)
3.	Curcumin Capsules	60 capsules(each bottle)	2 capsules twice a day (with plain water after meals)
4.	Fenugreek Capsules	60 capsule(each bottle)	1 capsule twice a day (with plain water after meals)

The above is the quantity and dosage that is to be taken on time for better results and to attain maximum benefits of the herbs. All of them are 100 percent vegetarian and are made from pure herbal extracts without the addition of chemicals. As these are prepared without chemicals all of them are safe to use and do not cause any side effects. These medicines can be a great way for the management of Hypocortisolism. These medicines are prepared using natural herbs in it. These medicines are free from side effects. Hence a good option to treat any disease.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Ayurvedic Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) - Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (TTP): OVERVIEW

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, serious blood disorder which is characterized by a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), and involves the tendency of the blood to clot.

In this disorder of the blood-coagulation system, tiny microscopic clots called ‘thrombi’ are formed extensively in the body’s small blood vessels. The formation of ‘thrombi’ throughout the body results in the consumption of platelets and, consequently, a lower platelet count. The condition, thus, affects the ability of the blood to clot when required -- such as in the case of an injury -- and causes excessive bleeding.

Besides lowering the platelet count severely, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura can also cause an abnormal destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), as well as disturbances in the nervous system and other organs due to ‘thrombi’ formation in the smallest blood vessels.

In people affected by Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, the formation of ‘thrombi’ in the body can adversely affect the normal flow of blood; and can cause damage to several organs of the body, including the heart, the kidneys, the brain, and the nervous system.

CAUSES OF THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

The exact cause of the occurrence of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is not known, though the disorder is generally linked to the deficiency of enzyme ADAMTS13 which plays a role in blood clotting. Due to the deficiency, substantial complexes of the ‘von Willebrand factor’ clotting protein start circulating in the blood of the affected individuals, leading to the clotting of platelets and the destruction of red blood cells.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is believed to have an acquired form and a familial form. The acquired form of TTP is a non-inherited form of the disorder which involves an autoimmune reaction, and may occur in late childhood or adulthood. The familial form of TTP marks the occurrence of the disorder at birth, with its indications usually appearing in infancy or early childhood.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may occur as a result of AIDS, or the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection.

SYMPTOMS OF THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

There are commonly five main symptoms marking a classical presentation of TTP. These five symptoms are:

• Fever
• Mental-status changes
• Improper functioning of kidneys
• Thrombocytopenia
• Haemolytic anaemia (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia).

In addition, there are some other indications of the disorder as well. These indications include:

• Formation of purplish bruises (purpura) on skin or mucous membranes
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• Low amount of urine, or protein/blood in urine.

TREATMENT OF THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

The treatment of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is typically focused on an effort by the doctors to return the 'normal' blood clotting ability in affected individuals.

Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some excellent herbal formulations which are very helpful in managing the symptoms of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and increasing the platelet count, so that the blood's clotting ability can be improved in the patients. The herbal products available from Planet Ayurveda for managing the disorder include:

1. Giloy Capsules

Standardized extract of the 'Giloy' herb (Tinospora cordifolia) are used for preparing these capsules. The herb is widely known in Ayurveda due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antipyretic, and immune-boosting actions.

Giloy capsules can benefit TTP patients because they are helpful in treating chronic fever, managing several skin disorders, managing jaundice, treating anaemia, and managing different kinds of cancers.

Dosage: 1 capsule, two times a day.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Natural extract of the ‘Ashwagandha’ herb (Withania somniferum) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The potent herb has immense medicinal value, and has proven anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for patients suffering from TTP because they can improve brain function, enhance heart health, rejuvenate the body, reduce hypertension, strengthen the muscles, and improve overall mental health.

Dosage: 2 capsules, two times a day.

3. Cap. G-Plat

The use of these capsules is very beneficial in managing platelet-related disorders, especially low-platelet conditions like TTP. The herbal ingredients of these capsules can specially manage disorders in which the platelet production rate is much lower than the platelet destruction rate.

These capsules can manage certain conditions which can result in low platelet count, such as spleen disorders, different types of cancers, AIDS, leukaemia, and lymphomas.

Dosage: 1 capsule, two times a day.

4. Tab. Swarn Basant Malti Ras

A combination of several herbs and minerals is used for preparing these tablets, including Swaran Bhasma (Gold Calcined), Mukta Bhasma (Pearl Calcined), Kharpara Bhasma (Zinc Carbonate Calcined), Lauh Bhasma (Iron Calcined), Shuddh Hingul (Cinnabar - HgS purified), Maricha (Piper Nigrum), Trikatu (Pepper, long pepper and dried ginger), Purified Sulphur, and Purified Mercury.

The tablets are beneficial in managing TTP because of their ability to improve memory, boost the immune system, maintain healthy body temperature, support healthy respiratory functions, and balance the body’s Vata and Kapha doshas.

Dosage: 1 tablet, two times a day.

5. Kumar Kalyan Ras

This herbal-mineral Ayurvedic product is prepared from a combination of Kumari Rasa (juice extract of Aloe Vera herb), Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury), Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Pearl), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Swarna Bhasma (Bhasma of Gold), Makshika Bhasma (Bhasma of Copper - Iron Pyrite), and Abhraka Bhasma (purified and processed Mica). This product can treat fever, manage jaundice, improve digestion, and manage heart-related disorders.

Dosage: 1 tablet, two times a day.

6. Cap. Pitta Balance

The herbal ingredients combined to prepare these capsules include Praval Pishti (Coral Calcium), Mukta Pishti (Pearl Calcium), Jawar Mohra Pishti (an Ayurvedic Calcium compound), Akik Pishti (Agate Calcium), Kamdhudha Ras (an Ayurvedic Calcium compound), and Giloy satva (extract of Tinospora cordifolia). These capsules are beneficial in promoting skin health, boosting the immune system, purifying the blood, and balancing the Pitta dosha.

Dosage: 1 capsule, two times a day.

7. Cap. Green Essentials

The herbal ingredients used for preparing these capsules include Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and wheat grass (Triticulum aestivum). These capsules are helpful in nourishing brain cells, enhancing the immune system, treating skin conditions, and improving brain function.

Dosage: 1 capsule, two times a day.

8. Brahmi Chawyanprash

This product is an excellent blend of Brahmi (Bacopa monieri), Amla (Emblica officianalis), and several other potent herbs which are beneficial for keeping the body healthy. TTP patients can benefit from this product because it can support brain health, enhance memory, rejuvenate the body, promote mental health, improve the coordination of body movements, and keep the nervous system healthy.

Dosage: 1 tablespoonful, two times a day.

CONCLUSION

The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for the effective management of Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura are completely safe to use because they are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs. As such, these products are free from chemicals, binders, colors, fillers, starch, yeast, additives, and preservatives.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Ayurvedic Treatment for Nephrocalcinosis - Stages, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Herbal Remedies

NEPHROCALCINOSIS

The deposition of calcium in the kidney that leads to improper functioning of the kidney causes Nephrocalcinosis. This mainly occurs due to excess excretion of calcium by the kidney, renal tubular acidosis and medullary sponge kidney.

This problem later on results to acute obstructive uropathy or chronic obstructive uropathy and ultimate kidney failure. This is mainly termed as kidney failure or the inability of kidney to excrete the waste products out of the body giving rise to this problem.

STAGES OF NEPROCALCINOSIS

• Molecular nephrocalcinosis: this normally occurs when there is a slight increase in intracellular calcium concentrations and is difficult to diagnose with the help of X-ray or microscopically.
• Microscopic nephrocalcinosis: obtained with the help of a tissue sample from a biopsy. This occurs when deposits are visible by light microscope but again these cannot be diagnosed with the help of X-ray.
• Macroscopic nephrocalcinosis: it is the higher level stage and occurs when calcification can be seen through X-ray imagaing.

SYMPTOMS OF NEPHROCALCINOSIS

• Reduced and cloudy urine
• Increased urine
• Fluid retention in body part
• Calcium deposits in kidney
• Impaired kidney function
• Increased thirst
• Hypertension
• Bloody tinge

DIAGNOSIS

• Laboratory tests
• Sulkowitch urine test

The problem is life threatening and can lead to kidney failure. It can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage but still the treatment may not be permanent. The problem can occur again as the treatment can only help in relieving the symptoms. So there are natural remedies formulated by planet ayurveda that can help getting relief from this problem. These remedies are formulated using natural herbs.

Revive Kidneys Pack

This pack is specially made for the problem of kidney, keeping in mind the signs and symptoms of this particular problem.

SR. NO.	PRODUCT NAME	PACK SIZE	DOSAGE
1.	Mutrakrichantak Churna	1 Pack (200 gms)	1 Teaspoonful twice daily warm with water and for best result Boil 1 Teaspoonful in 400ml water until it remains 50-60ml. Filter the preparation with a regular tea strainer and drink. You should use this once in morning 45min. after breakfast and similarly in evening 45min. after dinner. Prepare fresh every time as per this.
2.	Rencure Formula	2 Bottles (120 capsules)	2 Capsules, twice daily with warm water after meals.
3.	Varunadi Vati	2 Bottles (240 tablets)	2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.
4.	Punarnava Mandoor	2 Bottles (240 tablets)	2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.
5.	Chandanadi Vati	1 Bottles (120 tablets)	2 Tablets, twice daily with warm water after meals.

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

It is a mixture of various herbs which is very helpful in maintaining healthy kidneys. It is especially formulated to maintain a healthy urinary system and is free from any chemicals and preservatives.

This churna consists of following ingredients:

• Punarnava - Helps to relieve painful micturition and excess water from the body accumulated due to kidney failure.
• Varun - Helps in relieving urinary tract infection and breaks down renal stone.
• Gokshura - Helps in clearing obstructions in urinary tract and provides strength and regeneration to the kidney cells.
• Kaasni - It is used in managing nephritic syndrome and other conditions which lead to kidney failure.

2. Rencure Formula

It is a combination that is given as an adjunct with mutrakrichantak churna supplement that is considered beneficial in maintaining a healthy urinary system in a natural way. This herb is commonly known as chicory that is helpful in preventing kidney failure.

3. Varunadi Vati

It is prepared using the herb varundi vati. This herb is being used since years for the maintenance of a healthy urinary system and a healthy kidney function. These contain herbs that provide strength to the kidneys and helps in the reduction of wasteful toxins that are present it the body. These herbs provide an ease in the kidney functioning.

4. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava mandur is a special formulation which is very useful in relieving many health conditions. It helps in increasing the blood count and improves blood quality. It is also good for the heart as it helps to maintain healthy blood composition. It also helps to reduce urea and creatinine, cholesterol and other toxins.

It is made from the combination of below herbs:

• Punarva
• Shunthi
• Pippali
• Maricha
• Chavya

These herbs have various properties such as digestive, anti-inflammatory, sedative and antioxidant.

The anti-microbial property helps in relieving toxins out of the kidney and helps the kidney to work properly creating balance in the functioning. Different ingredients used in formulation of this herbal remedy also acts as an astringent and are laxative in nature and are also considered effective for relieving liver disorders.

5. Chandanadi Vati

This classical remedy is very beneficial in providing relief from kidney disorders. It provides a calming and soothing effect on the urinary tract system and also provides relief from burning gut. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is used in the treatment of burning micturition, kidney disorders, heatstroke, burning gut, piles, fissures, etc. This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation.

These products are herbal and beneficial due to below reasons:

• 100 % natural products
• Maintenance of Tridosha (three body energies).
• Formulated by MD Ayurveda doctors
• Supports healthy kidneys
• 100 % vegetarian formulations.
• Free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers
• All herbs have their own miraculous properties and explanation in ancient Ayurvedic literature.

These products can be used by both adults and children and are also helpful in dispelling gas from the intestine. These medicines can relieve other problems as well such as puffy eyes, anemia, and fatty liver and removes accumulated fluids in the body.

So these medicines are formulated by experts and should be taken as prescribed by the doctors for better relief and fast recovery.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Lupus Nephritis - Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, Herbal Remedies, Diet & Lifestyle

It is a condition that arises due to inflammation of kidneys that is caused by autoimmune diseases referred to as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

In this situation the body’s tissue self-attacks the immune system of the body.

This situation arises when lupus involves the kidneys. This problem if not controlled can further lead to kidney failure as protein keeps leaking out of the kidneys.

People with lupus problem are more prone to urinary tract infection.

This problem is diagnosed with some tests that include;

1. Urine test,
2. Blood test,
3. Imaging test that includes ultrasound and kidney biopsy.

STAGES OF LUPUS NEPHRITIS

1. Minimal Mesangial Lupus Nephritis
2. Mesangial Proliferative Lupus Nephritis
3. Focal Lupus Nephritis
4. Diffuse Lupus Nephritis
5. Membrane Lupus Nephritis
6. Advanced Sclerosis Lupus Nephritis

This problem starts from very lower stage and can turn into a life taking diseases if not treated well.

SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS NEPHRITIS

• Blood in urine
• Elevated blood pressure
• Foamy appearance in urine
• Increased urination
• Swelling in body parts(feet, ankles, legs, finger)

TREATMENT

As far as medical treatment is concerned there are only few ways that can help to stop this problem from getting worse but there is no permanent cure to this problem. The medicines can only help in preventing further kidney damage and kidney transplant.

Some Common Treatments Include;

• Medicines (cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate)
• Taking blood pressure medication
• Using steroids to prevent swelling and inflammation (prednisone)
• Less intake of protein and salt

As we know that there is no scientific medication for the cure to this problem so, people have shifted their interest to herbal remedies in order to get rid of this problem permanently.

Many Ayurveda medicines are present for curing this disease and among those, here are some of the best medicines that have proven to be most effective.

1. Chanderprabha Vati
2. Punarnava Capsules
3. Arjuna Capsules
4. Sarpgandhaghan Vati

Herbal Remedies for Lupus Nephritis

1. Chanderprabha Vati

These tablets are made with the combination of different products. These can be used by the patients who are suffering from excessive urination which is one of the symptom of this particular disease and many more problems such as diabetic neuropathy, burning sensation during urination, retention of urine, anemia, jaundice, ovarian cysts, low sex drive in men and women, inability to conceive due to inflammation in the ovaries and pelvic organs.

Each tablet is of 500 mg and consists of herbs such as shilajit, guggul, katpoor, sunthi, pippali, danti, dalchini, tejpatta, ela, maricha, amla, Chavya and many more.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day (after meals with plain water).

2. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava is a plant fount mostly in India and Brazil. Different parts of the plants are having different properties. The roots of the plants are considered beneficial for kidney problem .The leaves of the plant are helpful in relieving joint pain. The seeds of the plant are used as blood purifier. Due to its diuretic properties these capsules are best recommended for kidney failure.

Dosage: 1 or 2 capsules twice a day (only with plain water after meals).

3. Arjuna Capsules

These capsules are manufactured using the bark of Arjuna tree. The bark of the tree is considered to have heart protecting properties in addition to strengthening the heart. The bark of the tree is rich in minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc that are considered as important elements for proper functioning of the heart.

Arjuna is also considered as a good astringent and also consists of some anti-inflammatory properties.This herb proves to do wonders in case of heart problems as it tones the cardiac muscles and protects the heart. So, the intake of this capsule may eliminate many heart problems and may prevent the situation from getting worse.

Dosage: Regular intake 1 capsule a day (with plain water after meals.

4. Sarpgandhaghan Vati

Sarapgandha which is known as Indian snakeroot is considered to be efficient in problems such as insomania, high blood pressure, hysteria and psychological disorders. The tablets consist of pure extracts of sarapgandha. To cure this particular type of diseases, this herb plays a very vital role. Sarapgandha vati is completely natural and free from any chemical and has been used since ages as a medicine for relieving hypertension. The alkanoid known as reserpine is useful as a tranquilizer and acts as a hypotensive agent prescribed for relieving psychoneurotic conditions.

People suffering from high blood pressure, insomnia or epilepsy can use this herbal remedy.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day (with plain water after meals).

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Besides these herbal remedies it is considered better to follow some lifestyle and diet tips, which are given below.

Lifestyle and Diet Advice

• Maintaining healthy and well-balanced diet including fruits, fresh salads, vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid oily, spicy or greasy, frozen and non-veg foods.
• Drinking lots of water flushes out toxins and pathogens from the body.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep.
• Avoid suspected allergens and chemicals.
• Protection from ultraviolet radiations of the sun by covering all the exposed parts of the body.
• Smoking should be avoided and limit the use of alcohol as it aggravates the condition.
• Regular exercises or Yoga and meditation keep your body healthy.

Herbal Remedies for Fish Odour Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria) - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Fish Odour Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria) is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body of a person is unable to break down trimethylaminuria which is a nitrogen containing compound. The compound trimethylaminuria is produced by the intestines and has a fishy odour. It is produced when certain types of food such as eggs, legumes, fish etc. are eaten.

As a result, trimethylamine starts accumulating in the body and is released in the sweat, reproductive fluids like vaginal fluids, urine and breath which leads to its characteristic odour. This unpleasant odour leads to social and psychological problems in individuals. This condition is more commonly found in women.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FISH ODOUR SYNDROME?

• In some people, fish odour syndrome occurs in people who do not have changes in both copies of FMO3 gene. In such cases, trimethylaminuria may be caused by the high levels of trimethylaminuria due to the presence of more trimethylamine producing bacteria in the gut.
• Due to a diet rich in foods that create trimethylamine as they are metabolised.
• Heredity: It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If the parents of a child have trimethylaminuria, then children will be carriers of the faulty gene.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FISH ODOUR SYNDROME?

The symptoms of fish odour syndrome can sometimes be seen in premature infants as well as in some women at the time of menstruation.

It is characterised by a fishy odour that occurs due to the excess release of trimethylamine in the patient’s sweat, urine, breath.

Some people have constant strong odour while most have a moderate odour that can vary.

In women, the odour may be severe just before or during menstruation.

Factors such as sweating, excessive exercise, stress may also worsen the odour.

DIAGNOSIS

A urine test and genetic testing can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT

According to modern medicine, there is no cure for fish odour syndrome but there are certain ways to reduce the symptoms like avoiding certain foods that contain trimethylamine and by decreasing the dosage of anti-biotics.

Modern treatment includes certain dietary restrictions, use of certain lotions and soaps to remove the secreted trimethylamine on the skin and the use of activated charcoal and copper chlorophyllin and riboflavin supplements.

TREATMENT OF FISH ODOUR SYNDROME ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies for the treatment of fish odour syndrome to treat it naturally and to avoid odour.

HERBAL REMEDIES OFFERED BY PLANET AYURVEDA ARE

1. Manjishtha Capsules
2. Pitta Shamak - 2
3. Navkarshik Churna
4. Gandhak Rasayan
5. Kaishore Guggul
6. Neem Oil
7. Royal Honey Shower Gel

Fish Odor Pack

1. Manjishtha Capsules

Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) is an herb used in Ayurvedic practice for detoxification. Its extract is extensively used for many skin diseases. It is considered as an anti-toxic as well as anti-poisonous herb. It is considered as a pitta calming herb so it is used in the diseases of tissues where Pitta is involved such as skin wounds, diseases etc.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.

2. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna is an age old Ayurvedic medicine. The herbs present in this churna act together in a synergistic manner and help in purifying the blood and also corrects the metabolism of the body. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

Ingredients used in Navkarshik Churna are:

Sr. No.	Indian Name	Botanical Name	Parts	Quantity
1.	Amla	Emblica officinalis	Fruits	22.22 gm
2.	Haritaki	Terminalia chebula	Fruits	22.22 gm
3.	Bahera	Terminalia bellerica	Fruits	22.22 gm
4.	Vacha	Acorus calamus	Roots	22.22 gm
5.	Neem	Azadirachta indica	Leaves	22.22 gm
6.	Manjishtha	Rubia cordifolia	Whole	22.22 gm
7.	Giloy	Tinospora cordifolia	Stem	22.22 gm
8.	Daruhaldi	Berberis aristata	Rhizome		22.22 gm
9.	Katuki	Picorrhiza kurroa	Stem		22.22 gm

Dose: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.

3.Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is an Ayurvedic medicine used in the treatment of skin diseases, provides nourishment, improves digestion strength and mostly indicated in the diseases arising due to depleted body tissues, itching, skin diseases and other toxic conditions.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

4. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishor guggul is a very famous Ayurvedic medicine that acts as a natural blood cleanser, aging skin health promoter and is widely used in various skin diseases. It contains natural blood purifying herbs such as Triphala and Giloy. Triphala is the nature's best remedy for detox as it removes toxins within the blood and therefore useful in all metabolic disorders.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

5. Neem Oil

For external application, mix neem oil with jatyadhi oil and apply on the affected skin. Jatayadi oil is an Ayurvedic medicine used for the external application as it heals the wounds quickly. It is applied over the infected skin diseases. Jatyadi oil balances Pitta and kapha doshas.

Neem oil has immense benefits. Neem oil helps in cleansing and healing the wounds quickly. It is useful in numerous skin diseases.

Dose: For Local Application.

6. Royal Honey Shower Gel

Use Royal Honey Shower Gel for bathing as it contains natural ingredients that are anti-bacterial and anti-septic in nature that helps in relieving the bad odour.

Usage: Use for bathing.

7. Pitta Shamak - 2

Pitta Shamak - 2 is a capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda which consists of standardised extracts of herbs Pitta papda (Fumaria indica) and Patol (Trichosanthes dioica). These capsules mainly have a pitta pacifying effect as the name suggests. As pitta dosha is responsible for maintaining the metabolism of trimethylaminuria in Fish Odour Syndrome, so the pitta pacifying effect of these capsules are quite effective in it.

Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

• Avoid non-vegetarian foods such as seafood, eggs.
• Avoid beans and peanuts.
• Avoid supplements containing lecithin.
• Avoid strenuous exercise. Try only gentle exercises that don’t make you sweat as much.
• Take time to relax as stress can make the symptoms worse.
• Wear washed clothes.

Kutajarishta - Ingredients, Methods of Preparation, Benefits, Uses, Dose & Side Effects

Kutajarishta (Kutajarishtam) is an amazing Herbal medicine (in liquid form) involving 5 - 10 % of self-generated alcohol in it. This alcohol which is self-generated and the water in the product acts as a main source to deliver alcohol and water with dissolved active herbal components to the body. It is very beneficial to use in Herbal and natural treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bleeding, Crohn's disease, and haemorrhoids. It also strengthens the digestive system and the digestion power. It has ability to manage vata as well as kapha in body. It has enormous beneficial properties because of all the herbs present in it such as its astringent, stimulating, detoxifying, anti-bacterial, anti-dysenteric, and digestive properties.

INGREDIENTS OF KUTAJARISHTA

S. No.	Name	Latin Name	Part Used	Quantity
1	Kutaja	Holarrhena antidysentrica	Stem bark	4.8kg
2	Dry grapes	--	--	2.8kg
3	Madhuka	Madhuka indica	Flower	480gm
4	Ganbhari	Gmelina arborea	Stem/bark or root	480gm
5	Water for decoction	--	--	49.152kg
6	Jaggery	--	--	4.8kg
7	Dhataki	Woodfordia fruticosa	Flower	960gm

METHODS OF PREPARATION

Herbs are used in the powdered form like Kutaja, dry grapes, madhuka, gambhari and then this powder is added into water, boiled so as to make decoction which is reduced to specified quantity (21.288 litres) and then it is strained. Jaggery is added into it and dissolved. Again strained and after that another herb is added known as Dhataki to it. After this procedure, it is kept closed in an air tight container at least for a period of one month so as to complete the process of fermentation. It is then taken out, filtered and preserved after completion of a month.

BENEFITS OF HERBS

Kutaja - Every part of this herb is very important which includes kutaja bark, kutaja stem, kutaja flowers and kutaja seeds.

1. Kutaja

Kutaja Bark

• Kutaja bark helps in the treatment of diarrhoea (absorbs the moisture).
• Kutaja bark helps in maintaining the balance between the kapha and pitta.
• This part of kutaja helps in the treatment of diseases related to digestive system.
• The kutaja bark relieve ama and helps in the management of indigestion.
• This part of kutaja helps in the management of bleeding disorders like bleeding haemorrhoids.

Kutaja Flowers

• The flowers of kutaja are natural coolants.
• The kutaja flowers helps in the management of gastrointestinal tract problems.
• These flowers increases vata and helps in maintaining the balance in between the kapha and pitta.
• These flowers helps to get rid of bleeding disorders.
• These flowers helps in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Kutaja Fruit

• The kutaja fruit maintains the balance in all the three doshas of the body.
• This flower relieves ama and helps in increasing the digestive strength.
• These flowers helps in the treatment of piles, gout and detoxifies blood.

Kutaja Seeds

• These seeds helps in maintaining the balance between the three doshas of the body.
• These seeds are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, fever and ulcerative colitis.

2. Dry Grapes

• After ingestion, dry grapes swell up in the blood and helps in the treatment of constipation and diarrhoea.
• It helps in maintaining optimum energy levels.

3. Madhuka

• This plant is wonderful in the treatment of digestive ailments.
• This herb increases the kapha dosha and helps in reduction of vitiated vata and pitta dosha.
• Madhuka's bark (decoction 30-40 ml) helps in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome as well as diarrhoea.
• Madhuka tree's fruit is indicated in the treatment of bleeding disorders.
• This fruit helps in increasing the immunity and provides strength.

4. Ganbhari

• This plant helps in the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis.
• This plant balances the vata and pitta dosha.
• This herb helps in the improvement of digestion as well as absorption in the body.
• It is a wonderful aphrodisiac agent.

5. Jaggery

It is wonderful product which can easily be found in the Indian kitchen. Its amazing benefits helps in the treatment of several diseases which are as follows:

• Jaggery helps in the management of constipation.
• Jaggery helps in detoxification of liver.
• Jaggery helps in cleansing blood and acts as a blood purifier.
• Jaggery helps in boosting the immune system.
• Jaggery helps in promoting intestinal health and gives cooling effect to the stomach.

6. Dhataki

• Dhataki is an amazing herb which helps in the treatment of diseases like piles, dysentery and diarrhoea due to its astringent properties.

USES OR INDICATIONS OF KUTAJRISHTA

• Kutajarishta is most commonly used for conditions like fever, bleeding disorders of intestine, irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's disease, and haemorrhoids.
• This Ayurvedic medicine helps in strengthening the digestive power.
• It helps in the treatment of loose motions and bloody dysentery.
• It is the best ayurvedic remedy in the treatment of malabsorption syndrome.
• It is a wonderful ayurvedic medicine in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea.
• It helps in treating diarrhoea with blood by reducing intestinal motility.
• Kutajarishta helps in the treatment of chronic fever as well as long continued fever.
• It is useful medicine which is formulated to treat the piles (especially in case of Bleeding Piles) with discharge of mucus.
• It improves digestion, appetite and assimilation due to its certain properties.
• It is also wonderful in cough.
• It helps in the management of the symptoms of anorexia.
• This Ayurvedic medicine has amazing therapeutic effects in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

DOSAGE

• Have at least 15-25 ml once a day or twice daily and is usually advised after meals.
• It can be mixed with equal quantity of water, in case there is a need.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• There are no as such side effects of kutajrishta noticed.
• A very high dose of Kutajarishta results in constipation.
• It is bitter in taste which can results in nausea, vomiting and tastelessness.
• Lower dose of this medicine is safe to be used in children but only in children who are above 5 years of age. This medicine cannot be given to children who are below 5 years of age.