Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Natural Remedies for Addison’s disease (Hypocortisolism)

Abstract

Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency as its main characteristic feature is the inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone (steroid) hormones by adrenal cortex which are the two outer layers of adrenal gland cells. This insufficiency results in clusters of signs and symptoms and affects an individual as a whole. In this article you will be learning all about Addison’s disease and its herbal management through herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Introduction

Addison’s disease is a rare disorder in which the important hormones, i.e. cortisol and aldosterone are not sufficiently produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. As hormones are the chemical messengers which control the various functions in the body and similarly these two hormones also have very important and specific actions like cortisol is known as stress hormone which helps the body to respond to stress of injury, illness or surgery. Cortisol also maintains normal heart function, blood pressure and blood glucose level and healthy functioning of the immune system. On the other hand aldosterone controls the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood which eventually controls the urine amount excreted by kidneys. The amount of fluid removed by kidneys affects the blood pressure and blood volume.

Signs And Symptoms

Adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease develops gradually over the time so do the symptoms appear slowly with passing time. Some of the major symptoms appear are

    • Pain in abdomen
    • Irregular menstrual cycle
    • Desire and craving for salty food
    • Dehydration
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Depression and irritability
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Decreased appetite
    • Low blood pressure and blood glucose
    • Weakness of muscles
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Unexplained weight loss

symptoms of Addison’s disease

Causes

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease which is caused due to abnormal functioning of the immune system resulting in targeting of the body’s own tissues and organs and damaging them. In Addison’s disease the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex where the cortisol and aldosterone are produced hence resulting in insufficient production of the named hormones. There can be few other causes as well which comprises some of the cases of Addison’s disease like:

  • Adrenal glands injury
  • Infections like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or fungal infections
  • Cancer cells invading adrenal glands from other parts of the body
  • Removal of adrenal glands surgically
  • Building up of abnormal protein, i.e. Amyloid on adrenal glands
  • Genetic defects

Diagnosis

Thorough history and physical examination will help in determining some of the visible signs and symptoms explained by the patient. Further blood tests are done to measure the potassium, sodium and ACTH levels in the blood. Some other confirmatory tests are done like

  • ACTH stimulation test
  • X-rays
  • CT scan (Computed tomography)

Treatment of Addison’s Disease

Conventional treatment for Addison’s disease includes hormonal therapies in order to fulfill the deficiency, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate tablets. However it is not effective for all of the patients.

Ayurveda has always been a ray of hope especially in case of autoimmune diseases where the herbal treatment helps in managing the presenting complaints and also helps in eradicating the root cause. Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the balance of the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha (when imbalanced causes diseases) and boosts the natural immunity to work efficiently and in a correct way. In Ayurvedic treatment along with the internal medicine, a certain way of living and eating is also recommended to be followed in order to get a healthy body.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned herbal pharmaceutical company which works to manufacture herbal medicines and products. These herbal products are produced following the strict Ayurvedic principles and under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. All of the herbal medicines and products are purely vegetarian, organic and herbal, free from preservatives, additives, chemicals, dye, fillers, yeast and colors. Various acute and chronic diseases are treated here with the help of these medicines that are prescribed to the patients by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors. For Addison’s disease also Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines which work efficiently to treat and manage the condition naturally.

Product List

  1. Navkarshik churna
  2. Gotukola capsule
  3. Kanchnaar guggul
  4. Boswellia curcumin

Herbal Remedies for Addison's disease

Product Description

1. Navkarshik churna

Therapeutic herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) are used in the preparation of Navkarshik churna which possess amazing therapeutic properties. Navakarshik churna acts as an immunomodulator and modifies the action of the immune system preventing destruction of the adrenal gland.

Dosage– Take one teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Gotukola capsule

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) herb is used in the standardized extract form to prepare these herbal capsules. Gotu Kola capsules help in treating depression and anxiety, provides vitality to the body, and treats extreme weakness.

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

3. Kanchnaar guggul

It is formulated using medicinal herbs like Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala). Kanchnaar guggul helps in maintaining a balance of tridosha, possess rejuvenating properties, antioxidant, and immunomodulator actions.

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

4. Boswellia curcumin

Two medicinal herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used to prepare these therapeutic capsules. Boswellia curcumin capsules help in modifying the action of the immune system, preventing the destruction of cells of adrenal gland, helps in healing of internal organs and relieves pain in muscles and provides strength to the body.

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

Conclusion

Addison’s disease or primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare autoimmune disorder which affects the whole system of the person resulting in a wide range of presenting complaints. Signs and symptoms are usually present in many other disorders as well which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. However careful observation and history can help in diagnosing it. Early diagnosis and start of treatment is necessary to prevent further damage to the adrenal glands. However the herbal remedies suggested in this write up can help in management and treatment of the condition naturally.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Paget’s Disease

Abstract

The term osteoporosis might not be a stranger to most of us. In the present era, after a certain age the bones undergo a destruction phase due to numerous reasons. So almost every individual after 35-40 years of age is suffering from pain in joints, stiffness, restricted movement etc. Paget’s disease is the second most common bone disease after the same. In this article, we are going to discuss paget’s diseases in detail and its management with ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations.

Introduction

Paget’s disease is an outcome of the improper bone remodelling or the imbalance between optimal bone formation and bone destruction. The disease shows alleviated bone reabsorption and elevated bone regeneration ratios, resulting in depositions of the bone tissue in unnecessary sites of growing bones. This unusual bone regeneration pattern is due to flaws in the process of bone modelling. Often this process can be very painful and can lead to bone pain, arthritis, bone deformities and fractures. The disease is more prominent in the western countries when compared to the Asian countries. Despite the great innervation of modern science, a complete cure is not available, but the signs and symptoms can be kept at check

Paget's Disease
Symptoms

Paget’s disease is often not detected due to its mild or fewer symptoms. Many people have very few symptoms or may not be aware of the symptoms seen in Paget’s disease. The symptoms are usually confused with simple arthritis and left at ease. The most common symptoms include:

  • Bone pain
  • Swelling in the joints
  • Tenderness
  • Tingling sensation with pins and needles

These signs are generally seen in the weight bearing joints of the knees, spine, Thigh bone or femur and shin bone or Tibia. It is rarely seen in fused bones of pelvis and skull. Major nerves seen alongside bones are usually affected, hence when these bones tend to puff up, it compresses the corresponding nerves causing further tingling sensation and very often loss of sensation.

Causes

The definitive cause of this disease is yet to be discovered, yet a small group of researchers believe that it may be an aftermath of measles in childhood as recently it was established that measles can cause bone deformities overtime, however evident scientific evidence to prove this theory and to establish the relationship between the virus and Paget’s disease has not been drawn. While other researchers account for and accept it to be in the family as a recessive genetic disease.

Complications

Just like any other bone disease, as it is affecting the core functions of movements, some complications are seen associated with it.

  • Constant fractures: Due to regular loss of bone density, the chances to endure stress is diminished by the bones, resulting in frequent fractures.
  • Deformity: As the deposition of the newly formed bone cells or osteon are on top of the existing cells, it causes the bones to grow abnormally resulting in deformities or external bone growths.
  • Associated neurological problems: As the growing bone can always compress the nerve alongside, it can induce tingling sensation, burning sensation and even loss of sensation of the associated area.

On a general note the prevention of the disease can be achieved to  an extent by consuming calcium rich diets and never missing your daily dose of sunlight for vitamin D. People who are diagnosed with Paget’s disease are advised to keep their activities and exercises at a mild pace to reduce the bolts of pain.

Planet Ayurveda & Paget’s Disease

Our ancestry science Ayurveda has always maintained the vitality at preventive aspects by improving the health status of each individual. Planet Ayurveda has introduced traditional herbal combinations that help to maintain your health while preventing further damage if diagnosed with this malady.

Formulations Include

1. Yograj Guggul

This mystic authentic formulation has been used for generations for its stunning effects at the bone level. It reduces stiff joints, propels movements. It is given for arthritis, joint pain, Fatigue and swelling complaints of the joint.

Dosage – It is advised to consume 2 tablets twice daily or as advised by your Ayurvedic practitioner.

2. Peedantak Vati

This is often referred to as the Indian Ginseng. This wonderful blend is used for all joint issues with the potential of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggulu (Commikera mukul) to name a few.

Dosage – It is advised to  consume 2 tablets twice daily or as directed by your Ayurvedic physician.

3. Ajmodadi Churna

This multi herbal combination is a superior medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. The formulations involve herbs that have hot potency which helps to alleviate inflammation.

Dosage – It is recommended to consume 1tsp twice daily with warm water 10 min before a meal or as directed by your Ayurvedic physician.

4. Rumogin-5 Capsules

This simple yet very effective formulation aids to regulate optimal bone and muscular health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Dosage – It is advised to consume 1 capsule twice daily or as directed by your Ayurvedic health care practitioner.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

This mystic herbal all-rounder has the goodness of turmeric (Curcuma longa) with other wonderful herbs that help with the maintenance of optimal bone destruction and restoration rate.

Dosage – It is advised to consume 2 capsules twice daily or as recommended by your Ayurvedic physician.

6. Joint Aid Plus

The formulation is traditionally used for conditions of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. With its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties it can be effective in sprain as well.

Dosage – It is recommended to consume 1 capsule twice daily or as directed by your Ayurvedic health care practitioner.

Conclusion

Ayurveda mentions simple yet mystic strategies to encounter all systemic ailments starting at ground level. This includes the regular implication of the delay routine and seasonal regimen with the advised seasonal detox procedures all under the guidance of an ayurvedic physician. Alongside lifestyle changes it is also vital to maintain the right dietary modifications including timely meals, not consuming any incompatible combinations, strictly maintaining the diet within the conducive meal category, etc. The  proper elimination of natural urges without holding back any has a great influence on the health status of an individual. With all these procedures the doshic status of the body is maintained at its normalcy and this itself the backbone for our immunity to  strive at its best to enable the body to be at its optimacy.