Psoriasis: Causative Factors and its Management in Ayurveda

Introduction

Ayurveda is the ‘science of life’,it is an Indian system of medicine practiced since 5000 years. It describes over 100s of herbs and 10,00s of formulations for various ailments. Ayurvedic Formulations have great importance in Ayurvedic medicine. Generally, Ayurvedic formulations are multicomponent mixture of botanicals. The activity of the herbal medicine depends on the overall function of a variety of active components, as all the constituents provide synergistic action and thus enhance the therapeutic value. Each active constituent plays an important role and they are all related to each other.

                    According to Ayurvedic review, skin disorders are described in so many chapters as like ‘Kustha’, ‘Visarpa’, Vatrakta,’ etc. Here, a descriptions of psoriasis is mainly in the chapter of kustha. There are two types of kustha according to Charaka

1.      Mahakustha

2.     Kshudrakustha

Causative Factor

In the kustha chapter, charaka has mentioned so many caustitive factors for this disease. A few are mentioned below

1.     Food poisoning due to incompatible diet

2.     Psychosomatic disorder

3.     Depression

4.     Excessive intake of hot, pungent, sour and salty food substances

5.     Excessive exercises

6.     Alcoholism

7.     Hereditary

Prevention

Psoriases is a psychosomatic disorder similer to a peptic or duodenal ulcer. For this condition we have to reduce depression anxiety of the patients by using Shamaka ghrita as a snehana, particularly Panchagavya ghrita or pancha tikta ghrta guggulu.

Pranayama is useful for reducing depression and anxiety.

 Abhyangam (body massage) with medicated oils is useful for combating irritable symptoms  such as itching and scaling. Abhyangam helps in slowing down the scaling process and making skin normal.

 Svedana (steam with medicated decoctions) is also beneficial for psoriasis. Svedana opens all romakupas (skin pores) and helps the penetration of medicine for reducing scaling.

Management

The resistant nature of psoriasis along with its distressing symptoms, require a regular and dedicated treatment involving  both aspects of antah-parimarjana and Bahir-parimarjana.

1.     Shodhan (Panchakarma therapy/purification) particularly Virechana is useful.

2.     Shamana chikitsa is also important after completing Shodhana therapies. Nimba (margosa), Bakuchi (psoralis corylifolia, Harida (turmeric), Daruharidra(berberis aristata), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Sariva(Hemidesmus indicus),Khadira(Acacia catechu), Karanja(pongamia pinnata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are a few medicinal plants that are described for psoriasis. They can be used according to the prakruti of the patient and the disease.

3.     Oils and ointments for external applications like manjishthadi thailam, Jatyadi thailam, Bakuchi thailam, shata dhauta ghruthum may be applied. 

www.mansaayurveda.com

Malabsorption Syndrome by Mansa Ayurveda

Malabsorption Syndrome

Definition – A state in which absorption of one or more substance by the small intestine is reduced. It commonly effects fat, vitamins, electrolytes, iron and amino acids.

Small intestine – consists of three part

i) Duodenum, ii) Jejunum, iii) ileum

Duodenum receives pancreatic enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver and gall bladder which are important in aiding digestion and absorption. Peristalsis also aids digestion and absorption by churning up food and mixing it with intestinal secretions. Small projections (villi) and smaller projection (microvillus) increase the surface area of the duodenal lining, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients. Jejunum and ileum are largely responsible for absorption of fats and other nutrients.

Causes -

A) Disorders of Intraluminal digestion-

i) deficiency of pancreatic lipase

ii) deficiency of bile acids

iii) If a large number of bacteria present, some of them may deconjugate bile acid.

B) Disturbance of gastric function- after gastric surgery.

C) Disorders of transport in the mucosal cell.

i) celiac disease

ii) tropical sprue

iii) giardiasis

iv) crohn’s disease

D) Disorders of transport from the mucosal cells rarely it happens – due to blockage of lymphatic system

Symptoms - Symptoms of malabsorption are diverse in nature and variable in severity. A few patients have apparently normal bowel habit but diarrhea is usual and may be watery and voluminous. Bulky, pale, offensive stools which float in the toilet. Abdominal distension broborygmi, cramps, weight loss and undigested food the stool may be present. Some patients complain only of malaise and lethargy.

Diagnosis and investigations-

1) Investigate small intestine

2) Investigate Pancreas

3) Investigate bile salt malabsorption

Modern treatment - According to the cause.

for more info please visit- www.mansaayurveda.com

Home remedies for Dark circles/Under eye shadows -Mansa Ayurveda

Dark circles/Under eye shadows

Dark circles are common and 

almost  everyone  has  these bluish  grey  shadows  under their  eyes  at  some  point.They are a sign of fatigue due to lack of sleep, or stress, or illness. At times they are inherited and these don’t clear up, but you can definitely lighten them.

The skin becomes thin with age and veins more prominent appear like dark circles. At times of illness, nutrient deficiency or usage of drugs could also cause dark circles.

There are simple remedies which can help, try them and use what suits you best.

 Take ½ teaspoon of gram flour and add a pinch of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of tomato juice. Mix to form a paste and apply carefully, leave for 20 minutes. Wipe with a cotton ball soaked in water and pat dry.

 Grate ½ a cup of cucumber and extract juice. Soak cotton wool pads in this and place on eyelids. Relax for 20 minutes.

 Grate a cup of raw potato and extract the juice, dip cotton pads and place on eyes for 20 minutes.

 Soak 2-3 almonds overnight, grind into a smooth paste, apply this paste on the under eye areas and leave for 30 minutes. Wash gently. Do this regularly for 3 months.


 Massage the area with almond oil; do this twice a day for at least 3 weeks. You can also use Vitamin E oil.

 Make a paste with fresh mint leaves, apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash.

 Drink plenty of water and sleep for 7 – 8 hours.

 Drink a glass of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

 Using a remedy once or twice will not help; continue for 15 – 20 days for appreciable difference.

For more info kindly visit- www.mansaayurveda.com

Home Remedies For Treating Liver Disease by Mansa Ayurveda

Mansa Ayurveda

Home Remedies For Treating Liver Disease

 Liver Disease

Any disturbances in liver function that can lead to an illness of a person is known as liver disease. The liver is the organ responsible for a number of critical functions in the body. When they get injured or diseased it will affect the proper functioning of the body. Liver disease is otherwise known as hepatic disease. The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of sugar, fat and iron. It produces bile which helps in fat digestion. It is also involved in protein production and the production of blood clotting factors. Symptoms of liver diseases include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, yellow discoloration of the skin known as Jaundice etc. It requires more than 75% of the liver tissues to be damaged to affect the function of the liver. The liver can easily regenerate the damaged cells but if more and 75% of the cells are lost, it may not be able to meet the needs of the body. Some liver problems can be treated with home remedies. Some may require medication and liver failure may require liver transplant.

Home Remedies To Treat Liver Disease

1. Milk Thistle

This herb is effective for a wide variety of liver diseases. There are evidences suggesting that this remedy is beneficial for viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, the toxicity caused by chemicals, mushrooms etc.

·        Take 900 milligrams of this remedy twice a day at mealtimes.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

This remedy helps to detoxify the liver. If taken before meals, it will help in metabolizing fat easily

·        Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water

·        Add one teaspoon of honey to this mix

·        Drink this mixture three times a day to cleanse the liver.

3. Dandelion Root Tea

This remedy helps to promote healthy liver function Make tea using the dandelion root powder available in a food store Take this remedy at least twice daily to get benefited by it. You can also boil a small amount of roots in a glass of water and drink this.

4. Amla Or Indian Gooseberry

This is one of the richest sources of vitamin C and it helps to keep the liver function at optimal level. Studies have proved that amla has liver-protective functions.

·        You can eat 4-5 raw amlas a day

·        Instead you can use them in salads or grate them and eat with curd and salt.

5. Licorice

This is an excellent remedy for non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions. This remedy is used in Ayurvedic preparations to cure liver ailments.

·        Powder the licorice root

·        Make a tea by pouring boiling water into the powder

·        Keep it for a few minutes and strain the liquid

·        Consume this tea once or twice a day.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric has antiseptic properties and also acts as an antioxidant. They can improve the liver health considerably. The antiviral action of turmeric prevents the multiplication of viruses causing hepatitis B and C

·        Include turmeric in your cooking

·        You can mix ½ tsp turmeric with milk and drink it every day

·        You can take half teaspoon turmeric mixed with 1 teaspoonful of honey everyday.

7. Flax Seeds

The liver removes the hormones which are circulating in the blood. This causes strain for the liver. The phytoconstituents in flax seeds prevents the hormones from circulating in the blood and reduces the strain on the liver.

·        Use whole or crushed flax seeds on your toast or salads.

·        You can also use them along with your cereals.

8. Papaya Fruit

Papaya fruit is an effective remedy for liver cirrhosis. This is one of the safest natural remedy for liver disease.

·        Add half teaspoon of lemon juice to two teaspoons of papaya juice and consume it every day

·        Take this mixture for three-four weeks to completely cure the problem.

9. Spinach And Carrot Juice

This home remedy is also effective for liver cirrhosis

·        Mix half glass of spinach juice and half glass of carrot juice

·        Drink this natural juice every day for at least for three hours

10. Avoid Alcohol

·        If you want to keep your liver healthy avoid taking alcohol. Alcohol puts strain on the liver.

11. Avocados And Walnuts

If you want to protect your liver from diseases include avocados and walnuts in your diet.

·        The glutathione present in avocados and walnut cleanses the toxins deposited in the liver

12. Apples And Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables stimulate the flow of bile and pectin present in the apple remove toxins from the digestive tract. This will help to protect the liver.

13. Drink Fluoride Free Water

Drink plenty of fluoride free water. Water helps to cleanse your system.

·        Drink 10-12 glass of water daily to keep your liver healthy and free from toxins.

14. Exercise

Regular exercise stimulates the proper digestion of food and the elimination of fat from the body. Exercise increases sweating which helps to remove the toxins through the skin. This relieves the strain on the liver.

·        At least 40 minutes of exercise for 5 days of the week is necessary to get the benefits.

15. Green Tea

This is an excellent remedy for liver problems. Green tea contains high amount of catechins which supports the liver functions.

·        Drink 3-4 cups of green tea every day to get relief from liver disease and to protect your liver.

Apart from these remedies, avoid the use of cigarettes and the excess use of iron supplements, if you want to protect your liver from diseases.

Are you suffering from any kind of liver diseases? Are you looking for the home remedies to clear the toxins from the liver which are affecting the functioning of this organ? If you feel that your liver diseases is not a severe problem which requires immediate medical attention, you can opt for any of the above given home remedies. Not all home remedies work similarly for everyone, so by trial and error find out which one is effective for you.

 For more info please visit- www.mansaayurveda.com