Category: Herbal Remedies

January 25, 2022

Ayurvedic Treatment For Clostridium Difficile Infection!

Abstract

The clostridium difficile is the major cause of antibiotic associated colitis and pseudomembranous colitis. The organism produces at least two endotoxins A and B which are responsible for intestinal damage. The infection happens most often in the hospitals where the organisms reside in rooms or in toilets and is transmitted by hands to the internal environment of humans. Then it proliferates in the colon when the intestinal flora is disturbed by administration of antibiotics, generally the broad spectrum antibiotics such as Clindamycin. In this article our main focus will be on the discussion of this bacterial species and what symptoms it produces when it gets in contact with the human body along with some herbal formulations that can be used in this condition successfully.

Clostridium Difficile Infection

Introduction

Diarrhoea is quite common in patients receiving antibiotics and it usually stops when the antibiotics cease. In about 40% of patients with diarrhoea Clostridium difficile can be cultured from stool and it is assumed that the condition is caused by a disturbance of the intestinal flora. In a small proportion of patients, the condition progresses to antibiotic-associated colitis. In some of the latter patients, the inflammation of the colon is so severe that a pseudomembrane forms over the mucosa hence the name is given pseudomembranous colitis. The condition is well discussed along with the pathology, clinical features, investigation and management.

But moving on to the condition caused by Clostridium difficile infection. Let’s discuss about Clostridium difficile.

Facts about Clostridium Difficile

  • Clostridium difficile is a gram negative bacteria that causes severe diarrhoea and colitis which is an inflammation of the colon.
  • The bacteria is mostly affecting those people who are on antibiotics.
  • The person who has this infection, will get it again in the subsequent 2-8 weeks.
  • The risk of developing this infection increases after being 65 or older, if you’re staying at a hospital or nursing home, due to a weak immune system like in HIV or AIDS, cancer or patients on immunosuppressant drugs.

Pathology of Clostridium Difficile Infection

Antibiotic associated colitis and pseudomembranous colitis can be regarded as a continuum. Initially the mucosa shows focal areas of inflammation and ulceration. The ulcers become covered by a membrane of fibrin, debris and polymorphs, which may spread to cover the entire mucosa.

Clinical Features

The clinical features or symptoms begin during the first week of antibiotic therapy but in some cases the symptoms may arise when the antibiotic treatment is finished. The onset of symptoms can be insidious along with lower abdominal pain. With these symptoms the motion frequency also increases. The diarrhoea may become watery and profuse. Due to the presence of symptoms the patient’s condition may resemble acute ulcerative colitis. Indeed, the condition may progress to toxic dilatation.

Investigation

The diagnosis is made on the rectal appearance at sigmoidoscopy with erythema, white plaques or a confluent pseudomembrane. Biopsy may confirm the diagnosis if the focal inflammation and membrane is seen but in some cases it is indistinguishable from ulcerative colitis. However, a normal rectal mucosa does not exclude the disorder. For some patients the condition is limited to the right colon. The confirmation is done by cytotoxicity assay for toxin A and B performed on a filtrate from the stool.

Management of clostridium difficile infection

The offending antibiotic is to be stopped. The patient must be isolated and supportive therapy is given in modern science like in ulcerative colitis. The treatment of choice for mild to moderate disease is Antifungal, Antibacterial and various others.

Ayurvedic view point for Clostridium difficile infection

The Ayurvedic viewpoint of Clostridium difficile infection suggests that due to intake of antibiotics which is considered as the nidaan or etiological factor, aggravation of pitta in the pakvashaya that is intestines happens which results in the creating non suitable environment for intestinal flora hence diminished healthy intestinal flora. This also results in low immunity of heena vayadhishamatva thus the agantuj karan or external organisms are having a chance to infect the human body, which is what exactly happens in the clostridium difficile infection.

Thus the treatment includes things which can pacify this aggravated pitta dosha. The herbs like kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), bael (Aegle marmelos) have fantastic results in controlling the symptoms and on the other hand some herbo mineral formulations like shankh bhasma, kamdudha ras etc. has fantastic results in pacification of pitta dosha.

Herbal formulations by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic firm which deals with the manufacturing of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs which are really effective in managing many conditions related to the intestines. The formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are really potent in supporting the reestablishment of intestinal flora and thus getting rid of infection and are very fruitful hence giving positive noticeable results. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of clostridium difficile are as follows.

  1. Kutajghan Vati
  2. Vatsakadi Churna
  3. Mahashankh Vati
  4. Arjuna Capsule
  5. Praval Panchamrit

Ayurvedic Treatment For Clostridium Difficile Infection

Product Description

1. Kutajghan Vati

Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) belongs to Kutaja kula and Apocynaceae family. In Ayurveda texts it is mentioned that kutaja is having healing properties and is very well potential in pacifying pitta (whose imbalance is the reason for this condition). It has ruksha guna (Drying property), tikta and kashaya rasa (bitter and astringent taste) along with katu (pungent) vipaka. Kutaja acts as a deepana herb which means it increases the diminished digestive fire and hence the mala (stool) comes in binded form rather than in loose form as this property makes this herb to behave as an antimotility drug. Thus reducing the frequency to pass motion in the infection of clostridium difficile.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

Vatsakadi Churna is an effective combination of 50% kutaja (Holarrhena antidyssentrica) and 50% bilva (Aegle marmelos). Kutja helps in reducing the motion frequency and on the other hand bilva is very effective in reducing the passage of mucus along with stool and also decreases the amount of bleeding with passage of stool. The formulation also reduces the bloating, intestinal irritation and pain. Bilva has properties like anti microbial, anti bacterial and thus helps in establishing natural flora of intestine. This herbal formulation also shows preventing effects and thus protects the tissues from damage due to inflammation.

Dosage: Half tsp twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

3. Mahashankh Vati

Mahashankh vati is the best classical formula which helps in the improvement of digestion and also effectively relieves symptoms like bloating and indigestion. This formulation is also mentioned in classics and contains pippali (piper longum), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), danti (Baliospermum montanum) and many more. The formulation helps in naturally dealing with indigestion, loss of appetite, hyper acidity along with gas and other digestion related problems. In clostridium difficile infection mahashankh vati helps relieve the sharp spasm usually felt or observed by the patient.

Dosage: One tablet thrice a day 10 minutes before meals with lukewarm water.

4. Arjuna Capsules

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is very well known from ages to support and regulate normal functioning of the body especially the circulatory system. But here it helps in reducing excessive bleeding and works best as a coagulant. Arjuna is also a very great herb for balancing pitta dosha and kapha dosha. Due to excess intake of antibiotics the pitta in the body aggravated which thus removes the natural flora of the intestines and giving room for clostridium difficile infection but Arjun helps in pacifying the pitta thus maintaining the natural flora of the intestine.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

5. Praval Panchamrit

The Praval Panchamrit is prepared using many herbo minerals components like pearl bhasma (mukta bhasma), conch shell bhasma (shankha bhasma), pearl oyster bhasma (shukti bhasma) and many more. These all herbs are a very good combination for relieving the symptoms present in this condition especially the reestablishment of intestinal flora. It relieves pitta dosha as well as a feeling of burning in the digestive tract too. The formulation is also very beneficial in hyperacidity, anorexia, and excessive diarrhoea as it has an antispasmodic effect too. Praval panchamrit also relieves bloating.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

We understand the importance of antibiotics but when a patient is over exposed to the antibiotics at that time there are maximum chances to catch this kind of infection and thus making the condition worse. The ayurvedic formulations explained above are really helpful in this condition and are 100% herbal. There is no addition of preservatives, dyes, adulterants etc. With Ayurvedic medication a person has to be very patient as the process of its working is slow but quite effective. The Ayurvedic supplements are prepared after testing the ingredients and every batch as consistency of quality matters. In case of any query kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com

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January 22, 2022

Ayurvedic Treatment Of Low Bone Density With Natural Herbs!

Abstract

Bone density of a person is maximum at the age of 30 which varies according to the sex and genetic background. After 30, the bone minerals start resorbing into the blood due to the natural process of aging. As a result, the bone minerals and density start decreasing and bones become brittle and can break quickly. The mineral density of bone is measured through the Bone mineral density (BMD) test in which a T-score of between +1 and -1 is considered as normal bone density. Here in this article, we are going to discuss Low bone density and its Ayurvedic treatment.

Osteopenia & Osteoporosis

What is Low Bone density?

Low bone density, sometimes known as osteopenia, refers to the bone density that is lower than the normal peak density. Bone density is a measurement of how strong and dense the bones are. If your bone density is lower than the normal peak density, you are said to have low bone mineral density (osteopenia). A person with low bone density has a greater risk that, as time passes, he may develop osteoporosis.

Ayurvedic aspect of Low Bone Density?

In Ayurveda, a disease is explained on the basis of Tridosha (Vata,Pitta and Kapha). Any vitiation in the balance state of these three doshas leads to a disease state. There is no direct explanation of low bone density in Ayurveda’s text but it can be correlated with Asthi kshaya. Asthi dhatu or bone tissue is the dhatu (tissue) formed after Meda dhatu (fat or adipose tissue) and a precursor of the Majja dhatu (bone marrow). For the formation of proper healthy Asthi dhatu (bone tissue), its precursor dhatu should have formed perfectly or healthily. Asthi dhatu kshaya (bone tissue depletion) is closely related to low bone density. If there is any pathological increase or depletion of Asthi dhatu or bone tissue and its precursors, it results in the reduction in bone mineral density. This is due to the Agni Vikriti (metabolic disturbances) which leads to the Ama (endotoxins) formation which further blocks the Srotas (body channels) carrying nutrition and results in improper nutrition to the tissues including bone tissues (Asthi dhatu). If we talk about Dosha involvement then there is an aggravation of Vata dosha which depletes the asthi dhatu in the body causing low bone density.

What are the causes and Risk factors of Low Bone Density?

Low bone density is a common precursor of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Some of the common causes and risk factors for low bone density are –

Post-menopausal women – After menopause decline of this estrogen production leads to bone mineral loss.

Genetics – most of the people are genetically predisposed to low bone density that results in osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Aging – bone mineral loss is a normal process of aging.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Excessive smoking
  • Excessive stress
  • Crash dieting and eating disorders
  • Excessive tea, coffee, soda, chocolate or sports and energy drinks
  • Teenage pregnancy

Drugs, Medications and Medical Conditions

  • People who take long term steroids and are treated for Chronic inflammatory diseases such as Arthritis, Lymphoma, lupus, Leukemia, organ transplant, cancers are at high risk of lowered bone mineral density.
  • Anorexia and bulimia
  • Asthma
  • Vitamin B 12 deficiency
  • Cancers
  • Celiac disease
  • Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Chronic kidney disease or patients on dialysis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cushing’s syndrome leading to excess steroids
  • Diabetes
  • Drugs used in epilepsy
  • Those with hyperthyroidism and with hyperparathyroidism
  • Those with Hypogonadism
  • Liver disease, lactose intolerance
  • Patients with Multiple myeloma, polio, Sickle Cell anemia, Osteo-genesis imperfecta, Skin disorders, Thalassemia.

Drugs that lead to lowered bone density include

  • Phenytoin
  • Drugs with Aluminum
  • Phenobarbital
  • Anticancer drugs
  • Immunosuppressants like Cyclosporine A
  • Methotrexate
  • Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
  • Heparin
  • Lithium
  • Thyroid hormone replacement
  • Certain diuretics may also cause loss of bone mineral density

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Bone Density?

  • A person with low bone density has no symptoms.
  • There is no change or pain as the bone becomes thinner, although the risk of bone fractures increases as the bone becomes less dense.

What are the Complications of Low Bone Density?

If left untreated then it may cause following complications –

  1. Osteopenia
  2. Osteoporosis
  3. Brittle Bones

Diagnosis of Low Bone Density

Due to a lack of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose low bone density until a person goes for a bone density test. The standard used to check the bone density is DEXA scan.

1. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

The DEXA test measures bone density levels in your spine, hip, wrist, finger, shin, or heel. The result of a DEXA measure in T-score and Z score.

2. T score

T score is your bone density compared to the density of a 30-year-old person of the same sex or race. The values of T score indicates –

  • +1 to –1 indicates normal bone density.
  • –1 to –2.5 indicates osteopenia.
  • –2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.

3. Z score

The Z-score is the number of standard deviations above or below what’s normally expected for someone of the same age, weight, sex and ethnic or racial origin.

Treatment of Low Bone Density

In modern Medicine, the goal of treating low bone density is to prevent it from further developing into osteoporosis. They will give you calcium and vitamin D supplements along with some hormonal replacement therapy along with lifestyle changes.

Ayurvedic management of Low bone density

Ayurvedic management of low bone density is done with herbal medicines and some Panchakarma procedures like Vasti as there is an aggravation of Vata dosha so the herbs which pacify the vitiated vata dosha are used in the treatment along with ksheera Vasti, Sneha vasti and also the correction of Agni (digestive fire) is done along with the removal of toxins (Ama) from the body.

Herbal remedies for Low Bone Density by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing firm which is internationally certified. This is a WHO-GMP certified manufacturing company based in India founded in 2002 by Dr. Vikram Chauhan and this company came into existence as a subsidiary or as a brand name known as Krishna herbal company. The products of the company are 100% natural, pure and vegetarian. The products are made from the extracts of potential ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the treatment of Low bone density –

  1. Coral Calcium Complex
  2. Lakshadi Guggul
  3. Osteo Plan Capsule
  4. Bone Support
  5. Arjuna Powder

Ayurvedic Treatment For Low Bone Density

Description of the Products

1. Coral Calcium Complex

It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by Planet Ayurveda made from life supporting substances from seas and plant life. It contains – Praval pishti (coral compound), Jawar Mohra pishti, Akik pishti (Agate compound), Kamdudha ras, Mukta pishti, Giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia). It contains natural calcium from pearls and corals and also improves bone density and strength. This formulation helps to increase lowered bone density, heals the fractures quickly, prevents osteoporosis and provides stronger bones. Thus it shows good results in low bone density.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Lakshadi Guggul

It is a classical polyherbal formulation contains potent herbs like Laksha resin (Laccifer lacca), Guggulu resin (Commiphora mukul), Asthisamhari (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Lakshadi guggul is a best Ayurvedic supplement for healthy bones and is used in osteopenia, osteoporosis, low bone density, inflammatory conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen joints, etc. It is helpful for healing fractures and osteophytes removal and also enhances the calcium deposition on bones.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Osteo Plan Capsule

It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by planet ayurveda made from the blend of potent herb like Cissus qudrangularis (Hadjod), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna). These capsules help to rejuvenate osteocytes and also provide lubrication to the joints. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and is used in musculoskeletal problems, joint pains, swollen joints and also helps to increase low bone density. It provides natural calcium and makes bones healthy and stronger. These capsules are very effective in low bone density.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Bone Support

It is a polyherbal formulation in a capsule form by Planet Ayurveda made from the pure extract of potent herbs like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Hadjod (Cissus qudrangularis), Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum compound), Mukta (pearl calcium compound), Shudh Laksha resins (Laccifer lacca), Suhanjana beej (Moringa oleifera). Bone support helps to make bones healthier, stronger and increase bone density and strength. These capsules help to heal the fractures fast and also prevent osteoporosis. It promotes calcium retention and deposition in the bones. It has very effective results in Low bone density.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

5. Arjuna Powder

It is a herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in a powder form made from the pure extract of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). It helps in the proper blood circulation and also helps in boosting the immunity. It helps in the absorption of essential minerals and thus also helps in increasing low bone density.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with warm water.

Conclusion

At last we can conclude that low bone density is a serious condition that leads to osteopenia and osteoporosis and there is no proper treatment available in modern science for this. But in Ayurveda we manage this disease from its root cause with Ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies which have very good results in increasing bone density. Planet Ayurveda products are 100% pure herbal, effective, vegetarian, and natural. We hope the above-mentioned information regarding low bone density and its ayurvedic treatment will be beneficial for the one who suffers. For more details of our products, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com

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