Category: Autoimmune

January 23, 2023

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!!

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May 5, 2022

Natural Cure For Myasthenia Gravis With Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder associated with weakness of voluntary muscles. The most active muscles generally are most severely affected such as those involved in facial expression, swallowing, and respiration. The course and severity of the disease are extremely variable. In some patients the muscular weakness may be confined to the extra ocular muscles, and the disease is not progressive and relatively benign. In others, the disorder rapidly becomes generalized to involve virtually all of the somatic musculature and is fatal. The basic tendency in this problem is muscular weakness. In this article we will discuss the Myasthenia gravis, its basic associated concerns and Ayurvedic point of view.

myasthenia gravis

Introduction

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles that worsens after periods of activity and improves gradually. These muscles are responsible for functions involving breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. At first the weakness takes the form of failure of contraction after sustained effort, but in more advanced stages the muscles will no longer contract, even after prolonged rest. The disease may occur at any age. The peak age of onset is 20 years, and among these individuals the female to male ratio is 3:1. A second smaller peak occurs in late adult life when males predominate. Although the exact cause is not known, the various evidence supports that Myasthenia gravis results from a reduction of available acetylcholine receptors in neuromuscular junctions. Acetylcholine is responsible for the transfer of the nervous impulse from the motor nerve terminals to the muscle endplate. Acetylcholine is stored in vesicles in the nerve terminals to the muscle endplate. It is stored in the vesicles in the nerve terminals and is released by a process of exocytosis at specialized release sites. We will discuss this acetylcholine further in this article.

Causes

The causes of Myasthenia gravis are unknown, although basic mechanism to cause the Myasthenia gravis is as follows

  • As it is an autoimmune problem, the basic cause is faulty transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. There is interruption in communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction. It means there is disturbed in the connection between nerve cells and muscles.
  • Impaired muscle contraction– Neurotransmitters are the basic chemicals used to pass or communicate the information. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter released by nerve endings when impulses travel a motor nerve. Acetylcholine binds on the sets of acetylcholine receptors on muscle. It activates muscle contraction. In the condition like Myasthenia gravis, as it is an autoimmune disorder, antibodies secreted destroy the receptor for acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction. It leads to poor contraction of muscles and leads to conditions like Myasthenia gravis.
  • The concept of thymus is also there and is associated with control on immune function. It is responsible for production of T cells, a type of W.B.C which helps to protect the body from infection and acts as a line of defense for the body. Impaired defense may lead to autoimmune problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Myasthenia gravis are as below:

  • Paralysis or partial paralysis of eye movements.
  • Diplopia i.e. double vision.
  • Problem in swallowing and fatigue in neck
  • Associated in chewing.
  • Ocular myasthenia i.e. eye muscle weakness.
  • Ptosis o.r. drooping of one or both eyelids
  • Altered face expressions.
  • Breathlessness
  • Speech impairment
  • Overall body weakness.
  • Respiratory failure

Diagnosis

  1. Physical Examination– It is the most important way to find out Myasthenia gravis. In physical examination there is a clear picture regarding muscle strength and coordination, muscle tone, sense and movement of eyes.
  2. Edrophonium Test– Edrophonium chloride is injected to the person of Myasthenia gravis. It helps to pacify the symptoms of Myasthenia gravis by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine and helps to increase the level of neurotransmitter.  This test also helps to check out ocular weakness.
  3. A Blood Test– Myasthenia gravis patients have elevated levels of acetylcholine antibodies. Another antibody called an anti-musk anti-musk antibody is found in maximum individuals who have Myasthenia gravis. It can be detected in blood tests and may signify the Myasthenia gravis.
  4. Diagnostic Imaging– Diagnostic imaging is done for the chest using CT scan or MRI. It helps to check the presence of thymoma (metastatic stages).
  5. Pulmonary Function Testing– as the name indicated it helps to check the pulmonary function or the breathing capacity of the patients in Myasthenia gravis.

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Ayurveda Myasthenia gravis is associated with vata and kapha dosha vitiation. Vitiation of vata and kapha are associated with predominance of aam dosha due to incompatible aahar vihar (lifestyle and eating habits). Aam dosha which are basically the toxins or kapha dosha block the channels of dhatus and aggravate the vata by obstructing the path. This leads to several complications.

Management

In modern sciences the cholinesterase inhibitors are used to manage the conditions like Myasthenia gravis. Mestinon a drug is able to enhance the communication between muscles and nerves. The basic aim of management is to maintain the normal contraction of the muscles. Ayurvedic management includes the shaman (with the aid of medications via oral routes predominantly) and shodhana therapy (based on detoxification). Shaman therapy can be done by using the herbs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts to digest the aam (toxins) upto strengthening the nervous system. First step is to digest the aam dosha and then enhancement of the digestive fire is done. Shodhana includes Panchkarma predominantly, the procedures associated to manage the Autoimmune disorders are abhyang (massage), swedana (fomentation), virechana (purgation), basti (medicated enema), shirodhara etc. Various yoga poses are able to manage the conditions of Myasthenia gravis. The mutual approach with herbs and panchkarma help to promote the conditions of the neuromuscular system and is best to manage the Myasthenia gravis.

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified hub for the management of modern day problems with classical solutions. The herbal products are best, authentic and result oriented formulations. Following are the herbal products used to manage the Myasthenia gravis and associated concerns

  1. Ashwagandha Capsule
  2. Brahmi Capsule
  3. Yograj Guggul
  4. Atirasadi Churna

myasthenia gravis care packsherbal remedies for Plantar fasciitis

Product’s Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsule

Ashwagandha capsules are the classical herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda. The ashwagandha capsules are best, authentic and result formulation in conditions like Myasthenia gravis or other autoimmune problems. The conditions associated with aggravated vata or vitiation of other doshas may cause debilitating conditions, fatigue, nervous system breakdown, chronic fatigue or plenty of other symptoms. In all such conditions ashvagandha capsules are best. These capsules are loaded with the extract of Ashwagandha (W. sominifera). It acts as a rejuvenator and hence promotes nerve and immunity strengthening. It helps to prevent the stunted growth of children and old age people also. Ashwagandha enhance the mental stamina as well as sexual potency and strength.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals

2. Brahmi Capsule

Bramhi (Bacopa Monneri) is the herbal formulation based on classical texts. It is loaded with pure extract of Brahmi. Brahmi is a well known rejuvenator and brain tonic. It helps to enhance the transmissions of neuromuscular junctions. These herbal formulations help to promote the healing and regeneration of neurons. Also it promotes digestive fire and prevents anxiety. In various kinds of autoimmune conditions there is presence of aam dosha. Brahmi helps to enhance the metabolism of the liver, manage stress, balance the neurotransmitters, lose weight and enable the growth of cancerous cells. Brahmi is useful to strengthen the nerves of children and promotes their mental as well as physical strength. It is a herb of choice in conditions like insomnia and widely used to manage the condition of Myasthenia gravis.

Dosage– 1 cap twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is the classical herbal formulation. It is loaded with Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Ardraka (Zingiber officinale), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) etc. Guggul formulations are able to drain out the toxins from the body. It helps to clear the channels and open the pathways. Other herbs in this formulation are able to enhance the metabolism and digestive fire of the body. The aam dosha is predominantly responsible to vitiate the vata, pitta and kapha in the body. Yograj guggul helps to clear the aam hence pacifies the doshas.

Dosage–2 tabs twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Atirasadi Churna

The atirasadi churna of Planet Ayurveda is loaded with Indian Ginseng, Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Shatavari (Asparagus), Shilajit (Asphaltum), Kesar (Saffron) etc. Atirasadi churna helps to enhance the body strength and prevent the shukra kshaya (the deprivation of semen) hence promoting the strength of shukra dhatu. Due to the above properties it helps to maintain the good reproductive system, prevent erectile dysfunction and lack of libido. It also promotes the strength of the nervous system and manages autoimmune problems.

Dosage– 1 tsp twice with warm milk.

Conclusion

Myasthenia is an autoimmune disorder having no exact significant cause. The neurotransmitters and neuromuscular junctions are important to understand for better management. In Ayurveda the concept of tridoshas is very important. The herbal medicines mentioned above are able to manage this autoimmune problem. It is important to follow the herbal solutions to avoid the side effects of synthetic medicines. The herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda mentioned above are able to manage this condition are GMP certified, good quality herbs, based on classical texts and are result oriented formulations. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.

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