Category: Child Health

June 22, 2023

Tonsillopharyngitis – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Tonsils are the pair of tissue masses that are the main part of the body’s defense system, that acts as the filters and help in filtering and restricting the harmful microbes that can cause infections in the body from entering the body through the airways, contaminated food or water. The other function of this tissue is to produce the antibodies to fight the infection. And the Pharynx is the hollow connecting in the esophagus and trachea. As a result of infections due to bacteria, viruses, the tonsils and the pharynx are affected and become infected and inflamed. This infection is known as tonsillopharyngitis. In this article we are going to discuss the disease tonsillopharyngitis, its clinical manifestations, causes along with best Ayurvedic herbs and formulations available for the treatment of the disease

Introduction

Tonsillo-pharyngitis is mostly manifested due to the infection caused by the pathogens particularly the bacteria or the viruses. The early features of the disease consist of severe inflammation in the throat, which is termed as acute tonsillopharyngitis, and when this condition remained untreated it got converted into chronic tonsillopharyngitis. Sometimes, this pathologic condition may be suppurative.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

The most classical clinical features include the sore throat, fever and difficulty in swallowing the food or even liquid. There is redness, tenderness and inflammation of lymph nodes of the neck region. There may be presence of the yellowish or whitish patches on the tonsils. The hoarseness of the voice is seen with a scratchy, throaty and muffled voice, and bad breath. The other associated manifestations include  fatigue, malaise, and fever with chills, pain in the throat region and ears, rhinitis, runny nose, poor appetite and snoring etc features.

Tonsillopharyngitis

CAUSES

The most common cause of the tonsillopharyngitis is infection by a virus such as adenovirus, influenza, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, but in very rare cases this disease is caused by Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus and Epstein-Barr virus. The other causes of the disease include

AYURVEDIC VIEW

In Ayurveda this condition can be correlated as Adhrush. It had been described in ancient texts as

(Reference- Sushruta Samhita Nidana Sthana 16/44)

The diseased condition presented with the development of red coloured tender inflammation in the pharynx with fever and pain due to vitiation of rakta dhatu (blood tissues), known as adhrush.

TREATMENT

Following Ayurvedic formulations/herbs are available for effectively treating this condition of Tonsillo-pharyngitis-

Antibacterial drugs

If the infection of the tonsillo-pharyngitis is bacterial in origin then following are the natural Ayurvedic antibacterial drugs which might be useful-

  1. Chirayita (Swertia chirayita)
  2. Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum)
  3. Gandhak (Purified sulfur)
  4. Yashad (Zinc preparation)
  5. Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
  6. Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
  7. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
  8. Tamra (Copper preparation)
  9. Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium)
  10. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
  11. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)

These herbs are having antibacterial properties and help in the treatment of tonsillopharyngitis and other infections, most of these herbs acts on the digestive system, as in Ayurveda it is considered that the weakening in the Ayurvedic formulations used for the Treatment of Tonsillo-pharyngitis of bacterial origin.  These herbs particularly chitraka, atvisha, gandhak, and Sariva help in improving the digestion, and the herbs bhallataka, nimba, Chirayita help in reducing the fever etc.symptoms associated with the bacterial infection. And the yashad , tamra bhasma helps in providing nourishment to the affected part of the body, guggul and manjistha have the immune modulating properties which helps in the faster recovery of the infectious condition.

Ayurvedic formulations for bacterial tonsillopharyngitis

  1. Sudarshan Ghan vati
  2. Kaishore Guggul
  3. Triphala Guggul
  4. Mahamanjisthadi Kwath/ Ghan vati
  5. Sarivadi Vati
  6. Tamra Bhasma
  7. Nimbadi Churna, Panchtikat Ghrit Guggul

The above mentioned herbs and herbal formulations have shown drastic improvements even in the Tonsillo-pharyngitis infection caused by Antibiotic resistant bacteria. Due to the increasing trend of this bacterial resistance, there is a great possibility of increasing the importance of these herbal medications in the future.

Other additional medicinal herbs may include Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Dashmool (10 roots of medicinal herbs), Haridra (Curuma longa), like herbs as formulation or can be used as single herb medicine.

Antiviral drugs

Most commonly the early stages of the tonsillopharyngitis is started with the viral infection, and which gradually goes away on its own after a few days. But sometimes this will start taking longer time to recover or is recurrent. In such cases the following herbs are having the best antiviral effects. These includes-

  1. Kalmegha (Andrographis paniculata)
  2. Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium)
  3. Dughdika (Euphorbia hirta)
  4. Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
  5. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
  6. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  7. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
  8. Pippali (Piper longum)
  9. Yashad (Zinc preparation)
  10. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
  11. Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum)
  12. Shirish (Albizia lebbeck)

Ayurvedic formulations having the antiviral effects

  1. Guduchyadi ghan kshay
  2. Mahamrityunjay Ras
  3. Anand bhairav Ras
  4. Kalmeghasava
  5. Sitopaladi churna
  6. Kanakasava

Antiinflammatory drugs

The condition is presented with the inflammation in the throat region. The following medicines/ herbs are having the anti inflammatory properties that can be beneficial includes-

  1. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
  2. Errand mool (roots of Ricinus communis)
  3. Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
  4. Jatiphal (Myristica fragrans)
  5. Bhallataka  (Semecarpus anacardium)
  6. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
  7. Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)
  8. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)
  9. Dashmool (roots of ten herbs)

Ayurvedic formulations having anti inflammatory action in Tonsillo-pharyngitis

  1. Rasna-saptak kwath
  2. Dashmool kwath/ Dashmool ghan tablet

Analgesic drugs

The pain in the throat is the prime discomfort in the Acute Tonsillopharyngitis, for which the following Ayurvedic herbs/formulations to be used are-

  1. Vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox)
  2. Jatiphal (Myristica fragrans)
  3. Godanti (Powdered form of  gypsum)
  4. Hingul (Ferula assa-foetida)
  5. Tagar (Valeriana wallichii)
  6. Pippali mool (roots of Piper longum)
  7. Paarsnik yavani (Trachispermum ammi)
  8. Raktmaricha (Red chilli)
  9. Ahiphen (Papaver somniferum)
  10. Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum)

Ayurvedic formulations for analgesic action in Acute Tonsillopharyngitis

  1. Ahiphen yoga
  2. Hingulehvar Ras
  3. Tribhuvan Kirti Ras

Local treatment

Gandush (Oil pulling)– The gandush must be done with the lukewarm water medicated with haridra (Curcuma longa), Tankan (Clax of borax), and sphatika (alum). This will help in relieving pain and relieve the hemoptysis related symptoms of the patient of tonsillopharyngitis.

Antioxidants/Rejuvenating/ Immune booster medications

Recurrent tonsillopharyngitis is common in immunocompromised patients. So there are herbs/herbal formulations for making the immunity of the person better. These rejuvenating herbs/formulations include-

  1. Shilajatu (Asphaltum)
  2. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
  3. Muktashukti (mineral formulation made from pearl oyster shell)
  4. Abhraka (Purified form of mica)
  5. Swarna makshik (Chalcopyrite)
  6. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  7. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
  8. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Ayurvedic formulations having antioxidants/immune booster medications that are beneficial in improving the body’s immunity to prevent the recurrence of Tonsillopharyngitis-

  1. Amalaki Rasayan
  2. Brahmi Chavyanprash
  3. Vasavaleha

Surgical treatment

This treatment protocol if not able to cure the tonsillopharyngitis for a chronic period of time, or the person is suffering from the recurrent infection or if any other kind of complication of tonsillopharyngitis appear then it must be consulted with the Ayurvedic ENT specialist (Shalyatantri) & it may require a surgical intervention as mentioned by Acharya Shusruta.

Planet Ayurveda Is An Herbal Manufacturing Unit That Formulates And Distributes The Herbal Medicines Made With Strict Adherence To Ancient Ayurvedic Test And Principles. These Formulations Are Being Made Under The Supervision Of Expert Ayurvedic Physicians, With Time-Tested Formulas. These Herbs/Minerals Used In The Formulations Are Obtained From 100% Natural Sources.

There are various formulations of Planet Ayurveda that are beneficial in treating the condition of tonsillopharyngitis. Planet Ayurveda offers both classical formulations as well as patented herbal formulations, these includes-

Single herb formulations

The following herbs are present in capsule/powder/syrup form with us, and are useful for the treatment of  Tonsillopharyngitis

1. Tulsi

  • Tulsi Powder
  • Tulsi Capsule

2. Giloy

  • Giloy Satva
  • Giloy Ghan Vati
  • Giloy Capsule

3. Amalaki

  • Amalaki Rasayan
  • Amla Saar
  • Amla Powder

4. Haridra

  • Haridra Powder
  • Curcumin Capsule
  • Curcumin 95%

5. Vasa

  • Vasa Powder
  • Vasaka Capsule

The other single herb formulations include Yastimadhu powder, Chiretta powder, Shilajit capsule, Bhumi amla powder, etc.

Polyherbal/herbomineral formulations

The following are the Herbal/herbomineral formulation for the treatment of tonsillopharyngitis along with their main ingredients by Planet Ayurveda are-

  1. Praanrakshak Churna– Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), Vasa, Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica) etc.
  2. Aller-G care Capsule– Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
  3. Septrin tablet- Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), etc.
  4. Kaishore Guggul– Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Guggul, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), etc.
  5. Triphala Guggul- Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki along with Guggul
  6. Panchatiktaghrita Guggul- Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Patola patra (Trichosanthes dioica), in cow ghee and guggul.
  7. Boswellia Curcumin- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Haridra (Curcumin- Curcuma longa).

The available Allopathic regimen for the tonsillopharyngitis includes the course of antibiotics for a fixed period of time, these when used for a longer duration these medications can lead to multiple adverse effects on the body and immunity of the person. And when these medications stopped responding and developed antibiotic-resistance, the higher classes of antibiotics are used which may have drastic side effects.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

Note

But these herbs/ formulations which are mentioned in this article are the best Ayurvedic medication for the treatment of tonsillopharyngitis in an effective and safer way, also reducing the tendency of recurrence of the disease to a greater extent.

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June 19, 2023

What Are Antioxidants and How They Are Helpful in Improving Health?

Antioxidants

ABSTRACT

Wonder why health experts focus on a good diet and fruit consumption. That’s because they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants plays a pivotal role in health. They contain antioxidants that help us to get good health. Radiance of skin, the capability to resist the pollution that causes damage to our bodies, protection of our body from wear and tear, and prevention from various health ailments are all because of antioxidants. There are a wide range of antioxidants.

They can be natural or manmade. All offer good health to you.

Antioxidants

INTRODUCTION

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the damage caused by the oxidation process(oxidative stress) in the cells. During the oxidation process, free radicals are produced in our bodies which are called reactive oxygen species(ROS). Free radicals are unpaired electrons that are unstable and very reactive. They gain stability after binding with other electrons. So, these free radicals bind with various proteins, lipids, and DNA to alter the working of organs and cause diseases. Antioxidants are produced either inside our body (cell metabolism), or outside our body (pollution, radiation,). In order to prevent ourselves from free radicals we need to eat food that is rich in antioxidants. Astaxanthin, Anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, carotenoids (xanthophylls and carotenes), and vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C are rich in antioxidants. How do we know which food has more antioxidants? ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) is a measure that calculates the amount of antioxidants in the food. Indian gooseberry, sorghum, ginger, and coffee are some foods that are higher in antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants slow down the oxidative process and radical damage. So now we know the importance of fruits, vegetables, and supplements. We eat antioxidants that protect us from diseases and are very important for our health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS

REJUVENATING FUNCTION

Antioxidant consumption slows the ageing process. It rejuvenates the body cells and enhances the turnover of epidermal skin.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FUNCTION

Free radicals are responsible for inflammation in the body. During inflammatory response, Leukocytes and mast cells act on the region of damage thereby producing more free radicals in damage and releasing ROS. Antioxidants act by scavenging free radicals and reducing ROS hence decreasing inflammation.

ANTI-CANCEROUS FUNCTION

Antioxidants like glutathione are responsible for decreasing distribution caused by cancerous free radicals.

BRAIN HEALTH

Neurological disorders like schizophrenia, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease are prevented by the optimum use of antioxidants by inhibiting the activity of free radicals. Astaxanthin is known to cross the blood-brain barrier and is useful in brain-related disorders.

GOOD IMMUNITY

Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotenes increase susceptibility to fight against infection.

FOOD SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

  1. Dry fruits (Walnuts, pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, chilgoza, etc).
  2. Berries (Gooseberries, blackberries, crane berries, etc)
  3. Spices(Turmeric, cloves, cumin, cinnamon, etc)
  4. Herbs(Tulsi, Kesar, Giloy, aloe vera, rosemary, mint, etc)
  5. Fruits(Apples, dates, kiwis, grapes, coconut, oranges, tomatoes, peaches, pomegranates, etc)
  6. Vegetables(broccoli, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, asparagus, artichokes, beetroot, garlic, onion, radish, etc)
  7. Pulses(green grams, soya beans, chickpeas, green peas, etc)
  8. Grains (Rakta shali ie. Red rice, Mahashali ie. Basmati rice, Yava ie. Barley)
  9. OILS: Sunflower oil, primrose oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, mustard oil, etc.

ANTIOXIDANT DEFICIENCY

Antioxidant deficiency occurs when we consume foods that are not rich in antioxidants or our daily recommended antioxidant uptake is not met by the food we eat. Antioxidant deficiency leads to oxidative stress causing damage in our bodies leading to diseases like recurrent cough, cold, infections, heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis, Parkinson, senile dementia, and cancer.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR STAYING HEALTHY THROUGH ANTIOXIDANTS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best combination of effective herbal remedies as an Antioxidants Pack for good health. It is a polyherbal pack that contains Cranberry capsules, Spirulina capsules, Amalaki rasayan, Immune booster, Brahmi chyawanprash, etc. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda products are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects.

Product List

  1. Cranberry Capsules
  2. Spirulina Capsules
  3. Amalaki Rasayan
  4. Immune Booster
  5. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Herbal Remedies for Staying Healthy Through AntioxidantsHerbal Remedies for Staying Healthy Through Antioxidants

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Cranberry Capsules

Cranberry capsule is an ayurvedic formulation that contains a single ingredient that is cranberry (vaccinium oxy-coccus). Cranberries contain antioxidants that prevent a number of diseases. Cranberries are rich in a number of antioxidants like flavonoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C, E, and K. According to Ayurveda cranberries have vitta-balancing properties and it is helpful in slowing the process of ageing. It is Ushna (hot) and Snigdha (oily) in nature. Cranberry is also useful in the prevention of urine infections.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

2. Spirulina capsules

Spirulina capsules contain extract of spirulina (Spirulina platensis). It is a Blue algae (Cyanobacteria) rich in antioxidants. It is rich in protein, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and E. Spirulina has the highest ORAC value (24000).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily twice with plain water after meals.

3. Amalaki rasayan

Amalaki rasayan is a herbal formulation that contains Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) in its purest form. Amalaki is rejuvenating in nature. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It contains all 5 rasas (sweet, sour, bitter, astringent) except lavan rasa(salt). It is Madhura (sweet) in vipaka (post digestion effect) and shita (cold) in virya (potent energy).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Immune booster

Immune booster is a wonderful formulation that contains grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Go-Piyush (Bovine colostrums), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). It contains grape seeds that are rich in antioxidants like linoleic acid, vitamin E, zinc, etc and Go-Piyush is the first milk produced after the birth of a calf. It contains proteins, antioxidants, and antibodies to fight against immune system-related disorders. In ayurveda, according to Yogratnakar milk has 10 properties that are similar to that of ojas (immunity). It is a Rasayana (rejuvenator), jeevaniya (enlivening), Medhya (improves intelligence), balya (improves immunity) in nature.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily twice with plain water after meals.

5. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Brahmi chyawanprash is an effective herbal formulation. It contains Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Dashmoola (Roots of 10 herbs), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Nagarmoola (Cyperus rotundus), and many other ayurvedic herbs. It contains Brahmi which has antioxidant properties and is responsible for enhancing memory and concentration. It is used to manage vitiated vata dosha. Acharya Chakradutta has written that Brahmi is beneficial in all types of epilepsy. It helps in aiding the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Brahmi chyawanprash is useful in reducing oxidative stress produced by free radicals.

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons, twice to thrice daily after meals, preferably with milk.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

In order to reduce oxidative stress and damage caused by unstable free radicals. Nature has provided us with antioxidants that are present in the food we eat which are helpful in providing immunity and reducing the severity of diseases. Antioxidant consumption is of major concern in infections and diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases. The deficiency of antioxidants can be fulfilled by either consuming foods which are higher in ORAC values or by taking herbal supplements. Therefore, we can conclude that antioxidants play a major role in promoting good health.

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