Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Ayurvedic Perspective of Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Good deeds and a good diet is what makes a man healthy. Lifestyle or way of living of a person is what makes his life healthy or unhealthy. In the past, people used to work hard physically but today technology has left us with only mental work, physical efforts and physical exertion has reached the minimum. Furthermore, junk food and contaminated food with a number of chemicals has added to the problems of a common man. This contaminated and junk food has led to a number of health issues. Syndrome X or Metabolic syndrome is a bunch of some health issues that can give rise to serious health problems. In the text below, we shall discuss Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome) in detail and its management in the contemporary system of medicine and in the traditional system of medicine as well. Let’s discuss!!

Introduction

Syndrome X is a bunch of health conditions related to resistance to insulin that include fat accumulation in the body, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. In other words, it can be said that it is a cluster of conditions that makes a person vulnerable to diabetes and heart disease. So metabolic syndrome is not a disorder itself but a group of risk factors. A person can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome when she/he has three or more than that from the following:

Metabolic Syndrome

  1. Dyslipidemia
  2. Hypertension (increased blood pressure)
  3. Accumulation of fat at waist
  4. Decreased levels of good cholesterol (LDL)
  5. Increased blood sugar levels

Moreover, metabolic syndrome can build up plaque in the arteries which causes the clogging of the same which makes the arteries brittle. Formation of blood clots after damage to the arterial wall may block the major arteries which can result in stroke or heart attack.

Causes of Syndrome X

  1. Insulin resistance
  2. Obesity
  3. Unhealthy lifestyle
  4. Hormonal imbalance
  5. Smoking

Risk Factors

  1. Obese person
  2. Risk increases with as the age increases
  3. Sedentary lifestyle
  4. People with diabetes mellitus type 2 are prone to develop metabolic syndrome
  5. People with Polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, alcoholic fatty liver and dyslipidemia are vulnerable to Syndrome X.

Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

  1. Physical exertion or exercises
  2. Doing meditation, yoga, pranayama etc helps in stress.
  3. Healthy diet and lifestyle management is necessary to be modulated.

Ayurvedic Aspect and Management of Syndrome X

Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine, has been serving mankind till date. Ayurveda is a natural science that manages the conditions purely on the herbal and mineral formulations. And it has marvellous results. It manages the dosha imbalance that is the main cause of diseases. There are various causes of development of a condition which includes sroto dushti, dosha imbalance, agnimandya etc. Metabolic Syndrome is related to sroto dushti. In every condition with the faulty dietary habits the doshas get vitiated mainly the kapha dosha and the ama formation leads to the clogging of the microchannels which is regarded as sroto dushti.

Vata dosha is responsible for the movements in the body as the sroto dushti occurs or the blockage of the microchannels occurs the movement of the vata gets hampered which gives the sign of kapha avaran. So the correlation of the metabolic syndrome can be well established with the sroto dushti by the kapha dosha. Ayurvedic management depends on the cleansing or unclogging or unblocking of the microchannels from the ama and vikrit kapha which has hampered the vata movements. So here we require the medicines that remove the ama and excessive kapha from the body that eventually will result in clear microchannels. Medicines such as arogyavardhini vati, chyawanprash, sanjivani vati etc are really helpful in metabolic syndrome.

Guggulu (Comminphora mukul), shilajit (asphaltum), vacha (Acorus calamus), neem (Azadirachta indica), amla (Embellica officinale) and various other herbs are effective in removing the sroto dushti  y cleansing the microchannels. Thus this all will help in Metabolic syndrome to the maximum.

Herbal Remedies for Syndrome X by Planet Ayurveda :

Planet Ayurveda is a well known ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered and GMP certified Ayurvedic Company, which is sticked to the aim of manufacturing/formulating quality Ayurvedic products as per ancient texts of Ayurveda. Formulations are manufactured on the lines of ayurvedic pharmacopoeia and the products are without preservatives and additives.Products do not contain chemicals or artificial flavouring agents. Products of Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any sort of adulterants. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free. Medicines are available in different forms and patients can consume as per their convenience.   Planet Ayurveda extends its products which are beneficial in Syndrome X.

Following Is the List of Products that are Helpful in Managing Syndrome X :

  1. SAROTOVAHI CAPSULES
  2. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA
  3. GUGULLIPID CAPSULES
  4. TRIPHALA CAPSULES
  5. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI

Herbal Supplements for Metabolic Syndrome

Herbal Supplements for Metabolic Syndrome

Product Description

1. SAROTOVAHI CAPSULES

Srotovahi capsules is a product of Planet Ayurveda which contains the standardised extracts of herbs such as shilajit, guggul (Commiphora mukul), haridra (Curcuma longa), vidanga (Embelia ribes), maricha (Piper nigrum), dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). The formulation aids in removing ama dosha from the body that is the main cause of obstruction in any of the srotas (channels of the body). It  promotes the normal functioning of all channels by wonderful properties such as ant-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, digestive and induce digestive fire. It acts on all srotas and helps in its abnormal metabolic functioning. Therefore, Sarotovahi capsules help in Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome.

Dosage : Two capsules twice a day after meal with plain water.

2. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA

Navkarshik Churna is a product of Planet Ayurveda which is composed of a number of herbs including haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), vacha (Acorus calamus), neem (Azadirachta indica), manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) etc. The churna benefits the patient with metabolic syndrome by its tridosha balancing properties. Furthermore, Navkarshik churna helps in removing ama dosha from the body and helps in cleansing the microchannels. With above said properties, Navkarshik churna helps in Syndrome X.

Dosage : One tsp twice a day after meal with plain water.

3. GUGULLIPID CAPSULES

Gugulipid capsules, is a wonderful formulation by Planet Ayurveda. It is the formulation best for endocrine health, heart health and blood disorders. It acts on the endocrine system thus keeping the various hormones and enzymes under normal limits. It has Guggulu resin (Camiphora mukul), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Bhumi amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum) etc. Furthermore, Guggulipid capsules cleanses the microchannels and thus helps in metabolic syndrome.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meal with plain water.

4. TRIPHALA CAPSULES

Triphala capsules is a product of Planet Ayurveda. It contains the standardised extract of amla (Indian gooseberry), haritaki (Terminilia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). Herbs in this formula balances all three doshas that means it effectively manages kapha and pitta dosha and the flow of vata dosha vata anulomana). It clears sroto dushti that cleans obstructive microchannels thus helps in correcting Syndrome X.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meal with plain water.

5. AROGYAVARDHINI VATI

Arogyavardhini vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which is used in almost every health condition as well as it is also helpful in maintaining general wellness. As the name of the formulation suggests, it helps in maintaining the non diseased condition of a person which means it helps in keeping the person free of any health issues or ailments. Arogyavardhini vati is a blend of various herbs that balances the doshas and it acts as a rasayana. The herbs include haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalki (Emblica officinalis), shuddha shilajit (Asphaltum),  shuddha guggulu (commiphora mukul), chitrak mool (Plumbago zeylanica), kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa). Arogyavardhini vati balances all the three doshas. It is helpful in metabolic syndrome because of its dosha pacifying and ama pachan (Antioxidant) properties. Furthermore, as the name of the preparation suggests it helps in improving good health therefore it is useful in Syndrome X.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meal with plain water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

Conclusion

As we discussed, Metabolic syndrome is not a disease itself but a cluster of conditions that may lead to serious disease conditions. Most of them are due to the faulty diet and lifestyle that has been changed with the time. But this has to be changed in order to gain a healthy body and mind. Meditation, physical exercises and maintaining a good dietary routine shall eventually lead to termination of these bunch of diseases that are risky and lead to various serious illnesses. In the modern system of medicine there are medicines that have to be taken for lifelong. But In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the lifestyle and diet plan with proper herbal remedies are given for every condition. These medicines with proper diet  following helps in metabolic disorder and gives happiness to the mind and the body. Above said medicines of Planet Ayurveda impeccably manages Syndrome X.

Psoriasis and Its Ayurvedic Treatment with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Skin serves to maintain and protect our body from the external environment. It regulates body temperature, reduces the harmful impact of UV rays, and acts as a sensory organ. Skin holds everything together. Without skin people’s muscles, bones, and organs would be hanging out all over the place. Now you would have known how important the skin is and more important keeping skin healthy. Beautiful and healthy skin boosts your confidence. But what if it gets trapped in diseases? Psoriasis is one such pruritic (irritating) disease. According to WHO reports the prevalence of the disease has increased often and can occur at any age, even in children. Psoriasis not only affects the person physically but also mentally and emotionally. Through this article, you will get to know the causes, symptoms, Ayurvedic aspects of Psoriasis, and how it is treatable with Ayurvedic medicines.

Psoriasis, Treatment of Psoriasis in Ayurveda, Causes of Psoriasis, Symptoms of Psoriasis

Introduction

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that leads to the rapid build-up of skin cells causing scaling. Typically over 24 hours, our body shed almost a million skin cells, which are replaced after about a month. Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are replaced more quickly than usual, within 3 to 4 days. It is caused by a problem in the immune system. The scales appear most commonly on knee joints, elbows, scalp, and trunk. However, scales may develop anywhere on the body including hands, feet, neck, scalp, face, and less commonly on nails, mouth, and around genitals. Typical psoriatic scales are thick, red patches covered with silvery-white plaques and tend to have a symmetric distribution. But they can differ according to severity and type of Psoriasis. These patches can crack and bleed on scratching and hence can be very painful. According to IPC (International Psoriasis Council), there are 5 types of Psoriasis-

  1. Chronic Psoriasis Plaque
  2. Psoriasis Guttate
  3. Psoriasis Pustular
  4. Psoriasis Erythrodermic
  5. Psoriasis Nail

Health conditions vary from normal to worse regarding the type of psoriasis the patient is suffering from. Autoimmune response leads to inflammation of the skin which can also have an immense impact on other organs of the body. Thus, it needs to be controlled as early as possible.

The Ayurvedic Aspect Of Psoriasis

As per the ayurvedic concept, psoriasis is known as ‘kitibha’ which are harsh skin patches, scabrous to touch (covered with something rough). Kitibha is classified under ‘kshudra kushtha’. It occurs due to unbalanced tridosha predominantly the Vata dosha and Kapha doshas. Furthermore, the acharyas have explained ‘mandal kushtha’ as a cluster of elevated skin patches which are adjacent to each other (connected according to the progress of the disease). They are red-colored patches with dry skin plaques same as psoriasis plaques. Mandal kushtha is classified under ‘maha kushtha’. Psoriasis can simply be termed as kushtha according to Ayurveda. Psoriasis in Ayurveda is managed by pacifying tridosha with herbal medicines described in detail further in the article.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease are the same in modern pathy as written in Ayurveda texts. The affected area can be small (in the beginning) or cover the majority of the body area (in severe cases). Following listed are the most found symptoms in psoriasis patients-

  1. Thick areas of discolored skin (can be adjacent to each other)
  2. Skin patches covered with white-silvery scales
  3. Skin harsh to touch
  4. Itchy skin
  5. Burning skin/skin pain
  6. Pitted, cracked nails
  7. Painful and swollen joints
  8. Dry skin may crack and bleed (on scratching)

Not every person will experience all these symptoms. The symptoms vary according to the severity of the disease which is assessed by the degree of scaling, redness, thickness, and size of skin lesions.

Causes

  • Immune System – Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition as a result of which the body attacks itself. In Psoriasis T-cells attack the body’s skin cells. An overactive immune response causes skin cells to produce new skin cells that develop too quickly. The attack on the skin cells also causes redness and swelling of the skin.
  • Genetics – National psoriasis foundation considers genetics to be a causative factor for psoriasis.

In addition to the above causes, some more causative factors in Ayurveda are mentioned as-

  1. Virudh Aahar [eg- (drinking milk with fish/salt/yogurt), (eating cold with hot simultaneously)
  2. Overeating, even on indigestion
  3. Suppress natural urges (eg-control urge to urine)
  4. Workout after heavy meals
  5. Daytime sleep

These unhealthy food habits and inadequate lifestyle practices only if done on a regular basis will tend to elevate doshas and cause ‘kushtha’ disease which is simply psoriasis.

Diagnosis

The doctor can make a diagnosis directly through Physical examination. No lab test is required but sometimes a doctor can suggest a Skin Biopsy to determine the type of psoriasis and to rule out any skin infection along with it.

In Ayurveda, three main diagnostic factors together make diagnosis better, including- Darshan= by observing the patches and patient, Sparshan= by touching the affected areas, and Prashan= by asking and ruling out Prakriti of the person and taking personal and family history. The better the diagnosis (type, prakriti, and degree of psoriasis), the better will be the treatment.

Complications

The person with Psoriasis may also experience several other health conditions explained in modern and Ayurveda, including- diabetes mellitus (madhumeh), inflammatory bowel disease (dah, atisar), heart disease (hridya rog), psoriatic arthritis (angbhed in 20% patients), anxiety and depression (manh and sharir dorbalya).

Treatment

In modern pathy treatment, there are few medications (steroids) that help to reduce symptoms of psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids, oral steroids, and light therapy are the line of treatment. Talking about their side effects, modern pathy itself claims that long-term steroid use can thin skin and over time they stop working. Light therapy can cause skin burns and make skin more itchy and inflamed. Most of these medications are unsafe during pregnancy. Moreover, few studies conclude that long-term use of steroids as well as light therapy can cause skin cancer. Unfortunately, people still depend on these medications and are unaware of the efficacy of ayurvedic medicines. Ayurveda provides natural treatment to these patients without any side effects.

Ayurvedic chikitsa (treatment)

When patients reach out to our doctors, they treat the patient by working on various protocols including lifestyle changes, special diet plans, and taking herbal medicines altogether.

  • Nidan parivarjan – The very obvious treatment protocol says, by avoiding causative factors mentioned earlier in the article can help the body to recover better. These include both eating habits and lifestyle habits.
  • Pathya-apathya – Any ayurvedic treatment process is incomplete without this step. Your ayurvedic doctor will instruct you on what to eat according to the disease condition and herbal medications you are taking.

Herbal Medications For Psoriasis by Planet Ayurveda

Ayurveda medicines are very beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company of various herbal medications with the best overall result for 20 years. Their products are 100% pure and vegetarian and are made from standardized extracts of various potential medicinal plants by expert ayurvedic physicians. This company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using its products and medicines. They strictly follow government guidelines for making their products the best. Planet Ayurveda provides a ‘Psora Care Pack’ to treat psoriasis. It is the best remedy to ease the symptoms of psoriasis with no side effects. Here are the further details about the working and efficacy of the product-

Products List

  1. Navkarshik Churna
  2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
  3. Neem Capsules
  4. Manjishtha Capsules
  5. Pitta Balance
  6. Gandhak Rasayan
  7. Recumin Gel
  8. Jatyadi Tailam

Products Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

It is a herbal ayurvedic formulation in powder form. It is a combination of natural herbs such as – Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitki (Terminalia bellerica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. It helps in cleaning the blood that keeps the skin healthy and eases symptoms of the disease.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon full twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

This wonderful acting ayurvedic formulation contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit papad (Fumaria officinalis), Chirayata (Swertia chirata), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis). This formulation capsule very effectively balances tridosha. Also supports the healthy pH of the skin which maintains skin health and treats skin disorders like psoriasis.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day after meals, with lukewarm water.

3. Neem Capsules

These capsules are made up of natural extracts of a single herb, Neem (Azadirachta indica). This herb is used in several skin conditions due to its anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It cleans the blood and skin which reduces the chances of skin infections which are high in case of deep and cracking psoriasis plaques.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals, with lukewarm water.

4. Manjishtha Capsules

It is an ayurvedic formulation that contains a standardized extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). It controls over activation of the immune system which eases rapid skin production. Therefore, it is beneficial in managing psoriasis.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily after meals, with lukewarm water.

5. Pitta Balance

It is a polyherbal formulation prepared from JaharMohara (natural calcium compound), Kharava pishti (natural calcium compound), Akik, Mukta, Giloy satv (Tinospora cordifolia). This formulation helps to balance pitta dosha which ultimately balances tridosha. It regulates Agni and treats burning sensation in the skin and is advantageous in kushth rog.

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

6. Gandhak Rasayan

Shudh gandhak (purified sulfur) is used to prepare gandhak rasayan. Gandhak being a rasayan has rejuvenating properties which promote health and nourishes the body from the inside out. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and pain in affected areas of the skin and its antibacterial properties reduce the chances of skin infections.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals, with lukewarm water.

7. Recumin Gel

This patent herbal formulation manufactured by planet Ayurveda consists of herbs such as Haldi (Curcuma longa), Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. Its active ingredients maintain skin health when applied to bare skin and also subside the symptoms of various skin diseases. This is very effective in managing dry skin plaques in psoriasis patients.

Directions: Apply externally on affected skin areas twice daily after cleaning the area.

8. Jatyadi Tailam

This is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation and contains various beneficial ayurvedic herbs such as Chameli (Jasmine officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. Jatyadi tailam pacifies Vata dosha’s aggravation. Application of tailam on the affected area will improve the skin condition and ease symptoms of itching, swelling, pain, and irritation.

Directions: Apply externally on the patches/affected skin areas once or twice daily after cleaning the area.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a long-term condition that hinders the quality of life. It requires side-effect-free effective management for better health status. These requirements can be fulfilled with the use of an ayurvedic ‘Psora Care Pack’. These herbs are efficient in maintaining psoriasis. Furthermore, these herbs also enhance skin luster and overall robustness. Our talented Ayurvedic doctors are constantly working on the management of such diseases and have been successful to a large extent. The efforts provide relief to the patients without any side effects. For a better ayurvedic experience or any queries contact us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Stay Healthy!! Stay Alive!!