Herbal and Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea

When there is a problem with the digestive system, then the stools may be voided in extremely watery form. This indicates the presence of water in the stools, which leads to dehydration. This condition is known as diarrhea.

In Ayurveda, diarrhea is known as Atisara. Vitiation in any of the three doshas can cause atisara. However, the vitiation of vata dosha is particularly responsible as it brings more water to the intestine and lowers the digestive fire which causes diarrhea.

The vata type of diarrhea is characterized by abdominal cramping and gas in the abdomen. The stools contain more water and less fecal matter. The pitta type of diarrhea show yellowish stools which have an offensive odor. The kapha type of diarrhea is whitish in color with copious water and little mucus.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Diarrhea

1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

The bark of the arjuna tree is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. The bark is taken as a decoction in dosages of 15 to 30 grams per day.

2. Babul (Acacia arabica)

The babul tree is very useful in preventing diarrhea. Each part of the babul tree is useful. Its leaves can be taken as a mixed dose with black cumin seeds, its bark can be taken as an infusion with water and even its gum can be taken as a syrup.

3. Bael (Aegle marmelos)

Bael is very effective for the treatment of diarrhea which is not accompanied by fever. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is eaten for best results.

4. Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)

The buds of the banyan trees are the beneficial parts. These must be soaked in water overnight and the infusion must be taken in the morning.

5. Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica)

Known as bahera in Hindi, this is one of the ingredients of the extremely useful Triphala. The pulp of its fruit is taken to cure most stomach problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.

6. Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)

The oil extracted from the seeds of the Bishop’s weed is useful in the treatment of diarrhea. Just two to three drops of this oil per dosage is sufficient.

7. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Black nightshade leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhea. The leaves are taken in the form of an infusion with the juice of other liquids.

8. Butea (Butea monosperma)

The butea tree yields a gum which is beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. It is especially useful in women and children that are suffering from diarrhea.

9. Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula)

Known as harad in Hindi, it is the second ingredient of Triphala. The pulp of the unripe fruit of this plant is given along with honey for better results.

10. Dill (Anethum sowa)

The oil obtained from the dill is used for the treatment of diarrhea. Dill oil is so mild that it is also an ingredient used in the medicines for treating baby colic.

11. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek seeds are useful in the treatment of digestive problems including diarrhea.

12. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

Known as amalaki in Hindi, this is the third ingredient in the preparation of Triphala. It is the richest source of vitamin C in the world.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Diarrhea

Fasting is the first step in the Ayurvedic treatment of diarrhea. At this time warm water should be drunk throughout the day. This helps to flush out the toxins in the bowels as much as possible.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea

Once the causative dosha is identified, the treatment is done according to type.

1. For vata type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Kutajarishta. It is taken in quantities of 15 ml thrice a day for fifteen days.

2. For pitta type of diarrhea, the medicine of choice is Bilwadi choorna. It is taken in a teaspoonful amount thrice a day for fifteen days.

3. For kapha type of diarrhea, two medicines are usually prescribed. One is the Gangadhara choorna, which is taken in 1 gram amount twice a day for fifteen days. The other is Jatiphaladi vati, which is taken in 250 milligrams amount twice a day for fifteen days.

(4) Home Medications

1. Mix equal parts of the babul tree with black cumin seeds. Take this in dosages of 12 grams thrice a day.

2. Prepare an infusion of cinnamon in water and boil it. This must be taken half an hour after meals. It takes care of almost all digestive problems and also relieves flatulence.

3. Mix some tender curry leaves with honey and take them early in the morning. If there is vomiting, then the bark of this tree must be taken.

4. Grind the seeds of the Indian plum (jamun) and mango into a fine powder. Take two teaspoonfuls of this powder mixture in a glass of buttermilk. This treatment gives quick results.

5. Boil raw bananas and peel them. Put some ghee in a vessel and put some pieces of cloves in them. Put the bananas in them. Then introduce curds, coriander, turmeric and salt. This will be a very tasty banana dish which has special effects on the treatment of diarrhea.

Read More on home remedy and herbal remedies for diarrhea by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
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Post-Herpetic Neuralgia – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Herpes Zoster or shingles is a painful rash on the skin and is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which remains dormant in nerve cells for years. The rash usually subsides within a month, however, in some affected individuals – usually the elderly – the resulting nerve damage causes severe pain, which may last for months or even years. This pain is termed as post-herpetic neuralgia.

The Ayurvedic treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia is aimed at treating the nerve damage, controlling pain, and boosting the immune status of the body so as to prevent the virus from reactivating. Nerve damage can be treated using medicines like Maha-Vat-Vidhvans, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Trayo-Dashang-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma, Aswagandhadi-Churna, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), and Haridra (Curcuma longa).

Pain can be controlled using medicines like Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhvans-Ras, Agnitundi-Ras, Vishtinduk-Vati, Maha-Rasnadi-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Dashmoolarishta, Dashmool-Ghan-Vati, Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Dashmool (Ten Roots), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina), Tagar (Valeriana vallichii), Jayphal (Myristica fragrans) and Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger).

A combination of local applications like Vishgarbha-Oil, Maha-Narayan-Oil, Maha-Mash-Oil and Maha-Saindhavadi-Oil can be used both to control the pain and to treat nerve damage. Kumari (Aloe vera), Yashtimadhuk, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Chandan (Santalum album) can also be mixed with Shata-Dhout-Ghrut and used as a soothing ointment.

Immunomodulatory medicines like Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa) and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) can be used to empower the immune system of the body and help to deactivate the herpes virus. Antiviral medicines like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk, Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis ) can also be used for this purpose.

Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment of shingles usually helps to prevent complications like post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain experienced in this condition can be prolonged and severe enough to make strong, healthy adults break down and cry. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have proved to be quite effective in controlling and treating this condition. Treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia is usually required for nine to twelve months.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 25 years and clinical research experience of 12 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

Histoplasmosis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection prevalent in temperate climates throughout the world. Risk factors for this condition include living in endemic areas with contaminated soil; exposure to a large amount of the fungus; immunocompromised status; and concurrent respiratory diseases. This condition can be acute, chronic, or progressive and disseminated. Common symptoms include fever, headache, chills, joint pain, skin lesions, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, chest pain, mouth ulcers, diarrhea and involvement of the eyes.

Most individuals affected by this condition do not require treatment, since the infection is usually self-limiting. Ayurvedic treatment can be given in case of prolonged or disseminated infection, and in individuals with an immunocompromised status. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms and boosting the immune status of the body. Medicines like Shwas-Kuthar-Ras, Sitopaladi-Churna, Talisadi-Churna, Gojhivhadi-Qadha, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Bruhat-Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Karkatashrungi (Pistichia integerima), Kulingan (Alpimia galangal) and Som (Ephedra vulgaris) are used to treat cough and breathlessness. Medicines like Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka), Sphatik-Bhasma and Praval-Bhasma can be used to treat hemoptysis. Inflammation and involvement of the lungs can be treated using medicines like Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma and Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa).

Involvement of the lymph nodes can be treated using medicines like Kachnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu. Involvement of the intestines can be treated using Sutshekhar-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut and Panchamrut-Parpati. Mouth ulcers can be treated using Yashtimadhuk, Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Bakul (Aconitum ferox), Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus). Involvement of the liver and spleen is treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Rohitak (Tecoma undulata). Involvement of the heart can be treated using medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Laxadi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Arjunarishta and Dashmoolarishta. Medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Abhrak-Bhasma, Suvarna-Bhasma and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant are used to boost the immune status of the body.

Acute histoplasmosis may prove to be life-threatening and usually requires immediate hospitalization and intensive care. Chronic infection may take a long, protracted course lasting from several months to years. The relapse rate in this condition is very high. Ayurvedic medicines may be used in combination with modern therapy in order to improve the therapeutic response and prevent a relapse.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

Cardiomyopathy – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles which affects the function of the heart to pump blood efficiently to the entire body. Common symptoms include breathlessness, swelling of the lower extremities, abdominal bloating, fatigue, palpitations and dizziness. Coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders and prolonged alcohol and drug abuse are the common causes of this condition. Cardiomyopathy can be mainly of 3 types: dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive. Cardiomyopathy may result in complications like heart failure, thrombosis and cardiac arrest.

The Ayurvedic treatment of cardiomyopathy is aimed at reducing the symptoms and treating the cause of the condition. Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Makar-Dhwaj, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) are used to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like breathlessness, swelling of the ankles and bloating. Triphala-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu, Triphala (Three fruits), Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Lashuna (Allium sativum), Psyllium (Plantago ovata), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) are used to treat coronary artery disease. Medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Asthishrunkhala (Cissus quadrangularis), Dashmool (Ten roots) and Draksha (Vitis vinifera) are used to treat valvular heart disease.

Metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease or diabetes are treated with medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Kachnaar-Guggulu, Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shilajit (Purified bitumen), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Vijaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Mamejva (Enicostemma littorale) and Gudmar (Gymnema sylvester).

Medicines which act directly on the heart muscle are used to treat the different types of cardiomyopathy. These include Amalaki, Haritaki, Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). In addition, medicines like Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Suvarna-Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Abhrak-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma are used in minute doses to give strength to the heart.

Ayurvedic treatment can be combined with modern treatment to control the symptoms of cardiomyopathy, improve the quality of life, prevent complications and prolong survival. All patients affected with this condition need to adopt appropriate lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and smoking, losing excess weight, eating a low salt diet and getting regular, moderate exercise.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

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