Dr Gowthaman, Founder and Medical Director, rVita Ayurveda and Yoga Centers and www.rvita.com, answers readers’ questions on Ayurveda.
Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Tuesday.
My mother is suffering from sleeplessness stress and anxiety. She is being treated for this with ayurvedic medicines. She has been prescribed following medicines
A.B rasa
Dadimastaka choorna
Panchamrita PRT
Pravala bhasma DDP
Sarpaganda churna
Shankapushpi churna
Gokshura churna
But the problem is she is facing dysentery, shivering and weakness. Please recommend the remedy for this.
Hi, All these above medicines are good for dysentery and diarrhoea related problems. She is suffering for mal absorption syndrome; please stop all the medications except the Dadimashtaka choornam. This powder please give 3 gm mixed with warm water or Diluted buttermilk, thrice daily 30 minutes after food.
With this please add Indukantham Kahsyam tablets 1-1-1 + Dhanvanthram gutika 1-1-1 + Mucosa 1-1-1 before food with warm water, Manasamitram gutika 1 at bed times with warm water followed by warm milk improves the condition swiftly.
Diet plays an important role in complete healing. Cut down chilli, spicy and oily foods and drinks, very importantly warm water processed Jeera seeds heals the system swiftly.
1 cup of fresh curd + 6 cup water + 5 gms curry leaves + 2 gm fresh ginger + 5 gm of fresh coriander leaves – All mixed, grinded in the mixer for 2 minutes. Filter and give this medicated buttermilk 300 ml everyday as a diet for 90 days. This improves the digestion and metabolism in turn helps the Fatigue and stress goes away physiologically.
Doctor, I am 34 years old, with wheatish skin and I used to swim regularly in open pool till 1 month ago. I have been detected with vitamin D and iron deficiency. My constitution is pitta. Please advise.
Regards, Deepti
Hi Deepti, Vitamin D deficiency has become very common and it causes problems from simple hair fall to Diabetes. Fish oil is one of the richest sources of natural Vitamin D. Take 2 tablets, twice daily after food with warm water. Now days natural Vitamin D shots and supplements available openly. If you are not comfortable with fish oil, you can consult the physician for direct shots or powders once a week for 3-9 months based on the Vitamin Deficiency.
Again Iron plays a vital role in women health, starts from beauty to pregnancy. Drum stick leaves are richest sources of natural iron. Add Drum stick leaves soups at least once a week. Dates are the second richest. Curry leaves, coriander leaves etc helps improving iron metabolism in the body.
If you are looking for direct medicine, Ayurveda’s unique formulation – Loha Asavam – 10 ml thrice daily mixed with 100 ml of warm water improves the condition in 90 days.
Hi, I am Arvind Yadav living in Mumbai. I am suffering from hair loss since 2 years and white hair from 7-8 Years ,I rarely eat junk food and alcohol. i m pure veterinarian but i take egg once in 1-2 month, please suggest me home remedy so that i can prevent hair loss and take care of white hair.
Hi Arvind, Before I comment anything on the treatment part, I would recommend you to check your Vitamin D, Thyroid and testosterone levels. In my research recent days, deficiency of the above three clearly causes pre mature greying and the treatment is effective only when these deficiencies are corrected. Please do the above three tests and send me the results, accordingly I will advise the healing plan.
Sir, I am Aswathy. I had been burnt due to boiled water at the age of 3.. Everything was cured but white patches remain on my hand…can you please suggest any remedies ?
Hi Aswathy, Maha Thiktakam or Thiktakam Gritam – external application followed by warm water bath after 15 – 30 minutes improves the condition. Please continue this for 6-9 months for better results.
Hi, I visited site today and got a little hope to reduce my diabetes of Type 1. Since last 1 year, I used to take Insulin Injects on daily basis which is very painful. Is there any alternative available which can help to at least convert this painful process into easy way. At least can I shift to medicine or ayurveda treatment? That will also help.
Query 2:
My mother has diabetes of Type 2. She intakes some medicine on daily basis. Due to diabetes she has pains in Knees and Joints. She is unable to walk. Any alternative to reduce pain and diabetes effects. Appreciate your guidance on the same.
Hi, Ayurveda’s approach to Diabetes as follows:
Ayurveda considers Diabetes to be the result of malfunctioning of all the three functional elements, though, the part played by fire element in the occurrence of the disease is more pronounced. Excessive intake of sugar, fat, refined carbohydrates, excessive tension, worry and anxiety play their part in causing this imbalance.
Ayurveda, oldest medical system have its own methodology to diagnose any disease or disorder. Factors like patient’s physical and psychological constitution, sex, age, family history, Stage of illness, complications if any, season etc. are carefully analysed before suggesting any remedy or therapies. This is one of the reasons that the treatments vary from person to person. Pulse, Tongue, Nail and Eye examinations are carried out to understand the functional elements and its imbalances.
a. Pulse diagnosis in Ayurveda is not about counting the beats. It reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the imbalances of the functional elements and the health of the various body organs and disease condition.
b. In tongue diagnosis, the doctor checks the general appearance, color and coating of the tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs of the body, hence it helps determine which organs of the body are out of balance by having a detailed tongue examination.
c. Nail examination is done to check the type, color and shape of the person’s nail. Imbalances of functional elements (doshas), Physical elements (Dhatu) etc are easily detected on close examination.
d. In the eye diagnosis, the color, size and even the shape of the eyes are important in determining the nature of a person. His mental status, nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be learned through eye diagnosis.
Healing the body naturally
Ayurveda Treatment approach is to increase natural healing ability of the body. It may take a few weeks to regenerate the health. After the diagnosis, usually a healing plan with detoxification therapies followed by rejuvenation therapies is carried out. The detoxification therapies are meant to flush out the toxins, which includes pre-purification, purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.
The rejuvenation therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the functional elements back to balance and to regenerate the body. This includes diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and yoga and a stress free life.
Detoxification therapies for Diabetes
Pre purification therapies
Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind. The following pre-purification therapies are usually adopted for curing Diabetic Neuropathy
a. Snehapanam is an important pre purification therapy. It is a type of Oleation therapy and consists of oral intake of medicated ghee in empty stomach for a specified number of days. This unique treatment helps flush out the toxins from the body.
b. Udwarthanam is a type of body massage using herbal powder. This massage activates the nerves and increases blood flow to the impaired parts of the body.
c. Dhanyamla dhara is the continuous pouring of warm fermented medicinal liquid on the body for nearly 40 minutes. The nerves receive a lot of nourishment from this continuous pouring and are very effective for treating all types of diseases affecting nerves.
d. Thalapothichil is the application of herbal paste on the scalp of a patient for a specific period of time. Selected medicinal herbs, thoroughly ground and made in to a fine paste, is thickly applied on to the scalp of the person. The scalp part of the head is then covered up with usually banana leaf to allow the medicine to stay on and function well. This stays on the person’s head for almost 40 to 50 minutes giving wonderful relaxation to the mind.
e. Thakra dhara is the profuse pouring of specially prepared buttermilk on the forehead of the person for one hour. This cools down the brain, relaxes the mind and reduces stress, tension and anxiety.
Purification therapies
This is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification stage. The commonly adopted detoxification treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy are Purgation (Virechana), Emesis (Vamana) and Medicated enema (Vasti)
a. Purgation is the oral intake of safe herbal medicines leading to the elimination of poisonous wastes through the anal route.
b. Emesis is also known as therapeutic vomiting. It is a treatment that eliminates the toxins and waste products through the upper gastro-intestinal track. It expels and cleanses undigested food. It has been found to be highly effective in treating Diabetes.
c. Medicated enema therapy, is the colon cleaning treatment. In this the medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. It is highly recommended in the treatment of Diabetes.
Rejuvenation for Diabetes
These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the detoxification treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body functions and maintain the overall health and wellbeing of an individual for much longer periods after the detox course. Rejuvenation phase of Diabetes consists of oral medicines, diet regulation and yoga.
It is important to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural body rhythms. When we eat, sleep and exercise in constantly fluctuating and disturbing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles and cannot cleanse or heal itself as effectively. Therefore, regularity in our daily routine can be extremely effective in reducing physiological imbalance to avoid chronic disease.
I am too stressed. I try to laugh and stay happy. But deep in heart I have nothing but pain. This has resulted in many troubles like hairs going grey, constipation, dandruff and obesity. I m 33 weighing 73kgs. I have severe pain all over the body all 365 days a year. Any suggestions? – Shakila
Hi Shakila, Symptoms suggestive of Depression stage 1. Probably you have to increase your physical work outs and reduce the carbs. Ayurveda recommends a holistic approach with Ayurveda therapies, Yoga and Diet for depression.
Stress, sedentary lifestyle & pollution degenerate our body’s system, making it disease-prone. The remedy Bio-Purification and revitalization of the body, which is possible only through Ayurveda and Panchakarma therapies.
Rejuvenation therapy helps the body release toxins and impurities. Its effects are Therapeutic and Restorative. At rVita we have ancient Ayurveda Therapies and rejuvenate the mind and body, through oil application and fomentation. Yoga and meditation also helps in rejuvenation.
Benefits of the therapy:
Restores, cleanses and replenishes natural state of health and well-being.
Boots immune system and restores its defense mechanisms.
Promotes Health & Vitality.
Repairs worn-out tissues.
Fights fatigue and delays the aging process.
Results in clear, glowing, soft and beautiful skin plus strong, bouncy and shinning hair.
Abhyangam with Sweda: An oil application relaxation therapy for the body and head. Recommended in the treatment of muscular-skeleton diseases. It alleviates fatigue, reduces pain keeps spasm under check. Sound sleep is also one of its benefits. After oil application, body is fomented with stream. This process helps pacify Vata and reduces pain. It improves blood circulation, induces lightness in the body and puts an end to spasm and stiffness.
Pizhichil: This medicated oil treatment is effective when it comes to relieving stress, strain, Insomnia and depression.
Shirodhara: Keeps tension and stress under check. Improves brain function and memory. Very effective when it comes to treating cervical spondylitis, paralysis and epilepsy.
Netra Tarpan: strengthens the optic nerve. Prevents eye diseases and soothes the eyes. Recommended to those who suffer from computer-related eye strain.
Shiro Abhyanggam: This medicated oil treatment is effective when it comes to relieving stress, strain, Insomnia and depression. Effective in the treatment of dandruff, hair loss and graying. Results in lustrous, bouncy, shiny, thick black and healthy hair.
Pada Lepan: This therapy aids in enhancing the blood circulation in the feet and moisturizing them, reduces fatigue and pain automatically inducing sound sleep. Done regularly this give fresh, light and relaxed feeling that keeps your feet soft and attractive.
Hasta Lepan: A therapy that regains the oil-moisture balance of the hands, making them soft. It also reduces pigmentation, regaining natural color and texture of the hand. Done regularly, it helps to keep wrinkles at bay, prevents stiffness and pain of the joints.
Hi, I have this problem with my chest which my doctor told me is bronchitis but he could be wrong and i am not sure what is wrong with me. It’s been about a year i am coughing up mucus everyday. Can Ayurvedic medicine help me? I don’t have shortness of breath or chest pain, i feel soar throat though. I tried antibiotic it didn’t cure it. The mucus i am coughing up is yellow and white.
Best regards
Jalil
Hi Jalil, The following medications are good for improving histamine functions in the body. Indukantham kashayam tablets 1-1-1 + Dhanvantharam gutika 1-1-1 + Esno 1-1-1 before food with warm water. Take Subra vati 2-2-2 after food with warm water. Please continue these medications for 90 days for better results.
Home relief measures
a. Inhaling the smoke of burning turmeric is one of the best home remedies for Asthma
b. Milk mixed with 1 gm of long pepper, palm sugar, black pepper and Turmeric is effective to improve respiratory tract immunity
c. Betel leaf juice 5 ml with 2 gm of honey is effective for cold, cough, fever and improve appetite and immunity
d. Inhaling hot steam or full body steam bath cleanses the channels in no time and remove the blockages etc
e. Vitamin C and D are very important to protect the respiratory tract, check your diet
f. Pouring too hot water over head / too cold bath to be avoided.
g. Dry cough and whooping Cough – 10 ml warm milk + 2 gm of melted ghee – This combination improves the dryness of the tract and removes weakness. This also helps easy removal of the sputum
h. For wet cough – Equal amounts of black pepper+ Long Pepper + honey each 2 gm helps
i. Black pepper with ghee helps to improve both wet and dry cough.
j. Onion juice mixed with Jaggery is a very good expectorant good for both dry and wet cough
k. Fresh Juice of Coleus aromaticus and fresh basil is good to prevent, heal and rejuvenate the respiratory system
l. Ginger juice mixed with honey is good to improve the congestion, running nose very well
m. Warm milk with a pinch of turmeric powder is good to improve the respiratory tract functions
n. Every day intake of honey mixed with milk is good for respiratory tract
o. Juice of Adathoda vasica is a very good remedy for cough, cold and all kind of respiratory infections.
p. Add orange, pine apple, custard apple, Drum stick and mint to protect and improve immunity
Precautions to avoid respiratory tract infections
a. Avoid house dust, mites etc
b. Avoid exposure to excessive cold weather, moisture etc
c. Pets could cause. Check your allergy status
d. Avoid banana, curs, ladies finger, deep fried, salty, sour, spicy foods and drinks
e. Good to avoid alcohol and smoking
Could you pleas advise treatment for varicose veins. Have a couple of bulging veins on inner calf (left leg) and spider veins on ankel and thighs. Area behind knees and thighs seem heavy and painful. Please advise. Thank you. Regards, Sally & Trevor
Hi Sally, Varicose veins are the specialty of Ayurveda.
Preventing Varicose Veins:
Exercise regularly to keep leg muscles toned and blood circulating
Bring weight under control
Your diet should be low in fat, sugar and salt
Drink plenty of water
Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to elevated blood pressure that can aggravate varicose veins
Wear support stockings
While sitting or resting for long periods of time, elevate your legs
If you have varicose veins, put your feet up a few inches above heart level to let gravity drain pooled blood from legs
Herbs for Varicose Veins
Sudh Guggul
Neem
Kachnara
Nagkesar
Triphla Powder
Arjun
Daruharidra
Ashwagandha
Hi Sir, I have been suffered loose motion with stools with pain 2 to 3 times daily… And I take english medicine for amoebic dyscentry. But after the course again it started after 2 weeks. Can it be cured by ayurvedha? Will it take long time? Sumesh
Hi Sumesh, Please take Indukantham Kahsyam tablets 1-1-1 + Dhanvanthram gutika 1-1-1 + Mucosa 1-1-1 before food with warm water, Manasamitram gutika 1 at bed times with warm water followed by warm milk improves the condition swiftly.
Diet plays an important role in complete healing. Cut down chilli, spicy and oily foods and drinks, very importantly warm water processed Jeera seeds heals the system swiftly.
1 cup of fresh curd + 6 cup water + 5 gms curry leaves + 2 gm fresh ginger + 5 gm of fresh coriander leaves – All mixed, grinded in the mixer for 2 minutes. Filter and give this medicated buttermilk 300 ml everyday as a diet for 90 days. This improves the digestion and metabolism in turn helps the Fatigue and stress goes away physiologically.
I get cold frequently mostly when i take head bath. I am 20 years old. Plz suggest me a remedy for this Mushafiq Uddin
Hi Mushafiq, Ayurveda, the science of medicine treats not the symptom but the cause itself. Ayurveda does not see this condition as confined to respiratory tract alone but to consider this as full body’s functional elements derangement and immune deficiency. Very important factor is that Ayurveda not only heals the disease but also enhances the body’s immune system which in turn helps in the prevention of any disease.
Herbs good for Respiratory Disorders
Following are the common Ayurveda Herbs very effective to prevent and heal the immunity and respiratory system
a. Vasa – Adathoda vasica
b. Thulasi – Ocimum sanctum
c. Pippali – Piper longum
d. Madhu Yashti – Glycyrrhiza glabra
e. Pudina – Mentha Arvensis
f. Tagara – Tylophora indica
g. Rasna – Alpinia galanga
h. Omam – Hyoscyamus niger
i. Shunti – Zingiber officinale
j. Black pepper – Piper nigrum
k. Jatipatri – Myrstica fragrans
l. Talisapatra – Abies webbiana
m. Katntakari – Solanum xanthocarpum / Indicum
Home relief measures
a. Inhaling the smoke of burning turmeric is one of the best home remedies for Asthma
b. Milk mixed with 1 gm of long pepper, palm sugar, black pepper and Turmeric is effective to improve respiratory tract immunity
c. Betel leaf juice 5 ml with 2 gm of honey is effective for cold, cough, fever and improve appetite and immunity
d. Inhaling hot steam or full body steam bath cleanses the channels in no time and remove the blockages etc
e. Vitamin C and D are very important to protect the respiratory tract, check your diet
f. Pouring too hot water over head / too cold bath to be avoided.
g. Dry cough and whooping Cough – 10 ml warm milk + 2 gm of melted ghee – This combination improves the dryness of the tract and removes weakness. This also helps easy removal of the sputum
h. For wet cough – Equal amounts of black pepper+ Long Pepper + honey each 2 gm helps
i. Black pepper with ghee helps to improve both wet and dry cough.
j. Onion juice mixed with Jaggery is a very good expectorant good for both dry and wet cough
k. Fresh Juice of Coleus aromaticus and fresh basil is good to prevent, heal and rejuvenate the respiratory system
l. Ginger juice mixed with honey is good to improve the congestion, running nose very well
m. Warm milk with a pinch of turmeric powder is good to improve the respiratory tract functions
n. Every day intake of honey mixed with milk is good for respiratory tract
o. Juice of Adathoda vasica is a very good remedy for cough, cold and all kind of respiratory infections.
p. Add orange, pine apple, custard apple, Drum stick and mint to protect and improve immunity
Precautions to avoid respiratory tract infections:
a. Avoid house dust, mites etc
b. Avoid exposure to excessive cold weather, moisture etc
c. Pets could cause. Check your allergy status
d. Avoid banana, curs, ladies finger, deep fried, salty, sour, spicy foods and drinks
e. Good to avoid alcohol and smoking
Sir, My age is 25 and i m single. My ultrasound report has shown that i am having pcod.. i am also facing other symptoms such as oligomenorrhea, dandruff , oily skin, acne, hairfall. Etc. I want to know how to cure this problem with ayurved. I dont want to go for allopathoc medicines as i have read that there is no permanent cure in modern medicine for this problem and it also has a lot of aide effects. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, Deepika kaur
Hi Deepika,
PCOD is the specialty of Ayurveda. In PCOS is a condition caused by abnormalities of hypothalamic – pituitary axis and ovarian or adrenal steroidogenic pathway. Ayurveda names this condition as ‘Arthava Dushti’ – means abnormalities in the functions elements of the menstrual cycle. This condition is termed under easily treatable disorders section.
Medicines advised
1. Saptasaram Kashayam Tablets
3 tablets – with warm water 30 minutes before breakfast and Dinner
2. Kalyanaka Kshara (21)
250 mg after food with curd water thrice daily after food
3. Satavari gulam
5 gm at bed time followed by 200 ml of warm milk
Management Done
Food – Green gram, Red rice, wheat, Green, fresh vegetables, Milk etc
Avoid – spicy, salty, fermented foods and drinks, canned foods and drinks, curd
Exercises – 30 minutes’ walk every day with Pranayama and meditation for 10-15 minutes
Dear Dr.Gowthaman, My problem is piles & heavy gas formation in the stomach & pain below naval area , especially after passing stools . There is no bleeding . But I do ganeshdauti sometimes (cleaning of inside the anus with finger ) , then I get blood stains from the ring portion ( anal sphincter) on my finger . There is a little enlargement on 2 sides of the anus. I am living in Mumbai. I am 62 years old, height 5, 10 inches, weight 77 kgs. I do not have any other major problems, Blood pressure is at border line 140/90 .pl give your advise to cure this problem. Do you have any clinics in Mumbai
Thanking you in advance,
N.R.Ravindranathan
Hi N.R. Ravindranathan, Jeera water is the best remedy for Gas troubles. 1 litre of water + 5 gm of Jeera seeds – Boiled 5 minutes in medium fire. Take this Jeera water, in warm condition 1-2 litres a day for 30 days.
Sir, This is sujana from Andhra Pradesh,my uncle had fallen from coconut tree his bonemarrow got fractured and operation finished successfully but now he is not getting the sense in legs like in down part from under the belly.He is unable to sit on his own so please recommend me ayurvedam oil to him.
Thanks-Sujana
Murivenna is one of the most effective remedies for injury. Please do the external application followed by warm water bath.
My daughter, 9 years Old is suffering from low (bellow 10000) platlets count. Now after taking steroids, it’s improving but I want to take second opinion from Ayurvedic doctor.
Want to stop allopathic medicine. what would be best Ayurvedic treatment for the said problem. Pls advise
Sanjeev Adhikari
Hi Sanjeev,
Ayurveda preparation Agnine a compound Ayurveda herb helps improving the platelets count swiftly. Take 1-1-1 after food with warm water for 90 days for better results.
Sir I am having more greying on my beard iam 28 yrs old please suggest ayurvedic remedies – Srikant Gllapally
Hi Srikant, Before I comment anything on the treatment part, I would recommend you to check your Vitamin D, Thyroid and testosterone levels. In my research recent days, deficiency of the above three clearly causes pre mature greying and the treatment is effective only when these deficiencies are corrected. Please do the above three tests and send me the results, accordingly I will advise the healing plan.
Dear Sir, I am suffering with acute allergy problems (dust,cold weather etc) from child hood. I tried various allopathy but nothing helped to get rid of the problem. Could you please suggest a permanent cure for my long time problem. Thank you, JG
Hi JG, Sinus glands are air filled spaces in the skull with mucus membranes acts as passage through which the mucus is able to drain and facilitates the air circulation.
a. Colds and allergies
b. Deviated nasal septum, nasal bone spur, or nasal polyps may block the opening of the sinuses.
Sinusitis medically understood as three levels
1. Acute — symptoms last up to 4 weeks – Caused by upper respiratory infection (Bacterial/ Viral)
2. Sub-acute — symptoms last 4 – 12 weeks
3. Chronic — symptoms last 3 months or longer – mostly due to long term swelling and inflammation of the sinus glands (Bacterial/ Fungal)
Symptoms
a. Bad breath or Loss of smell
b. Cough usually bad at night / Cold conditions, drinks
c. Continuous sneezing
d. Fatigue
e. Fever
f. Head ache – Pain behind the eyes, tooth ache, pain in the cheeks,
g. Sore throat and dripping
Ayurveda Therapies for Sinusitis
Treatment
Depending upon the condition a treatment regimen is planned which includes internal medicine and a unique therapy called ‘nasyam’
Nasya Karma or Nasyam – One of the five purification therapies practiced in Ayurveda Medicine. A medicated oil/ powder/ fresh herbal juice is administered through the nostrils (Nasal drops).
This therapy is very effective for sinusitis, cold, cough, asthma, eye disorders, hair fall and pre mature hair graying especially beard graying. Ayurveda recommends this for spondlitis, migraine head ache, facial paralysis, paralysis, frozen shoulders, mental disorders, Parkinson’s disorders and Skin problems.
Pre-purification Measures
Prior to this therapy, Oleation and sudation therapies are recommended which will help to loosen the adhesive toxins, thereby facilitating the subsequent elimination.
The Nasya karma
a. Patient is asked to lie down in a bed with his hand and legs kept straight. His head is maintained at a lower position by keeping the pillow below the neck.
b. Placing the medicine above hot water gently warms it and then it is made to flow in to one nostril, while the other is kept closed the same process is carried out in the other nostril also.
c. The sole, shoulder, neck, ear and palm are gently massaged after the administration of the drug.
d. The impurities must be spit out and medicine that reach his mouth. The spitting is repeatedly carried out turning to both sides while the patient is lying.
e. This process should be repeated for 7 – 21 days.
Mechanism of Nasya karma
The medicine acts by reaching ‘Sringataka marma’, a main vital point situated on the surface of the brain, from where it spreads into various vessels and nerves and brings out vitiated toxins from the head.
Sringataka marma – this vital point is a composite structure consisting of four arteries in connection with four sense organs nose, ear, eye and tongue. The composite structure formed by the union of these four arteries is called Sringataka.
As per the Ayurveda, the evolution of a disease the vitiated toxins should be brought to the site from its original seat. This movement will be made through the channels and if there is any disturbance in the integrity of the channels it will result in the development of disease.
Home Remedies
a. Garlic is one of the best medicines for sinusitis. 3-4 garlic clove paste mixed with honey twice daily 5 minutes before food is good for sinusitis, improves immunity and reduces the tenderness
b. Fresh juice of onion mixed with honey improves the stuffiness, nasal block in no time.
c. Black pepper, long pepper and dry ginger with honey is very good for chronic sinusitis
d. Turmeric with diluted milk removes the sickness swiftly.
e. Plain steam bath is one of the most effective ways to get rid and prevent sinusitis.
f. Fenu Greek tea/ Cumin seed boiled water is considered the effective one in China – 100 ml of water + 5 gm of Fenu Greek seeds boiled for 5 minutes and taken as tea twice or thrice daily protects from cold, cough and immunes the body from sinusitis
g. Carrot juice, Cucumber juice helps improve the immunity which in turn reduces the reoccurrence of the sinus attacks.
h. Turmeric 2 parts, Cumin 4 parts, coriander seeds 4 parts, Fenu Greek seeds 4 parts, Ginger 1 part as a soup helps.
i. Thulasi juice 5 ml + honey 2 ml as a regular diet removes the sinusitis and improves the immunity
j. Eat plenty of organic fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid skipping or delaying meals as this will upset digestive balance and cause formation of toxins.
Diet for Sinusitis
a. Fresh fruit juices & Vegetable soups, plenty of warm water intake helps
b. Well balanced diet by including seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, fruits helps
c. Avoid fried, starchy foods and drinks, White sugar, rice, pasta, Pies, cakes and candies
d. Avoid banana, eggplant, bell pepper, tomato, as these clog the channels.
Ayurveda says the doorway to the brain and consciousness is nose. Nasal administration of the suitable medicines removes not only sinusitis but also improves the functions of sense organs, protect eyes most importantly youthfulness.
My mother is 59 is on allopathic medication for High BP. Her average BP is 155/90. These days her BP is moving to 180. Her Lipid Profile shows Trigicerides-201, LDL-105.8, HDL -105.8 & KFT shows Uric acid -7.9, Phosphorous-4,.Sugar level is normal. Please suggest ayurvedic remedy for this.
With Regards, Vikas Tandon
Hi Vikas,
Yogic Management
Clinically it is proven that yoga and meditation therapies have positive impact on control of hypertension.
1. Yoga
2. Pranayama
3. Meditation
How does Yoga work on Hypertension?
When we exercise, the requirement of oxygen increases and this in turn increases blood pressure. When Yoga is practiced, the requirement goes down and reduces the stress which in turn reduces the blood pressure physiologically. Depending on the yoga position and breathing technique, the internal organs and endocrine glands are stimulated which in turn helps in improving health.
Pranayama
Hypertension is primarily related to psychological factors rather than physiological. When pranayama is practiced regularly it helps in reliving the stress which in turn helps normalise the hypertension naturally. Pranayama is the yoga of breath control or controlled breathing. Even simple breathing exercises such as deep breathing and ‘quiet’ breathing help reduce mental stress and strain. Pranayama has a number of breathing techniques and all of them have been clinically proven effective for hypertension.
Traditional yoga experts’ caution that ‘breath holding’ type of Pranayama (Kumbi) should not be advised for hypertension as it may increase the condition.
Meditation and its benefits on Hypertension
Meditation is the study of concentration. Many researches had shown positive results of meditation on physical and psychological body. The common benefits of meditation are:
a. Positive impact on nervous system
b. Physical and psychological relaxation
c. Increase in positive energy, thinking, rationing, and reduced stress
The basic meditation that helps achieve these results includes chanting of Om. Om chanting for 15 minutes everyday had shown miraculous results in patients with hypertension.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is nothing but psychic sleep. This process helps remove physical, emotional and mental strain very easily and effectively. It also helps focus the mind and remove negative elements. Yoga Nidra is easy to practice and gives results quickly.
Common yoga poses recommended for Hypertension
1. Easy Pose – The Easy Pose helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping the mind still.
2. Shoulder Stretches – Shoulder Stretches are great in relieving stress and tension on your shoulders, as well as your entire upper back. Practice them daily for several weeks and notice the change.
3. Stand Spread Leg Forward Fold- People with lower back problems should avoid doing the full forward bend. For beginners, you may use props like a folding chair to support your forearms.
4. Half Spinal Twist – The Half Spinal Twist lengthens and strengthens the spine. It is also beneficial for your liver, kidneys, as well as adrenal glands. Practice this Yoga Pose under the supervision of a Yoga instructor.
5. Wind Relieving Pose – The Wind Relieving Pose works mainly on the digestive system. Specifically, it helps in eliminating excess gas in the stomach.
6. Anuloma Viloma- In this Breathing Technique, you inhale through one nostril, retain the breath, and exhale through the other nostril.
7. Alternate nostril breathing, is ideal for combating hypertension. This practice facilitates the proper flow of oxygen and blood in the body organs.
8. Meditating in the corpse pose regularly also helps in reducing mental stress and regulating blood pressure.
Diet advises for Hypertension
A person cannot achieve the control over hypertension just by practicing yoga and breathing or meditation technique. Only when it is combined with Diet and Life Style changes you can achieve complete control over hypertension. Generally speaking, making small changes to one’s diet is one of the best ways of dealing with something as unspecified in origin as hypertension, and natural treatment of the condition addresses that which contributes to hypertension.
1. Avoid red meat and egg; limited intake of protein is good.
2. Vegetarian diet that includes watermelon, pumpkin, snake guard, Indian Gooseberry, milk, garlic, and fresh ginger is ideal. Experts postulate that a typical vegetarian’s diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A, all of which may have a favorable influence on blood pressure.
3. Reduce intake of caffeine, tobacco.
4. Indian practitioners advise intake of buttermilk processed with garlic and curry leaves.
5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplement may help reduce high blood pressure.
6. Garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.
7. The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.
8. Fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure.
9. Folic acid may help lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.
10. A high-fiber diet has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating many forms of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension.
11. Weight reduction will help lower blood pressure.
12. Consume adequate calcium by including low-fat dairy products in your diet three times per day.
Beneficial Vegetables and Spices for Hypertension
A number of common vegetables and spices have beneficial effects in controlling hypertension.
1. Celery: Oriental Medicine practitioners have long used celery for lowering high blood pressure. There is some experimental evidence that shows that celery is useful for this.
2. Garlic: Garlic is a wonder drug for heart. It has beneficial effects in all cardiovascular system including blood pressure.
3. Onion: Onions are useful in hypertension. Two to three tablespoons of onion essential oil a day was found to lower the systolic levels.
4. Tomato: Tomatoes are high in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a compound that can help bring down blood pressure.
5. Broccoli: Glucosinolate (SGS), a naturally-occurring compound found in broccoli sprouts and broccoli, help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
6. Carrot: Carrots are high in potassium that helps prevent and control high blood pressure. They are also high in beta-carotene, which studies show can reduce the risk of heart disease leading to high blood pressure. Carrot juice helps maintain normal blood pressure by regulating heart and kidney functions.
7. Saffron (kesar): Saffron contains a chemical called crocetin that lowers blood pressure.
8. Assorted spices: Spices such as fennel, oregano, black pepper and holy basil have active ingredients that are beneficial in hypertension.
Ayurvedic Management of Hypertension
Ayurveda describes that derangement or vitiation of vata dosha is the primary cause for hypertension. Ayurveda recommends oleation and detoxification therapies as primary treatment methods. Ayurveda also recommends pacification therapies like yoga and meditation and diet. There are large number of Ayurveda Herbal and Herbo mineral preparations and tonics available for hypertension. However the medicine is chosen according to the prakruti (constitution) of the person.
Home remedies
1. Garlic mixed with Buttermilk
2. Lemon juice with honey
3. Cumin seeds with water
4. Herbs like Rawolfia serpentina, Terminalia arjuna, Adathoda vasica etc
Doctor sir, My little daughter one and half years old is suffering from cold congestion and severe cough due to which she doesn’t eat anything and vomits due to cough. I am very much worried about her due to her intolerable cry.. Please guide me sir.. SAKTHI
Vasa arishtam + Amrita Arishtam – each 5 ml + Subra vati 1-1-1 after food helps improving her appetite, cold and cough, improves immunity too. Esno tablet 1-1-1 after food with honey improves the condition swiftly.
Hi sir, I’m ramesh, i suffered from headache for past 6 years, and from my childhood I have cold, now doctor said , I’m suffering from sinus by view the CT scan report, and doctor said I have to admit for operation, but my friend said ayurveda Is best for sInus, now I’m totally confused, what kind of treatment will I take… OPERATION or AYURVEDA please help me…Thank YOU
Ayurveda can help, If the condition is septic sinusitis then better rush for surgery.
Herbal remedies
a. Garlic: The fresh juice of 3 to 4 garlic cloves, with 2 teaspoonfuls of honey, should be taken twice a day before food. It is a proven antibacterial, and analgesic.
b. Onion: Fresh juice of onion, well mixed in honey is also of great help in sinusitis.
c. Black pepper: 5gms of black pepper should be powdered finely, and this, well mixed in a cup of warm milk, if taken regularly, prevents recurrent attacks. It is a good anti-infective.
d. Steam inhalation is very good for sinusitis.
e. Fresh Ginger Juice: 10 ml of fresh ginger juice with 5 ml of honey twice daily 10 minutes before food
f. Fresh Thulasi Juice: 10 ml of fresh Thulasi juice with 5 ml of honey twice daily 10 minutes before food
g. Adathoda vasica juice: 30 ml of fresh juice of Adathoda vasica with 5 ml of honey once a day in empty stomach
Ayurvedic Therapy for Sinusitis
Depending upon the dosha predominance the treatment regimen is planned which includes internal medicine and a unique therapy called ‘nasyam’
Nasya Karma or Nasyam
It is one of the five detoxification therapies mentioned in Ayurveda. It is a process by which the medicated oil or powder or fresh juice is administered through the nostrils.
Pre-purification Measures
Prior to Nasyam karma, Warm medicated oil is applied to the patient’s Face, Forehead, Head, Ears and Neck. This helps the toxins loosen and making it easy for elimination.
Main Procedure
a. The patient is asked to lie down in a bed
b. Head is kept in slightly lower position
c. Gently warm the medicated oil or fresh herbal juice and then administered carefully in the nostrils
d. Neck, Sole, ear and palm etc are gently massaged to improve the medicine’s assimilation
e. Then the patient is asked to spit out all the impurities and medicines in the mouth
f. This spiting process is repeated until the removal of toxins
g. This process should be repeated for 7 days as a daily process
Benefits
This result in better circulation and nourishment of the organs and the diseases will subside. Most of the drugs described for nasya therapy have bitter, hot) and penetrating properties. These drugs produce liquefaction and expulsion of vitiated doshas.
Yoga for Sinusitis
a. Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose)
b. Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)
c. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
d. Janu Sirshasana (Head to Knee pose)
e. Matsyasana (Fish pose)
f. Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
g. Simhasana (Lion pose)
h. Ushtrasana (Camel pose)
Breathing exercises
i. Kapalbahati Pranayama (Frontal Brain cleansing breath)
j. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Psychic Network Purification)
k. Suryabhedana Pranayamas
l. Yoga breathing exercises are extremely helpful in curing the condition and preventing recurrence.
Ayurvedic Remedies
a. Maha Laxmi Vilas Ras : 1 tablet twice a day with warmwater is a good remedy for this painful condition.
m. Chitraka Hareetaki 1 teaspoon after food twice daily with warm milk
n. Nasal inhalation of steam for 5 minutes gives good relief.
o. Septilin tablet 1 to 2 tablets twice daily with warm water after food
p. Shad Bindu Thailam/ Anu Thailam can be used for inhalation 1 to 2 drops twice a day.
q. Rasnadi Choornam – 5 gm mixed with warm milk/ fresh ginger juice as external application over forehead
r. Indukantam Kashayam or Dasamoola Katutryam Kashayam or Vyagryadi Kashayam or Bharngyadi Kashayam – 15 ml + 45 ml of warm water twice daily before food.
Do’s & Don’ts
Diet: Fried, refrigerated and starchy foods should be avoided. The patient should also avoid use of perfumes, scented oils etc
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