Natural Remedies for Addison’s disease (Hypocortisolism)
Abstract
Addison’s disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency as its main characteristic feature is the inadequate production of cortisol and aldosterone (steroid) hormones by adrenal cortex which are the two outer layers of adrenal gland cells. This insufficiency results in clusters of signs and symptoms and affects an individual as a whole. In this article you will be learning all about Addison’s disease and its herbal management through herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.
Introduction
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder in which the important hormones, i.e. cortisol and aldosterone are not sufficiently produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. As hormones are the chemical messengers which control the various functions in the body and similarly these two hormones also have very important and specific actions like cortisol is known as stress hormone which helps the body to respond to stress of injury, illness or surgery. Cortisol also maintains normal heart function, blood pressure and blood glucose level and healthy functioning of the immune system. On the other hand aldosterone controls the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood which eventually controls the urine amount excreted by kidneys. The amount of fluid removed by kidneys affects the blood pressure and blood volume.
Signs And Symptoms
Adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease develops gradually over the time so do the symptoms appear slowly with passing time. Some of the major symptoms appear are
- Pain in abdomen
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Desire and craving for salty food
- Dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression and irritability
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Decreased appetite
- Low blood pressure and blood glucose
- Weakness of muscles
- Extreme fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease which is caused due to abnormal functioning of the immune system resulting in targeting of the body’s own tissues and organs and damaging them. In Addison’s disease the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex where the cortisol and aldosterone are produced hence resulting in insufficient production of the named hormones. There can be few other causes as well which comprises some of the cases of Addison’s disease like:
- Adrenal glands injury
- Infections like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or fungal infections
- Cancer cells invading adrenal glands from other parts of the body
- Removal of adrenal glands surgically
- Building up of abnormal protein, i.e. Amyloid on adrenal glands
- Genetic defects
Diagnosis
Thorough history and physical examination will help in determining some of the visible signs and symptoms explained by the patient. Further blood tests are done to measure the potassium, sodium and ACTH levels in the blood. Some other confirmatory tests are done like
- ACTH stimulation test
- X-rays
- CT scan (Computed tomography)
Treatment of Addison’s Disease
Conventional treatment for Addison’s disease includes hormonal therapies in order to fulfill the deficiency, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone acetate tablets. However it is not effective for all of the patients.
Ayurveda has always been a ray of hope especially in case of autoimmune diseases where the herbal treatment helps in managing the presenting complaints and also helps in eradicating the root cause. Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the balance of the tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha (when imbalanced causes diseases) and boosts the natural immunity to work efficiently and in a correct way. In Ayurvedic treatment along with the internal medicine, a certain way of living and eating is also recommended to be followed in order to get a healthy body.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a renowned herbal pharmaceutical company which works to manufacture herbal medicines and products. These herbal products are produced following the strict Ayurvedic principles and under the supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. All of the herbal medicines and products are purely vegetarian, organic and herbal, free from preservatives, additives, chemicals, dye, fillers, yeast and colors. Various acute and chronic diseases are treated here with the help of these medicines that are prescribed to the patients by experienced MD Ayurveda doctors. For Addison’s disease also Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal medicines which work efficiently to treat and manage the condition naturally.
Product List
- Navkarshik churna
- Gotukola capsule
- Kanchnaar guggul
- Boswellia curcumin
Product Description
1. Navkarshik churna
Therapeutic herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) are used in the preparation of Navkarshik churna which possess amazing therapeutic properties. Navakarshik churna acts as an immunomodulator and modifies the action of the immune system preventing destruction of the adrenal gland.
Dosage– Take one teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water
2. Gotukola capsule
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) herb is used in the standardized extract form to prepare these herbal capsules. Gotu Kola capsules help in treating depression and anxiety, provides vitality to the body, and treats extreme weakness.
Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water
3. Kanchnaar guggul
It is formulated using medicinal herbs like Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala). Kanchnaar guggul helps in maintaining a balance of tridosha, possess rejuvenating properties, antioxidant, and immunomodulator actions.
Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water
4. Boswellia curcumin
Two medicinal herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used to prepare these therapeutic capsules. Boswellia curcumin capsules help in modifying the action of the immune system, preventing the destruction of cells of adrenal gland, helps in healing of internal organs and relieves pain in muscles and provides strength to the body.
Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water
Conclusion
Addison’s disease or primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare autoimmune disorder which affects the whole system of the person resulting in a wide range of presenting complaints. Signs and symptoms are usually present in many other disorders as well which makes it difficult to diagnose the condition. However careful observation and history can help in diagnosing it. Early diagnosis and start of treatment is necessary to prevent further damage to the adrenal glands. However the herbal remedies suggested in this write up can help in management and treatment of the condition naturally.
