Respiratory System Archives | Page 5 of 16

How to treat oral thrush naturally?

Meaning: As per this shloka, a person who indulges in taking incompatible foods, excessive foods, overeating develops amadosha which is similar to poison. Hence, it is also called Amavisha.

(Reference: AstangaHridayaSutrasthanam, Chapter No. 8, Shlok No. 13 & 14)

As per Ayurveda aspect:

In Ayurveda, candidiasis is considered as the deficient digestion or agnimandya. Agnimandya occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream which causes toxicity and results in the development of various health issues. It usually occurs at the seat of Vatadosha in the lower part of the digestive tract. As the ama gets accumulated in the large and small intestines which inhibits the normal flora from proliferating.

Three doshas that are responsible for candidiasis are explained below:

Vatadosha:

It mainly occurs due to the excessive intake of sweet, bitter and pungent, wheat dairy and high protein rich diet items.

Pitta dosha:

IT occurs due to the intake of spicy, sour, pungent and acidic foods.

Kaphadosha:

Kaphadosha is aggravated due to the intake of oily, heavy and cold food items. Sleeping immediately after the overeating also generates ama in the body.

As per modern aspect:

Oral thrush is also known as oral candidiasis in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of the mouth. Candida is present as a normal organism in the mouth but sometimes due to the overgrowth, it can cause various symptoms. It causes creamy white lesions in the tongue or inner part of the cheeks. It may also spread to the roof of the mouth gums, tonsils or back of the throat.

How oral thrush can be caused?

Generally, the immune system works to repel the harmful invading organisms such as bacteria, fungi or virus while maintaining a balance between good or bad microbes that inhabits the body. But in some of the cases, these protective mechanisms fail and there is an increase in the number of candida fungi and allows the oral infection to take hold.

Here are some risk factors that increase the chances of oral thrush:

Weak immune system: It is likely to occur in infants and older adults due to the weak immune system. Some medical conditions suppress the immune system such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, etc.
Diabetes: If the blood sugar is not under control or the diabetes mellitus remains untreated then the saliva contains a large number of sugars which encourages the candida growth.
Vaginal yeast infections: Vaginal yeast infections are caused due to the fungus that causes oral thrush.
Medications: Medications such as prednisolone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics disturbs the natural balance of microorganisms in the body which increase the risk of oral thrush.
Other oral conditions: Wearing dentures mainly the upper dentures or other conditions that cause dry mouth increases the risk of oral thrush.

Other common causes are:

Use of antibiotics for a longer period of time or at a high dose.
Having poor oral hygiene
Dry mouth due to a medication or any medical condition.
Smoking
Having radiotherapy or chemotherapy for treating cancer.

Babies or elder people are a high risk of developing oral thrush or people with some other conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency or iron deficiency or underactive thyroid.

What are the symptoms of oral thrush?

In the early stages, oral thrush may not cause any symptoms but when the infection gets worse one or more symptoms of the following may develop:

White or yellow colored patches of bumps in the inner part of the cheeks, tongue, gums, tonsils or lips.

Burning sensation in the mouth
Slight bleeding if the gumsare scraped
Cotton-like sensation in the mouth
Dry and cracked skin at corners of the mouth
Difficulty in swallowing
The bitter taste of mouth or loss of taste
In some of the cases, it can affect the esophagus though this is uncommon.

How oral thrush can be treated naturally?

Planet Ayurveda is one of the most fast-growing Ayurvedic clinics of India that has come up with a wonderful combination of herbal remedies which manages the symptoms related to oral thrush which is oral thrush care pack.
These This pack is prepared from the pure, authentic and best quality herbs that strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda. These are free from additives, chemicals, fillers, and preservatives. These are purely vegetarian and are not tested on animals.

Gandhak Rasayana:

Gandhak Rasayana is made from the shuddhgandhak (purified sulfur) in which the word rasayan means rejuvenation. As it has a natural property to rejuvenate the body without any side effects. These tablets have antibacterial, anti-viral, antipruritic and anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurveda, it is considered as a raktashodhaka (blood purifier) and also helps to balance the Vata, pitta as well as KaphaDosha.

Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets twice or thrice daily with plain water after meals.

Manjistha Capsules:

Majistha capsules are formulated with the pure and standardized extra extract of manjistha. This herb works both as internally or externally to promote skin growth and luster.
It also treats the cracked skin and promotes the healing process of skin tissues. Being a blood purifier it removes the toxins and acts as a strong antioxidant as well as astringent. These capsules are used as the best alternative to chemical-based skin treatment.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice or thrice daily with plain water after meals.

Arjun Saar and Gum Care Powder:

Arjun Saar contains arjuna and amla in it because these wonderful herbs have a great combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and immunity boosting properties it in. This formulation is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
Gum care powder is a natural herbal formulation that maintains the hygiene and healthy condition of the oral cavity which includes the tongue, teeth, oral mucosa, and gums. This formulation acts as a total mouth rehab. It contains herbs like haritaki, sonth, karpur, poog, Marich, khadir, twak, lavang, safatika, etc. All these herbs reduce the inflammation by releasing the abscess.

Usage: Rinse with water alternatively once in a day.

Acido Plan Syrup:

Acido plan syrup is the herbal liquid formulation used for the management of acidity. This formulation absorbs quickly in the body and provides instant relief. It contains a standardized extract of a powerful combination of herbs such as Triphala (haritaki, bibhitaki and Amalaki), saunf, ghritkumari, patola, pittapapada, Shatavari, sajjikshar, and kokum. These herbs are effective in treating nausea, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, acute gastritis and mucosal damage.

Dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoon twice or thrice daily with plain water after meals.

7 Reasons Why You Should Start Eating Karela (Bitter Gourd)

Overview

Bitter Gourd (Karela) is also known as Balsam Pear or Bitter Melon. It is also called Momordica charantia and is a climbing shrub that grows in tropical climate. It belongs to the same plant family as cucumbers, pumpkin and squash. It is despised for its bitter taste but is considered one of the best foods to be consumed because of its various health benefits. Bitter Gourd is not a vegetable but a fruit as the part of the plant that is used for consumption and for medicinal purpose.

Bitter Gourd is packed with nutrients ranging from iron, magnesium, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin c and potassium. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is a good source of Omega 6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, and Oleic acid. Bitter gourd is very beneficial in managing disorders like diabetes and asthma.

The leaves and Bitter Gourd itself can be consumed for health benefits. It can be either cooked as a dish, baked, boiled, fried or consumed as raw juice. It can be either made into a smoothie along with apples and spinach or be cooked as soup. It is also available in form of baked chips, pickles and chutneys. There are numerous reasons why one should start eating Bitter Gourd.

Some of the most important reasons are listed below:

Weight Management:

Bitter gourd is a natural agent for treating obesity. The fruit is low in calories, fats and carbohydrates. 100 grams of Bitter Gourd contains just 20 calories. It has the ability to keep one fuller for a longer period of time. The pods of Bitter gourd contain 80% water. Bitter melon contains antioxidants that improve metabolism and flush out toxins from the body. Regular consumption of Bitter Gourd helps in relieving constipation and indigestion. Thus, it is very useful in losing weight.

Blood Purifier:

The anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties of bitter gourd help it to clear toxins from the body, purify it and improve blood circulation throughout the body. Bitter Gourd juice should be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach to detox the body. It helps with controlling blood clotting too, thus helping the wounds to heal faster.
Bitter Gourd is used to treat acne, rashes, psoriasis, toxemia, blood boils and itching in any part of the body. It is rich in folate and is very useful for menstruating women and pregnant women to prevent anemia and maintain blood iron levels. Bitter Gourd is known to reduce neural tube defects in developing baby if consumed at the time of pregnancy.

Treats Respiratory disorders:

Bitter Gourd is a simple home remedy to relief cough, cold, improve breathing and clear up the sputum. The pods of Bitter Gourd is used to treat asthma.

Manages Diabetes:

Bitter gourd contains polypeptide-p (p insulin), alkaloids and charatin which help in reducing blood sugar levels naturally for Type 2 diabetic patients. Consuming bitter gourd, helps in regulating metabolism, thus prevents unpredictable spikes and drops in insulin levels.
Bitter gourd increases the absorption of glucose by the liver, fats and muscle tissue thus helps in reducing blood sugar levels and reduces demand on pancreas for insulin.
Bitter gourd acts as a hypoglycemic agent. Consuming bitter gourd juice increases the uptake of glucose and improves the glycemic control. Bitter Gourd activates the kinases protein that helps in absorption of sugar, thus aids in bringing diabetes under control.
Plant based insulin in bitter gourd also helps patients with type 1 diabetes. A glass of bitter gourd juice, daily (50 ml) is the most successful home remedy for diabetes.

Cleanses the liver:

A glass of bitter gourd juice daily acts as liver tonic and heal all kinds of liver problems. The juice cleanses the bowel and prevents liver failure by strengthening the anti-oxidant activity of the liver enzymes. It is very helpful in improving liver and kidney functions. It repairs liver and increases its capacity to clean blood.

Improves Eye sight:

Bitter Gourd is a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Vitamin A. It helps in preventing cataract development and progression.
Vitamin A also plays an important role in cell communication and aids in new cell growth and development.
Consuming Bitter gourd (raw, cooked or in juice form) helps in maintaining better vision by supporting retinal function and nourishing the corneas and conjunctival membranes.
Bitter Gourd is also a great home remedy to treat dark circles. It helps in preventing all vision related problems and strengthens the eye sight over time.

Boosts Skin and Hair Health:

The regular consumption of Bitter Gourd protects the skin from blemishes and acne. The vitamin C content in Bitter gourd makes it a power anti-oxidant that fights harmful free radicals and prevents wrinkles. This fruit contains anti-ageing properties as it keeps the tissues strong by facilitating collagen production thus it slows down the aging process naturally. It also protects the skin from Ultra Violet rays damage. Consuming Bitter Gourd helps to get rid of deep skin infections.

How to Use

Applying Bitter gourd juice to the scalp decreases hair loss and graying of the hair. It treats dandruff, scalp itchiness, split ends and rough hair. The juice may be applied directly to the scalp or mixed with some curd. Biotin, Zinc and Vitamin A and C help in imparting shine and luster to the hair.

Other Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourd has proved to be beneficial for HIV/AIDS patients as they contain phytochemicals which improve immunity and reduce the overall infection and inflammation in the patient. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart problems.
Bitter Gourd is a rich source of Vitamin C that protects our cells from free radicals involved in cancer development. It boosts immunity and helps in iron absorption in the body. It also improves stamina and energy levels of the individual and aids sound sleep.
To make Bitter Gourd less bitter one can sauté it in olive oil or sprinkle some salt over the cut bitter gourd pieces and let it sit for few minutes. Soaking Bitter Gourd in Tamarind juice also helps in taking away the bitterness.