Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

January 18, 2022

What is SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster)? – Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

In this article, you’ll get to know all about the Shingles or Herpes zoster in one place. The causative virus of this particular infection is Varicella-zoster, which results in red rashes on the skin accompanied by pain and burning on the affected area. Shingles is only caused to the people who have already suffered from chickenpox at some point of their life, putting clearly it is the reactivation of the same virus. Let’s learn in detail about the infection and role of Ayurveda in treating the infection naturally.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SHINGLES

Shingles is also termed as herpes zoster which causes painful rashes on the body. Vaccines are given to decrease the risk of getting this infection but nothing is hundred percent guaranteed. Herpes zoster or shingles is not a deadly disease but can cause long-lasting pain and burning. When a person gets chicken pox, the virus may remain in latent state even after recovering from the infection completely. This virus lives in the nervous system of a person for many years only to reactivate as shingles. Rashes may appear on any part of the body but the predominant locations are neck, torso or face.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF SHINGLES

As per the Ayurveda, shingles or herpes zoster is caused due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha in the body. Pitta dosha can be flared due to excessive oiliness or heat, building up of toxins in the body, excessive increase in vata, pitta and kapha dosha or improperly digested food. Owing to any of these factors skin gets affected as it is an organ of elimination.

symptoms of herpes

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE SHINGLES

Usually the small part of the body is affected by shingles, generally including one side of the body. Some of the major signs and symptoms of this infection are:

  • Pain occurring in small patches usually on one side of the body
  • Burning is also accompanied with pain on affected areas
  • Rashes which are red in color are followed after a few days
  • Itching in the rashes
  • Appearance of blisters which breaks and crust is formed over them
  • Some of the less common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and photosensitivity.

Pain is the most common and can be the most severe symptom of the infection. In some cases there might be pain without any rashes. Right or left torso is the common location for the appearance of blisters.

RISK FACTORS OF SHINGLES

People who got affected by Chickenpox whose chances are more likely to get affected by shingles or herpes zoster are:

  • Having low immunity or immunocompromised people
  • Having life threatening conditions like HIV, cancer, or who have had organ transplant
  • Age above 50 years
  • Prolonged illness
  • Experiencing stress for a long time
  • People gone through trauma

CAUSES OF SHINGLES

Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the virus called Varicella-zoster. It is the same virus which causes chickenpox. When a person suffers from chickenpox which means first infection, the symptoms are treated or resolved on its own without the virus leaving the body. This virus stays in the body passing to the nervous system and remains dormant for maybe years and due to unknown reasons get reactivated at any point of life causing shingles. When this reactivation occurs, the virus travels to the skin along the nerve pathways and develops the signs and symptoms of herpes zoster. However not everyone who got chickenpox will get affected from it. Probably the risk factors discussed above are the reasons for its reactivation.

DIAGNOSIS OF SHINGLES

The typical distribution of the rashes on the body is the most useful tool for the diagnosis of the shingles. Rashes and blisters of shingles are usually present on one side of the body which is a characteristic feature. However certain laboratory tests including the fluid swab from blisters or its scraping will confirm the presence of virus in it.

TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

As shingles is considered to be an incurable condition, in orthodox system of medicine (Allopathy) the medication is given to relieve the complaints. Main mode of treatment is antiviral medicines to decrease the duration of symptoms and relieve the discomfort caused by shingles. Painkillers are given to ease the pain. At times there can also occur bacterial infection along with shingles, hence antibacterial medications are given for it. However all of these medicines have certain side effects when taken in the long term and shingles generally takes 2-6 weeks in order to resolve. When an immunocompromised person gets shingles (herpes zoster), these drugs can worsen their immunity. Hence opting the natural science, i.e. Ayurveda would be a better option.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

As per the Ayurveda diseases are caused due to the imbalance of any of the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha and hence restoration of their balance is the main aim in order to restore health. As per the Ayurvedic concept, shingles can be correlated with Pittaj visarpa. As we already discussed, due to the increase in Pitta dosha disease is manifested on the skin in the form of red rashes, burning and pain. In Ayurveda not a single part or area is treated but the person as a whole is treated which results in restoration of complete health of a person as a whole. Holistic approach of treatment includes correction of physical exercise (Vihaar), diet (Ahar) along with the natural medicines (Aushadhi). Certain external processes to let out the toxins can be done like therapeutic purgation or bloodletting. External applications like mukhalepa and pralepa (herbal pastes) can be used on the affected areas. Further we will discuss the medicines which can be used to treat shingles naturally.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR SHINGLES

Planet Ayurveda is one of the leading herbal brands in India. It is very well known in India and abroad for the amazing herbal products which are used to treat various acute as well as chronic (obstinate) diseases. All the products manufactured here are produced following the strict Ayurvedic principles under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors who have expertise in this area. All the medicines and products manufactured in Planet Ayurveda are purely herbal, vegetarian, organic and devoid of chemicals, preservatives, fillers, dye, colors, additives and yeast. These medicines and products are further prescribed to the patients by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors as per the disease or complaints one is suffering from. For Shingles, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines that works efficiently in treating and managing the infection naturally.

Herbal Supplements for Herpes

Herbal Supplements for Herpes

Product List

These herbal formulations are selected for treating the infection as they contain herbs and compounds which have healing effects on the shingles. These herbal medicines help in relieving the pain, burning, rashes, blisters and eradicate the infection naturally without causing any further harm to the body.

  1. Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati
  2. Pitta balance
  3. Neurogenie capsule
  4. Kaishore guggul
  5. Gleaming skin hair nails formula

Product Description

1. Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati

These herbal tablets are prepared from the extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) which is known for its amazing therapeutic effect on skin. Owing to these factors, Mahamanjisthadi Ghan vati helps in treating the rashes and blisters which is one of the main complaints in shingles and clears the skin naturally.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Pitta balance

Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Kamdudha ras (An Ayurvedic calcium compound), Jawar mohra pishti (An Ayurvedic calcium compound), Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia) and Mukta pishti (Pearl calcium) are used in the preparation of the Pitta balance. All of these components altogether acts in a synergistic manner to alleviate the Pitta dosha, hence eradicating the root cause and restoring the health.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Neurogenie capsule

These herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of two therapeutic herbs, i.e. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Neurogenie capsules as the name suggests are used to treat neurological complaints. In shingles pain and burning is due to the affected nerve, hence these capsules help in relieving the mentioned ailments naturally.

Dosage-Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Kaishore Guggul

It is prepared from the combination of numerous herbs, i.e. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Long pepper (Piper longum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Indian jalap (Ipomoea turpetheum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), and Red physic nut (Baliospermum montanum). Kaishore guggul helps in eliminating the accumulated toxins from the body in the case of shingles or herpes zoster and relieves the condition by purifying the blood.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Gleaming skin, hair, nails Formula

These are the multi herbal capsules which helps in clearing the rashes, itching and redness from the skin in the people suffering from shingles and helps in maintaining healthy skin. Herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis) are used in the preparation of Gleaming skin, hair, nails capsules.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

CONCLUSION

Shingles or herpes zoster is not a fatal condition however it can cause severe and long lasting pain. Natural medicines discussed above can help in relieving and treating the condition naturally and gently without causing any further damage to the body.

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January 15, 2022

Macular Edema Ayurvedic Treatment With Herbal Remedies!

Abstract

The eyes are one of the important organs through which we are able to see the world. It is important that eyes are protected in order to keep them always healthy. Healthy eyes are one of the vital as well as an important organ that is important for our daily activity. The eyes have different parts and one of them is the macula which is yellow in color and its main function is providing clear vision. When you are taking care of your eyes, it’s very common to affect the eyes, leading to many eye problems and one of them is Macula edema. In this article, we are going to discuss it more in detail along with its herbal treatment in order to naturally remove the root cause of the disease.

Macular Edema

What is Macular Edema?

Macular Edema is simply the collection of protein and fluid under the layer of macula. As discussed macula is the yellow part and it swells due to the collection of protein as well as fluid making it thick. The swelling then leads to distortion of the central vision because the macula is one that makes the vision sharp. This collected fluid then causes the blood vessels to get damaged. Being one of the sensitive parts it is very common to lose vision. So, it is very important to get treatment as soon as possible in order to stop the disease from getting serious.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

One of the primary symptoms seen in macula edema is blurry vision, especially towards the center. The colors might also appear as faded and they are not able to distinguish between the colors. Some people might also develop photophobia where they are not able to see bright lights.

What are the causes for Macular Edema?

Macular Edema is caused when there is abnormal collection or leakage of the fluid under the macula damaging the blood vessels. Here are the common causes of macular edema:-

1. Diabetic Macular Edema

It is the result of complications caused due to diabetes commonly known as diabetic retinopathy. This could affect both the eyes where fluid leaks into the macular part resulting in swelling around the tissue. If not treated it might also lead to loss of vision. It is very important to control blood sugar levels in order to reduce the risk of developing Diabetic Macular Edema. It is more common in people who are African American.

2. Macular Degeneration due to Aging

It is mainly characterized by breaking down of the macula, disturbing the vision. In this case, the Age-related macular blood vessels start to grow from the choroid and go into the retina. These abnormally formed new blood vessels then leak fluid into the macula causing macular edema.

3. Eye Surgery

It is very common to develop macula edema after having surgery for glaucoma or cataract. One to Three patients are seen to develop Macula edema a few weeks after the surgery. Sometimes this could only be for a short period of time and is very mild and can be easily treated through eye drops.

4. Inflammatory condition of the Retina

One of the common conditions is Uveitis which leads to swelling of the eye and destroying tissue present around it. It has got the name Uveitis because it mainly affects the uvea which is the part of the eye. It then spreads to other parts of the eye like the iris, lens, cornea, retina, sclera and vitreous. It is caused due to immune response affecting the eye and affecting the tissue present in the macula resulting in macular edema.

How can Macular Edema be Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose Macular Edema, the doctor will conduct the test on your eye and check for abnormality in the retina. These are the test that can be done to diagnose Macular Edema including:-

  1. Dilated Eye examination
  2. Visual Acuity Test
  3. Fluorescein Angiogram
  4. Amsler Grid
  5. Optical Coherence Tomography

Treatment From Planet Ayurveda:-

Planet Ayurveda provides herbal medicine not only in India but also in other parts of the world. All the herbal medicines are free from chemicals, preservatives as well as additives making them free from all kinds of side effects. Each of the remedies is made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor and after that also clinically tested. Here is the list of articles helping in treating the eye naturally and this includes:-

  1. Punarnava Capsules
  2. Arjuna Capsules
  3. Bilberry Capsules
  4. Angel Eye Vitale

Ayurvedic Treatment For Macular Edema

Product Description

1. Punarnava Capsules

It is made from a single herb called Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and is one of the effective medicines. It is very helpful in reducing the collection of fluid in the body. Due to its property, it is helpful in expelling the fluid from the macula and clearing it. It is very useful in clearing the vision and making it more clear.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with water after meals.

2. Arjuna Capsules

It is well known for treating blocked arteries or veins and it is made from the extract of an herb called Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). It is very effective in clearing the blocked artery and is helpful in balancing the blood glucose levels. Whereas high blood glucose levels are the ones causing Macular Edema.

Dosage: One capsule twice after meals with water.

3. Bilberry Capsules

It’s made from a single herb called Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) which is packed with antioxidant properties. It is well known for improving eyesight and making vision more clear. It is best for macular edema, especially caused due to degeneration during aging.

Dosage: One capsule after meals twice daily with water.

4. Angel Eye Vitale

As the name suggests it is very effective in any kind of Eye problem and is made from many different herbs. It is packed with Vitamin A, C, E and Zinc, Copper, Lutein, etc. It is very effective in providing nourishment to the eye and improving the circulation around the eye as well.

Dosage: One capsule with water twice daily after meals.

Conclusion

As the above-mentioned article it describes everything about Macular Edema and its effect on vision. Along with that, the mentioned herbal medicine will help in treating the disease naturally and also the root cause of the disease. It is very important to take care of your eyes in order to live a fulfilling life. For more details of our products, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.

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