Ayurvedic Remedies For Failing Memory

Memory is a power that helps the brain to retain, restore and retrieve the information or knowledge in the brain. Memory is a way that quickly helps us to analyze and remember the things.

In other words, Memory is a way that helps us to perceive the knowledge, retain the knowledge, encipher the knowledge thereby helps us to perform our daily chores.

A memory may be for short-term or long-term and it can be classified into 3 main types – Iconic (Perceiving the visual memory), Echoic (Perceiving the auditory memory) and Haptic (Perceiving the things with tactile stimulation) memory.

Memory power can decline at any age and at any time. But there are not enough options to manage this condition. Ayurveda and other alternative therapies are effective and offer natural ways that can manage this condition. Before explaining the natural remedies let us glance over reasons that are responsible for the downfall of memory.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR DOWNFALL OF OUR MEMORY?

• History of diseases like – Hypothyroidism, neurological disorders like – Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc.  
• Medications – Certain medications influence our memory and can cause forgetfulness and decline our memory.
• Old age is a factor for progressive memory loss
• Emotional disorders
• Any trauma to the head region
• Deficiency of vitamin B12
• Certain habits like- drinking alcohol and smoking can impair neurotransmitters which result in gradual memory fall.
• Heavy stress may lead to memory fall.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

If you are feeling difficulty in remembering things, forgets the things very fast even names of persons, difficulty in performing daily tasks, impairment in thoughts, cognitive impairments, confusion, difficulty in recognizing the things, etc. then you need to consult a doctor. Early treatment is the best way to manage and fix things accurately.

MANAGEMENT

We can effectively manage failing memory by means of Ayurvedic Medicines, Yoga, meditation and with few natural therapies that are 100 % safe to use and are quite effective to restore memory power.

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR FAILING MEMORY

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for failing memory. But they are advised according to the associated condition of the patient.

Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), is a well-known herb that boosts memory. It is a Medhya rasayana, explained in our classics. It is available in the form of powder and capsules, according to your convenience you can go ahead with them.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon of powder / 1 capsule twice daily with plain water or milk, after meals.

Medhya Churna

This powder is a combination of herbs that directly impact our memory hence named this powder as 'Medhya churna'. This powder is a combination of vacha, brahmi, patha, pippali, Ashwagandha, jeeraka, etc. This powder helps to improve mental clarity and concentration.

Dosage: 1 pinch of powder twice daily with plain water, after meals.

Memory Support Capsules

These capsules are the combination of Brahmi, vacha, shankhapushpi and yashtimadhu. They enhance memory and even support higher mental functions.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

Shankhapushpi Powder

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) also helps in boosting memory, increasing intellectual power and it also improves cognitive skills, thus a perfect brain tonic to manage failing memory.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon of powder, twice daily with plain water, after meals.

This powder is prepared from the dried extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra. As per our classics, licorice roots are effective in managing nervous disorders. It is also a medhya rasayana. It shows very good results with the combination of other brain tonics, thus it helps other medicines to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon of powder twice daily with plain water, after meals.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) maintains the hormonal level in our body as neurotransmitters are responsible for maintaining cognitive skills. It is available in the form of capsules and powder too.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon of powder / 1 capsule twice daily with plain water or milk, after meals.

Vacha Powder

Vacha (Acorus calamus) is used to enhance memory. It also causes prolonged calming effects on our nervous system.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon twice daily with plain water, after having food.

Gotu Kola Capsules

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) stabilizes all the mental conditions and acts as a nervine tonic thus improves failing memory and also helpful in memory fall condition that arises due to Alzheimer's, dementia, etc.

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

Shatavari Capsules

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a rejuvenating herb that promotes energy level and also supports the immune system.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.

Amalaki Rasayana

These capsules are composed of rejuvenating herbs like – Amala, yashtimadhu, haritaki, bibhitaki, etc. that help to rejuvenate the affected nerve cells and increase our retaining capacity.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water or milk, after meals.

TAKE THE HELP OF STRONG WING OF AYURVEDA "OUR PANCHAKARMA"

Panchakarma a branch of Ayurveda that potentially rejuvenates the affected neurons, balances hormones and improves higher mental functions. There are various therapies in Panchakarma but few therapies that are helpful in failing memory are – Shirodhara, Shirobasti, Shiroabhyanga and Shiropichu.

SOME PEACEFUL THERAPIES

• YOGA AND MEDITATION – These are natural ways that maintain hormonal balance, a healthy immune system and improve the brain functions. Make yoga and meditation a part and parcel of your life.
• TAKE THE HELP OF NATUROPATHY – There are some alternative treatments that are helpful in this condition. Therefore, we can take the help of those therapies also. For example - AROMATHERAPY, MUSIC THERAPY and CHROMOTHERAPY have shown some good results in the case of failing memory and also potentially manage the neurodegenerative changes.
• SOME ACUPRESSURE POINTS – Some supportive therapies like Acupressure helps to stimulate some vital forces or energies in our body that can enhance our memory power and even improve concentration power. Few acupressure points that can tackle the failing memory problem, they are – LV3 on the liver meridian, YIN TANG: Third eye point GV 24.5 (at glabella), YANG BAI GB14, SHUI GOU: GV26, etc. Applying minimal pressure over these points helps you to improve memory.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

• A nutritious diet that is rich in proteins, vitamin B12 and minerals is a good option to be adopted in failing memory. For example – milk, fresh fruits (apple, pomegranate, avocado, berries), green vegetables (pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, etc.), dry fruits (almonds, walnuts), etc.
• Add ghee in your diet. Adding a few drops of ghee in cow’s milk and consuming regularly is proven beneficial in this condition.
• Strengthen your immune system and delay failing memory.
• Stay active - Indulge in some physical activities and mental activities as they support memory power.
• Do and develop some brainstorming activities and skills.

How To Boost Immunity With Ayurvedic Herbs?

Everybody possesses a different level of immunity, which varies due to their different prakruti (body constitution). In our classics, it is clearly mentioned that Kapha prakruti individual has high immunity power as compared to Vata prakruti individual. Those who have less immunity are prone to develop various infections and diseases. But we can improve or boost our immunity by some natural ways.

Other factors which play an important role in managing our immunity are – Ojas (the essence of all the dhatus), Agni and Equilibrium of Tridoshas and Mansik doshas.

Nature has provided us various ways that can fulfill the needs to eradicate various diseases by boosting immunity or in other words nature can provide a long, healthy and disease- free lifespan by enhancing immunity with the help of its natural herbs. At first, let us glance over some basics.

WHAT IS IMMUNITY?

As per Ayurvedic classics, immunity is defined as –

"Vyadhikshamatva". Vyadhikshamatva is composed of two words – Vyadhi + Kshamatva.

Whereas Vyadhi means 'Disease' or 'Illness' and Kshamatva means 'To resist'.

Definition of Immunity goes as -

Reference - Chakrapani

The meaning of this quotation goes as –

Immunity is defined as the entity which is capable enough to fight against diseases, i.e. 'Vyadhibalavirodhitam' and it also resists the production of the diseases i.e. 'Vyadhyautpadakpratibhandhakatvam'.

In other words, immunity is a defensive mechanism of the body that will not allow the manifestation and development of any disease or causative agent in the body.

According to Ayurveda, Immunity (Vyadhikshamatva) is of three types -

• Sehaja vyadhikshamatva – It is an inherited one. By birth the immunity which is present in our body is called as Sehaja vyadhikshamatva. This immunity totally depends upon our genes.
• Vyadhija vyadhikshamatva – This type of immunity develops in our body when an antigen pervades in the body, then our immune system generates specific antibodies against that specific antigen and protects our body. This type of immunity is called as vyadhija vyadhikshamatva.
• Yuktikrit Vyadhikshamatva (Acquired immunity) – As our diet plays a major role in our health. We can achieve this type of immunity, by modifying our diet and lifestyle.

HERBS THAT CAN HELP IN BOOSTING IMMUNITY

Despite of a healthy diet and lifestyle sometimes our immune system is not potent enough to manage infections in such case, we can take the help of herbs that boost immunity.

Herbs that can boost immunity should have properties that can nourish all the 7 dhatus of the body and also develop ojas.

There are various herbs in Ayurveda that support immunity, they are -

• Amla (Emblica officinalis) – A well-known ayurvedic herb that has traditionally been used for the purposes of enhancing immunity and longevity, it is also used in various preparations as an active ingredient to tackle various diseases like – diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. All the parts of amla are useful, but its fruits are rich in antioxidants and other properties. So, that can be used for the immune boosting purposes. Those who consume Amla regularly, they are likely to live a disease free long life. Even a traditional formulation which is well known for its immune boosting action – ‘Chavyanprash’, basically consists of Amalaki.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – It acts as a natural immune booster. That is why it is widely used as a general health tonic. This herb is full of anti-oxidants because of that ashwagandha is generally used in all kinds of immune- compromised patients. It supports the immune system by improving the quality of dhatus in our body.
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – Tulsi is an overall tonic for the body as well as mind because it helps to pacify physical ailments along with psychological ones. Tulsi is easily available in every home, so we can utilize its benefits just in simple ways - Eating five leaves of tulsi daily help to boost immunity, and prevent recurrent infections.
• Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) – This herb is also called a ‘Vishavbheshaja’ in our classics, which means the one that has the potential to fight against all the diseases. It acts as a powerful stimulant for the immune system. It helps the immune system by managing Agni and Ama.
• Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Mulethi is categorized as a best medhya rasayana that helps to increase mental power, improves cognitive skills and increases intellectual power. It is a rasayana herb thus along with overall health it also improves immunity. It helps to balance hormones in the body that are required for managing functions of the lymphatic system.
• Echinacea (Andrographis paniculata) – It is also known as purple coneflower. It has immuno- stimulant and antimicrobial properties that help to fight against various infections by directly stimulating the immune system. Mostly the leaves are the useful parts that can even improvise the functions of our defense system.
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – A generalized tonic that is famous as a female health tonic which is useful in various gynecological problems and it also rejuvenates the affected cells of the body that are required in the body for various functions. Basically it improves the health of all organs inside the body.
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) – Guduchi is an herb that has immune modulator action. It has various other properties like antiviral, antibacterial, etc. that help to fight against various pathogens by developing specific antibodies by its immune modulator action. It is an effective remedy to accelerate the body’s immune power. It also eliminates toxins from the body.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Turmeric helps to fight infections and boosts immunity. Along with that, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of all these reasons, it is the herb of choice in auto-immune disorder. This herb helps to detoxify the blood and lymph, thus supports the immune system.

Other than the herbs, some natural things that can enhance our immunity are – Milk and Ghee that naturally vitalize the organs, improve the health conditions and enhance immunity.

Better to use all these herbs after proper detoxification of the body. In order to maintain good immunity better to use these herbs on a daily basis, along with this you should follow a healthy diet and a proper lifestyle.

Lets know all about Brahmamuhurtha !!

WHAT IS BRAHMA MUHURTA?

Brahma Muhurta, the Muhurta of Brahma is considered as the best time for meditation.

There are 30 Muhurta in 24 hours. Brahma Muhurta is the fourth Pra of the night. There are two Muhurta in the courtyard of the sunrise. The first Muhurta is called Brahma Muhurta. The 30th part of the day and night is called Muhurta, that is, the period of 2 hours or 48 minutes is called Muhurta. After that, there is a time of Vishnu while the morning starts but the sun does not appear. According to our clock, the time of morning 4.24 to 5.12 is Brahma Muhurta.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN BRAHMA MUHURTA?

One should do these four things in Brahma Muhurat:

• Sandhya Vandan
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Study

The Vedic system is the most appropriate. After that meditation then pray. Students should study after evening festivities. This time is considered the best for the study.

WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF BRAHMA MUHURAT?

According to Valmiki Ramayana, while looking for Mother Sita, Shri Hanuman reached Ashoka Vatika only in Brahma Muhurat. Where he heard the utterance of the mantras of the Vedas and Yajnas.

One should do the prayer, meditation in this Muhurat. One is filled with knowledge, peace, freshness, diseased free body and beautiful skin with an energetic mind and body. One should pray Lord Brahma. According to Sikh dharma, Brahma Muhurta is named as "Amrit Vela". As per the name, its benefits are explained. It's the best time to do prayer.

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT?

According to science, the air consist of fresh oxygen is 41% which is maximum in a whole day. This oxygen helps the lungs to breathe fresh. This fresh air opens the channels of mind and body hence a person will be disease free and healthy. Hence a person lives long.

WHAT IS AYURVEDA CONCEPT?

To walk in Brahma Muhurat is correlated with sanjeevani or boon for the body. It is the best time to study after complete rest at night time.

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE DONE IN BRAHMA MUHURAT?

• Negative thoughts
• Sex
• Unusual talk
• Sleep
• Traveling
• Shout
• Arguments
• Loud prayers

WHAT DOES OUR RESEARCH SAY?

As per research, it is said that in a conducive atmosphere in Brahma Muhurat the entire body has natural production of melatonin, secretion by the pineal gland. The pineal gland secretes melatonin maximum at this period which acts as a mood stabilizer.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FIRST AFTER WAKING UP?

Wake up, clean yourself, brush your teeth. After this with such a fresh mind and body, one should do stretching which includes yoga, asana. Sit in padmasana with absolute quietness for at least 10 mins by closing your eyes and to get the morning freshness.

The best place to do this asana is grass or plain surface with any mate or wooden plank, just sit on and face the east. Do meditation and get a fresh and peaceful mind and body.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN WINTERS?

One should take bath with cold water, but it is not necessary to take bath with cold water in winters. One should do the mental bath. One should remember the pure Atman. Repeat this slang "I'm the purest soul" this is one of the most powerful baths in Jnana Ganga. This is most powerful and it burns all sins.

One is not habitual of getting up early, so one use an alarm clock, ones one get habit there will be no need of alarm as our mind becomes an obedient servant and make you awake at the decided time.

WHY IT IS IN TRADITION OF GETTING UP IN BRAHMA MUHURTA?

When you meditate in Brahma Muhurta, It absorbs all your tensions keeping you peaceful and happy all day long. Practicing Yoga in this time gives more benefits to your body. Meditation during Brahma Muhurta increases the concentration.

WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

After a good and peaceful sleep at night, the mind gets refreshed, calm, and filled with energy. The mind, as well as the environment, has immense purity or sattva. Most of the rishis, munis start their meditation in Brahma Muhurta.

This period is mostly meant for prayer and meditation as in this period the amount of oxygen is in the air is pure and most important serenity is present. It provides better mental and physical health, peace, and positive energy.

WHAT HAPPENS TO SLEEP IN BRAHMA MAHURTA?

"Brahmamurutt Or Sleepy Paryakshayakarini"

Brahmmasudhurt's Sleep Is The Destruction Of Virtue.

HOW NATURE IS CONNECTED TO BRAHMA MUHURTA?

Brahma is a deep lover of Muhurta and Nature. At this time, animals-birds are awake. Their sweet tweet begins. The lotus flower also blossoms. The cock begins to bundle. In a sense, nature becomes enlightened in Brahma Muhurat. These signs works as an alarm by nature to wake up in Brahma Muhurat.

WHAT ROUTINE HAS TO BE FOLLOWED AND WITH TIME?

3 to 5 In The Morning - At this time, the vitality is especially in the lungs. Let's drink a little lukewarm water and walk in the open air and do pranayama, lung function is greatly developed by making long breaths. By getting them pure air (oxygen) and debt ion in abundance, the body is healthy and energized. People who get up in Brahma Muhurta are intelligent and enthusiastic, and one who keeps sleeping in Brahma Muhurat are lazy.

5 am to 7 am - We should freshen up after passing stool and take bath between 5 to 7 am. After 7, the intestines dry out the vayu increases and leads to constipation and many other diseases.

7 am to 9 am - At this time, the biological power is especially in the stomach. This time is mentioned above for food. At this time digestive juices become more active. Drink lukewarm water (according to compatibility) sip in between mealtime.

Approx. 11 am to 1 pm - At this time life-force is particularly hearted.

There is legislation in our culture of mid-day (relaxing) around 12 o'clock in the afternoon. That is why food is forbidden. This time liquids can be taken. Like we can drink juice or can eat curd.

HOW WATER PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BRAHMA MUHURAT?

If you get water in Brahma Muhurta, then you should drink nicely by mixing it with the saliva, because the saliva which makes 3 liters of water daily in our body is very beneficial for us.

*In addition to soft water in Brahma Muhurat, taking the milk, honey, ghee or two together or taking all they work to get youthfulness, i.e. age stops.

In this, who want to lose weight take, honey in Luke warm water.

WHAT PLANET DOES AYURVEDA OFFER TO HAVE IN BRAHMA MUHURTA?

Detox Tea : Herbal tea helps to detoxify the body. As there are a lot of pesticides, fertilizers metals we consume. There are a lot of carcinogens related to the environment, especially in cities. Living stressful lifestyle also leads to the generation of damaging free radicals within our body leading to rapid aging and degenerative processes in our body. Detox tea contains herbs full of anti-aging properties.

It improves general health and wellbeing. It consist of arjuna, punarnava, taruni, dalchini, choti elachi, badi elachi, saauf and bhumi amla.
Use this 1 cup of detox tea in Brahma Muhurta and gets it maximum benefits.

Vara Churna

Vara Churna or Triphala powder is a blend of most popular Ayurvedic herbs Haritaki, Bhibhitaki and Amalaki. These are also known as "The Myrobalans". The herbs in combination are useful in multiple problems as they remove the accumulated toxins within the body, making it the best herbal remedy for constipation and an effective colon cleanse formula. This formula is particularly effective in treating constipation and is non- habit forming. These herbs are multipurpose and are useful in vision problems, high cholesterol, migraine, acidity, general weakness, and obesity. This churna is an effective colon cleanser made up of purely natural herbs without any chemicals.

Ingredients Of Vara Churna:-

1. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) 
2. Bhibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)  
3. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)   

Use Vara Churna 1 tsp. with Luke warm water in Brahma Muhurta.

CONCLUSION

Knowing the religious, mythological and practical aspects and benefits of Brahma Muhurat, start awakening in this auspicious time every day and you will get better results.

The person who is born in Brahma Muhurta is successful, happy and prosperous, why? Because getting up early gets enough time to create day-to-day tasks and plans. Therefore, not only does life succeed. Every person who is physically and mentally healthy can be happy and prosperous.

Because he progresses in the work he does. The student is successful in the examination. Boss is happy with the job. A businessman can earn good money. The income of a man, the income of the person is affected, the opposite costs seem to increase. Success kills the same steps which can be useful in time and remain healthy. So to be healthy and successful, then get up in Brahma Muhurat.

Accelerate Your Immunity With These 7 Foods !!

Our lifestyle, food habits and climatic changes are the factors that decline our immunity and our weak immunity is the cause of the origin of various diseases in our body. We can achieve powerful immunity by altering our dietary and lifestyle habits.

The existence of our life totally depends upon our diet. This diet directly impacts our Ojas (the essence of all the dhatus) which in turn boosts our immunity. But before discussing about the foods which can enhance our immunity, let us go through the concept of Immunity.

WHAT IS IMMUNITY?

As per Ayurvedic classics, immunity is defined as – "Vyadhikshamatva". Vyadhikshamatva is composed of two words – Vyadhi + Kshamatva where Vyadhi means 'Disease' or 'Illness' and Kshamatva means 'To resist'.

This concept is defined very beautifully in our classics, and the quotation goes as -

Reference - Chakrapani

The meaning of this quotation goes as - Immunity is defined as the entity that is capable enough to fight against diseases i.e. 'Vyadhibalavirodhitam' and it also resists the onset of the diseases, i.e. 'Vyadhyautpadakpratibhandhakatvam'.

In other words, immunity is a defensive mechanism of the body that will not allow the manifestation and development of any disease or causative agent inside the body.

As we discussed earlier, diet and lifestyle measures are the important factors that can increase our immunity. So, for maintaining and increasing the immunity we require fresh, organic and pure foods. Nowadays it is very difficult to get these because of the increased market of adulterants.

WHICH ARE THE FOODS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY?

Are you worried about your falling immunity? Don't worry, look at your kitchen you have everything at home, in your kitchen, a 'Mini Pharmacy' that can help you out from this trouble. Only the thing is you don't know their importance and correct use of them.

The foods that can increase your Ojas and also boost your Immunity are –

1) Vegetables

The major part of our meal is vegetables. They are loaded with macro and micro-nutrients, antioxidants, carotenoids, etc. which are essential for a healthy defensive system of our body i.e. our 'Immune System'.

Among the leafy vegetables – Spinach, broccoli, cabbage, wheatgrass and parsley are beneficial.

Green vegetables – Bottle gourd, bitter gourd, peas, green beans and pumpkin.

Root vegetables – Radish, sweet potatoes and beetroot.

2) Fruits

Mostly fruits are loaded with various vitamins and minerals that are required in traces, but play a major role in the healthy functioning of our body and also strengthen our immune system.

Fresh fruits – Berries, apricots, apple and among citrus fruits –orange (a rich source of vitamin C that helps to build new cells)

Dry fruits – Almonds, walnuts and raisins.

All of them are a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, thus, they reduce the chances of infections in our body by enhancing immunity.

Milk itself is a complete food which is full of nutrients. It is a rich source of calcium. Moreover, milk products like curd and ghee are also helpful to boost immunity. Curd helps by providing a rich flora of healthy bacteria that fight against disease causing agents. Thus, it favors immunity and Ghee is a well-known rejuvenating product mentioned in our Ayurvedic contexts that provides a healthy and long life.

4) Pulses

Pulses are a rich source of proteins which are considered as building blocks of the human body. Among pulses, green gram is the one that aids immunity. Folate and potassium are abundantly present in it. It is more beneficial if consumed in the form of sprouts. So, green gram sprouts are the healthiest way to empower immunity as they are rich in antioxidants too.

5) Spices

Taking spices like- ginger, turmeric, tulsi and garlic as they are the good sources to build immunity. They all have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that won't allow any microorganism to settle inside the body. Moreover, they also possess immune-modulator properties, thus beneficial to maintain and restore the functions of the immune system.

6) Green Tea

Among the beverages, Green tea is the prime one that has got much important because of its unbeatable health benefits, hence categorized as the healthiest beverage on the globe. Green tea is full of anti-oxidants and nutrients that prove to be superb for your body and mind. Moreover, it also has various medicinal properties that help to cure obesity, improves higher mental functions and even reduces the risk of cancer. Basically it works on our immune system.

7) Honey

It has various medicinal as well as nutritive properties. Honey is full of nutrients and used widely to eliminate toxins from the body.
It is also considered among Rasayanas that helps to rejuvenate the body tissues. It acts as a catalyst that increases and accelerates the absorption of nutrients in our body. Thus, in Ayurveda honey, ghee and milk are widely used as an Anupana (Things that are being advised along with or after the intake of medicines).

SOME USEFUL TIPS

• Consumption of milk by adding a few drops of Cow ghee is proven beneficial in case of weak immunity.
• If you are allergic to something like – foods, pollens, etc. then prefer milk along with turmeric. But never prefer milk with fruits, vegetables and non-vegetarian items, as it is an incompatible combination that gives rise to various diseases.
• Along with a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle is also important to boost immunity. So, do yoga and exercise as a part and parcel of your life.

"Basically, We Have To - Back To - BASICS"

Ayurvedic Treatment for Down Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

Down syndrome is one of the commonest genetic disorders which occur due to abnormal cell division. It occurs due to the imbalance of genes located on human chromosome 21 (Hsa 21). Down syndrome is associated with the number of phenotypes including congenital heart defects, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia, etc.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DOWN SYNDROME?

Normally, human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. Down syndrome results when there are abnormal cell division and these abnormalities result in an extra partial or full chromosome 21. The presence of extra genetic material is responsible for characteristic features.

• In 95% of the cases, Down syndrome is caused by the trisomy 21 that means the person has 3 copies of chromosome no. 21 instead of having the usual 2 copies in all the cells. This abnormal cell division is caused during the development of sperm cell or egg cell.
• Mosaic Down Syndrome is a rare form of Down syndrome in which a person has only some cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21 which is caused by abnormal cell division after fertilization.
• Down syndrome can also occur when a portion of chromosome 21 becomes attached to another chromosome which is known as translocation. The children affected by it have the two copies of chromosome 21 and they also have additional genetic material from chromosome 21 which is attached to another chromosome. It occurs before or after conception.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DOWN SYNDROME?

The adults and children suffering from Down syndrome have distinct facial features.

Some Of The Common Symptoms Include:

• Small head
• Short neck
• Flattened face
• Unusually shaped or small ears
• Poor muscle tone
• Protruding tongue
• Relatively short fingers, small hands and feet
• Short height
• Short hands
• Tiny white spot on the iris in the eyes
• Excessive flexibility

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DOWN SYNDROME?

In Ayurveda, it is said that genetic disorders are caused due to lack of sattva guna within the mind which results in imbalances in rajas and tamas. Due to this imbalance, there are disturbances in prana, tejas and ojas too. This ultimately affects the physical body by causing imbalances in Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 11, Shlok No. 37 & 38

Meaning: In this shloka, the qualities of ojas are explained. According to this shloka, ojas is the essence of dhatus. It is mainly located in the heart and present all over the body and regulates health. The qualities of ojas are unctuous, oily, watery, transparent (clear), slightly reddish yellow in colour. Loss of ojas leads to loss of life and all aspects of health are related to ojas.

Down syndrome is considered as a condition when Vata is vitiated and pushes kapha out of balance.

According to Charak Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text), Vata dosha which consists of prana, udana, samana, apana and vyana sub-types, when aggravated vata affects the body with various types of diseases and affects the strength, happiness and lifespan of an individual. Vata dosha when vitiated perturbs the mind, affects the sense faculties, deforms and detains the embryo for long and gives rise to fear, anxiety, humility and delirium.

The role of Kapha dosha is that it protects the mind against the movements and agitation generated by Vata dosha. Tarpak Kapha (sub-type of Kapha dosha) helps the nerve impulses move at the proper rate by nourishing and protecting the axons of the nerves but when it is vitiated, it obstructs the nerve impulses causing them to move slower than the normal which results in slow response time, mental dullness, physical dullness etc.

HOW PLANET AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF DOWN SYNDROME?

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies that act as rasayana therapies. Rasayan therapies are forms of tonification that help to build ojas and healthy rasa in the body.

These Remedies Include:

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Daily Essentials Capsules
3. Digestion Support Capsules
4. Coral Calcium Capsules

Herbal Remedies For Down Syndrome

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Ashwagandha Capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera. This herb acts as Rasayana and useful in various debilitating conditions by inhibiting the growth of acetylcholine and many elements of Ashwagandha are anti-oxidants. This property of Ashwagandha helps to facilitate cognition, reduces inflammation, increases ojas and resists ageing. This herb enhances memory and increases the growth of axons and dendrites of neurons.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Daily Essentials Capsules

Daily Essentials of Planet Ayurveda is a best combination of herbs that are well known for their therapeutic benefits. This product of Planet Ayurveda contains the unique combination of herbs that transforms the quality of health of an individual making him strong due to the anti-oxidant nature of the ingredients used in these capsules.

Ingredients Of Daily Essentials Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Indian Name	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Grape Seed	Vitis vinifera	200 mg
2.	Cow colostrums	Bovine colostrums	200 mg
3.	Bhumi amla	Phyllanthus niruri	50 mg
4.	Green tea	Camellia sinensis	50 mg

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3. Digestion Support Capsules

Persons suffering from Down syndrome also suffer from various digestion related problems such as acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, celiac disease etc. For digestion related problems, Planet Ayurveda offers Digestion Support Capsules which is a blend of various herbs that are useful in the management of all digestive disorders.

Ingredients Of Digestion Support Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Herb Used	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Amla	Emblica officinalis	100 mg
2.	Haritaki	Terminalia chebula	100 mg
3.	Bahera	Terminalia bellerica	100 mg
4.	Saunf	Foeniculum vulgare	50 mg
5.	Dhania	Coriander sativum	50 mg
6.	Pippali	Piper longum	50 mg
7.	Jeerak	Cyminum cuminum	50 mg

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

4. Coral Calcium Complex Capsules

These capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the natural calcium ingredients that are useful in keeping the optimum levels of calcium in the body that is required for healthy muscles, bones and nerves.

Ingredients Of Coral Calcium Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Ingredient Name	Common Name	Quantity
1.	Coral	Praval pishti	125 mg
2.	Agate	Akik Pishti	125 mg
3.	An Ayurvedic herb	Jawar Mohra Pishti	125 mg
4.	An Ayurvedic herb	Kamdudha Ras	125 mg
5.	Pearl	Mukta pishti	50 mg
6.	Giloy Satva	Guduchi	125 mg

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com, Call at +91-172-5214030, Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Oil Pulling With Nirgundi Oil In Tinnitus

Our sense organs play an important role to perceive the external stimuli. One among them is our ears. The ear is an organ that helps in hearing along with that it also balances the body.

Tinnitus is a condition that pertains to ears. Tinnitus is not a disease it is merely a condition or a symptom, in which a person experiences ringing, buzzing sound in the ear when there is no external sound. The person may perceive musical sounds but these sounds are usually soft and are of low pitched. Tinnitus can affect one or both ears. Tinnitus usually affects the old age people. The affected index ratio is higher in males than in females. Tinnitus may be constant or intermittent.

According to Ayurveda tinnitus is related to "Karna Naada' a condition explained under 'Karna rogas'. Hearing is the attribution of "Akash mahabhuta" in our body and it is the prime function of Vata dosha. Hence, the vitiation of Vata dosha leads to tinnitus.

CAUSES OF TINNITUS

The most common causes of tinnitus are:-

• Exposure to loud noise
• Swimming in polluted water
• Excessive consumption of dry and cold food items.
• Malnutrition
• Health ailments like high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, other ENT problems, etc.
• Tumors or cysts in the sensory pathway of ear
• Stress and Anxiety
• Hormonal imbalance
• Nerves weakness
• History of ear infection
• Damage to cochlea
• Reduced blood flow and muscle spasm

SOME RISK FACTORS ARE

• Old age
• Habits of alcohol consumption, smoking, etc
• Excessive use of earphones
• Medicines like aspirin
• Excessive ear wax accumulation
• Cold climate

SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS

• Hearing different sounds like ringing, buzzing, humming and some musical nodes. This is the prime symptom of tinnitus. It may or may not be associated with other symptoms like -
• Insomnia (because of this low pitched sound)
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Nausea
• Reduced hearing
• Dizziness
• Occasionally a person may experience pain
• Depression
• In extreme conditions, may leads to vertigo.

DIAGNOSIS OF TINNITUS

1. On a clinical basis with interrogation and examination (with the help of otoscope)
2. Hearing tests - Audiogram is helpful to evaluate the intensity of tinnitus.
3. CT scan or MRI

TREATMENT PROTOCOL AS PER AYURVEDA

There is no cure in modern medicine but there are some herbs in Ayurveda that can manage this condition.

According to Ayurveda, any derangement in the equilibrium of tridoshas leads to improper functioning of the organs and causes disease. In this condition among tridoshas the prime vitiated dosha is ‘Vata’. Here, Vata vridhi takes place hence, we need to take measures to pacify this aggravated Vata.

Management includes - Palliative care (Shaman) and Purificatory measures (Shodhana).

• Palliative care helps to subside Vata with the help of rejuvenating and vatahar herbs.
• Shodhana (Purificatory methods) – Gandusha (oil pulling), Karna purna (instillation of oil in the ears) and Nasya (instillation of oil in the nasal cavity), Shirodhara, etc are beneficial.

EFFECTS OF OIL PULLING

Oil pulling (Gandusha) is one of the Panchakarma procedures. Gandusha or oil pulling means retaining the fluids inside the oral cavity for a stipulated period of time, that helps to eliminate the toxins and pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha in the head and neck region. Let us discuss the benefits that are mentioned in our classics -

Reference:- Ashtanga hrudyam / Sutrasthanam / Chapter no. 22 / Shloka no. 12

As per our Classics, benefits of gandusha are as follows -

• Manya – Treat diseases of the neck
• Shira – Treats all the neurological disorders
• Karna – Manage all the problems related to ears.
• Mukha – Beneficial in oral disorders
• Akshi – Good for eye ailments
• Kantha – Deals with all throat ailments
• Praseka – Helpful in excessive salivation
• Vaktrashosha – And also manage the dryness of the oral cavity.

BENEFITS OF NIRGUNDI OIL IN TINNITUS

Sinduwar (Nirgundi) is the main ingredient of 'Nirgundi oil'. It is a Vata shamaka and rasayan (rejuvenating) herb that helps to pacify the pain, swelling and Vata, it eliminates toxins from the body, beneficial for eyes, ears and promotes the hair growth. This oil can be used externally in various neurological conditions, ulcers, piles, wounds, etc. In tinnitus, it can be used in Gandusha, Karnapurna and Nasya procedure.

BENEFITS OF OIL PULLING WITH NIRGUNDI OIL IN TINNITUS

• As we know, Vata is the main vitiated dosha. For subsiding that Vata snehan karma (Oleation) is the best way, that too with oils. Thus, gandusha with oil is helpful in this condition.
• Gandusha helps to relieve Vata from the oral cavity. As we know, the middle ear is connected to the oral cavity or nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube. This tube helps to relieve the pressure of the air inside the ear. Air is nothing just Vata, thus gandusha helps to pacify it directly from the middle ear, hence it is beneficial.
• This procedure is helpful in managing neurological disorders. Tinnitus may also occur due to the damage of the vestibulocochlear nerve hence, effective in tinnitus.

PROCEDURE OF OIL PULLING

• Initially, brush your teeth.
• Lukewarm the oil but avoid direct heat to the oil.
• Fill the mouth with nirgundi oil.
• Hold the oil until tears appear in your eyes. Then spit it out.
• Repeat this procedure for 2-3 times.
• Afterward, you can wash the oral cavity with lukewarm water.

Time – Prefer in the early morning.

Duration of Gandusha – It varies from person to person but approx 2 to 5 minutes (It depends upon the individual's retaining capacity)

PRECAUTION

• Avoid oil pulling in bleeding disorders and in poisoning conditions.
• The patient is advised to avoid direct exposure to cold wind and weather.
• Avoid intake of heavy, spicy, sour and cold foodstuffs.
• Oil should not be hot.
• Do not swallow the medicated oil.

Ayurvedic Management Of Cerebral Atrophy

Brain is a complex network of wires like cells called neurons. Unusual shrinkage of these neurons is known as cerebral atrophy. It can be due to various diseases that affect the brain. The progressive and gradual loss of cytoplasmic proteins ultimately results in damage to brain cells. There is a loss of cells (neurons) and the connection between these cells leading to various signs and symptoms. There is a literal shrinking of brain tissue which is eventually reflected in the performance of the brain. The neurons of which particular area that gets damaged, actions controlled by that particular part is altered.

This cerebral atrophy can be seen in two patterns, i.e. localized or generalized. In localized cerebral atrophy only the partial functioning of the brain is lost while in generalized one, all activities are diminished. Hence, signs and symptoms also vary accordingly.

WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

As already discussed, the symptoms depend upon the part of the brain which is affected. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Dementia- Progressive memory loss, disorientation, impairment of intellect, loss of ability to learn, difficulty in organizing, sequencing and planning. These all symptoms make the life of the patient difficult and impact negatively.
• Aphasia- Language problem may also occur which includes improper speech or difficulty in language understanding.
• Seizures- Seizures can be mild or severe in form, which includes repetitive movements, disorientation and loss of consciousness.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

The most common cause is aging. As we grow old, the rate of cells degeneration in the brain is more than the production of new cells, also the neurons loses the connections. If studies are to be believed, our brain shrinks almost 1.9% in every 10 years of period. Normally the signs of atrophy become visible around 60 years of age when degeneration and shrinkage rate increase to 1 percent every year.

However there are many diseases which result in unusual cerebral atrophy. These are:

• Traumatic injury to the brain
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Genetic brain disorder like Huntington’s disease
• Autoimmune disease like Multiple sclerosis
• Improper diet or malabsorption resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency
• Encephalitis, AIDS or other certain infectious diseases
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Cushing’s disease which results in excessive production of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones
• Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

If we refer to Ayurvedic literature the exact disease with its name is not mentioned so we have to go with the comparison of the pathology of the disease. As per Ayurveda, there are three doshas which govern the life process. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha determine the body functioning. Their balance means health and imbalance of them mean disease. Now coming to the Cerebral atrophy, Vata is the main dosha behind it. As Vata governs the functioning of the nervous system. Vitiation of Vata dosha results in diseases of the brain. Vata dosha can get aggravated due to improper lifestyle and diet. Prolonged intake of the diet which aggravates Vata or following lifestyle that impairs the balance of Vata dosha causes cerebral atrophy. In old age, there is vitiation of Vata dosha that's the reason cerebral atrophy is more common in that age. People who usually take Vata aggravating food, suffer from cerebral atrophy. Thus Vata Vyadhi is the main cause of this neural disease.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY

Planet Ayurveda, one of the best and most fast growing Ayurvedic clinics of India has come up with the amazing combination of herbal remedies which helps to manage the symptoms of Cerebral atrophy and gives better living condition to the patient. These herbal remedies are made from pure, authentic and herbs of the best quality according to the principles of Ayurveda under the strict supervision of Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD- Ayurveda). No chemicals, additives, fillers or dyers are added in them. These remedies are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals.

1. Brahmi Capsules

These herbal capsules are prepared from Bacopa monnieri herb. Brahmi is a natural brain tonic which improves the functioning of the brain and prevents premature degeneration of the cells of the brain. It improves memory and reduces stress. Its detoxifying action on the body helps to treat many diseases of the brain naturally.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Gotu kola Capsules

Centella asiatica is the herb used in the form of pure extract for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda's gotu kola capsules. It improves concentration and memory naturally. These herbal capsules prevent nervous exhaustion and relax the mind. It improves the functioning of the brain naturally without causing any side effects.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Memory Support

It is an herbal blend of various herbs which has a specific action on the brain to improve its functioning and prevents further damage to the brain. It increases the power of the brain and enhances the memory, both long term and short term. Retention of the things and concentration power of a person can be increased from the regular consumption of them. Herbs used in it are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Licorice (Glycrrhiza glabra).

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

4. Medhya Churna

It is a natural memory and concentration enhancing Ayurvedic formula. Forgetfulness, cloudy thoughts and confusion of mind can be treated with this churna. It has rejuvenating action on the mind which enhances the production of new cells in the brain and prevents damage to them. Medhya churna is made from various herbs like vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale) etc.

Dosage- 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

5. Curcumin Capsules

Meaning- Turmeric is pungent and bitter in taste. It is rough and hot in potency that pacifies Kapha and Pitta dosha. Skin tone and skin disorders can be treated by it. Also turmeric helps to treat diabetes, bleeding disorders, inflammation and anemia.

Reference- Bhavprakash Nighantu, Haritkayadi varga, shloka no. 197.

Curcumin capsules are potent to treat inflammation and it's all signs and symptoms. It is known to treat a wide variety of diseases, naturally. It prevents the degeneration of the cells by pacifying the inflammation. Curcumin capsules also help to purify the blood naturally.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com, Call at +91-172-5214030, Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

What is Hyponatremia & How can we treat it naturally at home?

One of the electrolyte disorders is hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition in which the level of sodium (Na) in our body drops down. The normal range of sodium level is 135 – 145 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter). If sodium level drops below 135 mEq/L then that condition is called as hyponatremia. In other words, hyponatremia indicates an excess of water level in plasma.

The ionic composition and interstitial fluids are essential to be normal for normal functioning of cells which is maintained by bidirectional pumps, one among them is 'sodium-potassium pump'. Thus, Sodium helps to maintain plasma, interstitial fluid and intracellular fluid balance. This indicates that sodium is an important factor for maintaining blood pressure and cellular functions in our body.

WHAT CAUSES REDUCTION IN SODIUM LEVEL IN OUR BODY?

There are many causes which may be responsible for hyponatremia, they are –

• Excessive water or fluid consumption – Excessive water or fluid consumption raises the water content in our body which in turn increases the extracellular water and reduces the sodium concentration in cells.
• Reduced osmolar concentration of fluids
• Various systems of our body are responsible for this condition, they are –
  
  1. Digestive system - Imbalance in alimentary tract due to vomiting and diarrhoea cause imbalance in the fluids.
  2. Sweat glands – Excessive loss of salt and water by sweating leads to mild hyponatremia. The cause of excessive sweating may be a high-grade fever or hot climate.
  3. Impaired renal function – Basically, kidney is the organ that maintains water and electrolyte balance by filtration. Thus, the foremost organ which affects the sodium level in our body is the kidney. This happens in maximum of all the renal disorders

• Medications – Diuretics and laxatives lead to water-electrolyte imbalance due to impaired excretion.
• Some diseases or conditions leads to hyponatremia, they are – burns, scalds (leads to dehydration) and diabetes (Frequent urination) is the cause for loss of electrolytes from the body, liver cirrhosis.
• Any impairment in Sodium-potassium pump leads to loss of sodium from the body.
• Less Salt (NaCl) intake.
• Hyperlipidemia - Psuedohyponatremia is seen with gross hyperlipidemia
• Hormonal imbalance, for example - Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPONATREMIA?

It affects the whole body hence the signs and symptoms of this condition goes as -

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Vertigo
• Edema
• Headache
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Abnormality in neurological and muscular functions
• Mild confusion
• Lassitude
• Reduced appetite
• Sleepiness
• Myoclonic jerks
• Generalized seizures
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness
• Severity leads to neurological damage

This condition affects the structure and functions of each cell. Automatically its impacts are seen on every organ and on every process in our body.

TYPES OF HYPONATREMIA

1. Euvolemic hyponatremia (condition arises when the sodium level is normal but the water level is high, this impairs the sodium concentration)
2. Hypervolemic hyponatremia (Increased extracellular and plasma volume, usually occurs in congestive cardiac failure and cirrhosis)
3. Hypovolemic hyponatremia (Reduced sodium and plasma level)

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

Because of the large number of possibilities or causes, it is very difficult to determine the exact cause, but to evaluate the sodium level we need to go for some laboratory investigations. They are -

• Blood and urine tests to measure plasma and urine sodium level
• Endocrine investigations may be required.

WHEN DO WE CALL IT A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

If the plasma sodium level is < 110 mEq/L, this is considered a medical emergency because there is a high chance of neurological damage.

TREATMENT ASPECT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

As per Ayurveda, the medicines that are helpful -

1. Lavan

There are five types of salts explained in our classics they are – saindhava, samudrika, sauvarchala, vida and audbhida. They are a rich source of sodium hence useful in hyponatremia. Among all the salts saindhava lavana is the best one because it won't increase pitta dosha in our body thus this salt can be used in a hypertension person.

Reference – Bhavaprakasha Nighantu / Haritakiadi Varga / Shloka no. 241

Meaning – The meaning of this shloka goes as – Saindhava lavana possesses these qualities: swadishta (Increases taste), deepanam (Increases digestive fire), pachanam (Aids digestion), laghu (Light to digest), snighdham (Slimy in nature), ruchyam (Increases appetite), hima (Cold in potency), vrushya (Aphrodisiac in nature), sukshma (Subtle in nature), netryam (Good for eyesight) and balances all the three doshas in our body.

2. Sajjikhaar (Barilla / Impure carbonate of soda)

This medicine is used in the form of alkali, which contains some amount of sodium in it. Thus, beneficial in this condition.

3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an excellent nervine tonic. It helps to restore normal neurological functions of our body.

4. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is one among the rasayanas that helps to balance higher mental functions. It helps to maintain hormonal imbalance hence, it is beneficial in this condition.

"Intravenous transfusion of NaCl solution is required in extreme cases".

HOW WE CAN MANAGE HYPONATREMIA AT HOME?

Individuals who are suffering from hyponatremia condition and if the symptoms are very mild then they can follow some home remedies like -

• Coconut water
• Lemon water with salt
• Directly consume some amount of salt
• Avoid excessive water or fluid consumption.
• Hyponatremia patients should maintain the daily intake of salt approx. 2-3 grams.

PRECAUTIONS

Those who are already suffering from hyponatremia they should need to take precautions as follows –

• Avoid laxatives and diuretics
• Restrict water intake
• Frequent monitoring of sodium level and blood pressure is required. High salt intake is required in this condition thus, we should monitor blood pressure level.
• Diet should contain green leafy vegetables like spinach and celery and also the use of beetroot and carrot in this condition is proven beneficial.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF HYPONATREMIA?

If you ignored this condition you may end up with some severe neurological damage or coma and this condition may also lead to death.

What is the treatment of muscular atrophy in Ayurveda?

Human body has more than 600 muscles that provide the ability for locomotion, respiration, digestion, etc. Muscles are a bundle of fibrous tissues that has the ability to contract, when stimulated produces motion. Muscle cells contain actin and myosin, they are protein filaments and are responsible for contraction. About half of our body weight is because of our muscles. There are three types of muscles - skeletal, cardiac and smooth. These muscles have a unique structure, have a peculiar role that pertains to a particular organ. Muscular atrophy is defined as a condition where muscular mass gets reduced. Person presents with partial or complete wasting of muscle.

According to Ayurveda muscles are called as 'Peshi'. They are composed of mamsa dhatu which is the 3rd dhatu in our body, it covers and provides firmness to the entire body and responsible for various functions. This condition is considered as "Mamsa kshaya", and in our classics its symptoms (lakshanas) are mentioned that occur during wasting, they are –

Reference – Charak samhita / Sutra sthana / Kiyante shirsi adyaye / Chapter no. 17 / Shloka no. 65

Meaning – The meaning of this shloka goes as - dryness occurs around waist, neck and abdominal region in muscle wasting.

CAUSES OF MUSCULAR ATROPHY

There are various causes of muscular atrophy, they are -

• Diet – A diet that lacks in protein is responsible for muscular atrophy
• A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exercise is one of the causes of atrophy.
• Congenital defects.
• Hereditary factors.
• Starvation leads to malnutrition thus automatically it affects muscle mass and leads to muscle wasting and atrophy. Mostly, this is the cause for atrophy in females because of the desire to attain a perfect figure they start starving, finally they end up with conditions like malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, etc.
• Protein-energy malnutrition like marasmus is one of the causes of muscular atrophy.
• Neurological atrophy occurs due to damage of the neurons that stimulates the production of muscle mass.
• Any cause that leads to muscle tissue immobility is responsible for atrophy such as fractures and paralysis.
• Some diseases where muscular atrophies may occur, they are – Erb’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker’s muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Sclerosis, Botulism, Cachexia, and various other Myopathies.
• Any cause or injury that leads to physical destruction of muscle fibers is the cause of muscular atrophy. For example - a sudden accident or burns leads to sudden atrophy.
• Risk factors – Excessive intake of alcohol, Few medicines like long term use of corticosteroids, Auto-immune disorders and Degenerative changes or disorders.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MUSCULAR ATROPHY

The signs and symptoms of this disease are as follow -

• Restricted movements
• Muscle weakness
• Inability to move
• Debility
• Body ache
• Weakness
• Dysarthria (Difficulty to speak)
• Reduced capability of performing tasks.
• This condition interferes with the functions of other systems like –
  
  1. If atrophy of skeletal muscles takes place then the person may show with the symptoms like; affected body movements, impaired neurological functions, flawed circulation, etc.
  2. Atrophy of cardiac muscles responsible for an impaired conducting system of the heart. Thus, dysfunction of the conduction system can cause irregular heart rhythm.
  3. Atrophy of smooth muscles produces indigestion, dyspnea, dysuria, impaired peristalsis, refractive errors, erroneous circulation, etc.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis can be made on clinical basis but to know the exact cause we need to take the help of these investigations:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests - Urea level in urine
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nerve conduction studies
• Muscle biopsy

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

According to Ayurveda, we can manage this condition as follows -

• Nidana parivarjana – Avoid the root cause of the disease.
• Srotoshodhana by detoxifying and removing the toxins from the body
• Bruhana chikitsa or rasayan chikitsa – Internal medicines to increase muscle mass
• Rehabilitation
• Dietary and lifestyle changes

TREATMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

In Ayurvedic classics, two lines of treatments are explained, they are 'Santarpana' and 'Apatarpana'. Here we need to apply santarpana therapy that helps to cure the condition. They include panchakarma therapies as well as internal medications.

1. Panchakarma Therapies

Panchakarma therapies are very helpful to deal with muscular atrophy. These are:

• Abhyanga – Oils that promote the muscle strength are beneficial in this condition, for example – ksheerbala taila, mahamasha taila, balaashwagandha taila, etc. 
• Shashtika shali pinda sweda – A special procedure that is really effective in muscle wasting where medicated poultice massaged onto the body by immersing in the medicated milk
• Basti – Medicated enema, here Ksheer and Oil bastis are helpful. They control the vata dosha in the body and rejuvenate the destructed muscle and nerve fibers.
• Nasya – Instillation of medicated oils in nostrils are beneficial in this condition such as ksheerbala, mahamasha, etc.

2) Internal Medicines

Planet Ayurveda has contributed a lot in the production of various organic and pure herbal formulations that can be used safely. Among them the formulations which can effectively deal with muscular atrophy, they are -

Herbal Remedies for Muscular atrophy

1. Brahmi Capsules

It is an effective brain tonic that stimulates the nerve impulses and hormones to initiate the production of muscle mass. Planet Ayurveda's Brahmi Capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Musli Strength

This herbal formulation helps to boost immunity. It affects the physical as well as our mental health. They provide strength thus are beneficial in muscle wasting. The ingredients of Planet Ayurveda's Musli Strength Capsules are Safed Musli and Gokshur.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water or milk, after meals.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

A generalized health tonic that helps to increase the muscle strength along with that it also improves the function. Planet Ayurveda's Ashwagandha Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water, after meals.

4. Green Essentials

A special formulation of Planet Ayurveda that helps to restore the muscular atrophy by increasing the bulk of these muscles. It has highly nutritive properties that are required to manage atrophy. Ingredients of Planet Ayurveda's Green Essential Capsules are: Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Wheat Grass (Triticulum aestivum), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and Amla (Emblica officinalis).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water, after meals.

5. Medhya Churna

The constituents of this powder are – ashwagandha, ajmoda, krishna and shveta jeerka, vacha, sunthi, maricha, pippali, patha brahmi and shankhapushpi. These herbs help to clear channels, maintain muscular and mental health, rejuvenate the injured muscle fibers.

Dosage: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com, Call at +91-172-5214030, Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

3) Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation helps to relieve both stiffness and wasting with the help of physical exercises. Light and fine exercises are really helpful in this condition as they will reverse the atrophy.

RECOMMENDED DIET

Adequate nutrition is required to combat this condition. A protein-rich diet is a great choice which includes – pulses, milk, egg, ghee, almonds, broccoli, lentils, fish, peanuts, etc.

"Regular indulging in exercises, yoga, walk, sports along with a nutritious diet can prevent muscular atrophy"

Haemophilus Influenzae Infection - Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

Haemophilus influenzae bacterium is present as a commensal organism (an organism which derives food from another organism without helping or hurting it) in the nasopharynx of most healthy adults from where it can spread to cause systemic as well as respiratory tract infections.

Based on the presence or absence of polysaccharide capsule, this bacterium is divided into typeable non-typeable forms.

The respiratory disorders are predominantly caused by the nontypeable forms (NTHi). The defects in the host response as well as the pathological properties of this bacterium may result in the spread of this bacterium from the upper airway to the bronchi of the lung which results in airway inflammation.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria that is responsible for severe pneumonia, meningitis and other invasive diseases which is most commonly found in children aged less than 5 years. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract from infected to susceptible individuals.

Nontypeable H.influenzae is the bacterial pathogen in adults with COPD. Chronic colonization of the airways contributes to the airway inflammation that is the hallmark of COPD.

H. influenzae is a component of the normal upper respiratory tract flora and is well recognized to be an important cause of infections. This bacteria is also a major cause of a variety of respiratory conditions such as COPD.

It is a gram negative coccobacillus bacterium having variable shape and can grow both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE INFECTION?

Haemophilus influenzae can cause many types of infections depending on the part of the body that is affected by it. It can cause infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis.

Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia (lung infection) include:

• Chest pain
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• Muscle pain or aches
• Excessive tiredness
• Sweating

Bacteremia

The infection in the bloodstream is known as bacteremia. Symptoms include:

• Excessive tiredness
• High fever and leukocytosis are typical symptoms of bacteremia.
• Lethargy
• Anorexia

Meningitis

Meningitis is the most serious and most common manifestation of H.influenzae type b infection. The clinical features due to H.influenzae are indistinguishable from the acute meningitis.

The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Fever
• Altered Central Nervous System (CNS) function

TREATMENT

In modern medicine, antibiotics are prescribed generally for 10 days to treat the infection. The dose will depend on how serious the infection is. Other treatments such as breathing support, wound care for the parts of the body with damaged skin, medications to treat low blood pressure are administered.

HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE?

According to Ayurvedic perspective, it comes under Aupsargik Roga (infectious disease) which spreads through direct contact with an infected person. Ayurveda emphasizes on the concept of strengthening host defense against diseases. The concept of immune-modulation in Ayurveda is achieved through the use of Rasayana medicines which improve the host resistance of an individual.

In Ayurveda, various herbal preparations are used clinically to prevent or cure infections. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, many medicinal plants are useful for strengthening immunity of an individual. The primary benefits of using these herbs that are plant-derived herbal remedies are relatively safer than synthetic drugs.

HERBAL REMEDIES OFFERED BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE ARE

1. Septrin Tablets
2. Kaishore Guggul
3. Vasaka Capsules
4. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules
5. Giloy Capsules

1. Septrin Tablets

Planet Ayurveda's septrin tablets contain the standardized extracts of different herbs that are useful in various types of infections, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, relieve pain, inflammation etc. These tablets are also useful in enhancing the immune system of an individual.

Ingredients of Septrin Tablets are:

Sr. No.	Herbs Used	Botanical Name	Parts used	Quantity
1.	Guggul	Commiphora mukul	Resin	200 mg
2.	Haldi	Curcuma longa	Root extract	150 mg
3.	Tulsi	Ocimum sanctum	Leaves extract	100 mg
4.	Sonth	Zingiber officinale	Root extract	20 mg
5.	Marich	Piper nigrum	Seed extract	20 mg
6.	Pippali	Piper longum	Fruit extract	10 mg

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore Guggul is also known as pathyadi guggul. It is an Ayurvedic formulation which is an anti-microbial, adaptogenic, detoxifier, analgesic in nature. It purifies the blood and useful in conditions which involve impurities in blood. Therefore, these tablets are quite beneficial in H.influenzae infection.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3. Vasaka Capsules

Vasaka Capsules of Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of the herb Adhatoda vasica. These capsules are considered as an important dietary supplement for the respiratory system. It contains vasaka which is considered as one of the best herbs for the treatment of bronchitis, excessive mucus production and detoxifies blood as well.

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

4. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

Boswellia Curcumin Capsules of Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extracts of two herbs Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa. These capsules are anti-inflammatory in nature and also improve immunity. Turmeric helps in immune- modulation by correcting the metabolism and enables the free circulation of oxygen and nutrients to each cell due to its oxidation property. Ojas, which is considered as the essence of all the tissues regains its strength due to proper nutrition, which results in the replenishment of all tissues and the establishment of immunity.

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

5. Giloy Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Giloy Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Tinospora cordifolia. It is immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-ageing in nature. Therefore, this herb enhances immunity, detoxifies the body, effective against all respiratory conditions, improves digestion, reduces stress and anxiety, brings down a fever and balances all the doshas in the body.

Dose: Take 1 capsule twice daily after taking meals.

Reference: Astang Hridya Sutrasthan, Guduchiyadi Guna, Chapter No. 15, Shlok No. 16

Meaning: According to this shloka, guduchi, padmaka, arista, dhanyaka and raktchandana mitigate Pitta and Kapha, cure fever, vomiting, burning sensation, thirst and improves digestion.

PRECAUTION

Since it is transmitted from person to person. Hand washing and respiratory hygiene measures must be followed to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com, Call at +91-172-5214030, Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604