Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

April 28, 2023

Management of Tonsillitis as Per Ayurveda – Natural Treatment

ABSTRACT

Tonsillitis is a common disease. Tonsil is derived from ‘tonsilla’ which means almond shaped and it can occur in any age but commonly occurs in childrens . It has various causes. It can happen once in a while or may return again and again. Usually caused by viral infection or with bacterial causes consisting approximately ⅓ of cases as per Ayurveda it is a urdwa jatrugata roga named as tundikeri. Let’s discuss it in detail!

INTRODUCTION

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils. These are a part of the body’s immune system which helps filter out viruses and bacteria. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen. These are two oval shaped pads of the tissue at the back of the throat one side each. It is of three types –

Tonsillitis

1. ACUTE CATARRHAL OR SUPERFICIAL TONSILLITIS

It is mostly seen in viral infection and is usually seen as a part of generalized pharyngitis.

2. ACUTE FOLLICULAR TONSILLITIS

Infection spreads into crypts which become filled with purulent material and presents as raised yellowish spots on red inflamed surface.

3. ACUTE PARENCHYMATOUS TONSILLITIS

Here the substance of tonsil gets infected. Tonsils become enlarged and red.

On The Basis of Pnset

  • Acute – Symptoms of these last from 2-3 days to 2 weeks.
  • Recurrent – In recurrent tonsillitis it may arrive several times a year.
  • Chronic – A long term tonsil infection.

Symptoms

  •  Fever with chills
  • Neck Pain or stiff neck
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Ear ache
  • A scratchy, muffled, impaired voice
  • Poor appetite
  • Tiredness , Lethargy, Malaise
  •  Difficult or painful swallowing

SIGNS

  • Bad breath (Halitosis)
  • White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
  • Red swollen tonsils

SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Upset stomach
  • Pain
  • Aversion to food
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Pus in the back of the throat.

CAUSES

The main cause of tonsillitis is viral or bacterial infections such as streptococcus, pneumococcus, Haemolytic influenza, Poor oral hygiene, Post nasal discharge etc.

DIAGNOSIS

  • CBC
  • Physical examination
  • Throat swab test
  • Nasal endoscopy

Tonsillitis Complications

A collection of pus around your tonsil (Peritonsillar abscess)

  • Middle ear infection (acute otitis media)
  • Breathing problems,
  • Para pharyngeal abscess
  • Acute glomerulo-nephritis.

Management: As per modern it is of two types conservative and surgical.

Conservative is

  • Bed rest
  • Intake of soft diet
  • Analgesics and Anti inflammatory
  • Antibiotics
  • Warm saline gargles

Surgical: Tonsillectomy (removal of Tonsils ). If the child is having recurrent attacks or when the tonsils interfere with speech, swallowing or respiration.

Ayurvedic overview

Ayurveda is a science of life which deals with curing the disease with natural herbs with no side effects The aim of Ayurvedic treatment is the preservation of positive health in a healthy person, and to help alleviate diseases and in the diseased body. Tonsillitis is considered as kapha raktaja urdhwajatrugata roga , it is considered as kantha roga by Acharya Vagbhata  and – Talugata by different acharya. Tonsillitis is known as  Tundikeri in ayurveda It occurs due to kaphaja and rakhtja dosha prakopa.

What is Tundikeri?

शोफः स्थूलस्तोददाहप्रपाकि प्रागुक्ताभयं तुण्डिकेरी मता तु।

Due to aggravation of kapha and rakta dosha , tonsils get inflamed with pain and a burning sensation known as Tundikeri (tonsillitis).

OR

The vitiated kapha and rakta doshas cause a big cystic swelling resembling the fruit of vana karpasa, the associated symptoms are burning sensation, pricking pain in throat and in suppurative cyst.

Clinical Features Of Tundikeri

  • Toda (Pricking Pain)
  • Paak (Suppuration)
  • Shopa (Inflammation)
  • Sore throat
  • Enlarged delicate lymph nodes
  • Daha (Burning Sensation)

TREATMENT

  • DIETARY MODIFICATIONS: Avoid cold and sugar ,sour food as it can lead to increase of the kapha and rakta dosha.Consume warm, nourished foods such as soups, ginger tea with honey. Avoid food that may bother your throat, drink an adequate amount of water.
  • LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Take rest, Avoid strenuous activities, avoid cold climate and cold food as it may lead to increase of the infection. Maintain oral hygiene, avoid day sleep as it may lead to kapha prakopa and worsen the condition.
  • SHAMAN CHIKITSA: Herbal formulations – kanchanar guggulu, Triphala guggulu, khadiradi vati, gandhak rasayan, chopchinyadi churna etc to reduce the inflammation of the tonsils.
  • SHODHANA CHIKITSA – Langhan, Vamana , virechana,etc. according to the doshas. Kavala , gandusha, dhooma , nasya , pratisarana .Kavala with sirka ,tikta, katu kwatha + madhu. Nasya with taila prepared with apamarga beeja, danti, vidanga, saindhav lavana etc. Pratisaran with gruha dhooma and katu varga dravya.
  • Kshara karma (application of caustic alkaline paste ): kshara karma is a mild and superior procedure that can effectively treat this condition. Apasmara kshara or Tankana kshara is widely used in the cases of chronic tonsillitis. The paste is applied on the tonsils after kavala  (Oil is kept in the mouth then gargled before spitting it out  ) or gandusha( oil is swished around the mouth) , let it sit for a few minutes , then wash off with buttermilk.
  • Sastra karma(surgical removal) : chedana(Excision) and bhedana(Incision) karma,

HERBAL REMEDY FOR TONSILLITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Tundikeri can be treated by appropriate management through ayurveda both from conservative and surgical procedures. You can also find the Tonsillitis care pack by planet ayurveda which is efficient to manage this condition. Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic company which deals with holistic healing through herbs, it has been GMP, ISO certified and has been serving the society for more than 20 years. It also has a manufacturing unit and manufactures both classical as well as their own patent medicine . Their herbal supplements are in the form of Powders, tablets, oils, capsules, herbal care packs etc.

Herbal Remedies for Tonsillitis

Herbal Remedies for Tonsillitis

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTIONS

1. SEPTRIN TABLETS

It is the patent formulation by planet Ayurveda which consists of Haldi (Curcuma longa), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), etc drugs. These are in tablet form. It helps in fighting infection, builds immunity and does anulomna of the Kapha dosha.

DOSAGE: 2 Tablets twice after meals.

2. KHADIRADI VATI

It is a classical herbal formulation and is available on planet ayurveda. This formulation has ingredients such as khadir(Acacia catechu), Kankol (Piper cubeba), Javitri (Myristica fragrans) etc. This is useful in skin disorders, respiratory disorders. It is used as anti-inflammatory , antiseptic , and in disorders of the throat ,gums etc.

DOSAGE: 1 Tablets Three times a day.

3. AMALAKI RASAYAN CAPSULES

This medicine is made from pure amla extract (Emblica officinalis) and is available on planet ayurveda in a capsule form. It works as an antioxidant, has a large amount of vitamin C , Increases metabolism, maintains overall health, eliminates Stress and Weakness.

DOSAGE: 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.

4. CURCUMIN CAPSULES

It is in a capsule form  manufactured by planet ayurveda. It consists of Haridra (Curcuma longa). It acts as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, expels ama (toxins) from the body, pacifies vata and kapha dosha.

DOSAGE– 1 Capsule twice a day after meals.

4. IRIMEDADI OIL

This consists of chandana (Santalum album), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) , irimeda twak(Acacia farnesiana), rakta chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus), laksha (Laccifer lacca) etc. It is beneficial in disorders like Tonsillitis, Dental caries and is antimicrobial and anti inflammatory.

DOSAGE— One tablespoon of oil is taken in the mouth before brushing and gargling is to be done for 5-10 minutes with little gaps of 10 seconds. Later rinse it with saindhav lavan mixed with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

The above article shows a distinctive treatment from the Ayurvedic point of view which can be utilized to treat tonsillitis. As per ayurveda it is due to aggravation of kapha and rakta dosha and is curable in many ways as mentioned above. You can find the treatment of this condition or the herbal remedies by planet ayurveda.

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April 22, 2023

Mesalamine Side Effects and Better Options in Ayurveda to Replace It

ABSTRACT

Gut health and digestion are considered as the most important processes of the human body. Anything that hampers the process of digestion and elimination disturbs the basics of the entire body. Inflammatory bowel disease or disorders are a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the tissues of the digestive tract. In this article, we will look at IBD, modern treatment of mesacol in IBD and the better safer alternatives of mesacol by Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS IBD?

IBD or Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of disorders that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract and majorly affects the most active period of one’s life i.e. 20-30 years of age.

Ulcerative Colitis and IBD

The two most common one are

1. Ulcerative Colitis

This condition involves inflammation and formations of sores/ulcers in the large intestine, colon and rectum. This is more common in males.

2. Crohn’s Disease

This type of IBD can affect the entire digestive tract (from mouth to anus) and causes inflammation penetrating into the deeper layers of the digestive tract. This kind is more common in females.

COMMON SYMPTOMS IN IBD

  1. Bloody Diarrhea
  2. Weight loss
  3. Tenesmus
  4. Urgency
  5. Fatigue
  6. Weight loss
  7. Night Sweats

COMMON CAUSES OF IBD

The exact cause is unknown however these factors are found to play a role in the occurrence of IBD

  1. Smoking
  2. Overactive Immune system
  3. Family History
  4. Excessive consumption of NSAIDS and antibiotics
  5. Consumption of highly saturated fats.

DIAGNOSIS OF IBD

Your physician may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who may then order some tests such as:

  1. Stool test
  2. Colonoscopy and Biopsy
  3. MRI & CT

TREATMENT AS PER MODERN METHODS

  1. Corticosteroids
  2. Aminosalicylates
  3. (MESALAMINE)
  4. Thiopurines
  5. Immunomodulators

In this article, we will take a deeper look into a kind of Aminosalicylates called Mesalamine (also known as mesalazine).

WHAT IS MESALAMINE?

Mesalamine (also called mesalazine), is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat the inflammation of the digestive tract caused by ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease. It works by suppressing the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause inflammation of the intestine. This reduces ulceration, bleeding, flare-ups of the IBD. Mesalazine is sold under the brand name Mesacol which is a common prescription drug given by doctors. Mesacol (mesalazine) is majorly used in patients of Ulcerative colitis.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MESALAZINE (also called as Mesalamine)

While there are many benefits of Mesalamine (also known as mesalazine), long term usage can result in certain side effects of mesacol. Let us take a quick look at the side effects caused by the medicine mesacol:

  1. Flatulence
  2. Headache
  3. Vomiting
  4. Dyspepsia
  5. Rashes
  6. Nausea

Long Term usage can cause

  1. Worsening of colitis
  2. Renal toxicity
  3. Hypersensitivity reactions

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Ayurveda, a 5000 year old holistic system of medicine from India considers IBD as PITTATISARA and RAKTA ATISARA. When the digestion is hampered and there is formation of AMA in the body, it leads to the accumulation of toxins in the intestine and eventually leads to the vitiation of Pitta. Post this, when the blood in the intestine or the GI tract is vitiated by Pitta, it leads to the inflammatory change that leads to diarrhea and bloody stools. When the Pittaja Atisara is not treated, it eventually leads to Raktaja Atisara.

CAUSES AS PER AYURVEDA

As per Ayurveda, the causes for IBD are

  • Consumption of excess spicy, sour foods.
  • Consumption of heavy, raw products.
  • Irregular eating habits
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption.

AYURVEDA TREATMENT

Ayurveda treatment has a holistic approach that majorly focuses on the root cause. The treatments used are aimed at pachan (Digestion, Agni deepana (Increasing the metabolism), Vrana Ropana (to heal the ulcers) and Stambhana (to stop diarrhea). The commonly used herbs are Dadima (Punica granatum), Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) and vasa (Justicia adhatoda). All these herbs are herbal alternatives to mesacol (also called mesalazine). Along with the shaman treatment (oral), certain procedures can also be done in Shodhana treatment (Panchakarma procedures) such as Vaman, virechana and pittahar vasti, nabhi lepa and shirodhara.

AYURVEDA DIET PATHYA AND APATHYA (Dos and Don’ts)

Along with the medicines, Ayurveda also recommends a strict diet with certain do’s and don’ts that help in the complete recovery from IBD and prevent remission.

1. PATHYA (Dos

These are the things you should add in your diet.

  1. Ghee
  2. Curd
  3. Banana, Apple, Bel and papaya
  4. Bottle gourd and ash gourd
  5. Turnip, radish, carrots

2. APATHYA (DON’T’S)

These are the things that you should avoid in your diet

  1. Spices like red chilli, black pepper.
  2. Processed packed food.
  3. Dairy products
  4. Non vegetarian products
  5. Kidney beans, chickpeas and black gram

HERBAL ALTERNATIVES OF MESALAMINE BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda, a GMP certified company, prepares pure ayurveda formulations which are safer alternatives as compared to mesacol or mesalazine (Mesalamine). Planet Ayurveda prepares 100% pure, preservative free products .Ayurveda texts have some of the best alternatives to mesalazine (mesacol). All the ingredients in the products are aimed at providing healthy intestines and balance of the tridoshas.

The Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack includes

  1. Capsule Arjuna
  2. Vatsakadi Churna
  3. Pitta Balance
  4. Kutajghan Vati

Alternative Medicines for for Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, Crohn's Disease

Herbal Remedies for ulcerative colitis

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Arjuna Capsule

Arjuna Capsules are prepared with standardized extract of Arjuna herb (Terminalia Arjuna).This formulation is soothing, nurturing and healing. Arjuna herb is cardio protective but also helps in relieving the gastric issues and burning sensations which is why it is useful in ulcerative colitis. It is also anti allergic and anti oxidant which also helps in dealing with all kinds of body pains, swelling and ulcers.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna

Planet Ayurveda’s Vatsakadi Churna is a potent and safe formulation that has a combination of various herbs. The prime ingredients of this formulation are Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) and Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) which are great for anti dysenteric action and also helps in reducing the inflammation in the body which makes this formulation a prime choice for IBD issues.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily after meal with plain water

3. Pitta Balance

A vegetarian capsule by Planet Ayurveda made with Pitta balancing herbs with the purest extracts of the ayurveda herbs. This capsule will support digestion, maintain the intestinal mucosa. It is made with Praval pishti, mukta pishti and kamdudha ras. This formulation provides a cooling effect to the body and helps in dealing with ulcers. This herbal formulation helps in balancing the aggravated Pitta from the body which makes it a perfect choice for IBD.

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

4. Kutajghan Vati

Kutajghan Vati is a tablet formulation made from the classical Ayurveda texts with the prime ingredient as Kutaj herb. Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) as an herb has cold potency and pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha both of which are aggravated in IBD cases. It also has dry nature with astringent taste and helps remove ama (toxins) from the body.

Dosage: 2 Tab twice daily after meal with plain water

CONCLUSION

To achieve a healthy body, every individual needs to have proper digestion and elimination. Disorders like IBD can affect these processes and thus the normal lifestyle. While one can always go for modern treatment but considering the side effects of mesacol (which contains mesalazine/Mesalamine), there are much safer ayurveda alternatives to mesalazine. These herbal alternatives along with diet and lifestyle corrections help in dealing with inflammatory bowel disease and associated complications.

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