Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Kidney Diseases and Their Management with Herbal Remedies

Kidney diseases

ABSTRACT

Kidney disease is a worldwide public health concern. Renal diseases can be acute or chronic depending on the symptoms. Acute Kidney Injury leads to Chronic Kidney disease and later progresses to ESRD ( End Stage Renal Disease ) having a high mortality rate. In modern science, the treatment is very limited to dialysis and Kidney transplantation. But there are ample limitations such as donor shortage, graft mismatch, and numerous other concerns. When the kidney stops working properly and is not able to remove the toxins from the body and also it leads to water imbalance in the body. As per Ayurveda, it comes under the mutravaha srotas dushti. This can happen suddenly or gradually. Let’s discuss this in detail!

Kidney diseases

INTRODUCTION

Inside each kidney, there are tiny structures that are known as nephrons. It helps in filtering out blood and removes wastes and excess water which becomes urine. Most kidney disease attacks the nephron. Kidneys are unable to remove waste in that scenario. Patients having hypertension and diabetes will be at higher risk for kidney disease. Other kidney problems include cancer, cysts, stones, and infections. It can be ruled out by getting RFT ( Renal Function Test ), Urine Analysis, Ultrasound, CT scan, and Kidney biopsy. Kidney disease can lead to other health concerns such as nerve damage, weak bones, malnutrition, etc. Some diseases of the kidneys happen during or just after birth. As per the Ayurvedic aspects, all three doshas got vitiated and resulted in kidney failure.

TYPES OF KIDNEY DISEASES

1. Chronic Kidney Disease

It is a long-term condition in which symptoms don’t improve over time. The kidney loses its ability to filter out waste and fluid from the blood. Waste accumulates in the body and harms health. Diabetes and blood pressure leads to damage to the kidney. Urine will become frothy which indicates that there is a presence of proteins in the urine. The patient will feel less hungry than normal. There will be swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. There will be high potassium levels which will affect the heart as well.

2. Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is also known as glomerular disease. When the immune system is overactivated and causes damage to glomeruli. It is of two types:

1. Chronic Glomerulonephritis

It develops with time.

2. Acute Glomerulonephritis

It happens suddenly ( viral infection ).

Initially, it does not show any symptoms, if the damage continues then there will be the presence of blood and protein in the urine. The source of infection could be bacterial or viral. It could be autoimmune or cancerous as well. In many cases, the aetiology remains unknown.

3. Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes ample cysts inside the kidney. There are two types of Polycystic Kidney Disease:

  1. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
  2. Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

Cyst damages the kidney and makes them larger than normal. This disorder usually occurs between 30 to 50 years of age.

4. Acute Renal Failure

ARF is the sudden loss of functioning of kidneys which is further associated with mortality in 50 to 80% of cases. Kidneys will be unable to excrete the waste out of the body. Electrolytes and fluid balance will also be disturbed. It is sudden damage within a few hours or a few days. It is diagnosed by getting RFT and GFR tests done. The patient will feel fatigued, have a fever, poor appetite, and many more symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASES

  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Sleep Problem
  • Urinary disorders
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling over the feet and legs
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Shortness of breath

CAUSES OF KIDNEY DISEASES

  • Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Hypertension
  • Genetic disorders like PKD
  • Sepsis
  • A drug that toxic to kidneys
  • Heavy metal poisoning
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Weak immune system
  • Prolonged obstruction in the urinary tract
  • Recurrent Kidney infection ( Pyelonephritis)

DIAGNOSIS OF KIDNEY DISEASES

For kidney diseases diagnosis, a patient needs certain tests to determine the severity of the disease

1. Blood Tests

Kidney Function Test is done to check the level of remaining wastes in the blood. Creatinine and urea levels are highly determined.

2. Urine Examination

Analysing the urine sample will lead to revealing the possible abnormalities that point toward chronic kidney failure. The presence of proteins in urine will lead to CKD.

3. Imaging Test

USG of the kidney is done to determine structure and size. Moreover, it has been done to diagnose any cysts or stones in the kidney.

4. Biopsy

It is done under local anesthesia, using a thin needle that is inserted into the skin and into your kidney. The biopsy sample is sent to the lab to rule out the cause of the infection.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF KIDNEY DISEASES

According to Ayurveda, all kidney diseases fall under the mutra vaha srotas. There are 13 srotas present in the body. Srotas are the pathways for functions to be performed in the body. The impairment in srotas leads to a state of disease. Vrikka ( kidney ) is a sadyo pranhar marma, so death can occur if there is any physical or pathological trauma. The diseases caused to sadyo pranhar marma are difficult to treat hence these are kasht sadhya in nature. All three doshas are equally responsible for kidney disorders. Degeneration of kidneys is due to vata dosha, Pitta is responsible for agni imbalance, and Kapha dosha blocks the srotas. The ingested food is divided into saar and kitta bhag. Saar meets up the nutritive requirements of the body and kitta forms the waste which is in the form of stool, urine, and sweat. Kitta bhag will not be processed properly if there is any disorder in Vrikka ( kidney ). Toxins will get accumulated in srotas and lead to sroto avrodh ( obstruction of srotas ). This entire range of mechanisms will be disturbed.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Medical Astrology and Mantra Therapy

About Mantra

These 9 mantras are from Atharva Veda, Saunaka Sakha, First Kanda, and Third Sukta. This is addressed by the Rishi Atharva to Devtas namely Parjanya, Mitra, Varuna, Chandra, and Sun. This is popularly known as Mootra Mochna Suktam.

The occasion to listen/recite

It is to recite daily at any time. Usually, listen and recite the mantra while taking medicine prescribed by the doctor or during the dialysis procedure.

Benefits of this Mantra

It is believed that this Vedic chant is capable of curing all types of diseases related to kidneys, kidney stones and enabling the free flow of urine from the body and overcoming dialysis, seeking nature’s power from the sun, moon, Mitra, Varuna, and rain to enjoy the complete relief of urine flow and relaxation of mind.

Meaning of the Mantra

1. . विद्या शरस्य पितरं पर्जन्यं शतवृष्ण्यम्।
तेना ते तन्वे३ शं करं पृथिव्यां ते निषेचनं बहिष्टे अस्तु बालिति ॥१॥

We know the progenitor of Shara- nature’s energy of health and vigor, Parjanya, the abundant cloud of a hundredfold vigor and vitality. Thereby I bring the health of body and equanimity of mind to you. Let there be an infusion of energy, protection of health, and cleansing of the body system without delay here on earth.

2. विद्या शरस्य पितरं मित्रं शतवृष्ण्यम्।
तेना ते तन्वे३ शं करं पृथिव्यां ते निषेचनं बहिष्टे अस्तु बालिति॥२॥

We know the progenitor of Shara-Mitra, Profuse pranic energy of nature of hundredfold vigor and vitality. Thereby I bring you the health of body and peace of mind. Let there be the infusion of vigor, protection of health, and cleansing of the body system without delay here on earth.

3. विद्या शरस्य पितरं वरुणं शतवृष्ण्यम्।
तेना ते तन्वे३ शं करं पृथिव्यां ते निषेचनं बहिष्टे अस्तु बालिति॥३॥

We know the father of Shara-Varuna, Nature’s water energy of a hundredfold vigor and vitality. Thereby I bring you the health of body and peace of mind. Let there be the infusion of vigor, protection of health, and cleansing of the body system without delay here on earth.

4. विद्या शरस्य पितरं चन्द्रं शतवृष्ण्यम्।
तेना ते तन्वे३ शं करं पृथिव्यां ते निषेचनं बहिष्टे अस्तु बालिति॥४॥

We know Shara’s father- The Moon, its profuse herbal energy of a hundredfold vigor and vitality. Thereby I bring you the health of the body and tranquility of the mind. Let there be an infusion of health and vigor, protection of vitality, and cleansing of the body system without delay here on earth.

5. विद्या शरस्य पितरं सूर्यं शतवृष्ण्यम्।
तेना ते तन्वे३ शं करं पृथिव्यां ते निषेचनं बहिष्टे अस्तु बालिति॥५॥

We know the Shara’s father – the Sun of a hundredfold virility. Thereby I bring you the health of the body and tranquility of the mind. Let there be an infusion of health and vigor, protection of vitality, and cleansing of the body system without delay here on earth.

6. यदान्त्रेषु गवीन्योर्यद्वस्तावधि संश्रुतम्।
एवा ते मूत्रं मुच्यतां बहिर्बालिति सर्वकम्॥६॥

Whatever stays collected in your intestine, in the urinary ducts, and in the bladder. Let it be thus released all at once.

7. प्र ते भिनद्मि मेहनं वत्रँ वेशन्त्या इव।
एवा ते मूत्रं मुच्यतां बहिर्बालिति सर्वकम्॥७॥

I remove the obstruction, open the urethra and release the flow. Let the urine flow freely all at once.

8. विषितं ते वस्तिबिलं समुद्रस्योदधेरिव।
एवा ते मूत्रं मुच्यतां बहिर्बालिति सर्वकम्॥८॥

The mouth of your bladder is open like a flood of a sea. Let the urine then flow freely all at once.

9. यथेषुका परापतदवसृष्टाधि धन्वनः।
एवा ते मूत्रं मुच्यतां बहिर्बालिति सर्वकम्॥९॥

Just as the arrow shot and released from the bow flies forth far. So let the urine flow freely all at once.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR KIDNEY DISEASES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company offering products all around the world. All the products are prepared by following the Ayurveda text under the guidance of MD Ayurveda experts. All the products are safe and devoid of all kinds of adverse effects. Let’s have a look at the formulations

REVIVE KIDNEYS PACK

  1. Mutrakrichantak Churna
  2. Rencure Formula
  3. Varunadi Vati
  4. Punarnava Mandur
  5. Chandanadi Vati

Revive Kidneys PackRevive Kidneys Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. MUTRAKRICHANTAK CHURNA

It is a wonderful preparation by Planet Ayurveda. It is a blended mixture of herbs like Varun (Crataeva nurvala ), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri ), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris ), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). Varun acts as an anti-inflammatory and has renal-supportive qualities. Bhumi Amla acts as a diuretic. Gokshura helps in the normal flow of urine and smoothens the urinary tract. Kalmegh acts as a supportive herb for maintaining digestion.

Dosage:- 1 Teaspoon twice daily with warm water, after meals.

2. RENCURE FORMULA

It is a herbal supplement by Planet Ayurveda for supporting kidney health naturally. This formulation is in capsule form and contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa ), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Plaash (Butea monosperma), Kaasni ( Cichorium intybus ). These herbs help in the proper functioning of the kidneys. It boosts the functioning of the liver and also increases the red cell counts. Helpful in dealing with the complication of Kidney diseases.

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

3. PUNARNAVA MANDUR

Punarnava Mandoor is a traditional ayurvedic preparation. It is best suited for renal system disorders. It contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa ), Shunthi (Zingiber officanlis), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), Amla (Emblica Officanlis) etc. It helps to reduce urea and creatinine levels. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is also a natural remedy for ascites due to kidney failure.

Dosage:- 2 tablets twice daily with warm water, after meals.

4. CHANDANADI VATI

It is a classical herbal formulation used for maintaining kidney health. It provides a cooling effect on the body. It is very good for maintaining a healthy gut. It contains herbs and minerals like Safed Chandan ( Santalum album ), Kabachini ( Piper cubeba ), Safed ral ( Shorea robusta ), etc.

Dosage:- 2 tablets twice daily with warm water, after meals.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES

DON’T’S

  • Avoid self-medication
  • Avoid fatty food
  • Avoid alcohol consumption
  • Avoid high protein diet
  • Limiting salts and potassium
  • Avoid frozen stuff

DO’S

  • Detox regularly
  • Monitor your vitals and maintain Blood pressure
  • Opt for low-potassium sources such as papaya, radish, carrots, etc
  • Have a good sleep
  • Improve appetite and have good bowel habits

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) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

All kidney diseases are serious medical problems and could be very complicated in many patients. The mortality rate is about 50% and it is worsening day by day. This disease could be a burden for any nation. So to eradicate this we have to adopt Ayurveda and natural ways of healing so that a patient would be saved from consuming harmful chemicals. Also, there should be a recitation of the mantras mentioned above while consuming the medicine. In modern days these approaches should be adopted for well being of mankind.

Process And Ayurvedic Aspect of Hemapheresis

Abstract

Blood is the main component of our body. It contains living cells like Red blood cells, White blood cells, and Platelets. Blood is responsible for the transport of oxygen and other substances in the whole body. But many causes can lead to blood infections and ultimately several diseases. Infection in the blood can be of any single blood component from plasma, lymphocytes, RBCs, WBCs, or a mixture of many of these blood components. Infected blood will cause infection in the whole body, and each organ, in short wherever the infected blood will reach the body, the area gets prone to infection and other diseases. To deal with such conditions Hemapheresis is performed to collect specific components for transfusion and remove pathogens from the infected blood or blood components. In the following article, we will discuss all aspects of Hemapheresis and similar aspects of blood cleansing in Ayurveda.

Hemapheresis

Introduction

Hemapheresis is the therapeutic elimination of blood components by passing the blood through automated equipment. Hemapheresis is a combined term used for various types of pheresis. Like plasmapheresis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s blood plasma, erythropoiesis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s Red blood cells, leucopheresis is the removal and replacement of a patient’s leukocytes, plateletpheresis is removal and replacement of patient’s of platelets, lymphopoiesis is removal and replacement of patient’s lymphocytes. These all are nonsurgical therapies for the removal and replacement of a particular blood component.

Process of Hemapheresis

Hemapheresis works on the centrifugal principle. The blood from the patient’s body is processed in the equipment where the components of blood are separated, the infected/target blood component is removed from the blood. After the removal of a particular component rest of the blood is returned to the patient’s body.

Indicators of Hemapheresis

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Acute liver failure
  • ABO-incompatible disorders
  • Macular degeneration
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Hyperviscous syndrome
  • Leukapheresis is performed when the number of leucocytes exceeds – in leukemia
  • Polycythemia
  • Liver, kidney, and lung transplantation
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemosiderosis etc

Ayurvedic Aspect

Blood is called Rakta in Ayurveda. The disorders of Rakta are known as Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar, which occur due to an imbalance of tridosha in the body. The Rakta disorders described in texts vary from skin, liver, and anas to the whole body.
Skin disorders such as Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar – Kotha [urticaria], Dadru [tinea], Charamdal [dermatitis]. Kushth [leprosy, psoriasis], Shavitr [leucoderma], etc.

Some other body diseases listed in Rakta Pradoshaj Vikar are – kamala [jaundice], vidridhi [abscess], arbud [tumors], indralupt [alopecia], raktpitta [bleeding disorder], arsh [hemorrhoids], pleeha vikar [splenomegaly], vatashonit [gout], etc.

In Ayurveda practice, 2 methods are practically used to purify the blood

  • Raktshodhana (Blood cleaning/purification)
  • Raktmokshana (Bloodletting)

Let us have a detailed look at the procedure of these two methods and know how successful these methods are working in blood purification

1. Raktshodhana [Blood purification]

Cleaning the blood is known as Raktshodhana. This is a commonest practiced method for cleaning blood in Ayurveda. Various herbal medication combinations are used to clean the blood. Likewise hemapheresis these herbs clean the blood, but inside the body itself. Blood-purifying herbs include – Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).

2. Haridra (Curcuma longa)

The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties of Haridra acts as a blood purifier. It also helps in increasing the Red blood cell count in the blood. This herb is used internally as well as externally on wounds, and skin disorders due to blood toxicity. This herb cleans the blood internally by removing the infection (bacteria, protozoa) and also alleviates the pain.

3. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem is the most known herb for skin cleansing and blood purification. It pacifies Pitta dosha due to its cooling properties. As this herb will clean the blood thus, will help in the recovery of diseases due to blood toxicity – syphilis, and diabetes. In addition, it recovers skin conditions like acne, dadru, skin rash with itching, etc.

4. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)

These herbs have various uses, and due to their blood-cleansing properties it is used in skin-related problems. It is a Rasayana and is used for digestive issues and increasing body metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory properties thus used accordingly for various related disorders.

5. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)

Manjishtha is commonly used as a Blood purifier. It is used in the treatment of several skin problems. It has anti-cancerous properties and helps to reduce any lumps in the body. Anti-diabetic and anti-stress properties of manjistha aid in healing the body. Along with it, manjishtha also has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties.

6. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It is used in the management of leprosy and other blood disorders. Guduchi enhances memory and activates the immune system. Guduchi is a wonderful herb and helps to improve various diseases such as chronic fever, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and respiratory problems.

7. Raktamokshana [Bloodletting]

Along with Raktshodhana, in some conditions, the Raktmokshana is also performed for better and faster results. Raktmokshana is stated as the fifth procedure of panchakarma therapy by some acharyas. The best season/ time to perform raktamokshan is Sharad ritu (Autumn). Likewise Hemapheresis can also be done with the help of certain instruments, but it includes natural things to be used as an instrument, not electric ones as in Hemapheresis. Various natural instruments/ methods have been described in the ayurvedic texts according to the patient’s condition and age.

Non-Instrumental Methods – Jaloka [leech Therapy]

  • Shringa [cow horn method]
  • Alabu [pitcher gourd]
  • Ghantiyantra

Instrumental Methods

  • Prachaan
  • Siravedh [Vein puncture]

Jaloka [Leech Therapy]

Bloodletting with the use of a leech known as Jaloka in Ayurveda, blood cleansing is done. Jaloka is used in Pitta dosha dushti diseases and is considered the best Anushashtra. These jalokas are used in various skin wounds to facilitate early recovery and get rid of infections. cleanses the blood up to Ek hast (one hand) deep. This method is used in soft-hearted patients who cannot tolerate vein puncturing and other methods. Fresh leeches are used for impure blood-sucking. Hirudin present in the saliva of leeches has anti-coagulating effects that prevent blood from coagulating. Whereas, Hyaluronidase increases the blood flow to the affected area. Leeches suck impure blood in the beginning and maybe pure blood after that. Also, some leeches are poisonous so the collection should be done carefully. This therapy is done under the observation of an Ayurveda expert.

Shringa [Cow Horn Method]

Shringa is used in Vata dosha dushti disorders because of its Ushan (hot), Madhur (sweet), and Sanigdh (glossy) properties. It cleanses the blood up to 10 angul deep. The basic shringa is of length 7 angul with a hole on both of its endings, with a larger hole at one side and a small hole at another end. After a small incision is made on the site of bloodletting, the shringa is placed on it with the larger hole end on the skin and the other end away from it. Due to the pressure created by the vacuum, the blood is sucked out of the area.

Alabu [Bitter Gourd]

It is used in Kapha dosha dushti vikaras (disorders) because of its katu (bitter), rooksh (dry), teekshan (sharp) properties. It cleanses the blood up to 12 angul depths. An incision is made on the skin and the area is made slightly rough to keep a diya (lighted lamp) on it and alabu is kept on it, the negative pressure created in it will do bloodletting. This is done generally for 10-15 minutes. After that jatyadi tel or any other medicated oil is massaged very light-handed on the area.

Ghantiyantra

Ghantiyantra or Ghatika is used in Kapha and Vata dosha dushti rogas. Aacharya Charak used this method in Gulam disease (collection of impure blood in the stomach). The ghada is used in the form of cups on the surface of the skin which will create pressure on the skin for bloodletting. This is correlated to Couping Glass Therapy done nowadays.

Prachaan and Siravyadh

Incision is made on the body surface/sira (vein), that causes bloodletting. This is a very delicate process and must be performed by a specialist under the guidance of an ayurvedic expert. Written consent is required to perform this procedure. The Vitals of the patient is recorded before and after the procedure. Any dramatic changes in the patient’s condition and vitals should be managed immediately. Temporary diet and lifestyle changes are done for the patient after raktmokshan.

Contraindications for siravedh

Shloka

Shloka

 

Siravedh is not recommended for people with

  • Vrish awastha (Old age patient)
  • Darpok (Coward)
  • Kas (cough)
  • Shwas (Asthma)
  • Pakshaghat (paralysis)
  • Garbhini (pregnant)
  • Krish (a very lean person)
  • Murshit (unconscious)
  • After panchakarma

Conclusion

It is important to clean blood according to the patient’s disease and age. Traditional medicine is a combination of skills, knowledge, and practices based on theories. Various natural methods are used in Ayurveda for this processing. Bloodletting with leeches and the Couping glass method is being widely practiced these days. For the treatment of any blood disorders mentioned above, do visit our doctors for natural and effective management. For more queries visit us at www.planetayurveda.com