Tag: ayurvedic herbs

Osteoarthritis & Joint Pain? Try These Powerful Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Bone and joint health is essential for the well-being of the bones and joints in your body. Bones provide structure and support, while joints allow movement. Keeping them healthy is important for staying active and pain-free as you age. This involves staying active, eating nutritious foods, and protecting your body from injuries to maintain strong bones and flexible joints. If bone and joint health are not properly maintained, it can lead to various problems, including Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Over time, if joints are not cared for, they can undergo changes that result in arthritis. With age, the risk of arthritis also increases and if there are underlying comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, the risk gets higher.

Osteoarthritis, Joint pain, Inflammation, Cartilage degeneration, Bone health, Vata dosha, Ayurvedic herbs, Arthritis relief, Joint stiffness, Herbal remedies, Anti-inflammatory, Pain management, Calcium absorption, Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis, Causes of Osteoarthritis, Symptoms of Osteoarthritis, Herbal Remedies For Osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. Most commonly it affects large joints in your body like, knees, hips and spine. In this, degenerative changes occur in joints and also synovial fluid is depleted. The joints are designed to bear the weight of the body and provide mobility. A joint consists of bones, cartilages, tendons, ligaments, synovial fluid, synovial membrane, bursae, and meniscus. Due to degeneration, the cartilage in joints breaks down, the synovial membrane gets inflamed and the synovial fluid gets depleted causing bones to rub together which causes friction in the joints. This leads to development of various symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, etc. Sometimes both knees are involved and sometimes only one is involved.

CAUSES/TRIGGERS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

  1. Wear and Tear (Osteoarthritis): When bones and joints are not kept strong through physical activity and a balanced diet, the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints can wear away. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  2. Injury and Stress: Not maintaining bone strength and joint flexibility can make your body more vulnerable to injuries. Repeated injuries or stress on a joint can lead to the development of arthritis over time.
  3. Being Overweight: Extra weight puts stress on joints like the knees and hips, which can lead to osteoarthritis. BMI of over 30 keeps you at a greater risk.
  4. Repetitive Stress: Repetitive movements or stress on a joint from work or sports can lead to osteoarthritis.
  5. Lack of Nutrients: Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for bones.
  6. Aging: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
  7. Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase the risk of developing it. Few genetic conditions like hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also predispose this.
  8. Joint Deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
  9. Joint Injuries: Injuries to the joints, such as fractures, strains, or cartilage damage, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
  10. Metabolic Diseases: Some metabolic diseases, like diabetes, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
  11. Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after age 55.

SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

  • Joint tenderness
  • Weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)
  • Joints appearing slightly larger
  • Limited range of movement in your joints
  • A grating or crackling sound (crepitus) or sensation in your joints
  • Increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while

SIGNS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

  • Bony enlargement, crepitus, and decreased range of motion
  • Tenderness on palpation at the joint line
  • Pain on joint motion
  • Commonly weight-bearing joints are involved, i.e., knees and hips
  • Sometimes hands are involved, particularly the proximal & distal interphalangeal joints
  • Base of the thumb (first metacarpal joint) is sometimes involved in OA and can even become swollen and be mistaken for wrist involvement

DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

  • X-Ray findings: include osteophyte formation, joint space narrowing, and cysts.
  • MRI: helps to find out changes in cartilage, periarticular structures, and edema in subchondral bone.

TREATMENT/LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS

  • NSAIDs for pain control
  • Steroid injections
  • Use of ortho-friendly footwear
  • Exercises for maintaining joint mobility
  • Weight management
  • Surgery: partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or joint knee replacement
  • Cartilage grafting can be done with the help of healthy cartilage harvested from the body of the patient only

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Acharya Charaka (Father of Medicine in Ayurveda) has explained about Osteoarthritis which can be correlated to Sandhivata which is explained under Vata-vyadhi Adhaya (diseases due to vitiated Vata dosha) in Chikitsa Sthana. The term Sandhivata is derived from “Sandhi” and “Vata” which means when Vata dosha lodges in Sandhi i.e.,joints causing swelling, pain, restriction of joint movements and other symptoms. Sandhivata commonly affects weight-bearing joints of the body like, knee joint, hip joint.

वातपूर्णदृतिस्पर्शः शोथः सन्धिगतेऽनिले |
प्रसारणाकुञ्चनयोः प्रवृत्तिश्च सवेदना ||

Ancient Reference – [Ch. Chi. 28/37]

In the above Shloka, Acharya Charaka has explained about the symptoms of Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis) stating, when vitiated Vata dosha gets accumulated in joints, it leads to a painful feeling of presence of air within joints i.e., crepitus, swelling, along with painful flexion & extension of joints.

In osteoarthritis as there is asthi dhatu kshaya which results in aggravated vata dosha and thus results in pain and crepitus in the joint.

बाह्याभ्यन्तरतः स्नेहैरस्थिमज्जगतं जयेत् ||

Ancient Reference – [Ch. Chi. 28/93]

Both Bahya (external) and Abhyantar (internal) Snehan are of utmost importance in the treatment of Sandhigata Vata. Bahya Snehan in the form of Janu Basti (Knee basti i.e., a small pool is prepared around knee with black gram flour in which hot medicated oils are poured), Abhyanga (hot oil massage), Dhara (stream of hot medicated oil is poured on knee) can be done.For Abhyantar Snehan, Snehapana with various medicated Ghrita can be done in accordance with the aggravated doshas and the presenting symptoms.

Abhyantara (internal) snehana is helpful in replenishing “meda dhatu” and then subsequently “asthi dhatu” and “majja dhatu” get replenished. Use of “Mahatikta ghrita” is indicated for internal snehan. Use of Janu Basti (Knee basti i.e., a small pool is prepared around the knee with black gram flour in which hot medicated oils are poured) with medicated oils like Ksheerbala tailam is also indicated in osteoarthritis for pain relieving.

Also, the use of “Pinda Swedana” is indicated in painful joints. In this the medicinal paste is prepared with the help of Eranda (Ricinus communis) patra (castor leaves), Nirgundi leaves along with medicated oil or ghee. The paste is heated and then applied to painful joints.

AYURVEDIC HERBS BENEFICIAL IN OSTEOARTHRITIS

1. GUGGUL/COMMIPHORA MUKUL

Acharya Charaka has said guggul to be “medo-anilaharm” i.e., it balances vata dosha and is also helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, thus helpful in obesity. It is also tridosha shamak i.e., balances all the three doshas. Madhur (sweet) rasa balances Vata Dosha, Kashaya (astringent) rasa balances Pitta Dosha and Tikt (bitter) rasa balances Kapha Dosha. It also has “vran-ropan” (wound healing) properties, thus it helps in relieving joint inflammation.

2. NIRGUNDI/VITEX NEGUNDO

It consists of various alkaloids like phenol, vitricine, dulcitol etc. It is a potent Vata and Kapha dosha shamak as it is Laghu (lightness), Rooksha (dry) qualities and Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter). It is also “Rujapaha” i.e., it relieves pain and thus is useful in arthritic pain.

3. SHALLAKI/BOSWELLIA SERRATA

Its essential oil is called “frankenstein oil”. Shallaki is rich in Glucosamines. These are amino-acids that have anti-inflammatory action that help in relieving joint pain and increase joint mobility and flexibility. It balances Kapha and Pitta dosha as it has laghu (light), Rooksha (dry) properties. Externally Upanaha swedana (application of hot paste) with shallaki is recommended to use in joint pains.

4. ASTHI-SHRINKHALA/CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS

An ancient ayurvedic saying states “यत्र आकृति तत्र गुणा वसन्ति” meaning when something is similar to any body organ or structure, its functioning will be beneficial for that particular body organ. So in this case, Asthi-shrinkhala has a similar appearance to structure of bone and joints, & it is indeed very efficient for strengthening of bones and joints. It is also called “had-jod”. It balances Vata dosha as it is of Madhur (sweet) rasa and Kapha dosha as it has Laghu (light), Rooksha (dry) qualities and Ushna veerya (hot potency).The extract from this plant is rich in calcium ions. Had-jod is also “Bhagna Sandhankara” (helpful in healing broken joints or bones) and “Balya” (helpful in strengthening bones).

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of OSTEOARTHRITIS. With the use of above-mentioned herbs, planet Ayurveda has compiled the “Osteoarthritis Care Pack”. This pack includes Bone Support, Joint Aid Plus, Coral Calcium Complex and Lakshadi Guggul. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100% natural, vegetarian, additive free, chemical & preservative free and without any side effects. With ayurvedic intervention, Osteoarthritis can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

Osteoarthritis, Joint pain, Inflammation, Cartilage degeneration, Bone health, Vata dosha, Ayurvedic herbs, Arthritis relief, Joint stiffness, Herbal remedies, Anti-inflammatory, Pain management, Calcium absorption, Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis, Causes of Osteoarthritis, Symptoms of Osteoarthritis, Herbal Remedies For Osteoarthritis

1. BONE SUPPORT

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of herbs like Shudha Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Sehjan (Moringa oleifera), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Mukta (Compound of Pearl Calcium) and Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum). These are helpful in increasing calcium absorption as well as increasing bone density. In addition, the formulation helps in strengthening the cartilages as well and improves joint mobility. Hadjod in it enhances bone density, and Arjuna helps in better circulation. Also Praval Pishti and Mukta increase the natural calcium levels in the body.

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

2. JOINT AID PLUS

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract from the herbs like, Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), and Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). These herbs are helpful in reducing inflammation and strengthening of joint and bones. Guggul and Shallaki are helpful in reducing characteristic pricking pain which is increased on movement by pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha. Moreover, the presence of Shunthi in it aids digestion and Ashwagandha provides strength to the muscles and ligaments. This formulation has given effective results in almost all types of joint related conditions.

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

3. CORAL CALCIUM COMPLEX

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract from the herbs like, Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), and Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera).These herbs are helpful in reducing inflammation and strengthening of joint and bones. Guggul and Shallaki are helpful in reducing characteristic pricking pain which is increased on movement by pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha. Moreover, the presence of Shunthi in it aids digestion and Ashwagandha provides strength to the muscles and ligaments. This formulation has given effective results in almost all types of joint related conditions.

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

4. LAKSHADI GUGGUL

Lakshadi Guggul is a classical preparation that is available in the form of capsules. It is prepared with the standardized extract of Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Asthisambharaka (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Nagabala (Grewia populifolia) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). The Guggul and Ashwagandha are helpful in balancing the vitiated Vata dosha thus relieving pain. The Arjuna enhances the blood circulation. As it is also a rich source of calcium, it accelerates the healing process in the joints. Asthi shrinkhala is used to soothe the ligaments and for increasing the bone density.

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

CONCLUSION

To prevent arthritic changes, it’s important to maintain good bone health through regular physical activity, a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excess strain or injury to your joints. Timely intervention can help slow down the progression of the disease and increase the chances of achieving positive results. The treatment protocol depends on the involvement of doshas. Selection of drugs for treatment of Sandhivata on the basis of its Kriyalakala (stage of disease manifestation in the body) can provide accurate results. Early diagnosis of Sandhivata such as through symptoms or screenings, can lead to better treatment and a higher chance of successful recovery.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

A healthy human body consists of two kidneys that filter your blood. Each of our kidneys consists of millions of nephrons which removes toxins and excessive fluid from the blood. The most common wastes are ammonia, urea (nitrogen waste), creatinine (muscle waste), excessive amounts of salts etc. which are then excreted out in urine. A nephron consists of glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule (here blood gets filtered) and tubules (where extra water and ions are reabsorbed by body if required). A healthy kidney filters about 1100-1200 ml/min of blood to generate about 125ml/min of filtrate in Bowman’s capsule. When the renal filtration rate falls and the kidneys are unable to filter out the metabolic waste from the body the chronic kidney disease develops. Let’s discuss!!

Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease, Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease, Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Ayurvedic Herbs, Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD Ayurvedic Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function efficiently. This damage happens slowly, often over many years, and it can lead to serious life-threatening complications if left untreated. Early stages may have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, people experience fatigue, Pedal edema, High blood pressure, and trouble in urination. Major risk factors are diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity and Certain infections. If left untreated, CKD can eventually lead to kidney failure, where dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed. Regular check-ups can help detect CKD early and slow its progress.

CAUSES

Major two causes of CKD are:

  1. Diabetes Mellitus: Patients with prolonged history of diabetes often land in CKD as a result of poorly managed blood sugar levels. The first sign of diabetes affecting kidneys is protein in urine. The healthy kidneys will not filter out albumin as it is essential for the body. But when renal damage begins, the patient loses protein through urine. As a result, patients will lose weight.
  2. Hypertension: In patients with prolonged history of increased hypertension, it can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, making it difficult for them to remove toxins and extra fluid from your body. This extra fluid can raise your blood pressure even more, causing a hopeless cycle. Taking care of your blood pressure can help protect your kidneys and break this cycle.

Other causes include:

  • Certain infections like untreated & long-lasting UTIs, sepsis
  • Congenital conditions like hydronephrosis, renal and urinary tract abnormalities
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Drug toxicity
  • Heavy metal poisoning like lead poisoning
  • Glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: this disease affects whole body but when it affects kidneys it is called lupus nephritis
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
  • Renal stones

SYMPTOMS

CKD doesn’t produce any early symptoms, but if they are present, they may include:

  • Foamy urine
  • Urinating (peeing) more often or less often than usual
  • Itchy / dry skin
  • Feeling tired
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss without trying to lose weight (due to proteinuria)

Advanced CKD symptoms are seen as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Pedal edema or edema in legs, arms, ankles
  • Puffy eyes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anemia
  • Muscle cramps
  • Ammonia breath (urine-like or “fishy” breath)
  • Skin darkening
  • Numbness
  • Ascites

STAGES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

  • Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR (> 90 mL/min)
  • Stage 2: Mild reduction in GFR (60-89 mL/min)
  • Stage 3a: Moderate reduction in GFR (45-59 mL/min)
  • Stage 3b: Moderate reduction in GFR (30-44 mL/min)
  • Stage 4: Severe reduction in GFR (15-29 mL/min)
  • Stage 5: This is diagnosed as End-stage kidney disease (GFR < 15 mL/min).

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Blood Tests: KFT is a key diagnostic test in CKD to determine the creatinine levels in the body. On the basis of creatinine levels along with your age, size, gender; your eGFR levels are calculated. For males, the creatinine levels should be 0.7 mg/dL to 1.3 mg/dL and for females, it should be 0.6 mg/dL to 1.1 mg/dL.
  2. A/G Ratio Test: The albumin & globulin are two essential proteins in the body. Their higher ratio indicates protein loss through urine and progression of CKD.
  3. ABG Analysis: for monitoring blood electrolyte levels.
  4. Urine Analysis: Physical examination of urine is done to check for pus cells.
  5. IMAGING examinations: USG, CT SCAN can be done to study the damage done to renal parenchyma.

TREATMENT

Since it is a progressive disease, only symptomatic treatment can be given to manage it.

  1. Oral glycemic drugs or insulin therapy can be given to regulate blood sugar levels.
  2. Antihypertensives which are renal safe can be given for BP regulation.
  3. Sodium bicarbonate to deal with acidosis.
  4. Once creatinine levels are >3 mg/dL, dialysis is advised. The frequency of dialysis will depend on the health of kidneys.
  5. After a certain time, when dialysis cannot be carried forward and kidneys are failing, then renal transplant is the only option.

To not land in this situation, timely intervention and disease management is essential to stop the ongoing renal damage. With the help of Ayurveda and timely intervention, the damage done to the kidneys can be stopped. Mind it, the damage once done to the kidneys is not at all reversible but its progression can be stopped. With the help of Ayurveda, the frequency of dialysis in many patients can be decreased and the progression towards renal failure can be stopped.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In Ayurveda, we can correlate CKD with “Mutrakricha” i.e., retention of urine. Acharya Charaka (Ancient Vaidya of medicine) has explained about 8 types of mutra-kricha.

Among the many nidanas (causes); ativyayama (overexertion), teekshna aushad (strong medications), rooksha Madhya (drying variety of alcohol like gin, vodka), Anupa matsya (Kapha dominated non-veg food), Adhyashana (consuming food before the digestion of previous meal), Ajeerna (Indigestion).

This disease manifests due to the above-mentioned nidanas (causes) causing the production of Ama (toxin buildup in the stomach) in the body which leads to “stroto-avrodh” (obstruction) which causes Vata dosha to get vitiated. If this vitiated vata causes kha-vaigunyata in the basti (urinary bladder) it may result in acute or chronic kidney disease.

Acharya Charaka has mentioned that foamy urine and edema is due to vitiated kapha dosha. Since the imbalance of doshas is causing kha-vaigunyata of the basti marma, uttarbasti (oil-based enema given through the ureter) can be given to achieve the equilibrium in basti marma.

AYURVEDIC HERBS BENEFICIAL IN CKD

  • Varuna: The extract from the bark of the varuna which is enriched with alkaloids like rutin, quercetin and varunol is known for its diuretic and lithotriptic properties. Varun chhal (bark) is used for lowering creatinine levels. It does this by increasing your urine output, which helps in lowering the creatinine levels. Varuna helps in balancing vitiated kapha and vata doshas due to its Ushna veerya (hot potency), tikta rasa (bitter) and kashaya rasa (astringent properties).
  • Punarnava: It is a potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory with Tikta rasa (bitter), kashaya rasa (astringent). The whole plant is used from its roots to the flower, but the extracts from roots are most potent. The leaves from punarnava are consumed as a vegetable to reduce edema. Its anti-diuretic effect helps in decreasing water retention in the body and retaining the electrolyte balance. It is an excellent blood purifier and also helpful in increasing Hb count.
  • Gokshura Gokshura is a potent mutual (diuretic) herb. It is tridosha shamak (balances all three doshas) but since it is rich in madhur rasa (sweet) and is of sheet veerya (cool potency) it works on vitiated pitta dosha. Also known as trikantaka, this herb is pramehhara i.e. it is helpful in reducing blood sugar levels. Thus, helpful in chronic kidney disease.
  • Palash: This plant is commonly known as flame tree. It is helpful in reducing inflammation and eliminating toxins, thus improving kidney function. As a result, it is useful in treating chronic kidney failure and uremia. It is both kapha and pitta dosha shamak as the bark of the plant is of Ushna veerya (hot potency) and root is sheet in veerya (cool potency). The flowers of Palaash improve kidney function, reduce inflammation & improves the elimination of toxins. It also assists in the drainage of excess uric acid from the blood.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of above-mentioned ayurvedic herbs for the management of chronic kidney disease. With the use of above-mentioned herbs, Planet Ayurveda has compiled the “Revive Kidneys Pack”. This pack includes Mutrakrichantak churna, Rencure formula, Varunadi vati, Punaranava Mandur, and Chandanadi vati. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100% natural, vegetarian, additive-free, chemical & preservative-free, and without any side effects.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease, Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease, Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Ayurvedic Herbs, Herbal Remedies for Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD Ayurvedic Treatment

1. MUTRAKRICHANTAK CHURNA

This churna is prepared using standardized extract from varuna (Crataeva nurvala), bhumi-amlaki (Phyllanthus niruri), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It can balance out all the tridoshas. Since these herbs have a mutual (diuretic) effect, it helps in lowering the raised creatinine levels and thus improves glomerular filtration of blood in kidneys. It has also proven to reduce burning moisture.

Dosage: Since it is available in churna form, 1 teaspoonful with water is recommended for the best results. Boil 1 teaspoonful in 400ml water until it remains 50-60ml. Filter the preparation with a regular tea strainer and drink. You should use this twice a day, 45 min. after breakfast and 45 min. after dinner. Prepare fresh every time.

2. RENCURE FORMULA

It is available in capsule form. It contains ayurvedic herbs such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crateava nurvula), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Palaash (Butea monosperma), and Kasni (Cichorium intybus). The aqueous extract of Kaasni is efficient in lowering serum creatinine and serum urea levels. The diuretic properties help to remove the toxins from the body.

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

3. VARUNADI VATI

Varunadi vati is available in tablet form which is prepared using the standardized extract from varuna (Crataeva nurvala), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). The extract quercetin from varuna and punarnava helps in repairing the renal damage caused by heavy metal toxicities. It is also helpful in decreasing water retention, thus reducing edema.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

4. PUNARNAVA MANDUR

It is a classical medicine available in capsule form, prepared from the standardized extract of punarnava and loh bhasma (Iron ash) after following proper purification methods. It is helpful in correcting iron deficiency anemia, blood purification, etc. It reduces water retention in the body due to its Shothahara (Anti Inflammatory) properties, thus also indicated to use in ascites. Since the CKD patients suffer from low levels of Hb in advanced conditions, it is recommended for them.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. CHANDANADI VATI

Chandanadi vati is available in tablet form and is prepared using standardized extract of Chandan (Santalum album), elaychi (Ellectaria cardamom), kabab-chini (Piper cubeba), amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), and similar herbs. It is helpful in removing excessive kapha dosha, aama (toxins) from the body. Amlaki in it helps in balancing tridoshas as it cleanses the bladder and relieves the burning sensation. Chandan balances excess heat due to its sheet veerya (cool potency). Ela reduces inflammation and kabab-chini is known for its anti-microbial properties.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Chronic Kidney Disease is a slow progressive disease characterized by gradual loss of kidney function. Early detection and proper management are crucial in slowing the progression and reducing complications. Key factors contributing to CKD include hypertension, diabetes, and genetic predispositions, among others but effective management involves controlling underlying health conditions, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and medical interventions such as medications or dialysis. The modern biomedicine gives minimal importance to the factors of causation and is more oriented in treating the presenting features or as you say symptoms. The etiology at times may have a decisive role in the management of CKD especially in cases where the patient is treated from one side but continues with etiological factors as said in Ayurveda “nidansevan”. Therefore, to manage the CKD “Nidan-parivarjan” is essential which means cessation of etiological factors. It is essential to address the disease early to prevent further complications, such as kidney failure. Regular monitoring, patient education, and a collaborative approach between healthcare providers and patients are fundamental in managing CKD effectively.