How To Check Your Pulse?

To check your own pulse, keep your right arm and wrist slightly flexed. Then see for radial stylus, the bump located outside your wrist bone just under the thumb. Approach with your left hand from underneath the right hand and move your index finger just below this bump. You will find the radial artery. Now line up the first three fingers and press down until you feel throbbing by all the three fingers distinctly. Then decrease the pressure of your fingers slightly to sense varying movements of the pulse. These deep and superficial impulses indicate the condition of the tridoshas (three basic metabolic principles which govern the physico-chemical and physiological activities of the body in a balanced state and diseases in a disturbed state), both in constitutional and present state. In the index finger they denote vaata (which controls movement), in the middle finger pitta (responsible for metabolism) and in the ring finger kapha (responsible for body structure). Whichever finger you get a forcible movement, the corresponding dosha is said to be predominant. This examination is better done thrice with few seconds of interval.

The various factors to be noted during pulse examination are: pulse rate (spandana sankhya), Character (gati) and Qualities (gunas).

As we know, the doshas change all the time; you must be sensitive to many kinds of variations-your age, season and time of day-all make a difference in your pulse along with all the possible variations in your health. For example, the pulse in the morning is called kapha naadi, which is slow, soft and steady. In the afternoon, it is called pitta naadi, which is warm and unsteady. In the evening, it is the vaata naadi, which is rapid, feeble in nature. In the same way, during nights the naadi is called as sarna naadi which will be slow, steady and feeble. Coming to the seasons, during Varsha (Rainy season; July to September) and Sisira (Late winter; January to March) ritus it is vaata naadi, in Sarad (Autumn season; September to November) and Grishma (Summer season; May to July) it is pitta naadi and kapha naadi during Hemanta (Early winter; November to January) and Vasanta (Spring season: March to May) ritus. There will be pulse variation with the tastes also. After astringent foods, it is hard and feeble and after salty foods, rapid. After exercise, sexual intercourse and fasting, it is rapid and weak. An ideal healthy pulse should be clearly perceptible (suvyakta), unmixed (nirmala), not very rapid (amanda) and regular (achanchala).

When vaata is predominant in the constitution, the index finger will feel the pulse strongly. It will be irregular, unsteady, neither hot nor cold and thin, moving in waves . like the motion of a serpent.

When pitta is predominant in the constitution, the pulse will be stronger under the middle finger. It will feel active, soft and excited and will move like the frog's hop.

When kapha is predominant the throbbing of the pulse under the ring finger is most noticeable. The pulse feels strong, steady, cold, and full and its movement resembles the floating of a swan.

As it.

Golden Rules For Physical & Mental Health

For a sound health both psyche and physique should be normal and also in equilibrium. For maintaining physical health, Ayurveda has laid stress on natural urges that should not be suppressed. On the other hand, for perfect mental health, one needs to suppress urges relating to rash behaviour

Non-Suppressible Urges

Ayurveda identifies thirteen natural urges that should never be suppressed and that can cause grievous repercussions when forcibly ignored.

1. 
   Suppression of Urine: Suppression of the urge for urination (micturition) causes pain in the bladder and penis. Difficulty in passing urine, headache, lack of muscular strength (atony) of the bladder, urinary stones and inflammation of urinary tract are some of the problems that can occur on regular suppression of urge to urinate for a long period. One should resort to tub bath, massage, nasal drops of ghee along with the three types of enemas (vasti karmas) described in the Ayurvedic texts. A doctor should monitor these treatments.
   
2. 
   Suppression of Stool: If one holds the urge for evacuation of the bowels (defecation), it causes abdominal pain, headaches, retention of stools (feces), gas in the digestive tract, cramps in the calf muscles and abdominal distention.
   
3. 
   Suppression of Wind: If one suppresses the urge for passing flatus, this causes retention of stool, urine and gas in the digestive tract, abdominal bloating (distention), abdominal pain, heart disease, constipation or diarrhoea, exhaustion and other abdominal diseases due to the vitiation of vaata. In that case, unction, fomentation, suppositories, intake of food and drinks having carminative action and enema are the best.
   
4. 
   Suppression of Semen: Just before the time of ejaculation, if semen is suppressed then it may produce stones (spermolith), pain in the penis and testicles, exhaustion, chest pain, retention of urine and difficulty in intercourse. In that case, massage, tub-bath, and a diet of wine, chicken, rice and milk, along with non-greasy enema and sexual intercourse are prescribed.
   
5. 
   Suppression of Vomiting: When food is not digested, or any poisonous material gets ingested into the body, the body tries to expel it. If this act is suppressed, then the undigested matter of poisonous material is circulated in the body, thereby producing different types of diseases and conditions like eruption of weal with severe itching (urticaria), giddiness, loss of appetite, black pigmentation of face, oedema, anaemia, fever, skin diseases, nausea and hyperacidity. In such cases, induction of vomiting, dhoomrapaanam (medicated smoke inhalations) fasting, raksta mokshna (blood-letting), non-greasy food and drinks, physical exercise and virechana karma (purgation) are prescribed.
   
6. 
   Suppression of Sneezing: This phenomenon is for getting rid of the foreign matter out of the nose thereby clearing the nasal passage. If this is suppressed, the foreign matter in the nose may produce rhinitis and chronic cold, headache, sinusitis and diseases of the respiratory system. Apart from this, due to excessive strain in the neck, face and associated muscles and other structures, ailments like stiff neck, facial paralysis, migraine and weakness of the sense organs are caused. One should massage, do fomentation in the head and neck region and take medicated smoke inhalations along with nasal drops. One should also take food useful for the alleviation of vaata and take ghee after meals.
   
7. 
   Suppression of Eructation: This leads to hiccups, breathlessness (dyspnoea), pain in the chest, cough, and loss of appetite (anorexia).
   
8. 
   Suppression of Yawning: This leads to diseases of the eyes, throat, ear and nose. Suppression of yawning also causes bending, convulsions, contractions, numbness, tremors and shaking of the body. For the treatment of these ailments, one should use drugs for alleviating vaata.
   
   
9. 
   Suppression of Hunger: Desire to take food is suggestive of requirements of nutrition or some emotional breakdown. By keeping hungry, either nutritional disorders or debility or irritability are produced. By suppressing hunger, one subjects oneself to emaciation, weakness, change in complexion, discomfort (malaise), loss of appetite, and giddiness. One should take unctuous, hot and light food.
   
10. 
    Suppression of Thirst: Desire to drink water is suggestive of requirement of the bodily fluid or replacement of fluid loss. Suppression of thirst causes dryness of throat and mouth, deafness, exhaustion, weakness, dehydration and cardiac pain. In that case one should take cold demulcent drinks.
    
    
11. 
    Suppression of Tears: Emotional conditions like pleasure or grief can bring down the tears and if suppressed, eye diseases, rhinitis, mental disorders, pain in chest, giddiness and digestive disorders can take place. Sleep, intake of wine and pleasant conversation are helpful in overcoming this.
    
12. 
    Suppression of Respiration: Breathing caused by over-exhaustion should not be suppressed. Sudden holding of breath may cause suffocation, respiratory disorders, heart diseases and even death: Praanaayaama is an important yogic exercise and one should gradually practise this breathing exercise.
    
    
13. 
    Suppression of Sleep: By keeping awake forcefully, the brain, sense organs and the voluntary organs are tired. As a result, diseases like insomnia, mental disorders, digestive disorders and diseases of sense organs are caused. To overcome them, apart from rest and sleep, one has to resort to the regimen prescribed for the alleviatioi of vaata.
    

Suppressible Urges

A person desirous of his well-being should suppress urges relating to rashness and evil deeds-mentally, orally and physically.

Similarly, a wise person should refrain from urges relating to greed, grief, fear, anger, self-centredness, shamelessness, jealousy, too much of attachment and malaise.

One should also refrain from speaking harshly, backbiting, lying.

Violence or an urge to succumb to physical weaknesses like adultery should be controlled. A person free from all defects relating to mind, speech and physical actions, is indeed happy and begets dharma (virtue), artha (wealth) , and kaama (desire).

Fomentation Procedures

Some of the well known Formentation Procedures are discussed below

Upanaaha Swedam (Poultice)

This is the hot application of a paste of drugs such as kola (Zizyphus jujuba), kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), suradaaru (Cedrus deodara), raasna (Pluchea lanceolata), maasha (Phaseolus radiatus), fruits of eranda (Recinus communis) etc.

Ifyou are suffering from Vaata disorders (skeleto-muscular pains), powder and mix these drugs in sour buttermilk or wine along with salt. This is to be applied while it is still hot, over the affected parts, covered with cloth or castor leaves or other leaves. A poultice that has been tied in the morning must be removed in the night or if it has been tied in the night, it should be removed the next morning.

Ooshma Swedam (Steam Bath)

Inducing sweat by means of steam is called ooshma swedam. For generating steam, ordinary plain water is boiled or sometimes medicated decoction may be used. The steam so generated is directed to the whole body or any particular part. For this you need not go to any health spa or health centre. You can sit or lie on a rope cot or chair and cover yourself with a blanket. Place the steaming decoction below the cot. The decoction should be frequently stirred.

A Vagaaha Swedam (Sitz Bath)

In this therapy, the patient undergoing treatment gets into a tub filled with prescribed herbal decoction. When it is comfortably hot, the patient is covered with a blanket to preserve the heat. As the decoction loses heat, it should be replaced time to time with hot decoction. The rule is that medicated oils selected according to the ailment must be added to the decoction.

This procedure is especially suited in generalised body pains, painful or obstructed urination, pelvic inflammatory diseases and hernia. The drugs for preparing the decoction are the leaves of drumstick, castor, karanja (Pongamia pinnata), holy basil, black basil. sireesha (Albizzia lebbek), vacha (Acorus calamus) and fish meat. If the whole body is to be subjected to fomentation then the patient should immerse up to the neck in the decoction, Otherwise, immersing the patient up to the naval region is sufficient. The patient and the tub should be covered fully with a thick blanket.

Kanbala Swedam (Using A Blanket To Promote Sweating)

This is a simple and yet effective method. Take a blanket and immerse it in hot decoction. Ensure that it is comfortably warm. Cover the patient with it after squeezing the extra t1uid from it. You can repeat the process if desired or you can use two blankets, one after the other for continuous fomentation.

Taapa Swedam (Dry Sweating)

In this therapy, sweat is induced by rubbing or pressing the body with a heated stone, tile, hot water bottle or similar material. It is more suited in inflammatory swellings with discharge. This effect can also be achieved with an electric room heater. You can get hot air from it by placing a table fan behind it. This is advantageous over the moist heat in some aspects. The primary disadvantage of steam heat is that your body can't dissipate heat as effectively as in a hot-air bath because heat evaporates more readily in dry air. In a steam room, the sweat lingering on the skin creates a stifling effect that increases the skin temperature, even though a steam room is kept at a comparative low temperature.

Naadi Swedam (Using A Tube To Induce Sweating)

This is very convenient if a particular area is to be subjected to fomentation. Fill a pressure cooker with plain water or prescribed drugs and water. Remove its weight and attach a gas stove pipe to its nozzle. Generate steam and direct it to the desired area. This procedure has to be done carefully as the steam is capable of scalding the exposed part. There are other procedures like pinda sweda, bhaashpa sweda, etc., which need professional supervision and help for conducting the act.

Heat therapy is a pre-pancha karma procedure. To start with, usage of medicated oils externally and internally loosens up the accumulated doshas in the body. With heat therapy, they melt and the flow is directed into the bowels. It is then easy to expel them with vamana (emesis) or virechana (purgation). Thus sweating is essential before any cleansing process. This concept is exclusive to A yurveda

Fomentation or Sweda Karma

Heat therapy relaxes you; loosens muscles and ligaments; dilates blood vessels; boosts circulation; increases metabolic processes; warms the skin and, of course, makes you sweat. So, heat therapy in Ayurveda is called sweda karma (sweda means sweat). This is one of the prerequisites for Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapies.

Heat works to promote wound healing. When applied to a wound, heat raises the metabolic rate. The resulting increased blood flow carries away waste products and provides a greater supply of nutrients and infection fighters to the affected area. It helps reduce the pain of arthritis and sore muscles. It is also used for treating cancerous tumours. Ayurvedic classics have described a wide range of fomentation procedures, which are classified into different categories depending upon various factors

1. 
   Whether it involves agni (fire) or not. (agni sweda or niragni sweda).
   
2. 
   Is it used for a specific part of the body (ekaanga sweda) or the whole body (sarvaanga sweda). Generally, locally applied heat as in hot packs can be better for wounds, muscle and skeletal injuries; heat therapy for the whole body is generally for relaxation.
   
3. 
   Whether the fomentation is wet (snigdha) or dry (rooksha). Moist heat is thought to penetrate deeper than dry heat and so may be better for sore muscles or injured ligaments. Some skin ailments may benefit from less penetrating dry heat.
   

Ayurveda recommends heat application in all Vaata, Kapha and Aama disorders. Heat can be effective supporting therapy in case of many diseases like bronchial asthma, cough, catarrh, hiccups, bloated belly, inactivity, catch in waist, sides and back, painful urination, urinary stones, turnours, paralysis of the limbs, loss of sense in the limbs, etc.

However, for those with poor blood circulation, diabetes or heart disease, heat therapy should be used only under a doctor's supervision. It is not for expectant mothers, children and aged persons.

Ayurveda has restricted its usage in case of bleeding disorders, diarrhoea, debility and indigestion. Also fomentation will not give the desired results if you are mentally disturbed by emotions like fear, sorrow or anger.

Heat application in the pubic region should be milder than for other regions. Testicles, eyes and chest must be covered properly while taking this heat therapy. Among the wide range of fomentation procedures, some of the important ones are described in the formentation procedures section

fasting

For many philosophers, scientists and physicians, fasting is an essential part of life and the healing process needed to maintain good health. Intellectuals like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Charaka and others used and believed in fasting therapy. Ayurveda discourages long-term fasting because the sense of deprivation created by a long-term fasting encourages the person to follow it up with a spell of indulgence in overeating. While fasting, you should follow the restrictions applicable to your constitution

1. 
   Vaata people should never fast on water or any other severely restricted diet for more than a day or two. They should select a single food, like curd rice on which they can live for a month or more, at a time.
   
2. 
   Pitta people can fast on liquids, like fruits or vegetable juices or on raw fruits and vegetables, but not on water alone. They should avoid all sour juices, as they tend to aggravate pitta.
   
3. 
   Kapha people may indulge in a prolonged water fast if they so desire. Kapha people especially need regular weekly fasting to maintain strong digestion. During fasting, they should avoid intensely sweet and sour juices.
   
4. 
   For mixed constitutions, juice fasting is commonly used (rather than water alone) as a mild and effective cleansing plan.
   

Conditions in which Fasting is beneficial

1. 
   Whatever the conditions may be, during the fever, and such other illnesses, one needs more liquids than usual, due to the high temperatures and sweating and should fast as long as there is no real desire for food.
   
2. 
   Some cases of fatigue will respond well to fasting, particularly when it results from congested organs and energy.
   
3. 
   Back pains that are due to muscular tightness and stress rather than from bone disease or osteoporosis are usually alleviated with a lighter diet or juice fasting.
   
4. 
   Many patients with mental illness, from anxiety to schizophrenia, have relief by fasting. The purpose of fasting in the case, however, is not to cure these problems but to help understand the relationship of foods, chemicals, or drugs to the mental difficulties.
   
5. 
   Obesity may be remedied by some degree of fasting.
   
6. 
   Colds, atheroclerosis, coronary artery disease, bronchitis, angina-pectoris, headaches, hypertension, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, diarrhoea, fatigue, food allergies, back pains, environmental allergies, asthma, insomnia, skin conditions and epilepsy-in all these conditions, fasting may be advocated.
   

Whooping Cough

Medical Name: Pertussis

What is the Whooping Cough ?

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs which is caused by a bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is a very contagious disease which causes coughing with little or no fever. The coughing may be so severe that it leads to vomiting and aspiration.

This infection is usually begins with a cold and a mild cough and effects the respiratory tract and the lungs. After that the disease eventually converts to severe coughing and many persons make a whoop sound after the person breathes in after coughing. Initially when there was no vaccination available to cure whooping cough, almost three out of every four children who suffered from the disease, died. Now today the condition has improved a lot and only a few people suffer from whooping cough.

Pertussis may occur to any person at any age, but it is very common in un immunized infants under one year age. So early immunization to small children is very important (usually at age of 1 or 2 months), as it can help to prevent very serious disease to occur in small babies.

It is now believed that adults who had been given vaccination when they were child, and their vaccinations are no longer effective and whose symptoms are less diagnostic may be the carriers for whooping cough, so they must be given a booster vaccination at age of 11- 12 years, so as to help them to fight from the disease properly.

Ulcers

 

What is a ulcers of the stomach ?

An ulcer is a breach on the memhrane lining of any organ such as the stomach. It does not tend to heal quickly.A stomach ulcer is also called a peptic ulcer.It is a small erosion in the gastrointestinal tract.An ulcer is a painful wound. Ulcers form in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. An ulcer in the stomach is also called a gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.Twenty-five million Americans suffer from ulcers.People of any age may get an ulcer.

What are the symptoms of the ulcers of the stomach ?

Some stomach ulcers are asymptomatic.Symptoms of colic and duodenal ulcer are quite common, hence difficult to deduce, but pain is a common symptom.The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel. if bleeding continues for a long time, it may lead to anemia with weakness and fatigue. If bleeding is heavy, blood may appear in vomit or stool. Stool containing blood may appear tarry or black.

Some other symptoms may include

• Belching
• General discomfort in the stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of weight
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Chest pain

What are the causes of the ulcers of the stomach ?

A stomach ulcer may cause by a variety of factors, including -

• 
  Helicobacter pylori - That most ulcers approximate 80 percent of gastric ulcers and 90 percent of duodenal ulcers develop infection with a bacterium named helicobacter pylori.
  
  
• 
  Certain medications - including aspirin and taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke. Anti-inflammatory medications are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers.
  
• 
  Cancer - stomach cancer may present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.
  
  
• 
  Cigarette smoking not only causes ulcer formation, but also increases the risk of ulcer complications such as ulcer bleeding and perforation. Cigarette smoking is also a leading cause of ulcer medication treatment failure.
  

What are the treatment of the ulcers of the stomach ?

The treatment of the ulcers of the stomach are -

• 
  Gastric ulcers may control by Sukumara Ghrita-2 teaspoonfuls with warm water two times in a day, on empty stomach.
  
• 
  You may also give Shankha Bhasma and Maha Shankha Vati-2 teaspoonfuls with warm milk on an empty stomach.
  

What are the home remedies of the ulcers of the stomach ?

some of the home remedies of the ulcers of the stomach are -

• 
  You may take milk two or three times in a day.
  
• 
  You may eat powder of hog wood(5 gm) in a day.
  
• 
  You may also take 30 gm of pure odourless castor oil with 250 gms of lukewarm milk
  

Toothache

Teeth are very vital factors in the process of digestion because it is they which first deal with the food one eats. These teeth are of quite different varieties. Some cut the food, some munch it and some press it with the help of saliva. Teeth are important not only to help indigestion but also to keep the face beautiful.

Causes of Toothache

• 
  Use of too cold or too hot foods/drinks.
  
  
• 
  Use of tobacco, khaini, Gutika, lime, betal.
  
• 
  Excessive use of sweets, sugar, jaggery, chocolates, gums, cookies, nuties etc.
  
• 
  Ingestion of cold articles after use of hot foods/drinks.
  
• 
  Smoking.
  
• 
  Pricking of tooth-pricks or other such modes to remove trapped food particles within tooth-gaps.
  
  
• 
  Infection of any kind, like abscess, boil or any cancerous growth under the root.
  
• 
  Wrong use of some harmful ingredient, drug.
  
• 
  Exposure to cold.
  
• 
  Trauma! Accident/Fracture of Jaw-bone.
  
• 
  Carious tooth or local inflammation.
  
  
• 
  Lack of dental hygiene and dental care.
  
• 
  Referred pain.
  
• Loosening of teeth or partially broken teeth.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Disorders

Yellow Tooth

• 
  Mix salt with finely powdered rind of lime (nibu ka chilka). Use this as toothpowder frequently.
  
• 
  Bum the shells of almonds and powder it. Use as tooth powder.
  

Filthy Teeth

• 
  Take about 50 gms. of keekar wood, roasted alum 20 gms. and namak lahori 10 gms. grind and sieve the whole mixture and rub this powder over your teeth every morning and evening.
  
  
• 
  Bum an oyster shell to ashes, add a little of salt, grind and sieve through a fine cloth and preserve the powder for rubbing it over the teeth.
  

Teeth Weakness

• Bum to ashes a piece of turmeric, grind it with Bishop's weed (ajwain) and use this mixed powder as tooth powder. Continuing cleaning your teeth with this powder would provide relief in a couple of week's time. When you apply this powder to your teeth, allow the saliva to ooze out for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth. But, avoid taking very hot drinks and stop consuming sweets in excessive quantity.

Tooth Decay

• Take a piece of turmeric, roast it and then grind it to powder form. Then fill this powder in the cavity caused by tooth decay. In case you are unable to sleep owing to toothache caused by the decay in teeth! or tooth, then grind turmeric, bishop's weeds and cloves and tie them in a small piece of cloth. Put this cloth below the aching teeth press it mildly and let the teeth get the essence of these ingredients. As you ooze the saliva out your toothache will vanish with it.

Typhoid Fever

Ayurvedic Name: Aantrik Jwara

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is also called enteric fever. It happens due to the involvement of the intestines and may become very serious if treatment is not provided to the patient at the right time. Typhoid fever has a tendency to relapse the patient. It is sometimes accompanied by hoarse cough and constipation or diarrhoea. Typhoid fever is mainly transmitted by ingestion of food or contaminated water from an infected person. Typhoid fever is still common in many developing countries like india, where it affects about 21.5 million persons each year.

Now vaccines for typhoid fever are also available, but these vaccines are not effective so much and are just partially effective and are usually reserved for people who may be exposed to the disease or are traveling to areas where typhoid fever is endemic. No vaccine has been discovered till date for paratyphoid fever.

How does typhoid fever spread?

Typhoid fever appears to have affected thousands of human beings from last so many years, but the cause of the illness is a poisonous and interruptive bacterium called Salmonella typhi . Typhoid fever mainly spreads when people eat food or drink water which is already been infected with Salmonella typhi. This bacteria lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. Therefore, typhoid fever is more common in unhygienic areas of the world where hand washing is less frequent and water is likely to be contaminated with germs. It also spreads through direct contact with a person who is already infected with this disease.

A different pathogen, Salmonella paratyphi , causes paratyphoid fever. Although they're related, these aren't the same bacteria responsible for salmonellosis, another serious intestinal infection.

After treatment, some people who recover from typhoid fever, even then continue to harbor the bacteria in their intestinal tract or gallbladder, for some years. These people are called chronic carriers, usually shed the bacteria in their feces and are capable of infecting others, although they no longer have signs or symptoms of the disease themselves.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

If you have typhoid fever you may have the following symptoms:

• Typhoid fever is usually recognized by the sudden onset of sustained fever.
• During typhoid fever you may also suffer from severe headaches.
• Nausea is an another symptom for typhoid fever.
• Some times Stomach Pain is also accounted.
• Sometimes the person also suffers from severe loss of appetite.
• Typhoid fever accompanied by insomnia and feverishness, particularly at night.
• In the beginning the temperature of the body is slightly high in morning, then it gradually becomes normal in the afternoon and then again rises in the evening. The temperature of sustained fever may go up to as high as 103° to 104° F (39° to 40° C ).

Some other symptoms of typhoid fever are:

• Sore throat.
• Myalgia.
• Mild vomiting.
• Lassitude and discomfort.

What you should do if you think you have typhoid fever?

You may go to doctor immediately, if you suspect you have typhoid fever . The patient may be given an antibiotic for the treatment of the typhoid fever. Persons given antibiotics usually begin to feel better after 2 days and chances of deaths rarely occur. Persons who do not get treatment may continue to have fever for weeks or months, and as many as 20% may die from complications of the infection.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Typhoid fever

Given below course you may follow for general treatment of typhoid fever, it depends on subjective or objective symptoms of the patient.

In first week- You may take 125 mg each of Muktashukti Bhasma and Mrigshringa Bhasma, at least three times daily which should be mixed with honey. A decoction of 12 gm of Khub Kalan and 10 gm of dried grapes with one litre of water, boiled down to about one-third, can be given along with the above medicines.

In second week- You may take a dose of Muktashukti Bhasma (10-12mg) & a dose of Kasturibhairava Rasa (120-125mg) with honey thrice daily. You may also take a mixture of Saubhagya Vati (240 mg) and Jwararyabhra (120 mg) three times in a day with juice of fresh ginger.

In third week- Mix 120 mg of Pravala Bhasma and 120 mg of Vasantmalati Ras with atleast 120 mg Amritsattva, to be taken with honey at least two times in a day. After at least three hours of serving the above medication give a dose of 240 mg of Powder of Pippali & also 240 mg of sarvajwaralauha with honey atleast two times in a day.

That is first, second & third, second should be taken alternatively.

In fourth week-You may take a mixture of Navayasa Choorna (Powder) - 2.5 mg  Vasantmalati Ras 125 mg & Sitopladi Choorna - 1.5 gm (Two Doses) to be taken with honey at least two times in a day. After meals, take a liquid compound prepared from- 10ml of Amritarishta & 5ml of Vishmushtayasava with 10ml of Lauhasava (one dose to be taken for each with equal quantity of water after lunch &dinner meals).

If whole body is massaged with oil, preferably Mahalakhshadi Tail daily, it will provide much desired relief to the patient and also help in quicker recovery. Some people suggest massage with olive oil or Johnson's Body oil but, then, it is simply a matter of individual response and suitability, availability and choice.

Some Prevention Tips for Typhoid Fever

You may follow following three actions to protect from typhoid fever

• Avoid foods and drinks that you may think may be contaminated. Also avoid eating things that have been kept in the open for long time.
• Most important thing - Get vaccinated against typhoid fever.
• Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travelers diarrhea, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis A.

Trachoma

 

Causes

Trachoma is a chronic, contagious eye disease a severe form of conjunctivitis caused by virus like organism called Chlamydia Trachomatis and is quite common in tropical regions.

Symptoms

If acute conjunctivitis is not controlled and treated in time, it may turn out in the form of Trachoma. In trachoma conjunctiva of the eyelids becomes inflammed, leading to pus discharge which, if untreated, the coruunctive becomes scarred and shrinks, causing inward turning of the eye lids, as a result of which the eyelashes scratch the cornea (Trichiasis).

In this condition, blindness generally follows. Hence most of the cases of blindness are attributed to untreated Trachoma which has, perhaps, the largest number of patients around the world more so in the developing and underdeveloped regions or countries.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

• 
  Wash the eyes regularly with tepid or lukewarm water, mixed with borax.
  
• 
  Put in rose water ( 5-6 drops), 4-5 times a day.
  
  
• 
  Grind together Churnanjana, Chandra Probha Vati and chandrodyavati with honey and prepare a paste for being used as collyrium 3-4 times daily.
  
• 
  Consult your physician before use or drop 2-3 drops of pure mustard oil.
  
• 
  An old person had advised the use of onion (white variety) juice and pure honey and used as eye drops 2 drops an each eye at night and in the morning or when eyes feel fatigued and strained.
  

Tonsillitis

What Are Tonsils? 

The tonsils are situated at the back of your throat-one on the right and one on the left. These two balls of tissue are part of your body's infection fighting system - to help you prevent from getting sick. Usually, tonsils do their job well. But sometimes bacteria or viruses get into the tonsils. As a result, tonsils become so overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis.

Who gets Tonsillitis?

Person of any sex and age may fall a victim to bacteria infection leading to tonsillitis. But, tonsillitis is most common in children, however, the condition rarely occurs in children younger than two years.


A peritonsillar abscess is usually found in young adults but can occur occasionally in children. The patient's history often helps identify the type of tonsillitis (i.e., acute, recurrent, chronic) that is present.

What is Tonsillitis ?

Tonsillitis is nothing but the inflammation of the tonsils. This may due to a bacteria infection, or germ, which in some instances responds to treatment with antibiotics. Signs of strep throat and tonsillitis are often alike. When tonsils have been surgically removed the operated person (especially a child) is more susceptible to infections.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis ?

Tonsillitis is mainly characterized by swelling within the tonsils, which become red and inflamed and may even show a surface coating of white spots.

Some of the main signs and symptoms of tonsillitis are

• Pain while swallowing.
• Sensation of chill and presence of fever.
• Tonsils are engorged, enlarged and inflamed like Small balls.
• Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the jaw and neck.
• In Acute state, they also discharge purulent fluid.
• Tone and rhythm of respiration is affected.
• Headache.
• Nasal congestion and runny nose.
• Severe sore throat.

How is the Infection Spread ?

Whatever the cause may be - whether it is a bacteria or a virus, tonsillitis is generally spread very easily from one person to other through airborne droplets, hand contact or kissing.

What are the Causes of the Tonsillitis ?

The most common cause of tonsillities is bacterial or viral infection. The herpes simplex virus like: Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and the measles virus cause most cases of acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis. Bacteria cause 15-30 percent of pharyngotonsillitis cases and GABHS are responsible for most of the bacterial tonsillitis.

Some other causes of Tonsillitis are given below

• Repeated throat infections.

• Excessive use of spices, condiments, acrid, pungent and astringent food items.

• Constant dry, hawking, dog-like cough.

• Forcible and constant use of voice - often at a high pitch.

• Chronic Congestion, blockade of nose, when nose is blocked by viscid and tenacious mucus.

• Excessive eating of toffees, sweets, tamarind, tartaric acid, chewing gum etc.

Ayurvedic Medicines for the Treatment of Tonsillitis

Ayurvedic Medicine I

Ingriedients

• Dacha.
• Vast.
• Honey.
• Karajan.

Directions

Use linctuses made out of all the above ingridients. You may take this 3 or 4 times in a day.

Ayurvedic Medicine II

Ingriedients

• Flowers of Banaphsha

Directions

Boil flowers of Banaphsha and mix them in about 50 ml of water and when contents are reduced to one-third - mix it with 200 ml of milk and drink hot.

Ayurvedic Medicines III

Ingriedients

• Chamolin Tea.
• Honey.
• Lemon.

Directions

A chamomile tea may be given to the patient with lemon and honey added. This will help him give relief.

Ayurvedic Medicine IV

Ingriedients

• Alum

Directions

Gargle with purified alum, it will give you relief. You may even apply dry powder of alum over the swollen tonsils.

Herbal and Home Remedies for Tonsillitis

Fenugreek Seeds - Gargle made from fenugreek seeds is very effective for tonsillitis.

Vegetable Juices - Raw vegetable juices of carrot, beet, and cucumber in the ratio of 3:1:1 combination are also very beneficial for the treatment of tonsillitis.

Stay Hydrated - Drink lots and lots of liquids. Especially, frozen liquids help numb the throat. You may also try hot teas with honey, and clear soups. For some people, warm beverages help relieve the pain of tonsillitis better than cold ones do.

Salt Water - You may gargle with luke warm salt water many times in a day. ( one forth teaspoon of salt would be enough in half a cup of water) several times a day.

Lemon, Blackpepper and Salt - Take a lemon and cut it into two pieces. On one piece, put some salt and black pepper. Now press it with a knife s o that salt-pepper penetrate into the lime. Put the lemon on heat to make it warm. Slowly lick this lemon squeezing it until no juice remains. You may do this daily two or three times.

Hygiene - If you are suffering from a disease like tonsillitis, you should keep good hygiene.

Avoid Acidic Drinks, Spicy Food and Soar Substances - Don't drink acid drinks and try to avoid spicy food as it may irritate your throat. Sour substances like curds, buttermilk, and fried foods should also be avoided.

Rest - Give plenty of rest to your throat and try not to talk.

See a Doctor, if condition is serious - If you are have difficulty in swallowing, breathing or talking, or have any other concerns you should see a doctor immediately, or the condition may turn more serious.

Sore Throat

 

What is the sore throat ?

A sore throat is discomfort, pain or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.It is a common disorder of the throat and can occur at any time during any season, time and place.Virtually every child and adult gets a sore throat once or two timesin a year.It’s a special kind of torture that everyone from opera stars to off-key shower warblers dreads.

Sore throats can be caused by many things. Viruses may lead to a sore throat. Bacteria can also cause a sore throat, as can smoking, breathing polluted air, drinking alcohol, and hay fever and other allergie.

What are the symptoms of the sore throat ?

Symptoms of a sore throat caused by bacteria or a virus may include

• Painful red throat
• Swollen tonsils
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph glande
• Tendency to hawk, ham and suppressed voice
• Mlaise.

In case of sore throat pain may spread to the ears.But there are very rare chancesof high fever.If the sore throat is due to the Coxsackie virus, small blisters may develop on the tonsils and in the soft palate.If the sore throat is due to a streptococcal infection, the tonsils often swell and become coated and the throat is sore.

What are the causes of the sore throat ?

Possible causes of symptom of Sore throat are -

• Fever
• Infection
• Viral infection
• Throat infection
• Bacterial infection
• Strep throat
• Mononucleosis
• Respiratory infection
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Herpes simplex
• Coughing
• Postnasal drip
• Pharyngitis

The majority of sore throats are due to an infection with a virus; there is a large variety of viruses which cause the common types of sore throats.A well-known virus is the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever and glandular fever tonsillitisSore throats are normally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection.

What are the treatment of the sore throat ?

In case sore throat, you may take following treatment -

Ayurvedic Medicine I

Ingriedients

• 50 mg of Parched Borax Powder.
• 300 mg of Liqourice.
• 100 gms of Sitopladi Churna.
• Honey.

Directions

Mix all the above ingriedients so as to make a paste which should be taken several times in a day. Even the same paste may be applied localaly over painful area.

Ayurvedic Medicine II

Ingriedients:

• 1 gm of Cinnamon.
• Honey.

Directions

Take cinnamon and boil it in a cup of water. Now you may take this mixture 3-4 times daily, after adding some honey to it.

Ayurvedic Medicine III

Khadiradi Vati or Lavangadi Vati or Mrichadi Vati may be sucked by the patient after an interval of two to three hours.

Ayurvedic Medicine IV

Ingriedients

• Chamoline

Information:

Chamoline is good remedy and will help the patient to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Chamomile tea is particularly effective in treating pain because of its soothing nature, and can be taken by all age groups.

Home Remedies of the sore throat

There are following home remedies for sore throat, they are given below:

• 
  
  Rest - Give your throat lots of rest, and try not to speak.
  
• 
  
  Drink Fluids - Drink lots and lots of fluids in the form of juices and water, it will help you keep hydrated.
  
  
• 
  
  Sage - Sage is another popular alternative medicine used in the treatment of sore throats. Sage is beneficial in treating pharyngitis and other throat pains by reducing inflammation and protecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
  
• 
  
  Garlic - Garlic, a natural antibiotic, can be helpful in the speeding up of recovery and removal of bacteria, especially if your sore throat is caused by the flu or bacterial infection. Garlic can be taken in pill form by all age groups.
  
  
• 
  
  Lemon Juice, Honey and Hot Water - Now here is a little drink that will help sooth a sore throat. Add lemon juice (from one lemon) some honey, to a glass of hot water. Now you may drink this drink, it will help to sooth your throat and make your feel better.
  
• 
  
  Throw your Toothbrush - Once you get rid of the sore throat, get rid of your toothbrush as it may give you the sore throat again.
  
  
• 
  
  Slippery Elm - Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is another good ayurvedic remedy for the treatment of sore throat. It will help you to soothe the throat
  
  

small-pox

 

What is a small-pox ?

Smallpox is a very serious infection which is caused by a virus named variola, which is a member of the poxvirus family. Smallpox has been a greatly feared disease because it was responsible for huge epidemics. Smallpox gets its name from the pus-filled blisters that form during the illness. Smallpox is not related to chicken pox, which is a milder disease and is caused by a different virus.

In past, smallpox has affected people all over the world, and disease used to be very serious. But now the condition has improved a lot since now there exist many good vaccines for the treatment of smallpox, so now there is not much threat for smallpox.

Smallpox is of two forms, as given below

1) Variola Major - Variola Major is a highly contagious viral disease, which is generally characterized by fever and weakness and skin eruption with pustules that form scabs that slough off leaving scars. It has a mortality rate of 30% or more.

2) Variola Minor - Variola Minor is a mild form of smallpox caused by a less virulent form of the virus. It has a mortality rate of less than 1%.

What are the symptoms of small-pox ?

The virus usually entered the body through the respiratory (breathing) tract. The incubation period (the period of showing symptoms after development of infection) for smallpox ranges from approximately 7 to 17 days. During this time, the virus was multiplying within the body and moving through the bloodstream.

Some of common symptoms of smallpox are

• Very High fever.
• Fatigue.
• Severe headache and Backache.
• Malaise.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Skin eruptions.
• Chickenpox-like skin rashes.

In some rare (around 5 to 10 percent) cases of smallpox, more rapidly progressive, malignant disease develops, which is almost always fatal within 5 to 7 days.

What are the causes of small-pox ?

The main cause of smallpox is caused by variola virus of genus orthopoxvirus. Variola virus period is about 12 days. A characteristic rash is most prominent on the face, arms, and legs, follows in 2-3 days. The rash starts with flat red lesions. Lesions become pus-filled and begin to crust early in the second week.

How is SmallPox Spread?

Smallpox is a highly contagious and infectious disease and it spreads very easily from one person to other. It mainly spreads through the infected droplets coming from infected person's saliva when the person coughs, or sneezes. It can even spread when the person talks. Smallpox can also be spread from the fluid in the blisters of an infected person's skin or from blankets, towels, or clothes that have touched the infected person, but this is less common.

What are the Treatment of small-pox ?

Since small pox is caused by a virus, generally there is no treatment available. But a vaccine is must to have as it will help you prevent from developing the disease. The earliest forms of vaccination was inoculation, which entailed taking fluid from the lesions of an infected person and injected the fluid into an uninfected person. This method proved to be effective too, as when the innoculated people suffered from smallpox their symptoms were very mild as compared to an uninnoculated person developing smallpox.

Ayurvedic Medicine I

Ingredients:

• Neem Bark.
• Pitta Papra.
• Parh.
• Parval Leaves.
• Kutki.
• Bark of Aroosa.
• Amla.
• Yavasa.
• Khas.
• Red Sandalwood.
• White Sandalwood.

Directions

Prepare a decoction after mixing all the above ingredients. Now, the patient may take this decoction with raw sugar, 2 to 3 times a day.

Ayurvedic Medicine II

Ingredients

• Awarnamakhshik Bhasma.
• Kanchnar Bark.

Directions

50 to 100 mg of Swarnamakhshik Bhasma given with decoction of Kanchnar bark.

Sandfly Fever

 

what is a Sandfly Fever?

Sandfly is the common name of a flying, biting, blood-sucking insect found in many countries. Sandfly is also known in Florida and elsewhere as a Sandflea, No-see-um, No-see-em, Noseeum, or Punkie. It is also known as Three-day fever because sandfly fever's normal duration is a short or three day. It is common at the junction of the seasons. It is find in the northern regions of India, particularly in Punjab, Delhi, Western U.P., and Madhya Pradesh.

It's the primary vector of leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is spread by sandflies of the genus Lutzomyia. In the old world, the disease is spread by sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus. Female sandflies suck blood from many warm-blooded animals because the blood helps to create egg. Only female sandflies may bite.Female sandflies use their mouthparts to create a pool of blood, which is then sucked up.

What are the symptoms of Sandfly Fever?

• Headache
• Feverishness
• A flushed face
• Bloodshot eyes
• Chills
• Shivering
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle pains
• Joint pains
• Flushing

The temperature goes upto 40°C and returns to normal after three days, sometimes, there may be a relapse. The pulse is weak and thready.

People who have cutaneous sandfly fever have more sores on their skin. The sores may change in their size and appearance over the time. They often looking volcano, with a raised edge or central crater. More sores are covered by a scab. The sores may painless or may be painful. Some people have swollen glands near the sores for example, under the arm if the sores are on the arm.

What are the causes of sandfly fever?

Sandfly fever is caused by the sandfly - a small or hair midge called Phlebotomus papatasi

Main causes of sandfly fever are virus, serotype Toscana. In some patients, serotype Toscana may cause meningitis and meningoencephalitis.TOS infection should be considered as a cause of acute central nervous system disorders in patients returning from areas of endemicity.Sandfly fever may cause systemic disea,an organism transmitted by the bite of a sandfly,

usually the Phlchotomus argicntipcs.

Risk factor list

The list of risk factors mentioned for Sandfly fever in various sources includes:

• 
  
  
  Sandfly bites
  
• 
  
  Phlebotomus paparasi - the type of sandfly
  

Ayurvedic Remedies

• 
  
  120 mg of Hinguleshwar, 180 mg of Godanti Bhasma, and 240 mg of Amritasatva should be taken four times in a day with honey.
  
• 
  
  Amra Bhasma, Yakritap lilloda rad ilauha-60 mg of Tamra Bhasma and 60 gm of Yakritap lilloda rad ilauha to be taken two times in a day, at mid day and night with honey.
  
• 
  
  
  Hydrocortisone cream 1% improves both itching and swelling or redness. It actually has anti-inflammatory effects, not just symptomatic relief like the topical anaesthetics. However, it does take longer for full effect than topical anaesthetics
  
  

Rheumatism or Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is a general disorder accompanied by pain in the joints, feverishness, and copious perspiration. The disease is one to which children and adolescents are more prone, it is generally not evidenced among people over thirty years of age. If the disease attacks an individual upto the age of eighteen, proper care and medication can control the disease. The disease has a tendency to spread in an erratic manner, and involves the smooth membranes of the body, particularly, the heart.

Causes and Symptoms

An attack of rheumatic fever generally begins with a chill, followed by fever. It is accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or pain in one or more joints, usually of the ankles, knees, wrists and shoulders. With the passage of time, the pain becomes really severe. The patient's face becomes flushed and his whole body is bathed in perspiration. The temperature is usually 39.4°C, the pulse rapid but strong, the tongue coated. The patient also suffers from excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and constipation. The attack lasts for a few days if there is no relapse. If the disease is not controlled, certain complications may develop. Inflammation of the outer membrane, the inner membrane, and the muscle of the heart may develop. The risk of cardiac complications is greater among patients of tender age since their joints are small and their swelling may sometimes be overlooked. Another serious complication which is noticed in some cases is hyperpyrexia (high fever), ranging from 41.1°C to 42.2°C.

Home Remedies

• 
  Dandalion leaf has diuretic quality, that increases output from the kidneys, while its root is a mild laxative and liver tonic. Make infusion of its leaves and decoction from its root, and use both for about 7-days. While Nettel is a great cleanser of blood and also rich in minerals, it helps also the repair and renewal of tissues. Both remedies can be combined to yield optimum favourable results. To relieve extreme pain Meadowsweat is recommended. Nettle and Meadow­sweat infusions can be used for the purpose.
  
• 
  Ginger is known for its pushing up circulatory property, and can be added to either of the above said infusions. Ginger plays a significant role in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
  
• 
  For local treatment, essentials oil are required to cleanse the tissue and drain out toxities. For this purpose oils of Juniper, Pin, Cypress and Rosemary are required, whereas lavender oil will and aid in greater muscular relaxation, if added to anyone of the said list of oils. Stiffness and pain can be got rid of by blending Rosemary and lavender oils or Marjoram and Juniper may be added (2% of oils to vegetable base oils). It will improve blood supply to muscles and also help in speedy removal of toxins. Massage with oil is an ideal method which can restore near-normal movements, remove stiffness and swelling from the joints. Once waste material has been removed, most the symptoms will disappear and show considerable improvement.
  
  
• 
  A hot compress of sand or salt put in a hag and heated over a hot plate, should be applied to the swollen joints. Leaves of amarhel or dhatura heated over a hot plate may be applied to the affected joints as a poultice.
  
• A 3 inch piece of dried ginger is grinded with a grape sized piece of asafoetida in milk. Then paste is applied on the affected area and exposed to the sun for imparting warmth and heat.

Precaution

The patient must avoid fried eatables and sour foods like curds and alcohol, moong dal, meat soup, garlic, onions, bitter gourd, papaya and green bananas are the foods which help in controlling gout and rheumatic pain

Pyorrhoea

If gums are healthy, teeth will also be healthy. If gums get infected, first of all teeth will start loosening from their sockets and, when there is first blood-letting and then pus fonnation, the infection will mingle with food and, thus, vitiate and infect entire digestive process.

Causes & Symptoms

• 
  Lack or absence of roughage in daily diet and dental care.
  
  
• 
  Blocking of food particles within teeth and putrefactation therein.
  
• 
  Excessive tartar formation.
  
• 
  Proliferation of bacteria.
  
• 
  Foul smell from the mouth and unpleasant taste.
  
• 
  Inflammation and ulceration of gums.
  
• 
  Bleeding from gums, even after slightest provocation or touch.
  

Ayurveda attributes causes of pyorrhoea to lack of dental hygienic, poor diet, and costiveness of bowels.

Home Remedies

• 
  As a first step, brush your teeth with twig of neem Banyan tree. Milk (latex) of the prop root is astringent, antiseptic, prevents formation of pus, stops bleeding. Massage your gums and teem with alum mixed mustard oil daily, and rinse mouth with water mixed with alum. Rub your gums with Bhadramustadi Gutika. Danshana Sanskara Churna may be used as tooth powder.
  
• 
  As for diet, increase sufficient amount of roughage, lemon, citrus (but sweet) fruits, and green & leafy vegetables. Before going to sleep, gargle your mouth with alum mixed water. Cultivate the habit of rinsing your mouth, after taking any type of food whether in liquid, solid, or semi liquid form. Add foods that abound in qualities of vitamin C, other Vitamins & Minerals.
  
  
• 
  Teeth and gums play a vital role in digestive process. It is the job of gums to keep teeth under a firm grip When the grip or hold loosens, due to various factors detailed earlier, teeth will start loosening from their sockets and ultimately crumble decay. When there is bleeding and pus formation, it's a clear signal that dental care is at fault. Toothache, swelling of gums, blood oozing and pus formation, pain etc are merely symptoms of the chief monstrous malady. Most of the digestive problems owe their origin to unhealthy condition of teeth and gums. Hence, lose no time in seeking proper treatment. Let it not be forgorton that a loosened and painful tooth can cause cancer also. Tooth extraction ought to be the last option, when all other options have failed but pain, swelling, pus and bleeding need to be treated without delay so as to avoid further serious complications
  

pulmonary tuberculosis

 

What is a pulmonary tuberculosis ?

Pulmonary tuberculosisis is a T.B. of lungs, in common parlance or simply pthisis.Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most dangerous of all the types of T.B. when there may bleeding from the lungs at the terimenal stage and finally, the patient dies. Pulmonary tuberculosis is bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB).

What are the symptoms of the pulmonary tuberculosis ?

In its early stages, pulmonary tuberculosis is a silent condition. As the disease increases, symptoms may occur. Common symptoms include

• Tiredness
• Loss of weight
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Fever and night sweats
• Cough producing phlegm

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Wheezing
• Sweating excessive
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulty
  

What are the causes of the pulmonary tuberculosis ?

Pulmonary tuberculosis is usually spread between family members, close friends and people who work or live together. Primary pulmonary TB develops in the minority of people whose immune systems do not successfully contain the primary infection. Pulmonary Tuberculosis may spread easily in closed spaces over a long period of time. It may develop after inhaling droplets sprayed into the air from a cough or sneeze by someone infected with M. tuberculosis.

The TB bacteria to become pathogenic and make a person sick will need a poor diet or a very stressed lifestyle. The usual site of the disease is the lungs, but other organs may be involved. The primary stage of the infection is usually asymptomatic.

Ayurvedic Remedies for pulmonary tuberculosis:

In case of pulmonary tuberculosis, you may take

• 
  125 mg of Panchanan Ras, 125 mg of Mukta panchamrita and 250 mg of Amiritasava may take with honey two times in a day.
  
• 
  125 mg of Vasant Malati Ras, 250 mg of Raktapitta Kulakandana Ras, 250 mg of Shatmoolyadi Lauh and 250 mg of Lakhshadi Churna, mix all the items and you may take three times in a day.
  

• One ounce juice of leaves of Adhotoda Vasica may mix 5 to 10 ml of honey and take three times in a day.
  
• 
  Rudati 2 gms may take two times in a day with honey or lukewarm water
  

pneumonia

Ayurvedic Name: Shwasanat Jwara

What is a Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a general term that refers to an infection of one or both of the lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Pneumonia may also be a cause from some chemicals breathed into the stomach, or indirectly due to any other medical illness, such as lung cancer or alcohol abuse.

Pneumonia is often a complication of already existing infections and is triggered as soon as the patient's defense system is weakened, most often by a simple viral upper respiratory tract infection (nose or throat infection) or a case of influenza, especially in the elder people. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

There are main three types of pneumonia, classified according to the organism which causes them. They are:

• bacterial.
• viral.
• mycoplasma.

Less common form of pneumonia caused by a fungus is called pneumocystis carinii, which mostly strikes people with AIDS. Tuberculosis can also cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia Symptoms

The first symptom that you will spot in pneumonia the pulse is rapid, and breathing becomes shallow and painful. On a longer duration of pneumonia, you may complain of shortness of breath and chest pain. This happens because the oxygen is not able to reach the blood properly due to inflamed lungs.

Pneumonia is usually difficult to spot. Many people mimic a cold or the flu with pneumonia, so get panic very soon that they are suffering from a serious condition. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia varies largely depending on the age of child and the cause of his infection. Only your doctor can provide you complete information about the signs and symptoms with adequate diagnosis.

The person suffering from pneumonia may experience:

• a cough that produces greenish or yellow sputum.
• a very high fever, which may be accompanied by shaking chills.
• rapid breathing.
• chest pain.
• a sharp or stabbing pain.
• experience headaches.
• exhaustion.
• vomiting.
• develop sweaty and clammy skin.
• wheezing.
• loss of appetite (in older children) or poor feeding (in infants).

Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Excessive Fatigue.
• Blueness of the skin.
• Nausea.
• Person may experience joint pains and muscle aches.

Infants with pneumonia may have many of the symptoms above, but in many cases, they are simply sleepy or have decreased appetite. In serious cases, children may develop bluish or gray color of the lips and fingernails.

Pneumonia Causes

The main cause of pneumonia is the infection of the lung tissue by one of many different microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and some parasites. These may be present in the body for some time before causing illness.

You may get pneumonia from the germs present in food, liquids and chemicals. In some cases, it is caused by breathing in small droplets containing the organisms that cause pneumonia. These organisms come into air from an infected person, when the person coughs or sneezes. In other cases, pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are usually present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the lung.

Though, pneumonia can be caused to anyone at any age, but very young and very old people are the most susceptible to pneumonia. Pneumonia very easily develops after an illness such as flu or cold.

Pneumonia is of two types according to the locations in the lung:

1) A lobar pneumonia- It affects a section of the lung.

2) A bronchial pneumonia -It affects the lungs in patches around the tubes, which bring the air into the lungs.

Some other causes of the pneumonia are:

• Excessive Smoking.
• Heavy Drinking.
• Heart Failure.
• Diabetes.
• Having a Lung Disease.

Ayurvedic Treatment, Herbal and Home Remedies for treatment of Pneumonia

Here are some of the recommended ayurvedic, herbal and home remedies for the treatment of pneumonia:

Ayurvedic Medicine I

Ingredients:

- Shringa bhasma

- Rasa Sindoor

- Shirngrabhra

- Narsar

Directions:

Take about 125 mg of each Shringa bhasma,
Rasa Sindoor,
Shirngrabhra,
Narsar and about 240mg of narsar. Mix all these items properly. Take this dose three times in a day with juice of ginger.

Ayurvedic Medicine II

Ashtadashang Quath - A good ayurvedic remedy for treating pneumonia. Take about 15ml of Ashtadashang quath daily in morning.

Ayurvedic Medicine III

Ingredients:

- Chintamani Ras

- Bhasma of Mayura Pichha

- Pippali Churna

- Rock Salt

- ApamargaKashra


- Churna of Kakarasinghi

Directions:

Take 125mg each of Chintamani Ras, Bhasma of Mayura Pichha, Pippali churna, Rock salt ApamargaKashra and 5 mg of Churna of Kakarasinghi. Mix all these medicines properly and make them into a single dose. This must be taken in the intervals of 3 hours, with honey.

Some Herbal and Home Remedies for Pneumonia

Turmeric - Take a thick cloth and make four folds of it. Between the third and fourth fold, spread a layer of turmeric. Now mix this turmeric in lukewarm water and sprinkle over the cloth to make it partially wet. Now put this cloth on the chest of the patient, heat a brick and put it over the chest of the patient to stimulate his chest, when the heat from the brick reaches the chest, it would nullify the pneumonia effect.

Also take 1 gm of black pepper, five cloves and 1 gm of edible soda. Boil it in 15 ml of water. When it is drinkable, make the patient drink it by sipping, for early relief.

Garlic - Another good herbal remedy for pneumonia. The main thing that it does is that it brings down the body temperature, thereby helping you to cure pneumonia. A paste of garlic can also be applied externally on the chest, which will do the same work as taking orally.

Sesame Seeds - Sesame seeds can also act as a good herbal treatment for pneumonia. Take out an extract of sesame seeds, by steeping 15 gm of seeds in 250 ml of water. A mixture of this extract, a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt and a dessertspoon of honey, can be given to the suffering patient everyday. This will help him in treating pneumonia fast.

Turpentine Oil - The pain of pneumonia can be relieved by applying turpentine oil over the rib cage and wrapping a warm cotton wool over it

Piles

Piles are either dry or bleeding and often caused by chronic constipation, hard and knotty slots, intake of spices, wines, meats and also by poor or absent physical activity. Dry piles is more painful, while bleeding piles render a person weaker. Pregnant ladies, elderly persons, sedentary persons who eat enormously and quite often but do no exercise, or the person taking above-mentioned dietary items, are more prone to piles. Persistant complaint may cause other complications also, such as fissures, cancerous growths, pain, swelling, smarting etc.

Types of Piles

• 
  
  Dry piles - In dry piles there is inflammation of the external piles, continuous pain and become unbearable while voiding the bowels.
  
  
• 
  
  Bleeding piles - In bleeding piles, the internal piles start bleeding and there may be excessive bleeding which lead to anaemia and consequent emaciation.
  

Causes

A person suffers from piles when the anal region veins become varicosed. The prime causes of piles are -

• 
  
  Constipation
  
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  Sedentary way of life
  
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  Lack of exercise
  
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  Some morbid conditions of the liver.
  

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

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  Use oil of Cypress or Juniper in the bath or using some drops of either to a bowl of cold water for improving circulation. Abdomen should be massaged with a 2% oil dilution, to any vegetable oil used as a base oil of Rosemary or Marjoram.
  
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  Apply locally commercial creams processed from the extracts of -
  
  
  
  (i) Morse chestmt (Aescutus hippocastanum)
  
  
  (ii) Pilecort (Ranunculus ficaria) or Marigold (Calendula officinalis).
  
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  Tincture of distilled witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) is astringent and can be safely used as a compress. It will also provide relief in prolonged bleeding which can also be prevented by using tea prepared from Nettle (Urtica Deocca).
  
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  All the ointments or cream are available from homeopath pharmacists retailers. Remember, frequent and profuse bleeding is liable to cause general weakness and anaemia also, hence don't let it prolong.
  
  
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  Use of caster oil with milk or 1 TSP with a warm cup of tea or, still better, Isabghole Husk (1 TSP) with warm milk will help in softening stool and thus, cause easy and almost painless passage thereof.
  
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  Alternative being to take a TSP of Triphala with water at bed-time. It show its effects.
  

Precaution

The patient should be advised not to use a hard seat or ride horses during the course of treatment. He should not indulge in too much sex, nor suppress the urge to void the stools for fear of pain which accompanies dry piles.

Myopia (Short or Near Sightedness)

Myopia is a condition of short sight in which case due to high convexity (or when the eye-ball is too long), rays of light are brought to a focus before they reach the retina, and thus form circles of diffused light upon it. This situation is opposed to long vision (hypermetropia).

Causes

The patient generally complains of difficulty in viewing distant or far-off objects, and the patient is often a young child. The patient has to use concave lenses in his spectables (having required curvature) which often help to correct the vision. But changes in vision are quite frequent, thus forcing the patient to change the lenses and this condition is called 'Progressive myopia'. In some cases, vision shows improvement and, in other cases (nirelythough), it might stablise or else gradually or fastly deteriorate.

Symptoms

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  Blurred vision in relation to far off or distant objects.
  
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  Inability to recognise well-known persons, unless they are standing next to the patient (But this symptom surfaces at a later stage).
  
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  The Patient sees screen, black-boared even in a hazy and blurred form, He sees only some shadows but tails to recognise the real object.
  
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  Patient has to exert hard to locate for identity, shape, size and form of an object which causes watering from the eyes.
  
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  Disturbed sleep, headache, pain in neck and cervical portion may be off-shoot: symptoms of the malady.
  
  

It the child cornplaints anyone of the said symptoms, immediately get him examined and take all the possible steps without any delay or else you will land the child in irreversibly complex problems.

Treatment

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  In Allopathic, Myopia is still an enigma, though correct glasses can be advised but a permanent cure is still not in sight, so to say.
  
  
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  Use Triphala (1TSP) at bed time at night with milk. Also immerse Triphala in water at night and wash eyes with Triphala water.
  
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  If myopia has been caused by nervous debility, take Saptamrita Lauha (1TSP) twice daily with milk.
  
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  Another remedy of choice is Yashti Madhu - ½ TSP root powder may be taken with ½ TSP honey and ¼ TSP ghee, or else Mahatriphalagrita (½ - TSP) may be taken with milk.