Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

What is Charley horse? How can Ayurveda help?

Abstract

There are 600 muscles in the human body. The muscular system of our body has various functions ranging from supporting the body movement to lifting body weight to giving childbirth. Some help us move, sit or lift things. Some help us breathe, see and pump the blood. Hence, it is very important to keep the muscles strong and healthy. In this article, we will take a look at Charley horse, a painful condition of muscle spasm and how Ayurveda can help deal with it.

Charley Horse: Painful Involuntary Cramp in the Legs or Foot

Introduction-What is Charley Horse?

Charley horse is a painful involuntary cramp in the legs or foot that may last from a few seconds to a day. It is another name for muscle spasm, when a muscle suddenly tightens up on its own and cannot relax. During the spasm, muscle becomes hard and tight and may even become tender to touch. These cramps can happen anywhere in the body but are very common in legs and feet. These cramps can strike at any time of the day even when the person is sleeping.

Causes

While there are no definite causes of charley’s horse, there are some factors that may trigger it.

Overusing the muscle
Dehydration
Stress
Poor blood flow
Standing or sitting too long.
Malfunctioning nerves
Pregnancy
Infections
Medications such as Furosemide, nifedipine, statins etc.

Symptoms

Some of the typical features of Charley’s horse are

Sharp pain in the affected muscle
Lump of knotted muscles underneath the skin
Tenderness
Tightening of the muscle groups

Treatment

Most of the cases of Charley’s horse are minor and can be treated with basic stretches and home remedies. Some of the treatment methods used

Physiotherapy massages
Ultrasound therapy
OTC painkillers
Muscle relaxants
Hot compressions
Cold compressions
Oil massages
Stretches

Ayurveda Perspective and Management on Charleys Horse

Ayurveda mentions muscle cramps as Masagat vata and mamsaashrit vata. This is considered as the result of prolonged factors which vitiate the vata dosha. The aggravated vata dosha takes shelter in the weakened muscles and vitiates the kapha dosha in the weakened muscles. That is how when the muscle strength is reduced spasms occur.

Ayurveda management of muscle spasm includes pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha. Along with the Vata dosha, Kapha dosha should also be pacified to give strength to the weakened muscle tissue. In case of severe prolonged illness, Pitta dosha gets involved as well. It is also pacified with the help of manda(slow) and sthir(stable) substances. Along with the herbs that balance all the three doshas, rejuvenative herbs are used as well.

Ayurveda Herbs That Help in Charley Horse

Ayurveda mentions various herbs that help treat the muscle spasms in case of charley horse syndrome. Some of the herbs that help in the the holistic treatment approach in this case is

1. Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

A great herbal alternative to modern medications in this case is curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric and has been used from the time immemorial. It has antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the inflammation and pain in the body.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Withania somnifera has withanolides present in them which work as natural adaptogens. This herb works as a natural steroid and helps provide strength, stamina and nourishment to the body and nervous system. It has antioxidant properties and has stress relieving properties which is why it is beneficial in almost all kinds of disorders.

3. Rasna (Alpinia galanga)

This herb is considered as one of the most useful herbs in case of vata disorders. It has excellent vata balancing properties. Rasna stimulates digestion, has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties which makes it useful in joint disorders, nervous disorders and muscle spasms.

4. Chandan (Sandalwood)

Chandan or sandalwood is a cooling herb that pacifies the pitta dosha and has antimicrobial properties which makes it a perfect choice for this disorder.. This herb is Pitta pacifying, has cold, light and dry properties and manages the associated weakness and fatigue.

5. Amla (Embilica officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in tonsillitis.

Herbal Formulations for Charley Horse by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified authentic ayurveda company that manufactures best, 100% pure ayurveda products under the supervision of MD doctors. Planet ayurveda manufactures some of the best herbal alternatives to chemical drugs that also find its mention in ayurveda. All the formulations made by planet ayurveda are 100% vegetarian formulations which are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch and additives. Some of the formulations that work well for Steven Johnson syndrome are

Product List

Boswellia Curcumin
Daily Essentials
Ashwagandha Capsules
Dhanwantharam Oil

1. Boswellia Curcumin:

Boswellia curcumin capsules by Planet Ayurveda are a formulation that has 250 mg of pure standardized extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curucma longa). These herbs are mentioned in ayurveda textbooks to treat pain and inflammation. This formulation is rich in antioxidant properties and has a neuroprotective activity. This is majorly used for pain, swelling, cardiovascular health and joint health.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily

2. Daily Essentials

Daily essentials by Planet Ayurveda is a capsule formulation that has a correct combination of the ayurveda herbs which fulfill the daily essential requirements of the body. The prime ingredients of this formulation are Grape seed, Cow colostrum, Phyllanthus niruri and green tea. It boosts the immunity, removes the toxins from the body, provides longevity and delays the aging process.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

3. Ashwagandha capsules

Ashwagandha capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared by 500mg extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is known as Rasayana in Ayurveda. It is an immunomodulator, increases the cell count and reduces the inflammation. It also helps in rejuvenation which makes it a perfect formulation to increase the strength of the weakened muscles.

Dosage: : 1 capsule twice daily.

4. Dhanwantharam oil

Dhanwantharam oil by Planet Ayurveda is an oil preparation that is used for local massage. This oil helps in muscle cramps, swelling and helps restore strength of the muscles. It is formulated with various herbs that provide complete nourishment and healing to the body. The prime ingredient of Dhanwantharam oil has bala (side cordifolia) among many others such as Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Shoyanaka(Oroxylum indicum), brihati(Solanum indicum) etc.

Dosage: Massage locally for 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Modern medical science has treatment for almost all the diseases that we see in today’s time but there are many side effects that occur along with the treatment which then gives rise to another set of issues in the body. Ayurveda, a 5000 year old medicinal system has solutions to the root cause of the problem with negligible side effects and hence it is beneficial to always look for natural and herbal solutions that are safe and treat the disease from the root cause.

Shatavari Usage, Health Benefits, Dosage & Products

ABSTRACT

Shatavari is the most popular medicinal plant these days. Scientifically it is known as Asparagus racemosus. It is a species of Asparagus plant. It belongs to the family of Liliaceae. In today’s life it is widely used to promote fertility and particularly for the female reproductive system. In the world of unhealthy and busy lifestyles, women’s health and mental status is of major concern, in which shatavari plays an important role. It is also known as a “female friendly herb”.Shatavri as the name suggests “who possesses a hundred husbands and is acceptable to many”. In ancient times its root was used for medicinal purposes. It is also known as” women’s ashwagandha”. Shatavri has a strong rejuvenating, nurturing and stabilizing effect. The present article includes a detailed description of shatavari and its use since ancient periods. Let’s discuss!

shatavari, health, benefits, dosage, various forms, planet ayurveda, shatavari capsules, shatavari herb

INTRODUCTION

The genus asparagus is found all over India and in the tropical areas of Asia and Africa. Its habitat is common in low altitudes. There are about a total 300 species all over the world and 22 species in India. Shatavari is widely used due to its multiple health benefits. According to classical text it is considered as ‘Rasayana’ which means plants promote general well-being by increasing cellular vitality and resistance. It acts as aphrodisiac, immunity booster, anti- dysenteric and antioxidant. It protects vital organs like the brain and heart. Mainly in Ayurveda used in dyspepsia (amlapitta) and increases milk secretion in lactating mothers. The dried roots are mostly used for drug purposes. Shatavari is mostly used as indigenous medicine. This amazing drug is also known as” the queen of herbs”. It is also used in diabetes, stress, liver cancers, chronic fever, etc.

MORPHOLOGY

The physical appearance of shatavari plant is as follows

It is a tuberous / woody climber with hooked spines found all over India. It is 1-2m in height.
Its roots are finger-like clusters, cylindrical and swollen in the middle. Roots are silvery white or ash colored, 5-15 cm in length and 2 cm in thickness. They are fleshy, spindle shaped tapering towards the base and swollen in the middle. On drying roots got longitudinal wrinkles and lacked well marked odor and morphology. They are mucilaginous and brittle.
Its leaves are linear green colored and needle like pointed structure, small and uniform.
Flowers are white in color, fragrant, minute and occur as solitary and fascicled. They are hermaphrodite, aromatic and polluted by bees.
Branches are well modified into cladodes with long basal spines.
There are two varieties of shatavari but having the same medicinal properties.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Asparagus contains a wide range of phyto-chemical components, some of them are given below

The active constituents present in shatavari are steroidal saponins and shatavarin (0.2%) present in roots and leaves.
Shatavari is a phytoestrogen rich plant species.
The plant also contains vitamins like A, B1, C, Mg, Ca, folic acid etc.
Other constituents are essential oils, asparagine, arginine, flavonoids, resins and tannins.
Its roots are rich in alkaloids which play an integral role in libido and immune system.

USES

Primarily used as female tonic and to correct infertility, there are many other uses of shatavari which are given below

It acts as a female uterine tonic for gynecological problems.
It maintains immunity against diseases.
Its roots act as aphrodisiac, antispasmodic.
Also used for nervousness, anorexia, insomnia.
Act as brain tonic and nervine tonic.
Can be used for abdominal disorders like gastritis, APD (Acid Peptic Diseases).
It also has anti-aging properties.
Anti-diarrheal and anti dyspepsia activity.
Cardio protective activity.
Act as anti hepatotoxic and anti-bacterial.
Anti – inflammatory.
It minimizes water weight from the body and removes toxins.
Property of weight gain.
It has a diuretic effect which detoxifies the body.
Reduces anxiety (due to vata nashak property).
Manages gastric ulcer as it increases gastric mucus secretion.
Corrects respiratory system disorders like bronchitis.

SHATAVARI FOR WOMEN HEALTH

Shatavari plays a important role in female body, some are given below

Shatavri roots are mainly used as galactogogue which stimulates breast milk secretion due to significant rise in prolactin level.
In females it promotes a healthy reproductive system.
It maintains hormonal imbalance disorders like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
It relieves symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) and menstrual cramps.
It controls abnormal or prolonged bleeding.
It corrects infertility, leucorrhoea.
Can be taken during pregnancy if fatigue or folic acid deficiency.
It regulates ovulation and corrects the menstrual cycle.
It reduces menstrual cramps.
Used for endometriosis treatment.
It is widely used in threatened abortion and safe delivery because of its diView Poststinct uterine blocking activity.

HATAVARI IN CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC TEXTS

Shatavari is well defined by our ancient Acharya’s in classical textbooks. As shatavari balances pitta and vata dosha in our body but it can increase kapha dosha due to its heavy nature (guru guna). It is bitter and sweet in taste (rasa), and cold potency (sheet virya),. Its oily nature makes it easy for digestion and consumption.

- It acts as rasayan for the reproductive and digestive system.
- It has the property of tridosha Ghana (balances vata, pitta, and kapha).
- In Ayurveda it is widely used in threatened abortion and safe delivery because of its distinct uterine blocking activity.
- Its external use is mentioned in text as oil preparation in shiriroga (head disorders), charma roga (skin disorders) and vataj disorders.

Dosage

10-20 grams with milk

It is stanya janan (Inc. lactation), mutarjanan (diuretic), shukar janan (fertility), balya (Inc. strength), Agni vardhak (improves digestive fire), balya (weight gain).
Used to treat pandu (anemia) and kamala (jaundice).

FORMULATIONS

There are different formulations of Shatavari these days such as

Shatavari powder (½ – 1 tablespoon twice daily after meals)
Shatavari capsules ( 1-2 capsules twice daily, after meals)
Shatavari ghrit ( 3-6 g with mishri or as directed by physician)
Shatavari kalpa granule ( 1-2 tablespoon twice daily with milk or as directed by physician)

CONCLUSION

Shatavari is considered as a general health tonic, which increases vitality. It has been used for many centuries in the Indian Ayurveda system. It has been employed as galactogogue in Ayurveda and clinical investigation reveals its use in infertility. Overall it plays an important role in physical – mental debility and corrects tridosha in Ayurveda, mainly balances vata -pitta.