What’s the Best Way to Treat Hives?

May 16, 2011 by  
Filed under Skin Care

The typical description of hives would be a series of itchy bumps formed on the skin that can be both red and white in color. You can attempt to treat hives using a variety of methods as both hives and treatment options are of relatively little risk to your health. One exception to this general concept would be cases of hives resulting from bee stings or stings from other insects, which are potentially very dangerous and must be tended to immediately. Most hives outbreaks last anywhere from half an hour to a whole week.

The human body’s way of fighting foreign substances in your system is to release histamines which battle anything that could be considered risky. You can bet this is what happens when you have an allergic reaction to certain foods, animal dander, plant pollen, certain medicines like penicillin or aspirin, and insect bites, among other things. Hives happen when there are too many histamines are built up in a concentrated area within the body.

Hives can come and go completely unexpectedly and without treatment. The area affected by the swollen red and/or white bumps may be both mildly or severely itchy and warm to the touch.

Treat Hives Appropriately

In a lot of cases, hives will clear up by themselves within a reasonable amount of time and therefore do not require a trip to your doctor. However, if you are experiencing extreme discomfort or the outbreak persists for several days, conventional medical treatment might be your best bet. It is important for your doctor to be able to determine what the possible cause of your outbreak is so he will probably ask what irritants you may have been in direct contact with in the past couple of weeks along with conducting a medical history check. The inability to establish the root of the outbreak could lead to ineffective medical treatment.

Some cases of hives are paired with signs of fever, nausea, abdominal pains, and/or shortness of breath must be looked after immediately as it could be anaphylactic shock is very dangerous if neglected.

Another kind of treatment would be aromatherapy. For example, gently rub a few drops of a pure essential oil such as German chamomile oil into your itchy skin for some immediate relief.

Lowering your body temperature is also a way to try and treat a case of hives according to Ayurvedic doctors. This is because hives are believed to develop in overheated sections of the body so have as much coriander milk, cilantro, and watermelon as possible.

Natural remedies are usually the best way to treat hives. In fact, homeopathic doctors generally recommend certain natural ingredients blended together for safe and effective relief from the usual discomfort and itching associated with a hives outbreak.

Visit SkinHivesTreatment.org to find out which hives treatment comes highly recommended for fast relief from itchy, swollen hives.

Finding the Natural Cure For The Common Foot Fungal Infection

April 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Skin Care

You do not need to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. Also known as Tinea Pedis, athlete’s foot is a fungus infection caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes. They breed and multiply in warm and damp places of which the feet can provide as an ideal environment. Dermatophytes also live off your dead skin cells which really make your feet the best area for them to thrive.

An athlete’s foot infection is characterized by dry and scaly skin on the sides of the foot and can become itchy. Cuts and blisters may also develop which break the skin and leaves small raw skin areas exposed that can become painful. Such conditions usually occur right between the toes and can really become a very nagging problem.

Treating athlete’s foot may require using topical or oral preparations to keep the fungus infection in check. There are also natural cures that you can make use to get rid of athlete’s foot. One is by making use of a number of herbal therapies which has proven effective in treating athlete’s foot.

One such method is the Ayurvedic therapy. Such a therapy aims to eliminate toxins in the body and increase immunity as well as soothe the senses by using a variety of herbal preparations. Although Ayurvedic therapy may employ spiritual methods as part of the treatment, nevertheless it has proven itself to help get rid of athlete’s foot among other diseases believed to be caused by the disharmony and imbalance of different forces inside the body.

The ayurvedic remedy aims to lessen the tendency of your feet to perspire. Your perspiration can provide the dampness where the fungus may thrive on your foot. A way to make your feet perspire less can help reduce your chance of infection. The ayurvedic remedy does this by initially cleaning your foot area with about four to ten drops of tea tree oil.

A mixture of aloe vera gel with tumeric is also applied to the feet every morning and evening. This is done for two weeks after which, with some evident signs of improvement, the therapy is continued for another week.

There are also other natural remedies available to get rid of athlete’s foot. Some ingredients easily found in the kitchen can help in trying to stop the fungus infection from getting worse. Garlic for one is seen as a good fungicide that can kill of the fungus causing the infection. Applying crushed garlic on your feet regularly may be able to help cure you from athlete’s foot.

Low Jeremy maintains http://athletes-foot.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Warts And Essential Oils In Ayurvedic Perspective

March 1, 2011 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Any warts, like common warts, genital warts, flat warts and tumors and growths in general are in ayurvedic perspective symptoms of excess of the two elements of water and earth, the Kapha dosha. These growths are actually the results of too much phlegm in the system. Phlegm is considered wet, cold and heavy.

This means that it will be easier to contract these viral skin diseases during childhood and puberty while one is in the body-builder phase of life, the kapha phase when the two elements mentioned (earth and water) easily get out of balance and in excess in the body.

This is a phase when milk and the taste of sweet tend to dominate the diet, and this aggravates kapha dosha further, making the individual more susceptible to these viral infections, and to the production of growths in general, and to phlegm diseases like infectious respiratory tract disorders. Need I mention the colds, flus, sinusitis, the painful ear infections, allergies, bronchitis and asthma? These are all well known diseases that dominate in the youngsters (children and youth), and are classified as kapha or phlegm diseases, just like the warts are.

In Ayurvedic tradition, the tastes represent signals to the body and mind and the constitution in general. The signals are best understood when comparing them with hormones. Hormones are signal substances in the body that have extremely potent actions throughout. They tell the body and mind to behave in special ways. The classic example is the anabolic steroids. The signal from these is for the body to build up, to gather substance, weight, muscles, fat and solidity.

The sweet taste consists of the elements of earth and water,- the same elements that aggravate the kapha dosha in all individuals when ingested in excess. For Kapha constitutions, and for individuals in the kapha period in life, this tendency of the sweet taste to create imbalances is accentuated. The sweet taste has the same signal effect on an energy level as the anabolic steroids. This is also true for the diary products and milk. So ingestion of milk, diary products in general, and sugars and sweet tasting elements aggravates the kapha dosha, and predisposes the individual for phlegm diseases like the above mentioned, and for warts and growths of all kinds.

Now this corresponds well with the observation that common warts, flat warts and molluscs occur more frequently in children, and genital warts, flat warts and plantar warts more frequently in young adults before the pitta period in life starts in adulthood.

So, what will ameliorate and balance this tendency to form growths like the different warts? It is the pungent and bitter tastes. Pungent contains the elements of fire and air (dry and hot), and bitter consists of the elements of air (vayu) and ether (akasha), representing dryness, lightness and cold.

The bitter taste takes care of the tendency for the heaviness and moisture to build in excess in the body, and the pungent taste removes the build up of coldness. Both tastes eases the heaviness and moisture, and together they remove and reduce the phlegm, the water and earth excess in the constitution.

The warts don’t go away just by changing the diet to more bitter and pungent tasting food. But a change in diet will support such a healing, and make other medical approaches more effective. If changes are not made in the diet, we all know that warts tend to pop up after treatment, and this tendency will be reduced by the dietary changes. Weigh reduction will also help, if overweight is an issue, like it often is, for example with skin tags in adults.

In the medical realm, essential oils (light and airy, etheric and volatile) should be perfect to reduce the phlegm or kapha in the body that makes it susceptible to skin growths in general, and viral HPV infections in the skin in particular.

Does such medical remedies exist?

Yes they do. Remedies for warts, based on essential oils are available world wide on the internet. Some dietary changes should be made, but the remedies are efficient in and of themselves, even without dietary support, due to their light, airy, hot, etheric and volatile nature.

Another side of the essential oils is that they have strong scents, which effects a strong influence on the lower chackra,- the earth center in the body, the earth element. When we bring in the oils to relieve the heaviness, coldness (many essential oils are hot, pungent in nature, and represent certain elements of fire also), and moisture of the phlegm with their airy, light and hot nature of the essential oils, their special healing effects, which may not always correspond with the action of their elements, will take efficient action in the body.

This is supported by the testimonials from people having used the oils to remove such growths from their skin. The warts simply disappear, and the ayurvedic perspective and explanation may provide a better rationale for their action than a more scientific one, emphasising the inhibition and destruction of the virus and its actions in the skin and body.

From an ayurvedic viewpoint, the essential oils are close to perfect solutions to warts and growths, as you can see from this theoretical analysis. That this is supported by testimonials from all over the globe makes it even more interesting, and the essential oils should be the treatment of choice for such conditions. Together with effects of dietary changes, the effects of the essential oils guarantees the results. Taken the usual medical approaches into consideration, the most scientific and logic approach would be the essential oils. The medical approaches are baseless, not in the sense that they are ineffective, but in the sense that their rationale is somewhat less sophisticated and unsupported, and even hard to understand at times. They also do work though, but are much rougher; like the lazer therapy, cryosurgery and OTC remedies.

If you would like to use essential oils for effectively removing warts, the find out how here:

http://www.naturalskinrepair.com/warts.html

My name is Einar Eskeland. I am a norwegian medical doctor, and a yoga and meditation enthusiast since youth. I promote several high quality sources of knowledge and products for self improvement, evolution, health and growth as a part of my practice as a doctor, and as a help for my patients in their struggle to regain health and balance.

Eczema Relief – Ultimate Remedies For Curing Eczema

February 23, 2011 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Eczema is a type of skin inflammation which is known to affect children on a higher scale. This type of skin disorder is also known as dermatitis. There are different forms of eczema that seem to exist. Among them the most common one is atopic dermatitis. People with eczema will tend to have a history of allergic conditions.

Natural remedies seem to work well for eczema relief. Though steroid creams and other medications help reduce itching, such medications are not the only resolution to rely upon for eczema relief.

Eczema is not a deadly disease that worsens or becomes itchy. It is curable, provided you maintain your skin well hydrated. You need to keep your skin moisturized in order to lessen the spread of this skin disorder. Follow these two times every day if you feel that your skin is quite dry or vulnerable to eczema. Emollient is an excellent type of moisturizer for people suffering from eczema.

Emollient is available as emollient oils, which can be applied over your body while taking bath. Besides skin moisturizer, another home remedy for eczema relief is the oatmeal bath. This may sound strange, but it proves to be an excellent remedy for curing inflamed skin. A cup of oats added to your lukewarm bath is more than enough to cure itchiness.

Check out the following home recipe prepared with herbs for treating mild eczema. Purchase the following herbs from an ayurvedic store.

o White oak bark

o Slippery elm bark

Mix the above ingredients in the ratio of 1:1 along with 2 cups of water. Then, boil the concoction for at least 35 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool for a while and apply it on the affected areas of the skin. This medication does not aid in curing the skin disease completely. However, natural herbs are a good source for eczema relief.

Are you in trouble of getting rid of your skin disease? If you have been desperately looking for ways to cure eczema then read the article on eczema relief and get to know about the treatments to treat eczema naturally.

Itching Treatment with Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies

February 13, 2011 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Itching is a symptom of several conditions of the skin such as eczema, scabies, ringworm, allergies, etc. When the skin is inflamed, the nerves in it become hyperactive. This increases the irritation at the region, which we try to remove by itching. Several times itching is mild and the sensation goes away after a while. But if the itching is due to a skin disease, then it could become very severe, leading to bleeding, pus formation and further complications.

Most itching is caused in the body due to problems that are associated with the vata dosha, i.e. the dosha that governs the air element of the human body. This dosha is aggravated not just by the body itself, but also due to external factors such as climate. This is the reason why itching is more severe in the winter season than in the summer. At the same time, itching could be due to internal impurities in the blood, or due to the accumulation of bacteria on the skin. Thus, there are many internal as well as external factors that contribute to itching.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Itching

1. Babul (Acacia arabica)

The bark of the babul is effective in controlling skin problems. It is most beneficial in the treatment of itching caused due to eczema.

2. Butea (Butea monosperma)

The seeds of the butea have excellent effects in controlling itching caused due to a variety of skin diseases such as ringworm, scabies and eczema. It can also cure boils, pimples and swellings that itch. For better results, these seeds are ground and mixed with lemon juice and used as an external application on the affected part.

3. Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Cassia leaves are used for treating all kinds of irritations of the skin. In case of severe itches from ringworm, its juice or paste is applied as a dressing on the affected part.

4. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy basil leaves are very effective in the treatment of itching due to ringworm. Its properties have also been found in other kinds of itching.

5. Linseed (Linum usitassimum)

Linseed is a good household remedy for itching. A hot poultice of its seeds is applied on the affected part.

6. Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca is an indigenous Indian herb that has been traditionally used for the cure of itching. It is used in various forms for the treatment. A paste of its bark can be applied to the affected region. Alternatively, the oil of its leaves can also be applied. If the itching is due to eczema, then the leaves are smeared with sesame oil and are used as a bandage on the affected region. The bandage needs to be changed after every three to four hours.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Itching

There are no specific dietary indications for controlling itching. However, oily foods must be avoided. Spicy foods and salt are also not good for itchy skin.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Itching

First and foremost, the cause of the itching must be ascertained. Without knowing this, no treatment would be efficient. Based on the cause, the following Ayurvedic medicines can be prescribed:-

1. Seasonal rashes and prickly heats are due to pitta constitution of the body. This can be treated using Pravala pishti in small doses.

2. If the itching is due to eczema, then Ayurvedic doctors will prescribe Paradadi balm to be applied locally on the skin. For severe eczema, there is Rasa manikya that can be used. Shuddha gandhaka is an internal medicine complementary with the external agents.

3. For ringworm treatment, Paradadi balm is applied locally. Instead Dadrughna lepa can also be used. Shuddha gandhaka is used for internal administration.

(4) Home Remedies for Itching

a. Boil about 25 grams of babul and mango barks each in one liter of water. Allow a fomentation of these vapors directly onto the affected part of the skin. When the fomentation is done, dab the region with ghee. The itchiness will slowly disappear.

b. Mix linseed oil in equal parts of lemon juice. Apply this on the region where itching is severe. This remedy works for treating almost all types of itching.

c. Mix the juice of a fresh coconut and a tomato. Massage this on the itchy region. The itchiness will fade away.

d. If the itchiness is spreading all over the body, then you may try out the following recipe. Mix some ground red gram (arhar ki daal) in curds. Apply this on the skin for three to four days. The itching will stop spreading and will slowly disappear within a few days.

e. Grind sandalwood and black pepper to a fine paste. Mix them in ghee. Apply them with a rough cloth onto the itchy skin. Then expose the skin to sunlight. This is a quick method for reducing the itching sensation, but it may be a temporary relief.

f. Simply applying the juices of the root of bitter gourd (karela) on the skin also relieves itching to a great extent.

g. Itching that is caused due to dryness of the skin can be reduced by applying the cream of milk onto the whole skin and massaging it. This acts like a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Read More on cure itching and itching home remedies by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Types Of Warts And Their Treatment With Ayurveda

October 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Warts are small skin tumors that can arise unexpectedly and anyplace on the skin. They are generally round in shape and exfoliate like a cabbage. Warts can occur anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the hands and the feet.

Depending on their location and their shape, there are different types of warts. They are: -

(i) Common warts – These occur generally on the hands and the knees. They are simply upraised surfaces on the skin.

(ii) Flat warts – These can occur on the face, hands, legs and knees. These warts are flat and are almost of the color of the skin.

(iii) Filiform warts – These are present only on the face. They may be near the eyelids or the lips. These warts are fingerlike or threadlike in appearance.

(iv) Plantar warts – These are painful warts that are generally formed on the soles of the feet.

(v) Mosaic warts – These are clusters of plantar warts.

(vi) Genital warts – These are warts that grow predominantly on the genital areas.

Medically speaking, warts are harmless. Some warts will heal themselves with time. But even then, people are always trying to remove the warts because it poses a cosmetic problem. Most times, warts can be removed, but they arise again. However, there are many safe ways in Ayurveda to heal warts with a permanent solution.

Warts may be caused due to any of the three doshas. The dosha generally influences where on the body the wart occurs.

(1) Useful Herbs for Warts

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)

The milky sap obtained from the green leaves of the banyan tree is very effective in the treatment of warts. It helps the skin to become smooth and the wart eventually falls off.

2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The dandelion sap is very effective in the removal of warts. The cut end of a dandelion root is rubbed onto the wart so that the milky sap rubs on the warts. Within a few days of this kind of treatment, the wart would fall off.

3. Euphorbia (Euphorbia hirta)

The euphorbia plant is ground into a paste and applied onto the warty skin. The milky juice exuded by this plant is good in the treatment of warts.

4. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

The leaves of the Indian sorrel are effective in the treatment of warts. They can be used in various ways for the purpose. One way is to directly apply a paste of the leaves onto the warts. A poultice of the leaves directly applied over the warts also helps in the treatment. The juice of the leaves can be mixed with several other beneficial ingredients for better results.

5. Rough Chaff (Achyranthes aspera)

The ash of the rough chaff is rubbed over warts as a traditional remedy. It is beneficial in the removal of warts.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Warts

There are no specific dietary guidelines in Ayurveda for the treatment of warts.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Warts

The Kaseesadi taila is recommended in Ayurveda for the treatment of warts. The rest of the treatment methods pertain to the application of useful herbs with bandages.

(4) Home Remedies for Warts

1. Mix the juice of the Indian sorrel plant with some juice of an onion. Apply this on the warts to remove them.

2. Mix the juice of the Indian sorrel with black pepper and ghee. If the warts or excrescences of the skin are caused due to biliousness, then this is a good remedy to eliminate them.

3. Take a teaspoon of juice of the coriander leaves along with a pinch of turmeric in it. Take this on a daily basis.

4. Take a slice of raw potato. Rub it on the wart for about ten minutes each day. This method will help remove the warts.

5. Take the peel of a banana and keep its inner side on the wart. Tie it up like a bandage. Change it twice a day. Keep this constantly on the wart until the wart disappears.

6. Castor oil can be applied regularly on the warts. This will help the warts to become supple and finally disappear. Instead of castor oil, camphor oil can also be used in the same manner.

7. Take a single clove of garlic and crush it, but not very finely. Keep this garlic clove on the wart. Then fix it in that position with a bandage. This helps in the treatment of warts.

8. A similar kind of bandage treatment can be done with the juice of grapefruit also. Put a drop of the fresh grapefruit juice on the wart. Then cover the area with a bandage. Do this three to four times in a day. Continuous application will help the wart to disappear.

9. Apply the oil of the tealeaves onto the warts every night before going to bed. Continue this application for a fortnight. You will find that the wart has slowly dissolved and disappeared.

10. Take a fresh fruit of amalaki (Indian gooseberry). Rub it on the wart several times a day till it is properly dabbed in its juice. Alternatively, you can also put a few drops of the juice of the amalaki onto the wart and then keep it covered with a bandage. If you don’t get hold of amalaki, then any vitamin C tablets can also be crushed and kept onto the warts, fixed in place with a bandage.

Read more on wart treatment by Ayurveda and wart removal Home remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Dry Skin Treatment With Herbal and Ayurvedic Remedies

October 25, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Excessively dry skin can put a great dampener on the overall appearance of the person. Dry skin lacks the glow and the sheen of normal skin. It can become easily scratched and cracked, due to which there could be bruises on the skin even with slight frictions. Dry skin also loses its natural color. For all these reasons, it is very necessary to get dry skin treated as soon as possible.

Dry skin is generally caused due to environmental conditions. It is observed in cold weather, when the climate is too dry and cool. Since the climate is dry, it absorbs the water content of the skin, due to which it becomes dry. In this sense, dry skin is caused by vata vitiation. But sometimes, the skin becomes dry in the hot season also. If this happens, then the cause is a pitta vitiation.

(1) Useful Herbs/Plants in the Treatment of Dry skin

1. Aloe vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera replenishes the skin by providing the nutrients it lacks. Its extracts are used for massaging the skin.

2. Apple (Malus domestica)

Apple contains potassium and tannin which are both necessary to maintain the healthy texture of the skin. Apple not only removes the dryness of the skin, but also makes it appear shinier.

3. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber is beneficial if the dryness is especially over the face. The juices of the cucumber have a cooling effect on the face. Also the juices provide the lost water content to the face and reduce its dryness.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Dry skin

Since dry skin is caused due to vata or pitta vitiation, the diet should be designed to reduce these vitiations. Vata is the air element; while pitta is the fire element. The following guidelines must be followed:-

1. Cook your food in a little fat, suitably ghee. The food must not be totally dry.

2. If the dry skin is a result of vata vitiation (dry skin in cold weather), then eat foods that are heavy on the stomach. But do not use much spices.

3. If the dry skin is a result of pitta vitiation (dry skin in hot weather), then eat light foods that are easy to digest. Use more fibers in the diet.

4. Sweet foods are good for both vitiations.

5. Eat lots of fruits. Consume more of the sweet foods to build up the starch content in the skin.

6. The best condiments and spices to be used in the diet are cumin, coriander and turmeric. These soothe the skin.

7. Water is the most important part of the diet for correcting dry skin. About 7 to 8 glasses of water must be consumed in a day. But the water should be at room temperature. Cold water will aggravate the vata further.

8. Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages since they can make the skin drier.

(3) Home Medications

a. In order to reduce the dryness of the skin, massage therapy must be used. Any herbal oil will do for the massage. Almond, avocado and olive oils are the best. The whole skin must be massaged and fingers must be used to dig deeper so as to pass the oil into the skin. After the massage, you must wait for about half an hour (keep the massaged skin exposed to the air if possible) and then go for a bath. The period helps the oil to permeate into the skin.

b. If the dryness is on the face, then make a paste of about a teaspoonful of rose water and two of honey. Smear this paste nicely on the face. Let it remain for a couple of minutes and then wash it off with slightly warm water.

c. Mayonnaise gives good results when applied on the dry skin and let be for some time.

d. An apple can be used for treating excessive dryness of the skin. Cut an apple in half and run its fleshy part on the skin. Apply a bit of pressure and squeeze the apple onto the skin to let its juices flow in.

e. Do not use tap water for washing the face. Tap water contains chloride ions which may harm the dry skin. Use mineral water instead. In a similar manner, do not use an ordinary soap on the skin. There are soaps available with moisturizers. Use them when having your bath.

Maintain a proper daily regimen. Try to get up at a fixed time each morning and go to bed at a fixed time. The adage ‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealth and wise’ is very true in the case of dry skin.

Regular exercise is also important. Exercise makes the blood circulate better, due to which the nutrients are transported to all parts of the body. This will make the skin moister.

Read More on dry skin treatment by Ayurveda and dry skin home remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

September 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

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.

Basal Cell Carcinoma – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in humans. BCC tumors typically appear on sun exposed skin, are slow growing, and rarely metastasize. The clinical presentation of this disease includes the nodular, cystic, pigmented, sclerosing and superficial types of BCC. Environmental factors are believed to predispose to this condition and include a prolonged and sustained exposure to sunlight, artificial ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, arsenic exposure and a contaminated water source. Immunosuppression is also believed to be one of its causes. BCC is seen mostly in old age; and men are affected twice as often as women.

The conventional treatment of BCC consists of removal of the tumor using either surgery or local applications. This usually succeeds in eradicating the tumor. However, there is a 35% chance of developing another tumor within 3 years, and a 50% chance of developing another tumor within 5 years. Therefore, regular and periodic screening of patients is important. Ayurvedic treatment is recommended in patients with a documented recurrence, or in patients having large or deeply infiltrating tumors which have a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body. In such situations, Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at treating the local tumor and preventing or controlling the spread of the tumor cells. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Arogya-Vardhini, Chandraprabha-Vati, Gandhak-Rasayan and Sukshma-Triphala are given in high doses to help eradicate the local tumor. Local applications of medicated pastes can be made using medicines like Triphala (Three fruits), Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Yav-Kshar. Some physicians recommend localized blood-letting using leeches in order to achieve a faster therapeutic response.

In order to prevent the spread of the tumor cells to other parts of the body, medicines like Kachnaar-Guggulu, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivasav, Gokshuradi-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used. Immuno-modulating therapy is used to help suppress the tumor and to destroy tumor cells present in the blood and lymph. This is done using medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma.

Regular and prolonged follow-up is essential to ensure that the cancer has responded adequately to treatment, and also to rule out a recurrence of the condition. Patients and other people prone to BCC are advised to avoid possible potentiating factors like sun exposure, radiation and tanning beds. The regular use of protective clothing and the application of sunscreen are recommended prior to sun exposure.

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.

Psoriasis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

August 20, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Psoriasis is a common, chronic and recurrent skin condition characterized by patches of itchy, scaly and inflamed skin called plaques. This is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system malfunctions and works against itself. Widespread disease can not only cause physical discomfort, but also severe emotional and psychological disturbance. While currently there is no cure, phototherapy, local applications and oral medications are available which can control the symptoms.

Psoriasis is known as “Eka-Kushtha” in Ayurveda, and the plaques seen in this disease have been likened to the scales seen on the skin of fish. Ayurvedic medicines useful in the treatment of this disease are: Arogya Vardhini, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha, Mahatikta Ghrut, Panchtikta Ghrut Guggulu, Kamdudha, Saarivadyasava, and Khadirarishta.

For local application, Shata Dhout Ghrut, Mahamarichyadi oil and Neem-Karanj oil are used.

Herbal medicines like Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Jatamansi(Nardostachys jatamansi) are used to treat the skin and blood tissue, and to reduce stress.

Other medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to treat the disturbed immune system of the body.

Some patients have psoriasis in combination with some other disease, e.g. arthritis. Both diseases need to be treated separately, and the patient may need some specialized treatment in addition.

For patients not responding satisfactorily to the above mentioned treatment or those having extensive plaques on the body, Panchkarma cleansing procedures like induced emesis, induced purgation, and periodical blood-letting are advised. Most patients benefit with continued, mild purgation using Triphala(Three fruits), Bahava (Cassia fistula), Gulabkali (Rosa centifolia), Sonamakhi (Argemone mexicana) and Aloe vera.

For the majority of patients with moderate to severe symptoms, several courses of Ayurvedic treatment may be needed to give significant relief. It is advisable to avoid excess salt, spices, meat products, fermented and refrigerated products, tobacco, alcohol, extremes of temperature, and stress. Regular counseling, relaxation techniques, and yogic pranayam (special breathing techniques) are also beneficial.

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

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 22 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue.

He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients. He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.

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