Category: Allergy

How to treat oral thrush naturally?

Amavisha.

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.

oral thrush treatment

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.

ORAL THRUSH CARE PACK

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.

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies with Diet and Home Remedies

Ayurveda, the age-old science of life has always emphasized to maintain the health and preventing the diseases by proper diet and lifestyle regimen rather than the treatment and cure of the diseases.

With the change in season, there are various changes in bio-life around us. If the body is unable to adopt itself to stressors due to changes in specific traits of seasons, it may lead to Dosha Vaishamya which in turn render the body to disorders.

In allopathic medicine, there is primarily only a symptomatic treatment but in Ayurveda, it can be managed with simple home remedies and diet.

seasonal allergies

What is Allergy?

  • An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body when it comes in contact with a substance that is in fact harmless.these hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system.

What are the different types of allergies?

In Ayurveda, there are two types of allergen reactions:

  • One is the type that a person is born with which is caused by genetic predisposition. This allergy can be due to certain allergens in the environment such as: dust, pollen etc.
  • The second category includes a seasonal reaction or sensitivity that a person has acquired later in life which can be dealt very easily and is the main focus of this article.

What are the causes of Seasonal Allergies according to Ayurveda?

The main cause of seasonal and acquired sensitivities is a reactive type of toxin known as “Amavisha”.

  • Ama in the body is created by the incomplete digestion of the food which eventually travel to different organs or tissues in the body and get lodge there.
  • If Ama is not flushed out, this Ama interacts with the organs, tissues where it gets settled and it develops into the reactive toxin known as “Amavisha”.
  • When substances such as dust, pollen react with Amavisha, this creates a reaction.
  • Amavisha disrupts the immune system. As a result, when the immune system is affected by the accumulation of Amavisha, it cannot function normally and loses its Adaptability.

Symptoms of allergies

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

  • Running nose
  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Severe itching
  • Swelling of the membranes
  • Vomiting
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Body ache
  • Hoarseness of the voice
  • Headache

How to manage Seasonal Allergies with Diet and Home Remedies:

Nasal Rinse

1.Nasal Rinse:

  • Nasal rinse or neti-pot is the practice of pouring warm salt water through the nasal passages as it moistens the mucous membranes and cleanses the nasal passage from dust, pollens, excess mucous etc.

Gargling:

2.Gargling:

  • If the throat is aggravated, gargling with a bit of honey in hot water is beneficial.

How to use:

  • Gargling can also be done with 1 cup of hot water and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of natural mineral salt.

Cinnamon

3.Cinnamon:

  • Cinnamon is very effective in treating seasonal allergies. It also helps in easing the pain of sore throat.

How to use:

  • Mix 1/4 tablespoon of cinnamon powder in honey and add it in a glass of lukewarm water. Stir well and consume it once a day.

Turmeric Milk

4.Turmeric Milk:

  • Turmeric is considered as the best natural anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic.

How to use:

  • Add 1/2 tsp. turmeric and ginger paste to 1 glass of milk and boil it for few minutes. Drink it warm. Take turmeric milk regularly for effective and good results.

Guava

5.Guava and its Leaves:

  • Guava is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, copper, potassium, folic acid and many other phytochemicals. The leaves of guava are also helpful in treating cold and sore throat by reducing mucus formation, lung congestion and makes the respiratory tract free from infections as it contains iron and Vitamin C in abundance.

How to use:

  • The juice of immature and raw guavas or guava leaves decoction should be consumed regularly.

6.Asafoetida:

  • Asafoetida (Hing) has anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and anti-viral properties in curing respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, allergies, common cold etc. Hing acts as a respiratory stimulant that is very useful in releasing   phlegm.

How to use:

  • Make a fine paste of 1/4 tsp. of Asafoetida, 1/4 tsp. of ginger extract and add little honey. Add this paste to lukewarm water. Consume this mixture twice a day.

Herbal Tea

7.Herbal Tea:

  • Herbal Tea can be prepared at home with the help of ingredients available in the kitchen such as: black pepper, ginger and basil leaves.

How to prepare?

  • Take 5-10 black pepper, 1 inch fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp. dried powder of basil leaves.
  • Make the powder of black pepper and add all these ingredients in milk and allow it to boil. Strain it and drink this herbal tea by adding honey into it.

8.Triphala Powder:

  • Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits which balances all the three doshas in the body. It also has the unique property to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract and nourishes, replenishes and rejuvenates the tissues.
  • The digestive strength is intricately related to the immune response so clearing out as well as firing up the digestive capacity can be tremendously helpful.

How to use:

  • Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Cool it and drink.

What Foods to Eat and Avoid?

  • Eliminate dairy products as it increases Kapha dosha in the body. Cheese, creams, yogurt etc. should be avoided.
  • Include spices in the diet as they burn Ama in the diet. Spices such as: cumin, black pepper, coriander, turmeric in the diet.
  • Eat fresh and well cooked food.
  • Foods prepared from the refined flour such as: bread, cakes, pastries, biscuits and fast food should be avoided.
  • Avoid fruits such as bananas.
  • Avoid cold beverages such as: cold drinks.
  • Chew a piece of ginger or garlic.
  • Get fresh air and sufficient rest.
  • Include herbs such as: Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mulethi (licorice powder), and Indian gooseberry fruit powder in the diet.

Questions:

  1. What is the cause of seasonal allergies according to Ayurveda?
  2. Can seasonal allergies be managed at home?
  3. Why turmeric is used as a natural remedy for curing seasonal allergies?
  4. Why dairy products should be avoided while suffering from seasonal allergies?

Health & Wellness