Dr Gowthaman, Medical Director, Dr Gowthaman’s Ayurveda Panchakarma Center, Chennai, answers readers’ questions on Ayurveda. Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Tuesday.
This week’s answers:
I have recently noticed that some white hair on my beard in my face. Is this normal? I am a 29 years old male and my normal hair color is black. I have never indulged in drug/smoking activities. I have never even touched a cigarrette. I have also take treatment for my lost hair form front side and a little at top with dermatologist and he gave some oil “Hair 4U 10%” and Androfol Tab so please guide me for treatment of my white beard
Rakesh Agarwal
Hi Rakesh,
White hairs in the early ages has become common now because of the life style changes and poor diet habits. Poor exercise, reduced anti oxidants, stress can cause worst side effects than alcohol and cigerattes.
Drink 3 liters of water, sleep 7-8 hours a day, walk at least 30 minutes a day, Yoga 15-20 minutes a day for better results. Anti oxidants plays a vital role in this healig process.
Ayurveda recommends traditional pancha karma therapy followed by rejuvenation therapy for better results. some common remedies
a. The most effective and well practiced home remedy is applying coconut oil processed with fresh curry leaves. This should be strictly applied on the scalp and hair for 90 days. Gentle massage with this mixture for 15-20 minutes helps in reducing the hair fall, dandruff and improves hair growth, hair thickness and improves the black hair growth. After application wash it with lukewarm water.
b. Amla powder is considered and used as one of the best hair rejuvenator across the world. Apply paste of fresh Amla powder mixed with curd and fresh lemon juice as pack. Leave it for 45 minutes and followed by warm water wash. This process is very effective to reduce hair fall and improve hair growth. This process is repeated every alternative day for 90 days for better results.
c. Amla soaked in water for overnight, and the water is a very good hair conditioner. After the regular hair wash, just rinse the hair with this water. One of the primary reasons for premature graying is using excessive conditioners and high chemical shampoo. Avoiding cause may help in bringing back the normalcy swiftly.
d. One of the effective remedy for colder seasons is application of Almond oil with Amla juice. Warm both taken in equal amounts and gentle massage on scalp for 15 minutes. It is one of the fastest ways to arrest the premature graying and improving the general hair health.
e. Many villages in Kerala follow a simple hair remedy. Everyone including men and women does it as cultural practice. Application of equal amounts of buttermilk and curry leaves juice equal amounts and boiled for 5 minutes in mild fire then applied in the scalp in lukewarm condition followed by warm water wash after 30 minutes. This is known preventive remedy for white hairs and hair fall.
f. Ayurveda recommends the following combination as the effective remedy for prevention and improving hair growth, reducing dandruff, for healthy hair. Equal amounts of Amla powder, Thriphala powder, Methi powder, Karisalai powder, Mehanthi Powder, Japa flower and leaves powder, Indian Asparagus powder mixed with fresh curd and fresh lemon juice. This mixture applied as a pack on the scalp followed by warm water wash.
g. Simple home remedy to maintain health hair the following remedy is advised. Equal amounts of fresh Amla juice and lemon juice applied on the scalp and hair followed by warm water wash after 10 minutes. This should be done every day for healthy hair.
h. Traditional healers in South India recommend the following remedy for premature hair growth. Equal amounts of sesame oil and Carrot juice mixed with half the amount of Methi seed powder kept under sun for 21 days. Then this oil is applied on the scalp for hair, face for white hairs in mustache and beard areas and body for the white body hairs. Follow this for 90 days for complete color change.
i. Eclipta Alba is the other important herb used in Ayurveda for prevention and reversing the premature hair graying. Most of the Herbal hair oils contain the extract of this herb. Ayurveda recommend the application fresh leave juice or paste as a thick scalp pack followed by warm water wash.
j. Many Ayurveda experts recommend Black pepper ¼ parts mixed with 1 parts of fresh curd and 10 ml of fresh lemon juice as everyday application on scalp helps to improve the premature hair growth condition.
Greetings Dr. Sri. Gowthaman,
I read your reply to one of the questions posted on Ayurveda Q&A on Sify Health andwanted to reach out to you about a problem my mother-in-law has been facing.
My mother-in-law has been suffering with oral Lichen Planus (diagnosed in a biopsy report) for about 2 years now. She has seen lot of English doctors in the US as well as in India and there isn’t any remedy or relief that she had received. The problem comes off and on and it never really goes away. She also started homeopathy medicines in the last three months, but to no avail. I understand that homeopathy and any other natural alternative
medicines take time. However, her condition seems to worsen and now she is also sufferingfrom urinary tract infection.
Can you please suggest some alternative to her condition such that she can eat and maintain healthy state? She is 65 years old.
Thanks and regards,
Manasa
Hi Manasa,
Please ask her to take Thiktakam Kashayam tablets 2 – Three times a day with Punarnava Mandooram 250 mg – Before food with warm water. Also use this home remedy for Gargle. This will ease the pain and burning sensation in no time. 100 ml of water + 5 gm of Triphala or Amla powder – Boiled for 5 minutes – filter and use this decoction for Gargle 3-5 times day.
Dr Gowthaman-(Ayurveda expert),
I am 50 yrs of age-have lower 4-5 degenated discs,plus gradual degeneration of other vertebres+-spondolytis in neck ,hips.
My energy levels are low and mostly feel both mentally and physically tied most of the time.I wish to improve mu aches ,pains -bones and muscles in terms of strength.I also get burning sensation on the top and back of head(scalp).
Could please emails me an ayurvedic soluton-request fast remedial products?
Are my symptoms relating to any deficiency ?
A week ago I had ujevitis-and being treated for inflammation of left eye) It secondary-due inflammation of brain-HOw to due the stress on daily basis?
Many Thanks
Kalpesh
Kalpesh,
Please check your Vitamin D, Calcium and IGg levels. Ayurveda therapies can improve your life style in no time.
Kati Vasti: Ayurveda recommends this therapy as a specialized care therapy for this condition. A bridge is formed on the back bone with flour power and warm medicated oil is filled for the period of 45-60 minutes. This helps the muscles and ligaments to relax and heal; improved blood circulation heals the tissues. This treatment usually advised for 14-28 days depends on the condition.
Ela Kizhi: Warm medicated oil application followed by warm Herbal bolus on the affected part improves the stiffness and pain. This therapy is recommended for 7-14 days depends on the condition
Mamsa Navara Kizhi: This is one of the specialized treatments for cervical spondylosis. Red meat, medicated rice, vata normalizing herbs processed with milk, made as a bolus. After the gentle application of the warm oil, this bolus is applied on the affected parts for 30-45 minutes without pressure. This treatment is very effective to heal any types of cervical spondylosis and with any degree of pain. This treatment usually suggested for 21-28 days depends of the condition.
These three above treatments is suggested alone or in combination depends on the condition.
Ayurveda recommendations for Cervical Spondylosis
a. Avoid – sour, salty foods and drinks, curd, deep fried foods, Maida, Suji, pulses and various by products of pulses
b. Take – Bitter gourd, drum stick and Neem flowers as diet helps
c. Wheat helps better than rice
d. Add more fibers and water as constipation may increase the condition
e. Avoid – Exposure to cold, cold water bath, violent exercises without proper guidance
f. Improve the milder physical exercises like walking, Surya Namaskara etc.
Yoga for cervical spondylosis
a. Padmasana (Lotus pose) for keeping the spine erect.
b. Tadasana (palm tree pose), helps rectifying postural defects
c. Yastikasana (Stick pose), helps to de-stress
d. Greeva Sanchalan asana (Neck movement) is the best to cure cervical spondylosis.
Hi, I m 26 year married women, & had a child of 8 months.my problem is that my vagina is becoming too black and my weight is also increasing. Will u please suggest any Ayurveda treatment for this.
sagarika gudivada
Hi Sagarika,
Use these home remedies..
100 ml of milk + 200 ml of water + 5 gm of Indian Asparagus powder – Boiled and reduced to 100 ml – Filter and take it once day in empty stomach.Magic nut powder – 25 gm – Boiled in 1 liters of water – Boiled for 30 minutes. Mix this decoction in 20 liters of warm water and take a tub bath, It will heal you.
Dear Dr Gowthaman
I am from Bangalore and my daughter, 18 years old, has been diagnosed for demyelinations in the central nervous system .Her symptom was numbness and heaviness in right hand. The MRI shows lesions in C1, C3, C6, T3, D4&D9 levels. She was given Steroids for 20 days (5 days IV and 15 days oral.) CSF and other blood and urine tests shows normal patern.Her numbness is reduced and she is back to normal now. Doctor has advised to be careful for such symptoms and treatment with injections is required in case of similar symptoms in future. Kindly advice on suitable solution in Ayurveda for curative and preventive treatment
Regards
T.K.Padmanabhan
Hi T K Padmanabhan,
Please check the Vitamin D3.
Ayurveda Therapies and Medicines helps a lot!
Ayurveda’s approach to pain management
Ayurveda, the science of life advocates not just management of pain, also address the prevention by advising certain daily rituals which are effective to prevent any kinds of pain.
1. Abhyanga – Oil application all over the body followed by warm water bath. Ayurveda advises this to be everyday entity to manage the proper blood circulation and nourishment to whole body which in turn prevents the pain and maintain the youth and clear skin. Ayurveda recommends this as a part of day to day entity.
2. Purification of the body – As per Ayurveda, the accumulation of toxins is primary causes for muscular pain. Ayurveda advises the different purification therapies depends on the seasons like end of the season and beginning of next season etc. Like Purgation type of purification therapy is advised during winter or end of winter.
Ayurveda Therapies for the Management of Pain
Ayurveda recommend personalized therapies for the prevention as well as management of pain.
a. Abhyanga: Involves a full body massage with Ayurveda oil for 45 minutes. The oil is selected after understanding the patient’s body nature, the season, and disease condition, if any. The number of strokes and pressure vary with the condition of the individual. Benefits: Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free. This treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes and toxins. Indications: It is used in cases of anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, backache and injuries. It also prevents wrinkles and scales, helps in treatment of spondylosis, sleep disorders, paralysis, improves physical consistency, induces sound sleep, increase a general sense of well being and life span. It also helps improve the complexion and texture of the skin, prevents obesity and diabetic gangrene
b. Pizhichil: Pizhichil, which literally means squeezing, a cloth dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body. The patient should be made to adopt the seven standard positions so that no area of the body is left uncovered. Benefits include Relieves body pain and muscle spasms, Helps preserve and promote optimum health, Helps in the healing of fractured bones, Increases immunity and prolongs life span, Promotes development of muscles, Improves skin complexion, Anti aging and rejuvenating, Ensures better blood circulation, Alleviates the burning sensation in the body, A soothing and relaxing procedure, Prescribed in clinical conditions like Paraplegia, Hemiplegia and other degenerative conditions. This treatment is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, neurological disorders, blood pressure, nervous weakness, diabetes, blood pressure, fits, convulsions, paralysis and helps to arrest the aging process. It is very effective in asthma and even in tuberculosis in early stages.
c. Navara Kizhi: It involves fomentation of the body with bolus of cooked rice. The rice is first cooked with milk and herbal decoction. Four boluses are made of the cooked rice and are tied up in linen bags. This therapy is done in seven standard positions. This is a strengthening fomentation employed in all kinds of neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis congenital deformity of the limbs, dislocation of bones and joints etc. Benefits Strengthens the body, Rejuvenates the tissues, Improves muscle tone, Improves blood supply by cleansing the channels of circulation, Effective in curing diseases of the nervous system and others such as chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, emaciation of muscles, numbness and diseases caused by vitiation of blood, Makes the body strong and sturdy, Nourishes the body and increases immunity, Promotes sharpness of vision and functions of other sense organs Slows down aging, premature graying of hair, baldness, appearance of wrinkles over the body, Gives softness to the body by improving the health of the skin.
d. Ela Kizhi/ Podi Kizhi: Leaves & powders of medicinal herbs are fried in medicated oil and applied over the body in rhythmic massage. Good for arthritic conditions, lumbago, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, sciatica, pain and stiffness of joints, post paralytic spasm, other spastic and inflammatory conditions etc. Benefits includes relieves pain, numbness and edema, controls vitiated Vata, Improves peripheral blood supply, cures diseases like arthritis, paralysis and convulsions, stimulates the nerve endings, treatment for Spondlitis and Sports injuries
e. Kati Vasti: Lukewarm Ayurvedic / herbal oils are poured into a artificial bridge created around the affected area (Knee, Lower back, Neck etc). The healing properties of herbal oils used for this massage enriches the blood and builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues. Loosens stiff joints, helps to cure cervical spondlitis, neck pain, paralysis and numbness of hands, Stimulates and nourishes nerves relieving pain and numbness, This treatment is very effective in treating different conditions of the knee joints like arthritis, degenerative conditions etc.
f. Pichu: A thick layer of cotton soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is recycled periodically to make it warm. Very effective for degenerative and painful problems like back pain, Osteo-arthritis, Spondlitis, injuries, etc. Recommended for Neurological disorders like Paralysis, facial palsy etc.
g. Ksheera Dhoomam: A fomentation process, medicated milk is heated and the steam is passed over the entire body. It is effective for numbness, headache, allergies, nervous disorder and paralysis. Helps eliminating facial paralysis disorders and other nervous disorders of the face and speech disorders, cervical spondylosis, spastic disorders and neurological problems
h. Vasti: This is a treatment in which prescribed medicated oils, decoctions, herbal preparations, extracts are applied through the rectum. Good for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness and constant constipation, degenerative, neurological problems, chronic back pain, infertility, sciatica, obesity, digestive disorders, ulcer. It purifies the body, maintains health and longevity.
Ayurveda herbs good for pain
1. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul – gum) : It is the most effect herb used in the Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis. Guggulu has strong rejuvenating, purifying, medicinal and healing qualities. Guggulu is perhaps used more than any other herb in Ayurveda. Guggulu increases the white blood cell count, dis-infects secretions in the body. Guggulu has been used extensively for similar health disorders such as rheumatism, gout and lumbago.
2. Rasna (Vanda roxburghii): The root of the plant is found Effective in inflammations, rheumatic disorders, osteoarthritis and allied disorders.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum) : Garlic has been demonstrated as effective for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and as an anti-infection agent. It has more recently been found to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis. It may used singularly or in combination with the usual medications.
4. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis) : To treat rheumatism a teaspoon of the powder of the dry fruit mixed with 2 teaspoons of Jaggery can be taken twice daily for a month.
5. Indian Aloe (Aloe vera): Indian aloe is useful in lumbago, sciatica, gout and rheumatism. The pulp of one leaf is taken daily for relief.
Diet: Avoid curd & all sour items pulses (except moong dal), rice, meat, fish, white bread, sugar, refined cereals, fried foods, tea or coffee, potato & lemon juice. Celery seeds, bitter gourd are highly beneficial.
Yoga Asana good for prevention and management of pain
a. Padma Asana
b. Bujanga Asana
c. Chalapa Asana
d. Nauka Asana
e. Dhanur Asana
f. Parvata Asana
g. Koorma Asana
A Holistic approach with Ayurveda therapies and medicines, Life style changes, Diet and exercises, Yoga can help both prevention and management of Muscular pains.
At rVita Ayurveda Centers, we analyze the causes and create a personalized healing plan with Ayurveda therapies and medicines, Yoga and diet which are very effective in eliminating the pain completely and permanently.
Hi,
I am 32 year old suffering from Psoriosis for last 8 years.
When I was in India ( 2 years back) , I had plenty of sunshine and oil massage that controlled it. But now I am staying in UK where there is very little sunshine. Also its cold.
Here my psoriosis had flared up . Lately , I have begun to have gain weight. I also experience pain in my Achilles heels in the morning. The problem is so grave that I am planning to return to India.
Kindly suggest me a way.
Ashish Ranjan
Bakuchi purified powder 2 gm with warm milk thrice daily and Bakuchi processed oil are the suitable remedies for you.
A doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis by looking at the patches on your skin, scalp, or nails. Sometimes doctor have to rule out a fungal infection. But otherwise, special tests are usually not needed.
What treatment can Ayurveda provide for psoriasis?
• Panchakarma treatments – These treatments are meant to flush out the toxins
• Samana Therapies – internal medicines
• Rasayana therapies – Nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.
Panchakarma for Psoriasis
It aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body. Disease manage by panchakrama prevent reoccurrence of the disease .
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 methods are usually adopted for treating Psoriasis.
Snehapanam: It is the oral intake of specially prepared medicated ghee. Ghee lubricates the body channels including the skin and forces out the toxins from them into the digestive tract for further elimination. Medicated ghee usually contains herbs like neem,Guduchi, tribhala etc. which has anti-inflammatory properties s and skin healers. . It’s Vatashamaka, decreases scaling & dryness of the psoriasis.
Abhyangam : Full body oil massage liquefies the impurities of the body to prepare the body to eliminate toxins. And it’s also decrease dryness & scaling of psoriasis.
Swedanam: involves the active sweating of the whole body using medicated steam. It dilates and softens the channels of the body allowing the impurities to move out through the skin.
Takradhara: Medicated buttermilk is uninterruptedly poured on to the forehead. It relaxes the mind, and reduces stress and anxiety which is a major cause of Psoriasis.Very good for scalp psoriasis. Buttermilk is medicated using gooseberry (amla). Amla is excellent cooling agents.
Main Purification Therapy for Psoriasis
Main purification therapy is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods. Depending on the type and intensity of the ailment, one is advised to undergo one, two or three of these therapies.
The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for Psoriasis are Vasti, Virechanam and Vamanam.
Virechanam: It is the cleaning and evacuation of the bowels through the use of purgative medicines. It eliminates the excess toxins from the body. When the digestive tract is clean and toxic-free, it benefits the entire body systems. Virechana has main treatment for kushta skin diseases .it’s a Pitta dosha nashaka property and it also suppress Vata&Kapha dosha.
Vamanam: It means induced vomiting using herbal medicine. Now, the toxins of the upper parts of body which were freed into the digestive tract during Snehapanam are completely eradicated.
Vasti: is medicated enema. All the toxins that were brought into the digestive tract during the pre-purification phase are now washed out. Since medicines reach the bowels directly without enzymatic actions, its effectiveness is very high for vata predominated psoriasis.
Rasayanam : psoriasis is a auto immune disorder so Rasayanas having immunomodulation properties is very effective Ex; Guduchi, amla, Etc.
Oral medicines for Psoriasis
Herbal oral medicines prescribed for psoriasis are prepared specifically to help restore the lost balance of Dosas. They usually include Kashayam – Herbal decoctions, Arishtams – Herbal fermentations, Lehyams and other herbal formulation given.
Dear Doctor,
I am 43 years old and I suffer from Diabetes since last 6 years. I am taking medicine combination of glimepiride 2 mg, metformin (SR) 500 mg. In addition I drink Karela juice in the morning along with soaked methi (Fenugrrek) seeds. With this I am able to keep my blood sugar in control.
My problem is that I am overweight. ( I weigh 87 kgs with an height of 173cms.). My body shape is also endomorph which causes embarrassment to me sometimes. Due to my hectic travelling work, I cannot do exercises or go for walk.
Please suggest me a medicine/diet by which I can control my weight and get a good body shape.
ragsbrahma
Hi Ragsbrahma,
More than medicines exercise and diet can help. Please improve the life style habits and diet for better results. Anti oxidants plays a vital role for blood sugar and Obesity.
Mehari Choornam 1 tsp – three times a day before food and Siva gutika 1 tablet after food helps in blood sugar also rejuvenates the body against complications of Diabetes.
Rejuvante and oxidate yourself with Ayurveda Abhyangam – Ayurveda Medicated oil massage for better health.
Dear Sir,
I am monir from Bangladesh. I have been suffering from IBS, non ulcer dyspepsia and Gastritis last twenty years back. I have taken lot of allopathic but my stomach irritation can resolve. Every moment irritation is growing in the stomach. Recently I am taking triphala with bael ( wood apple ) but Today I saw that thyroid patient can’t take wood apple. I have also diabetic. Please advise me what to do??
Best Regards,
Md. Moniruzzaman Khan
Hi Md. M. Khan,
Indukantham Kashayam tablets 2 + Dhanvantharam gutila 1 – Three times a day before food and Dadimashtaka Choornam 1 tsp – Thrice daily after food with butter milk helps. Triphala and wood apple wont suit you.
Dear Sir
I am 20 year old and I am taking the tablet mamorax 1 tab twice a day. I would like to know if this medicine would induce sleep.
Thanks
R Savithri
Hi Savithri,
Mamorax is not a sleeping tablet. Ayurveda’s understanding of sleep is different from Modern Medicine. This tablet increases the blood circulation to the sleeping point and heals the sleeping problems. Mamorax especially controls mood swings, depression, anxiety etc which usually causes sleep problems.
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