Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

January 20, 2025

Ayurvedic Treatment for Glaucoma with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions characterized by irreversible damage to the optic nerve, is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Affecting over 70 million people globally, Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight due to its ability to progress undetected, causing permanent vision loss before symptoms become apparent. So in this article, we will discuss how Glaucoma is caused, its types, and symptoms, how to diagnose it, and how it is treated with Modern and Ayurvedic principles.

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INTRODUCTION

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that have a characterized optic neuropathy associated with visual field defects and elevated intraocular pressure. It is not a single disease process but a group of disorders characterized by progressive optic neuropathy resulting in a characteristic appearance of the disc and a specific pattern of irreversible visual field defects that are associated frequently but not invariably with raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus IOP is the most common risk factor but not the only risk factor for the development of Glaucoma. So simply we can say that Increased intraocular pressure which is created by the solid, liquid content of the eye and the elasticity of its coats is known as Glaucoma. The normal Intraocular pressure is 16 to 23 mm Hg.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR RISE OF IOP

  • Increased aqueous production
  • Decreased aqueous outflow due to obstruction of its drainage
  • External pressure on the eyeball

CAUSES

Glaucoma is a complex condition and its causes can be multifactorial. Here are some risk factors of glaucoma:

  • Age: Glaucoma risk increases especially after 40.
  • High BP: Hypertension can increase glaucoma.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes can also increase the risk of glaucoma.
  • Myopia: People with high myopia (nearsightedness) are at higher risk.
  • Eye Injuries: Traumatic eye injuries.
  • Steroid Use: Long-term use of steroids.

PATHOLOGICAL CAUSE

  • IOP is increased
  • Optic nerve damage
  • Aqueous humor dynamics

CLASSIFICATION

There are several types of Glaucoma each with distinct characteristics and causes:

1. OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of all glaucoma cases. It is characterized by:

  • Gradual clogging of the drainage canal in the eye
  • Slow increase in IOP
  • Peripheral vision loss and blind spots in the advanced stages.

2. ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

It is a less common but more severe type. It is characterized by:

  • Sudden blockage of the drainage canal in the eye
  • A rapid increase in IOP
  • Severe eye pain, Redness, and blurred vision.

3. CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA

Congenital glaucoma affects babies and is caused by:

  • Abnormal development of eye drainage
  • Increased IOP
  • Watering and sensitivity to light

4. SECONDARY GLAUCOMA

  • Eye injuries or Surgeries
  • Abnormal Eye Anatomy
  • Certain Medication

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF GLAUCOMA

SYMPTOMS

  • Visual blurring
  • Haziness of vision
  • Rapid onset of severe eye pain
  • See halos around light
  • Headache
  • Vomiting

SIGNS

1. Primary Open-angle Glaucoma / Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma

  • Elevate IOP (>21mmHg)
  • Visual field defects
  • Optic disc cupping

2. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

  • Red eyes and pupils may be large and non-reactive to light
  • High elevated IOP
  • Corneal swelling
  • Decrease visual acuity

DIAGNOSIS

  • Visual Acuity Test: To measure sharpness and clarity of vision.
  • Refraction Test: Determine the correct lens power for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Slit lamp Biomicroscopy: Examine the anterior segment of the eye including the cornea, iris, and lens.
  • Ophthalmoscopy: Examine the post segment of the eye including the Retina and Optic nerve.
  • Tonometry: To measure the IOP.
  • Gonioscopy: Examine the drainage angle of the eye.

TREATMENT

Its treatment aims to reduce the IOP slow disease progression and prevent vision loss.

  • Medication: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
  • Eye Drops: to reduce IOP
    • Prostaglandin analogs
    • Beta Blockers
    • Alpha agonist

AYURVEDIC APPROACH

According to Ayurveda, Glaucoma is correlated to ADHIMANTHA. According to Ayurveda, a severe pain in the eye is the prime symptom of Adhimantha. It is a disease of the eyes that mainly involves the vitiation of all doshas, with the dominance of Pitta and Rakta. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching, watering, and heaviness of the head which reflects the nature of the disease glaucoma. It is mainly caused by improper management or Neglect of the disease Abhishyanda which is mainly compared with ocular inflammation. This inflammation occurs due to the accumulation of Ama (Toxins) which mainly affects the channels of the eye.

CAUSES

  • Vataja: Pricking pain in eyes
  • Pitta: Burning pain in the eyes
  • Kaphaja: Heaviness and itching sensation in the eye
  • Rakhaja: Rakt prakopa vedna.

SAMANYA LAKSHAN

  • Severe pain in the eyes like scooping it from the orbit
  • Crushing type of pain or churning type of pain (Manthana vata shoola)
  • Half headache (Ardhav bhedk)
  • Vataja complication

BHED (TYPES)

1. VATIK ADIMANTHA (ACUTE CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA)

  • It is a disease in which the patient has scooping type or breaking type or spastic type or pricking type or cutting type of pain in the eye.
  • Exudation
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Dirty appearance with Aadmana (increased tension in the eyeball)
  • Kampana (shivering)

2. PITTAJA ADIMANTHA (ACUTE CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA)

  • Eye spread with red capillary net (Rakt rajechitham)
  • Watering of eyes (Netra srava)
  • Severe Burning sensation
  • Hyperemia of eyes like yakruth
  • Edema of eyelids (Varthma shopha)
  • Visualizes the things in yellow colour

3. KAPHAJA ADIMANTHA (SIMPLE CHRONIC GLAUCOMA OR CHRONIC CONGESTION GLAUCOMA)

  • Netra shoth (Oedema)
  • Srava (Lacrimation)
  • Kandu (Itching)
  • Shir ruja (Headache)
  • Difficulty in visualization and opening of eyelids

4. RAKTHAJ ADHIMANTHA (CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA OR SECONDARY GLAUCOMA)

  • Eyes become red and discharge red secretion
  • Visualizes the objects in Red colour (Agnivath)
  • Severe pricking pain & burning sensation in eyes and head.

PROGNOSIS (According to Sushruta)

  • Vataj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 6 Days
  • Pittaja Adhimantha: Loss of vision immediately
  • Kaphaj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 7 days
  • Rakt Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 5 days

MANAGEMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

VATA

  • Snehpana with Acha ghrita, Purana ghrita
  • Nasya karma – Anutail, Ajadugdha boiled with mula, Kanda, and Patra of Erand used as eye drops
  • Swedana – Bashpa swedana

PITTA

  • Snehpan – Ghee mixed with Sarkara
  • Sramsana – With the decoction of Triphala, Trivrut
  • Parseka – Decoction of Lodhra, Yastimadhu

KAPHA

  • Ashyotan – Eye drops made with Nagr, Nimb, Triphala, Vasa, and Lodhra are used.
  • Rakt ashyotan – Churan of Kaseru and madhuka are wrapped in cloth and soaked in rainwater used as eye drops.

PROGNOSIS (According to Sushruta)

  • Vataj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 6 Days
  • Pittaja Adhimantha: Loss of vision immediately
  • Kaphaj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 7 days
  • Rakt Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 5 days

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR GLAUCOMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company that offers a wide range of herbal medicines and supplements that cater to various health conditions and needs. Their products are made from natural and organic ingredients that are free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives. For Glaucoma, Planet Ayurveda has various products out of which we will discuss the prime ones.

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PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. ANGEL EYE VITALE CAPSULES

Angel eye Vitale is a capsule formation formed by magical herbs which include Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). The Amla acts as an anti-inflammatory and also relaxes the eye muscles to reduce the pressure on the optic nerves. Gotukola may help to improve blood flow to the body, promote healthy vision and also reduce the IOP, and Bhringraj helps to improve vision by enhancing the health of the retina and optic nerves.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily

2. BILBERRY CAPSULES

Bilberry capsule is a capsule formation that is formed by a standardized extract of a single herb Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). It mainly contains flavonoids and anthocyanins which have anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves vision, particularly in low light conditions and also reduces eye fatigue, and improves eye health.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily

3. GREEN ESSENTIAL

Green essential is a capsule formation which is formed by Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Wheatgrass (Triticum sativum), Spirulina (Arthrospira), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), and Amla (Emblica officinalis). Grape seeds contain Proanthocyanidins which provide protection against free radicals. It also slows down glaucoma progression and reduces the risk of vision loss. Wheatgrass has a high level of antioxidants including vitamin C and E which reduce oxidative stress and protects the eye. Spirulina has neuroprotective effects protecting the optic nerve and retina from glaucoma damage and also helps to improve vision by enhancing retina and optic nerve health. Green tea has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties catechin in it ameliorates retinal ganglion and degeneration in glaucoma. Amla also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily

4. AMALAKI RASAYAN

Amalaki rasayan is a capsule formulation and it is formed by the Standardized single herb Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). It gives numerous benefits to managing glaucoma like anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation in the eyes alleviating glaucoma symptoms and also relax ciliary muscles reducing IOP and alleviating glaucoma symptoms.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily

CONCLUSION

In this article, we have discussed glaucoma which is a multifactorial eye disorder, By understanding the disease its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment through the lens of Modern and Ayurvedic principles. In which the Ayurveda can heal the disease from the root cause can reduce symptoms of the disease by its roots. By which the individual can adopt a holistic approach to reduce IOP, alleviate symptoms and promote eye health.

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January 18, 2025

Holistic and Safe Migraine Management through Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Migraine is a type of headache characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe most often unilateral and generally associated with symptoms such as vomiting and nausea or increased sensitivity to light. Here the word migraine is derived from the Greek word which means ‘Hemikrania’ later it is converted into the Latin word ‘Hemigranea’. The last French translation of such a term is ‘migraine’. It is a common disability mostly in the adult population and predominant in females. It can also classified into subtypes first one is migraine without aura where the attacks are recurrent with the duration of 4-72 hrs are moderate to severe intensity and commonly aggravates due to physical activities associated with symptoms like throbbing pain and many others and the second one is migraine with aura is fully reversible to first one in this attacks may lasting for minutes typically there is one or more symptoms like sensory, visual, motor, language and speech, retinal or brain stem usually follow by headache or migraine. There is also a chronic type of migraine where the pain occurs 15 or more days in a month for more than three months. Recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance are recurrent attacks of the abdominal discomfort and pain, vomiting and nausea are associated with migraine. Let’s discuss it in detail!

Migraine, Types of Headache, Types Of Migraine, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Ayurvedic Overview for Migraine, Migraine Treatment, Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment, Ayurvedic Management for Migraine, Herbal Remedies for Migraine, Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine, Migraine Care Pack

Introduction

Migraine is genetically influenced by a neurological disorder characterized by episodes of moderate to severe headache. It is also accompanied by nausea and vomiting, heightened sensitivity to sound and light. It is a common cause of disability and loss of work. Migraine attacks are recurrent and neurological events can unfold for hours to months. The prevalence type of migraine about 75% of cases is migraine without Aura.

Types Of Migraine

There are many types of migraine:-

  • Classic migraine (Migraine with Aura)
  • Common migraine (Migraine without aura), Abdominal migraine (Migraine in children)
  • Hemiplegic migraine
  • Migraine with Brainstem Aura
  • Ophthalmic Migraine
  • Menstrual migraine
  • Ocular migraine (Retinal migraine)

Causes

The exact cause of migraine is not Known. There are certain factors which contribute to the development of Migraine.

  • Genetic factors also play a very important role
  • Family history of migraine is a common risk for migraine.
  • Some hormonal changes that also trigger such as in some females menstruation can also trigger Migraine attacks.
  • Various emotional triggers such as depression, stress, anxiety and excitement.
  • Certain dietary foods can also trigger such as Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus foods, nuts etc.
  • Some medications can also trigger like Hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills and sleeping pills.
  • Environmental factors are also important like loud sounds, strong smell, smoke, humidity, stuffy room, temperature change, bright lights etc.

Symptoms

Symptoms Of migration is divided into four stages: Prodrone, Aura, Attack and Postdrome

1. First Stage is Prodrone

In this stage 1-2 days before migraine you might notice some changes that warm an upcoming migraine.

Symptoms Includes

  • Food craving
  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Neck stiffness
  • Fluid retention
  • Increased urination

2. Second Stage is Aura

For some people it occurs before and during migraine. It is a reversible symptom of the nervous system. Each symptom can begin gradually and build up over several minutes and can last for 1 hour.

Symptoms Includes

  • Vision loss
  • Visual phenomenon such as seeing various shapes, bright lights and various red spots.
  • Weakness and numbness on face or one side of body
  • Difficulty in speaking

3. Third Stage is Headache

A migraine may usually last for 4 hrs to 72 hrs if remain untreated. Migraines also vary from person to person. It may occur rarely and also strike several in a month.

Symptoms Includes

  • Throbbing or pulsing pain usually one side of your head.
  • Confusion or blurred vision.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to sound, light and sometimes smell or touch.

4. Last Stage is Post-drome

A phase that can last for a few hours upto 48 hrs.

Symptoms Includes

  • Sudden head movement might brings on pain again briefly
  • Feeling drained, confused, washed out.

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination and Neurological Examination
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging test like: CT-Scan, MRI
  • EEG- Electroencephalogram

Migraine Treatment

There is no cure for migraine. However medication can help the symptoms when they arise. And most people can take steps to reduce frequency and severity of episodes. In your mind, these medications have some side effects.

Ayurvedic Overview for Migraine

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India, the main aim is to promote health and prevention of many diseases. In ayurveda migraine is correlated with “Ardhavabedhaka”. There are some etiological factors such as excessive consumption of dry substances, inappropriate sexual activities, exposure to cold, withholding natural urges are the cause of vata (biological humour- Neurological factors) vitiated. Frequent intake of food before the digestion of previous meals, intake of heavy foods, drinking excess cold water kapha (biological humors- Systemic integrity) vitiated and formation of ama a product impaired metabolism. Due to above etiological factors Vata alone or along with kapha affects the head and produces a severe kind of headache and pain in neck, ear, eyes, eyebrows or in forehead. The treatment includes Svedana (Sudations), Snehapana (Internal Oleation), Nasya (Nasal installation) also followed by oral intake of Polyherbal and Herbo mineral medication.

Clinical Features Include

  • Pain is acute and similar to pricking or tearing in nature
  • Pain similar to blow of sharp weapons
  • Unilateral headache which is throbbing in nature
  • Brahma: giddiness
  • Anorexia
  • If these symptoms are not treated properly it can lead to damage to the functions of the eye and ear.

Ayurvedic Management for Migraine

  • Siro Abhyanga: Application of medicated oil at the head
  • Snehapana: Intake of medicated ghee at bed time
  • Sirodhara: Pouring milk or medicated decoction to the head for sometime.
  • Sirobasti: Holding medicated oil in the head by some special apparatus.
  • Nasyam: instilling medicated oil and ghee to the nostril
  • Lepanam: Applying medicated paste on the forehead.

Yoga

It is also very beneficial to practice it daily. It will help your body and mind to stay healthy. Here we perform Yoga such as Bridge pose (Setu bandha Sarvangasana), downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), child’s pose (Balasana)

Herbal Remedies For Migraine By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP, USDA ORGANIC, ISO certified company. They provide the best combination and effective herbal remedies. Their products are delivered all over the world. Their medications are prepared by expert doctors and follow the basic principles of ayurveda. All the products are formed naturally and free from preservatives and harmful chemicals. They made many medications but in migraine, they provide MIGRAINE CARE PACK for the best treatment.

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Products Description

1. Medhya Churna

This is in the form of powder made up of a proper blend of herbal formulas such as Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. This is used for various purposes like lack of concentration, epilepsy, and helps to increase memory power and sharpen your mind. It is very effective for the nervous system and this powder helps in pacifying the vata dosha and provides relief in pain.

Dosage: ¼ tsp twice daily with warm water.

2. Ashwagandha Capsule

These capsules are prepared with standardized extract of Ashwagandha herb (Withania somnifera). These capsules are helpful in nervous system disorders. It is also a natural rejuvenator and improves memory and promotes overall health. It also provides relief in symptoms like throbbing pain, vision difficulty.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.

3. Arogyavardhini Vati

Arogyavardhini is in tablet form made of various herbs like Triphala (Three myrobalans), Chitrakmool (Plumbago Zeylanica) etc. It has healing, anti-aging properties and helps in proper digestion and removes toxins from the body. It strengthens our body and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to get rid of migraines naturally.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.

4. Brahmi Capsule

These capsules are prepared with Standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri). It helps in brain coordination and is very useful for the brain. It also relieves symptoms of migraine like nausea, vomiting, throbbing pain, and vision disturbance.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

5. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance capsules are made with a combination of herbs like Akik pishti and Jahar Mohra pishti. These capsules help in calcium support, skin diseases, digestion issues, and balance the pitta dosha in the body. It provides a cooling effect.

Dosage: 1 capsule daily with warm water.

Conclusion

In this article, we compiled a topic on Migraine safest management with ayurveda. We studied what migraine is, its types, symptoms, causes, its ayurvedic overview, management, and therapies, and how Planet Ayurveda provides safe management for Migraine. They provide the best quality herbal remedies free from preservatives. They provide MIGRAINE CARE PACK for the treatment of migraines.

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