|
Ayurvedic Medicines
»
Analgesics
»
Antacids in Ayurveda
»
Anti hypertensive drugs in
Ayurveda
»
Antipyretic drugs in Ayurveda
»
Anti anxiety drugs in Ayurveda
»
Anti-arrhythmic drugs in Ayurveda
»
Antibacterial drugs in Ayurveda
»
Drugs that act as Antibiotic
»
Anti-inflammatory drugs in
Ayurveda
»
Bronchodilators in Ayurveda
»
Choornas
»
List of Avaleha
»
Expectorant in Ayurveda
»
"Ghrita (Ghee based medicines)
preparation in Ayurveda"
»
Various Medicated Oils in Ayurveda
»
Muscle relaxants in Ayurveda
»
Bhaishajiya Kalpana & Virechan
Medicine / Drugs
AYURVEDIC MEDICINES
Analgesics
One of the most widely
used categories of medicines is analgesic or pain
killers. This type of medicine are used at every
instance, either it is traumatic conditions or other
complications. In ayurveda the term analgesic is coined
as vedanahasthapak (means that which relieves pain). The
author of chukradutta text, Chakrapani in his text
describes that drugs that relieves the pain and bring
back the body at rest are called vedanasthapak.
Generally they can be said as painkillers. Ayurveda
states that the pain is due to vata and it needs to be
decreased either by Sanshodhanam (elimination) or
shanshamana (suppressing the cause). As per modern
classification these are two categories of analgesics
(a) Non-narcotics
(b) Narcotics.
The basic principle of
painkiller is that they break the message transmitted
from the affected part to the brain through the neurons.
This means that the analgesics either break the pain
signals arriving from the body part to the brain
orinterrupt the brain to receive the message by neurons
transmitting the pain signal. This is like just Again
there are local and central analgesics as per their use.
The analgesic category of medicineaccording to Ayurveda
is not much describedbecause there are no fast acting
painkillers. The clear distinction between the narcotic
and non-narcotic analgesic is not seen in the ayurveda
related text. The drugs are classified as per their
action.
The Susruta Samhita
describes about the teekshnaMadhya (liquors) bhanga
(cannabis sativa). The analgesics all defines in
ayurveda are scattered and fall under different
categories like anagamarda prasahamana (body ache
reliever), Madak (hypnotic) and Nidrakar (sedatives).
The major analgesics in ayurveda are-
Local Analgesics: -
These are used locally. Normally they are made paste and
applied to the affected part. Several medicaments, which
are used locally, are prepared for analgesic purpose
like the pradeha (embrocating body paint), pralepa (same
as pradeha). Belladonna, Dhustur, Vatsnabha, Kalihari.
Central Analgesics:
- These drugs are used forparental use.
Generally the diet preparations as described in the
Charka Samhita are used tomedicate with these herbs.
These drugs are acting on the central nervous system.
They have pharmacological properties to serve as
analgesic.
1.
Agru,
2.
Kapitha,
3.
Ahiphena,
4.
Daruharidra,
5.
Shatpushpa,
6.
Ashoka,
7.
Shalmali,
8.
Yashti madhu,
9.
Bhallatak,
10.
Punnankeshar,
11.
Parseek
yavani,
12.
Sushitha,
13.
Dendaru,
14.
Katphala,
15.
Shal,
16.
Haridra,
17.
Kadamb,
18.
Dhatura,
19.
Gandhaprasarni,
20.
Priyangu,
21.
Latakasturi.
Angmarda prashaman (Body
ache): - These medicines are used to relieve body pain.
Generally they are used as pradeha, pralepa and other
process. They are used to relieve body pain. They
normally relieve body fatigue and stress. Shalparni,
Prishtaparni, Brihati (both), Arand, Chandan, Usheer,
Ela, Madhuyashti. Susruta described a class by name of
vatashanashan (that which destroys vata). The vata
entity is responsible for the pain and its sensation
according to ayurveda. Susruta Samhita describes the
vatanashan category, which includes following drugs.
·
Meshshringi,
·
Balam,
·
Atibala,
·
Aartgal,
·
Kapikachhu,
·
Patala,
·
Agnimantha,
·
Gaduchi,
·
Shatavari,
·
Punarnava,
·
Vasuk,
·
Bharangi,
In ayurveda there are
different drugs that have analgesic properties. Apart
from these the
Vidaradigandhi Gana (drugs
of vidaradi group) drug, Dashumula (the ten drugs),
Shula Prashaman (the medicine that are used as
analgesic), Samgrahi (astringents), Shramahara (stress
reliever), Kriyahara (the medicines that reduces the
action of pain), Madak gana (hypnotic group of
medicines) are also analgesic in properties. The major
drugs of these classes are as under: -
Shula prashaman: -
-
Pippali,
-
Pipplimula,
-
Chavya,
-
Chitrak,
-
Nagkesar,
-
Mirch,
-
Ajmoda,
-
Yavani,
-
Jeerak and
-
Gardir.
Shramahar: -
-
Draksha,
-
Kharjur,
-
Priyal,
-
Badar,
-
Dadim,
-
Parushak,
Dutika / Kshuyava and
Vidaradi Gana: -
-
Shaliparni,
-
Prishtaparni,
-
Vidari,
-
Nagbala,
-
Sahadevi,
-
Gokshur,
-
Shatavari,
-
Knatika,
-
Krishnasariva,
-
Jeebhak
-
Rishabak,
-
Mashparvi,
-
Mugdaparni,
-
Brihatidya,
-
Punurnava,
-
Arand,
-
Hansapadi,
-
Kapikachhu.
Madak and Nidrakar: -
-
Ahiphena,
-
Bhang,
-
Ganja,
-
Akararabha,
-
Khurasani ajuwayan,
-
Pipplamula,
-
Sarpagandha,
-
Upodika,
-
Kasturi,
-
Dhustur.
Apart from these drugs the
process used as vednasthapak are: -
-
Ushnaseveda,
-
Sheetasweda,
-
Raktamokshan,
-
Jalauka,
-
Pralepa,
-
Pradeha
-
Taila
-
Malhar
-
Dhum prayoga.
The following mercuric
preparations are taken as analgesic medicines.
Chaturmukha RasaKrishna Chaturnukla Rasa Vata Chintamani
Brihta Vata Chintamani Makardhawaja Rasa Sindoor Swarna
Sindoor Yogendra Rasa Balarishta, Dashnulasishta, and
drakshasava are fermented preparation used for analgesic
purpose. These are certain analgesic category drugs that
are used in ayurveda by practitioners as per need and
conditions of the patients.
Antacids in Ayurveda
The antacids are drugs
that have pharmacological property to relieve
hyperacidity caused due toindigestion and heartburn by
neutralizing stomach acid. The complication of
hyperacidity occurs due to the reflux of hydrochloric
acid occurs instomach during the process of digestion.
This hydro-choric acid with other enzymes is
necessaryfor the digestion process. This process
ofdigestion is controlled by the hormonal function of
gastrin and somatostatin that induces the secretion and
suppression of hydro choleric acid
respectively. This is
normal physiological process of digestion but when it
gets interrupted either by hormonal imbalance or
mechanical disorder, it develops the complication of
hyperacidity. This is characterized by following
symptoms. The very primary symptom of hyperacidity is
feeling of bitter taste in mouth and increased saliva.
After wards it is developed to heartburn, nausea,
belching, and often stomach cramps are occurs. There is
pain in the upper abdominal region (epigastric).
Headache and giddiness is also present in some patients.
The heartburn increases while the patient lies in bed.
This is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of
hyperacidity. Pregnant women also suffer from this
complication.
In advance stages, the
complications can be caused in the form of ulcers. Some
times several mouth ulcers that can range from oral
cavity to the esophagus characterize it. This is
generally due to the increased secretion of hydrochloric
acid. Ayurveda describes this condition as amlapitta.
Itis considered to be a disease caused due toaggravation
pitta. The sign and symptoms described in ayurvedic
texts are very similar to that ofmodern sciences. This
root cause of this disease is as follows. The main cause
is irregular dietary habits, indigestion, the excessive
intake of spicy, heavy and fried food, disturbed sleep
and stress, hormonal imbalance of gastrin and
somatostatin andloss of appetite. There are certain
other causes like alcohol, smoking there could be a
mechanical disorder responsible for this disease. The
esophageal sphincter helps to separate wind pipe from
food pipe. Some times it may be loose and thus the acid
produced is refluxed with the food or alone. This is
also a reason behind hyperacidity. Generally we can
classify the root causes for hyperacidity as improper
life style and dietary habits like fried spicy food
alcohol. The physiological conditions like pregnancy,
mechanical disorder like the malfunctioning of
esophageal sphincter, Hormonal imbalance. Ayurveda
states that the elevated pitta is responsible for this
disease. When the pitta get with the rasa dhatu and
enters the annavaha strota (digestive tract) then this
disease happens. Basic line of treatment in ayurveda and
modern science is quit different in other words opposite
to each other. The antacid category drugs from the
allopathic side are said to be contain acid
neutralization agents as well as Central nervous system
depressant. The antacids are generally containing the
aluminum and magnesium salts. Alginic acid is also used
for this purpose. Alginic acid is responsible to make a
foamy forth into the stomach by reacting with the saliva
to control the acid reflux. These antacids are having
side effects of constipation and abdominal pain, nausea
and giddiness sometimes.
However the antacids are
among the one of the most widely used medicine all over
the world and about 1/3 rd of Americans and other world
population. In India about 35% of the population is
suffering with this disease. This is a life style
problem and those who are addicted with tobacco, alcohol
as well as excess of packaged food with rich salt
content can easily caught by this disease. The ayurvedic
line of treatment is just opposite to that of the modern
sciences. The basic principleof treating this disease is
virechan karma (the removal of undigested food as well
as bile by purgative drugs). The basic line of treatment
is the same in allopathic and ayurveda. That is life
style modification to avoid the food stuff that causes
the hyperacidity. According to Ayurveda, over exposure
to heat should be avoidable in this disease. But the
second stage of treatment that is drug based is quite
different as the drugs in ayurveda are purgatives that
have got the tendencyto remove out the pitta. But the
allopathic drugs are acting upon the acids to neutralize
it as well as they stop the secretion of the gastric
juices. Again the allopathic side has got the surgical
intervention in the chronic stages of hyperacidity that
is either endoscopic anti reflux measure or the gastro
esophageal surgery to prevent the reflux of acid.
The side effects of
allopathic drugs used in hyperacidity are headache,
abdominal pain, and indigestion. As far as the ayurvedic
drugs are concerned the single drugs used as antacid are
Amaltas, Amalaki (ambilica offecinalis), Haritaki (Chebulic
myrobalan), Turmeric, aloe vera, pippali, shatavari,
madhuyashti and in general all drugs that have property
of tikta and madhur rasa and snigdha guru are suppose to
be antacidic in nature. They have vata pitta shamak
property. The patoladi gana herbs patol, chandana,
murva,gaduchi, patha, are also used as pittashamak. The
herb shatavari has got good result in the treatment of
this disease. It is also used in ayurveda for treating
amlapitta. The diet preparations used for treating this
disease are generally containing the above category
drugs. The yavagu (liquid diet preparation) used for
treatment are prepared by using the above drugs as well
as the 4 purgative category drugs (see virechan drugs in
ayurveda) to control hyperacidity by performing virechan.
In early stages the use of deepan (appetizers), pachan
(digestives) are useful.
In ayurveda the mineral
preparations are also used for the treatment of this
disease. Pravaal pishti like drugs that are rich in
calcium salts are very much effective in treating the
hyper-acidic conditions. Apart from that several
medicines from ayurveda to treat this disease are multi
drug combinations. Like avapittikar choorna,
Madhuyastyadi Choorna and mineral based like abhraka
bhasma, shankha bhasma, confectionary preparation like
dhatri rasayana and the mercuric preparations like
Kamdudha Rasa, Sutsakher rasa and more are used in the
treatment of hyperacidity. The recent studies show that
the Shatavari herb has effects like metaclopramide (ant
emetic drug).this has been stated by ayurveda thousands
of years ago.
Anti hypertensive drugs
in ayurveda
The drugs that are used to
control the hypertensive conditions are called
antihypertensive drugs. The term hypertension is
commonly taken as prolonged and excess of tension and
stress caused by bloodon the arteries. According to the
medical sciences this is stage of
high blood pressure. The
most devastating aspect of this disease is that it
doesn’t characterize by any of the symptoms and causes
damage to the vital organs in long run of time. This is
reason that is termed as silent killer. The raised blood
pressure increases risk of certain complications like
Stroke, Aneurysm, Herat failure, Heart attack and Renal
disorders. Nowadays, the most of the people around the
world are suffering from hypertension in later ages.
This is due to the improper life style and dietary
habits that are spreading all over the world. The
chances of Hypertension are two times in people who are
obese as compared to the other people. The blood
pressure is measured on the systolic and diastolic
pressure. The systolic pressure is the highest pressure
of the arterial blood flow during the constricting of
the heart, while as the diastolic pressure is measured
as the lowest blood pressure during the diastole. The
blood pressure is mentioned as per/mm of Hg pressure.
For example it is written as 120 over 80 mmHg. A patient
is said to be hypertensive when the value of systolic
pressure is more than 140 at resting condition and the
diastolic pressure is more then 90 at resting
conditions. The limits of the systolic and diastolic
pressures are relative to the patient specific details.
However the disorder of the older people is called
isolated systolic hypertension. This condition is due to
the physiological changes of the body in older ages. The
deadly conditions of hypertension are malignant
hypertension that is due to the several reasons and the
pressure is more then 210 to 120 mm/hg. However it is
rarely seen into the patients but can cause death if
remain untreated for a long time.The blood pressure is
physiological phenomenon that turns malignant when it is
disturbed. The physiology of blood pressure has got
complicated mechanism that involves many factors. It
depends upon the amount of the blood pumped to the heart
as well as the arterial conditions and renal system. The
liquid content of the blood can be changed as well as
the blood flow can be increased or decreased as per the
action of the heart and the dwelling conditions.
The sympathetic division
of the autonomic nervous system and adrenal cortex of
the kidneys govern all these mechanism. The sympathetic
division uses several means to temporarily increase
blood pressure during the reflex action of the body to
prevent it from the coming danger. The hormones
epinephrine that is released by the adrenal glands is
due to the stimulation that is provided by the
sympathetic division. The hormonal control of the blood
pressure is due to the hormones secreted by the adrenal
cortex. The renal system also affects the blood pressure
as if the blood pressure is increased then the kidneys
excrete the salt and water in increased quantity to
maintain the blood pressure and vise versa.
The kidneys also control
the blood pressure by hormonal function of rennin that
tends to increase the blood pressure by causing the
arterial constriction. This rennin also plays role in
the release of aldestorene causing the retention of the
salt and water content. The ayurvedic text does not
describe the blood pressure as a disease but the
symptoms are described in various segments. The relevant
symptoms are found in the Vata vyadhi and rakta dushti.
There are various drugs and measures to treat the
symptoms arising from the hypertensive conditions. There
are various medicines in ayurveda that are used to treat
hypertension. These are sedative, tranquilizers as well
as those acting on the renal system. There are several
preparations that are commonly used in place of the
barbiturates the yogendra rasa and sarpagandha mishran
are used as antihypertensive medicines. There are
several single drugs that are used as antihypertensive
medicines. Commonly these are
taken into the intellect
increasing and sedative category of medicines. The
symptoms of the hypertensive conditions resemble to the
vata Vriddhi symptoms. Thus the treatment used to reduce
the aggravated vata is also useful in the treatment.
Brahmi Vati, Brahmi Rasayana, Saraswatarishta are some
of the medicines that are used as antihypertensive.
These are supposed to have sedative effects. The madhur
rasa (sweet) and kashaya rasa (astringent) are used in
the treatment of the symptoms of hypertensive stages.
These are supposed to be containing the antioxidant
effect as per the modern sciences. The herbs that are
used as hypertensive medicines are Brahmi,
Shankhanpushpi, Jatamansi, Sarpagandha, Vacha, Gokshur,
Amalaki and Punarnava. There are different combinations
as well as the diet preparations based upon the above
drugs and medicines, which are used as antihypertensive
medicines. The mineral preparations that are used as
antihypertensive are praval, mauktik, and some
calcinated preparations like the abhraka bhasma. The
most common vehicle for these medicines are honey and
milk that is also useful for antihypertensive. There are
various medicines that are used as antihypertensive by
the ayurveda practitioners that are supposed to be
vatanashaka (those destroying vata) like the use of
drakshasava, kharjuur, priyal, milk and haridra are also
having some antihypertensive properties. The yoga and
pranayam are proved to be beneficial to the hypertensive
people. The mudra (postures) described in the yoga
section is very useful in treatment of hypertension. The
saw asana is the posture that helps in lowering down the
blood pressure easily. (See yoga and pranayama).
Antipyretic drugs in
ayurveda
The antipyretic drugs are
used for the purpose of reducing the body temperature
and then maintain it to normal. It is the category of
medicine that prevents feverish conditions as well as
lower downs the body temperature from raised stage to
normal condition. The antipyretics commonly don’t effect
in the healthy state means don’t disturb the temperature
regulation in healthy state. According to modern
sciences antipyretic medicines are non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that generally act by
inhibiting prostaglandin synthesize within the
hypothalamus region that acts a temperature regulator in
our body. The fever is the state of the body where the
body temperature reaches higher then the normal body
temperature. This normal body temperature in an
individual is taken on as 98.4-degree feranhite or 37
degree Celsius. The thermometer is used to measures this
temperature orally, in arm pit or in rectum. Fever is
caused by many factors. It can occur independently or as
symptom of any disease. Fever is generally due to the
pathological impact of the microbes as well as the
traumatic and several other reasons. The complex
biochemical syntheses of the interleukin as well as the
other substances like prostaglandins are the responsible
factors for the hyperpyrexia.
These biochemical are
released due to the pathological invasion and complex
reaction of the pathogens that affects the central
nervous system resulting in fever. This temperature
regulation process is governed by various systems. That
involves the central nervous system and the circulatory
system. In the state of fever the bodily symptoms are
commonly the same as the rise in temperature, some times
shivering, in acute stages the delirium as well as the
unconsciousness is also there. The fever is the also
described as symptom another disease. In various
diseases fever is present as symptom. Like typhoid,
rheumatic disease and more. In ayurveda related old
classics the fever is described in details and is termed
as “Jwara”. It is divided into several types and
subdivisions according to the dosha theory and other
pathological principles of ayurveda. The basic principle
of treating the pyrexia is to reduce the body
temperature by certain procedure and drugs. The
antipyretics described in ayurveda can be broadly
classified into following types-Antipyretics
and,Analgesic and diaphoretics.
According to ayurveda the
basic line of treatment for fever involves the
elimination of the root cause that is aggravates the
body temperature. The swedavrodha (stopped sweating) is
the main cause that increases the body temperature. The
process of langhanam (fasting) and paachan (using
appetizers and digestive stimulants) are also described
as basic line of treatment of the patient suffering from
fever. There are different medicines and drugs that are
used as antipyretic. Apart from that there are several
therapeutic measures that are used to lower down the
body temperature of the body. The action of antipyretic
drugs occurs in following ways.They act by reducing the
activity of the hypothalamus. They act by increasing the
heat radiating speedof body.
They increase the sweating
activity. The procedures that are used to lower down the
temperature.The antipyretics describes in the ayurveda
classics are- Jwaraghana gana (antipyretic category)
Following are some of the main drugs from the ayurveda
references that are used as jwaraghana. They are –Sariva,
Sharkarapataha, Manjishta, Draksha, Peelu, Parushaka,
Abhya, Amla, Bhibhitaki, Patola, Shewats chandan, Rakta
chandan, Moorva, Gaduchi, Patha, Katuki, Nimba, Dhaniya,
Padmakha, Amaltas, Madan phala, Karanj, Kalmegha,
Saptaparna, Kaarvellak, Vatsanabh, Dhatura, Atis, Droon
pushpi, Sahdevi, Arka and Karvir, The mineral based
drugs that are used as antipyretic are- Pkitkari,
Narsaar, Godanti, Neelanjana, Sankhiya, Hartaal,
Manashila, Praval, Kaparda, Shankha, Qunine, The all
drugs mentioned above are used according to the
patient’s specific need and the dosha involved or the
kind of fever. Besides these there
are several combination
medicines that are used as antipyretic in ayurveda. The
following medicines are used as antipyretic. Commonly
following medicines are used in the different types of
fever.
In navajwara (acute
fever)- Tribhuvan Kiriti Rasa, Sanjivani Vati and
Godanti Mishrana are given. In Visamajwara (Malarial
fever) - Saptaparna ghana Vati and Sudarshana Choorna
are given. In Vat shlaishmika jwara (Viral fever) -
Laksmi Vilas Rasa and Samsamani Vati are given. In Jirna
jwara (Chronic fever) - Pratap Lankeshvar Ras,
Mahasudarsana Choorna and Amritarishta are given. In
Sannipatika jwara (Typhoid fever) - Nardiya luxmi Vilas
Rasa and Bhunimbadi Kwath are given. Apart from these
the medicines used as antipyretic as per the dosha
classification are - Mrituyanjaya rasa, trailokyasundar
rasa, hinguleshvarrasa, panchavaktra rasa, amritashtaka
kashaya rasa and Panchatikta kashaya The medicinal
decoctions of Shaobhanjan, Aranda, Shewata Punarnava,
Yava, and Kulatha are used as antipyretic. There are
mineral combinations that are used as antipyretic
medicines. They are-Kasturi Bhairava Rasa, Naracha-Rasa,
Tarun-Jwarari Rasa, Prataap-Martanda Rasa, Chintamani
Rasa, and Mritansanjavinai Rasa.
Ayurveda describes the
various diet preparations of antipyretic medicines. The
procedures involve the dripping and embrocating the cold
temperament drugs as well as the fumigation. Ayurveda
also describes fever that is caused due to mental
conditions like fear and shock. It is also seen that the
religious rituals are also described into the classical
texts of ayurveda. However the tikta rasa pradhan
(bitter taste medicines) are very much useful in the
feverish conditions. The Anupaan concept of ayurveda
(vehicle concept for medicine) is very useful in
treatment of fever. The Shadangpaaniya combination (see
different forms of medicines) is found to be very useful
in reducing the aftereffects of the quinine based
antipyretics. The have the tendency to treat side
effects of the antipyretic.
The following five
medicines are having antipyretic effect. They are used
in various forms like decoctions, powder, pills, diet
preparations, and more. These are Guduchi (tinaspora
cardifolia), Sunthi (zingiber officinalis), Vacha (Aarus
calamus), Yashti-madhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Musta
(Cyprus rotundus).
The medicinal procedures
that are used for the antipyretic purpose are also used
by the modern medicine system like the cold process. The
basti preparations are found to be useful in the chronic
fever condition.
Anti anxiety drugs in
Ayurveda
This category of medicine
contains drugs that have tendency to calm down a person
suffering from anxiety or stress due to any internal or
external cause. This is particularly used to control the
psychosomatic disorders and phobias. The general use of
ant-anxiety drugs is meant to control the tension up to
severe phobias. The stage of anxiety or tension can be
characterized as the reaction to the stress, danger that
can be real or imaginary.
The patient is having fast
pulse, excess sweating, trembling, fatigue, and
weakness. There may be thirst also. Certain cases that
are advance stages of anxiety are Epilepsy, Pregnancy
cases, Panic disorders, and Phobias. The early stages of
anxiety disorders are treated easily by using the ant
anxiety drugs and counseling but for complicated cases
the prolonged treatment under the observation is
required. For this purpose of treatment the anti-anxiety
category drugs are used.
The anxiety disorders may
be classified as, Panic conditions, the social phobia,
the obsessive-compulsive disorders and general anxiety
conditions. The symptoms of the disorders are not seen
in an isolated manner. In common the patient is having
the syndrome of symptoms and they are complicated. The
rare cases are seen with patient having symptoms of
single disorder. Normally the patient is having
depression and other complications. It is seen that the
anxiety disorders cannot be cured fully, the patient is
relieved from the acuteness of the symptoms and the
consistency of normal conditions is maintained by the
use of drugs and behavior therapy. In ayurvedic
classical texts the description of the anxiety disorders
is seen in the bhootvidya (psychiatric) segment. The
basic definition of health in ayurveda is a state of
physical and mental well-being. Ayurveda states that the
emotional disorders as well as mental state of a patient
must be balanced and should be in equilibrium. The
reason behind the anxiety disorders in ayurveda is
pragya apradh (the unhealthy adaptation of physical and
mental type leading into the mental imbalance). The
improper diet and life style that leads the disturbed
state of mind causes the negative feelings that
overwhelm the mind. This is termed as manovaha strota
vyadhi (the disease of mental condition. The unmaad
(hysteria) and apasmaar (epilepsy) are the diseases
described in ayurveda.
The root cause for these
disorders are purva janmakrtia (sins of the previous
birth), viruddha ahaar vihaar (improper diet,
overindulgence in sex, over stress), and the graha
avesha (astrological and occult reasons). The pathology
of the anxiety disorders in ayurveda is due to the
vikriti of manovaha strota due to vata. The basic line
of treatment in ayurveda for this disease is to
eliminate the vata dushti (reason). For this the nasya
therapy (inhalation therapy) is used as the ayurveda
suppose the nasal cavity as entrance of the brain. The
anxiety disorders and the symptoms described in the
classical ayurvedic
text are nearly the same
with those of modern sciences. The symptoms in anxiety
disorders can be divided into physical symptoms and
mental symptoms. The physical symptoms are the
consistent condition of the reflex action that body
shows in cases of danger like increased pulse,
heartbeat, hot or cold flashes, stiffed muscles, stomach
pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia. The mental
symptoms seen in the patient are restlessness, behavior
problems, nervousness, imaginary fear, hyperactivity,
and confusions. The common symptoms seen in the anxiety
disorders are insomnia, some times loss of memory,
nervine weakness, unrest, and more specific symptoms
like convulsions and phobias are there in advance
stages. The causes behind anxiety disorders are either
physiological like hormonal imbalance adrenal, thyroid,
hypoglycemia, insomniac conditions as well as chronic
disease. There are certain other reasons like drug
dependency upon certain category drugs amphetamines,
respiratory medications, Hormones, Withdrawal from
benzodiazepines. The modern sciences treat the anxiety
disorders by drug therapy and behavior therapy.
The behavior therapy is
the first stage to control the anxiety disorders. In
this therapy, the
patient is exposed to the
causes in a controlled environment so that they may get
adapted and gain self-control to fight such conditions.
The basic ideology of this is to change the basic
thinking pattern by regular consoling and observations.
This counseling therapy is normally taking 14 to 20
weeks. This is the best way to control the anxiety
disorders. The anti-anxiety drugs from allopathic aspect
are of two types. They are sedatives like
Benzodiazepines, Azapirones and antidepressants.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors commonly
abbreviated as SSRI and others like tricyclic
antidepressants beta-blockers. The most of these drugs
when taken for a continuous therapy creates dependency
and produces side effects as well as withdrawal
symptoms.
The ayurvedic line of
treatment for the anxiety disorders is the use of herbs
and medicines, nasya (inhalation therapy), mantra
(occult rituals), and achaar vichaar (life style
modification). The herbs used as anti-anxiety drugs are
sarpagandha, khus, jatamansi, bramhi, kevada, vacha,
tagar, amla, and rose. The medhya (brain tonics
/intellect improvisers) category drugs are used to
balance the loss of concentration, memory, and insomniac
disturbances. The nervine tonics like ashvagandha and
bala are used to strengthen the nervous system. The
choorna of single and multiple combinations are used.
Like saraswat choorna, tagaradi choorna and
ashvagandhadi choorna, and single drug choorna like
Vacha choorna, Jatamansi choorna are used. Along with
these medicines the rasayana preparation Brahmi rasayana,
ghrita (ghee based medicines) like Maha paishachik
ghrita, panchagavya ghrita, puran ghrita, and Brahmi
ghrita are given to the patient.
The fermentation
preparations like Saraswatarishta, Balarishta are used.
The rasa (mercuric) preparations like Krishna Chaturmukh
Ras, Unmad gajkesari Ras and Smriti Sagar Ras are
frequently used in anxiety disorders. The anti
convulsant used for Aptantrakari Vati, and Svarna bhasma
(calcinated ash of gold). The oil-based medicines used
are Dhanvantaram oil; Mahanarayana oil. The
confectionary based preparation is Errand paka. For
controlling the insomniac conditions the Jatamansi kwath
(decoction) and Madananand Modak (big shaped sugar mixed
pill) are described as anti-anxiety drugs. The herb
Brahmi (bacopa monari) is a good anti anxiety medicine
and have good antis tress property (see- bacopa monari).
The jatamansi herb is also
a good sedative and is safe, as it doesn’t perform the
dependency. On the other hand the sedative from the
modern sciences are very much likely to produce
dependency and withdrawal symptoms. The regular use of
Brahmi medicated oil on scalp at bedtime and inhalation
is a better preventive measure to avoid the anxiety
disorders.Anti anxiety drugs in Ayurveda This category
of medicine contains drugs that have tendency to calm
down a person suffering from anxiety or stress due to
any internal or external cause. This is particularly
used to control the psychosomatic disorders and phobias.
The general use of ant-anxiety drugs is meant to control
the tension up to severe phobias. The stage of anxiety
or tension can be characterized as the reaction to the
stress, danger that can be real or imaginary. The
patient is having fast pulse, excess sweating,
trembling, fatigue, and weakness. There may be thirst
also. Certain cases that are advance stages of anxiety
are Epilepsy, Pregnancy cases, Panic disorders, and
Phobias. The early stages of anxiety disorders are
treated easily by using the ant anxiety drugs and
counseling but for complicated cases the prolonged
treatment under the observation is required. For this
purpose of treatment the anti-anxiety category drugs are
used. The anxiety disorders may be classified as, Panic
conditions, the social phobia, the obsessive-compulsive
disorders and general anxiety conditions. The symptoms
of the disorders are not seen in an isolated manner. In
common the patient is having the syndrome of symptoms
and they are complicated. The rare cases are seen with
patient having symptoms of single disorder. Normally the
patient is having depression and other complications. It
is seen that the anxiety disorders cannot be cured
fully, the patient is relieved from the acuteness of the
symptoms and the consistency of normal conditions is
maintained by the use of drugs and behavior therapy. In
ayurvedic classical texts the description of the anxiety
disorders is seen in the bhootvidya (psychiatric)
segment. The basic definition of health in ayurveda is a
state of physical and
mental well-being.
Ayurveda states that the emotional disorders as well as
mental state of a patient must be balanced and should be
in equilibrium. The reason behind the anxiety disorders
in ayurveda is pragya apradh (the unhealthy adaptation
of physical and mental type leading into the mental
imbalance). The improper diet and life style that leads
the disturbed state of mind causes the negative feelings
that overwhelm the mind. This is termed as manovaha
strota vyadhi (the disease of mental condition. The
unmaad (hysteria) and apasmaar (epilepsy) are the
diseases described in ayurveda.
The root cause for these
disorders are purva janmakrtia (sins of the previous
birth), viruddha ahaar vihaar (improper diet,
overindulgence in sex, over stress), and the graha
avesha (astrological and occult reasons). The pathology
of the anxiety disorders in ayurveda is due to the
vikriti of manovaha strota due to vata. The basic line
of treatment in ayurveda for this disease is to
eliminate the vata dushti (reason). For this the nasya
therapy (inhalation therapy) is used as the ayurveda
suppose the nasal cavity as entrance of the brain. The
anxiety disorders and the symptoms described in the
classical ayurvedic
text are nearly the same
with those of modern sciences. The symptoms in anxiety
disorders can be divided into physical symptoms and
mental symptoms. The physical symptoms are the
consistent condition of the reflex action that body
shows in cases of danger like increased pulse,
heartbeat, hot or cold flashes, stiffed muscles, stomach
pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia. The mental
symptoms seen in the patient are restlessness, behavior
problems, nervousness, imaginary fear, hyperactivity,
and confusions. The common symptoms seen in the anxiety
disorders are insomnia, some times loss of memory,
nervine weakness, unrest, and more specific symptoms
like convulsions and phobias are there in advance
stages. The causes behind anxiety disorders are either
physiological like hormonal imbalance adrenal, thyroid,
hypoglycemia, insomniac conditions as well as chronic
disease. There are certain other reasons like drug
dependency upon certain category drugs amphetamines,
respiratory medications, Hormones, Withdrawal from
benzodiazepines. The modern sciences treat the anxiety
disorders by drug therapy and behavior therapy.
The behavior therapy is
the first stage to control the anxiety disorders. In
this therapy, the
patient is exposed to the
causes in a controlled environment so that they may get
adapted and gain self-control to fight such conditions.
The basic ideology of this is to change the basic
thinking pattern by regular consoling and observations.
This counseling therapy is normally taking 14 to 20
weeks. This is the best way to control the anxiety
disorders. The anti-anxiety drugs from allopathic aspect
are of two types. They are sedatives like
Benzodiazepines, Azapirones and antidepressants.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors commonly
abbreviated as SSRI and others like tricyclic
antidepressants beta-blockers. The most of these drugs
when taken for a continuous therapy creates dependency
and produces side effects as well as withdrawal
symptoms. The ayurvedic line of treatment for the
anxiety disorders is the use of herbs and medicines,
nasya (inhalation therapy), mantra (occult rituals), and
achaar vichaar (life style modification). The herbs used
as anti-anxiety drugs are sarpagandha, khus, jatamansi,
bramhi, kevada, vacha, tagar, amla, and rose. The medhya
(brain tonics /intellect improvisers) category drugs are
used to balance the loss of concentration, memory, and
insomniac disturbances. The nervine tonics like
ashvagandha and bala are used to strengthen the nervous
system. The choorna of single and multiple combinations
are used. Like saraswat choorna, tagaradi choorna and
ashvagandhadi choorna, and single drug choorna like
Vacha choorna, Jatamansi choorna are used. Along with
these medicines the rasayana preparation Brahmi rasayana,
ghrita (ghee based medicines) like Maha paishachik
ghrita, panchagavya ghrita, puran
ghrita, and Brahmi ghrita
are given to the patient.
The fermentation
preparations like Saraswatarishta, Balarishta are used.
The rasa (mercuric) preparations like Krishna Chaturmukh
Ras, Unmad gajkesari Ras and Smriti Sagar Ras are
frequently used in anxiety disorders. The anti
convulsant used for Aptantrakari Vati, and Svarna bhasma
(calcinated ash of gold). The oil-based medicines used
are Dhanvantaram oil; Mahanarayana oil. The
confectionary based preparation is Errand paka. For
controlling the insomniac conditions the Jatamansi kwath
(decoction) and Madananand Modak (big shaped sugar mixed
pill) are described as anti-anxiety drugs. The herb
Brahmi (bacopa monari) is a good anti anxiety medicine
and have good antis tress property (see- bacopa monari).
The jatamansi herb is also a good sedative and is safe,
as it doesn’t perform the dependency. On the other hand
the sedative from the modern sciences are very much
likely to produce dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
The regular use of Brahmi medicated oil on scalp at
bedtime and inhalation is a better preventive measure to
avoid the anxiety disorders.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
in Ayurveda
This category of drugs has
the tendency to regulate the abnormalities in the heart
rate. It is known fact that the heart pumps blood
through out our body. Involuntary muscles of heart keeps
on working even we are working, sleeping or sitting.
Heart beats are produced due to the expansion and
contractions of the heart muscles. in normal condition
heart beats are 60 to 80 times in a minute. Pace maker
is the powerhouse of the heart that is responsible for
controlling the heart beat. The pace maker sends
electric vibrations to different parts of heart for
proper working.
These electric signals are
developed in the Sino Articular node located at the
upper part of right atrium. The controlled mechanism of
these electric signals and other involuntary muscles
leads in a rhythmic expansion and contraction in the
heart that is known to be the heart beat (characterized
by lub and dub sign). Any type of irregularity in
heart's natural rhythm due to any reason is called an
arrhythmia. This unhealthy condition of irregular heart
beat or Arrhythmias is divided into two partsVentricular
Supra-ventricular. When the ventricles are supposed to
flicker the Ventricular arrhythmias occurs. On the other
hand when the atria or the upper chambers are flickering
irregularly Supra-ventricular arrhythmias occur.
Further, the Arrhythmias are subdivided by the speed of
the heartbeats. Following are the three conditions for
Arrhythmias The very slow heart rate is called
bradycardia. In bradycardia the heart rate is less than
60 beats per minute. Second condition is tachycardia,
which means increased heart rate. In this condition the
heartbeats are more than 100 beats per minute. The most
difficult of the arrhythmia is fibrillation. In this
condition the heartbeats are uncoordinated, that means
the expansion and contractions of individual
heart-muscle fibers are independent from each other.
There are various causes for arrhythmia. It can be
congenital, due to pathological conditions, different
cardiac diseases, hypertension, stress, smoking and
alcohol. Some medicines also affect the heart beat
pattern. Following are the symptoms of the arrhythmic
conditions.
In bradycardia the patient
feel tired, short of breath, dizziness, or some times he
faints. The patient with tachycardia has a feeling of
strong pulse in his neck, and fluttering, racing beat in
his chest. He feels discomfort, weak, short of breath,
sweaty, or dizzy. In ayurveda the arrhythmic conditions
are mot much described, they are covered in the topic "Hridya
gata roga" means a topic related to cardiac disease. In
modern sciences the anti-arrhythmic medicines are
belonging to digitalis, beta-blockers, potassium and
calcium channel blocker. In complicated cases the
surgical intervention is required. The surgery and
implantation are required as last stage of treatment.
Those drugs, which work by blocking the impulses, that
may cause an irregular heart rhythm and by interfering
with hormonal influences (such as adrenaline) on the
heart's cells are called beta-blockers. They also
maintains blood pressure and heart rate. Propranolol,
metoprolol, and atenolol are examples of beta-blocker
drugs. The sodium-channel blockers are also helpful.
Theyhave a tendency to slow down the electrical
conduction in the heart. Quinidine, procainamide,
disopyramide, flecainide, propafenone, tocainide, and
mexiletine are some of the examples. The medicines that
slow down the electric impulses in the heart by blocking
the its potassium channels are called potassium channel
blockers. Amiodarone, sotalol, and dofetilide are some
of the examples of potassium blockers. Those categories
of medicine that are blocking the calcium channels in
the heart are called the calcium channel blockers.
Diltiazem and verapamil are few of its example.The
digitalis category drugs are rarely used now.The
anti-arrhythmic drugs must be used very carefully and
should be taken under strict medical observation as some
times the conditions of a patient may get worsen due to
these medicine. This condition is known as
pro-arrhythmia. Ayurveda describes the cardiac drugs as
"Hridya". This category of drugs contains many medicines
and herbs. Following are the main drugs and medicines
used as anti-arrhythymic drugs. Hritapatri, ajamoda,
lata kasturi, parushaka, draksha, katphala, dadim,
rajadan, triphala, shakaphala, Amra, lakucha, amlavetas,
badar, matulung and karmarda these are the cardiac
tonics. Apart from these herbs, there are certain drugs
that increase the contraction and expansion without
increasing the heartbeat. In ayurveda a class of drug is
having the effect to strengthen the cardiac muscles they
are jaharmohara and kaharva. Those medicines that have
madhur (sweet) and amla (acidic) taste. There are a
number of preparations that can be used as cardiac
tonics. These mineral preparations are lauha bhasma,
abhraka bhasma, swarna bhasma, vacha, arjun, lajawarta,
and praval. The combination choorna that are used in
this disease are – Pippalyadi choorna, hingavadi choorna,
mrigashringa choorna, nagabala choorna, kakubhadi
choorna, pushkaramuladi choorna The ghee based
preparations like Arjuna ghrita, baladhya ghrita,
madhuka, mahameda, shalparni. Medicated milk arjun
ksheer paak. The decoction of devadaru, vacha, yavani
palash, shunthi, abhya, udambur are also very helpful.
Arjunarishta, balarishta and ikshurasa are used. All
these medicines have direct and parental effect on the
arrhythmic conditions. These medicines have tendencies
to effect the heart rate as well as soothes the effect
on the muscles of heart. Recent studies about garlic as
anti arrhythmic drug shows that it has higher dehress of
sulphur compounds. Garlic has anti-arrhythymic
properties to reduce both types of arrhythmias. Though
the mode of action is not defined the effects are
observed. The ayurvedic medicines can be divided into-
In condition of Hridya
daurabalya (Cardiac weakness) Nagarjunabhra Rasa,
Muktapisti, Jwahar Mohra and Arjunarishta are very
effective. In Rakta Chap (Hypertension), Yogendra Rasa
is considered the best.In Raktabhar Alpta (Hypo
tension), Makaradhvaja gutika, Kasturi bhairav Rasa are
quite beneficial.In Hritshoola (Angina), Sringa Bhasma,
Mahavat Raj Rasa. There are rasa-based medicines like
kalyan sundaer rasa, chintamani rasa, haridyarnava rasa,
panchanana rasa, and prabhakar vati are commonly used.
Modern sciences the following medicines to be cardiac
tonic- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Kushtha
(Saussurea lappa) Bala (Sida
cordifolia) Hatapatri (Digitalis purpurea Foxglove)
Rasona, (Garlic Allium sativum), Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera) The very basic preventive method against this
disease is to use a garlic, pomegranate, Arjuna powder,
and avoid smoking alcohol.
Antibacterial drugs in
Ayurveda
The anti bacterial agents
and drugs are of the most important inventions in
medical field. As we know that the antibiotics are used
to fight any type of infections that are due to
bacteria. The antibiotics are the base for the
improvement and development of the surgery part of
allopathic medicines. There are various medicated
liquids and powders derived form minerals as well as the
herbs for this purpose in ayurveda. In the surgical text
Susruta there are various medicines and processes that
are used for postoperative treatment. Thought, ayurveda
don't describe any thing about the antibiotic drugs but
they were quite aware of the after effects that may
occur due to the microbes. Thus various processes and
drugs were used for the antibiotic purpose. Without this
the surgical part of Ayurveda wouldn’t have flourished.
Thus we can imagine that that unknowingly the ayurveda
people were using the precautions against the microbial
growth. The medicated decoctions that were used in the
postoperative treatment by Maharishi Susruta was of
antibacterial nature. In the same way the treatment for
leprosy is also indicative of the
antibacterial properties
of the herbs and ayurvedic medicines used. Nowadays the
antibiotics are classified into various categories. The
major success of the modern medicines is dependent upon
the antibiotics invention. Each antibiotic is used to
treat specific bacteria. In simple words that acts as
antidote for the specific bacteria. The treatment is
based upon the diagnosis of the microorganism causing
infection.
The penicillin was the
first antibiotic that was discovered in 1928 by Sir
Alexander Fleming for treating the infectious caused in
wounds. Further, antibiotics were refined from the
penicillin and by the 1950’s a large number of
antibiotics were discovered. There are a large number of
antibacterial combinations that are used now days. The
antibiotics can be classified upon the basis of their
chemical composition as well as their mechanism of
pharmacological action. Following are the some
antibiotics commonly used by the practitioners. The
antibiotic medicines used commonly are B-lactam
antibiotics– this group contains, Penicillins
(Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, Flucloxacillin)
Cephalosporins (Cefoxitin, Cefotaxime) and Carbapenem (Imipenem)
and their combinations. The other group is Macrolides
that contains Erythromycin, Azithromycin and
Clarithromycin. There is another group of tetracyclins,
Fluoroquinolones, Sulphonomides, Aminoglycosides,
Imidazoles, Peptides, and Lincosamides. The above
mentioned antibiotics are used generally in all systemic
aliments caused due to the bacterial activities. The
ayurvedic medicines that are used in treating the
infectious conditions are generally containing
antibacterial activities. For example the Cindamycin
antibiotic is used for the treatment of the serious
respiratory tract infections, serious skin infections
and soft tissue infections. For the serious respiratory
tract infection there are ayurvedic medicines that are
containing the herbs and mineral combinations as well.
The rason (garlic) is found to have effects as that of
Cindamycin). In the same way the combination medicine
Sitopaladi Choorna is having anti tubercular action due
the presence of certain drugs. Cinnamon, In the same the
various combination and single drugs from the ayurveda
texts are containing various antibiotic properties and
are in use in spite of being the known how they work.
The most famous of all as antibacterial drug from
ayurveda is Neem. The herbs, which were used by Susruta
for the antibiotic activity, are classified into
different categories of drugs. Saalsaradi gana Lakshadi
gana, and more…….
The following medicines
are described into above categories. Extract of Saal,
Ajakarna, Khadir, Odumbar, Supari, Bhurjapatra,
Meshshringi, Tinish, Shewata Chandan, Shisham, Asan,
Dhava, Arjun, Laksha, Aragvadha, Kutza, Ashvamaartawak,
katphala, haridra, Nimba, Malti, Trayamana, Chukramarda,
Vasa, Gaduchi, Madanphal, Vidanga, Lashun, Shrish,
Jatamansi, Guggul Harenu, Vacha, Trivrita, Danti, Gairik,
Anjan, Bhallatak, Lodhra, Devdaru, Sarshap, Kampillak,
Arka-ksheer, Rasanjana, Kaptiharasa, Indravajava,
Palshrasa, Rasana. Apart from these, there are various
mineral preparations that are used for the antibacterial
purpose. Some of these are Makshiaka, Gandhakayoga,
Parad, Shilajit, Tutthak, Kashish, Manashila, Gairik,
Anjanam, Gorochan, Suhaga, and Nilgiri tel. The
madhavasava, khadirarishta, mahatikta ghrita, pancha
nimbadi ghrita are some other medicines that are used as
antibiotic medicines in case of infections according to
ayurveda. The neem is most commonly termed as ayurvedic
antibiotic. The neem tree is used in a number of ways as
per the disease conditions. It has got multipurpose use
from skin rashes to malaria. In the Harotkayadi varga
section of drug book of ayurveda priyanighantu neem is
described a great medicine for the pitta aggravations
and blood purification. Neem is supposed to be a
antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic
drug. It used in treating anything from dandruff to
acne, eczema to malaria and cold sores. All ayurvedic
medicines are used in many systemic aliments and they
need to be developed and tested as per the antibiotics
are tested. The use of herbs and different medical
decoctions can be added with the antibiotics as
complementary to the medicines. Now days various single
herbs are being researched in the light of modern
testing parameters to establish their respective
antibiotic action on different category of microbes. The
haridra is used as antibiotic for skin disease for local
and parental uses. In the same way there are various
uses of herbs in ayurveda related text.
Drugs that act as
Antibiotic
There are some herbal
combinations that are found to act as antibiotic. Here
we will discusstype of medicines and herbsthat act in
the same way as antibiotic works. At the time of Susruta
surgical aspect of Ayurveda was at its peak. Susruta
applied many techniques and combinations to make surgery
a success. He used decoctions of herbs, dhoom
(fumigation), honey, ghee and different type of
embrocating powders for healing the surgical wounds and
prevents them from infections. Before Susruta; Charka
also described about agantuka roga (acquired diseases)
as well as different types of intestinal parasites. The
use of different combinations of drugs and medicines to
remove these parasites as well as for preventive
treatment is supposed to be the same as antibiotics are
used now days. As we study Vedas, various disease are
described that are caused by microorganisms. Some of
these organisms are Arti, Alinsh, Arjuna and more. From
Ayurvedic text, it becomes very clear that the immunity
of human body must be maintained. The use of Rasayana
and the life style adaptation are the basic to maintain
immunity. There are various types of drugs that are used
to kill the pathogens causing these agantuka roga. Of
all Ayurveda related text the surgery part that needed
an extra attention towards the infection is described in
Susruta Samhita. All the surgical procedures are based
upon the theory of destroying the pathogens by use of
various embrocating medicines as well as parental drugs
that were suppose to disinfect the wounds caused by
surgery. In short the postoperative treatment is very
much useful for the antibiotic type of medication. For
this there are a number of drugs that are used like as
vacha, Kushtha, Neem, Palash as well as honey, ghee, and
oil based paste.
There are various category
of drugs that act as antibiotic on various systemic
aliments. They can be categorized as follows - The Kotha
prashamana category of drugs acts as anti putrefying
agents. There pharmacological action is preventing the
putrification. The mercuric preparations, clove oil,
peppermint are a few example of this. In Ayurveda there
is a term called agad it’s English equivalent means
poison. Though the poison category is not very much
clarified in Ayurveda but it is divided into animal and
vegetable poisons. There are several antidotes for
poisons. It is very interesting fact that for animal
category poison the vegetable antidote are used. These
are termed as agad. As we know that the microorganisms
cause various toxins as well as disease in body. That is
the basic principle behind the vegetable antidotes to be
used as complementary to the basic line of treatment for
agantuka roga. There are following agadkar drugs used in
Ayurveda.
Nakuli,
Prishnaparni,
Shrish,
Priyangu,
Hreeber,
Kustha and more.
In the same way there are
certain category of drugs that are used as systemic
aliment based antibiotic like a term Ekshanapaak ghatai
(anti septic for eyes) is used in Ayurveda. It means
that which act as antiseptic for eyes. For this purpose
a confectionary based medicine- palash Raskriya is used.
Further adding to it there are drugs that are used to
destroy worms they are called Krimighna. In Ayurveda
there are descriptions related with the worms and
medicines to remove them. For the purpose following
drugs are used as per the requirement and conditions of
the patient.
Apamarga,
Gandir,
Gokshur,
Maricha,
Mushaparni,
Nirgundi,
Palash,
Parseeka yavani,
Shobhanjana,
Vidanga,
Vrishparni.
As we have discussed above
there are certain drugs that act as antitoxic they are
termed as vishaghana. These medicines are having
antibiotic properties. They are
Chandan,
Haridra,
Katak,
Manjishta,
Palindi,
Shleshmatka.
Sindhuvaar
Sukshmala,
Suvaha,
Ayurveda also describes
antidotes for toxins that are produced by nails and
teeth. So it is very clear that they knew some ways to
tackle infection is generated and spread. Lack of
knowledge of the microorganisms in their actual form was
there but they were aware about the conditions of
infections that develop because of these microorganisms.
As those people knew about the various routes bywhich
infection may be caused. Below are some of the herbs
that has anti-microbial activities
Ashvakarna,
Garika lepa.
Gijhiva,
Haridra,
Sampadika,
Sombalka,
Like wise there are Naari
vrinahara drugs (drugs that act as antiseptic to chronic
wounds) Devdaru, Maricha, Haridra, are naari vrinhara
drugs. As post-operative measure; medicated decoctions
are used to wash the wounds to prevent them from
infections. This process is called as Prakshaalanama as
per Ayurveda. For this purpose the wounds are washed
with decoctions of nimbadi, triphala and odumbar Swarasa.
A term roga jantughana is used in Ayurveda that means
destroyers of pathogens. Gugglu is described as roga
jantughana. In common the various multiple combination
medicines that are having antibiotic /antiseptic
properties are herbal and mineral combinations sulphur
is also used for this purpose. Some medicines are-
Gandhak Rasayana.
Haridra,
Jatyadi Tail,
Jaya Vati
Nimbadi Tel
Nimbadi Vati
Rasanjana Vati,
Shigru Guggal,
Shudh Gandhak
Swarnvang,
Apart form these, the
Rasayana procedures and medicines used as Rasayanaare
also helpfu in building up the immunity of body so as to
prevent it from various infections.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
in Ayurveda
The anti-inflammatory
drugs are used to reduceinflammation. The process of
inflammation is anatural phenomenon of combating the
exertion dueto mechanical and traumatic impact. There
arecertain conditions that are responsible
forinflammatory conditions. In the process
ofinflammation the white blood cells of body combatthe
foreign particles so as to protect the body.This
aggregation of chemicals and increased bloodsupply make
that particular area swollen andtemperature rise is
noticed. This process resultsin inflammation and also
causes pain..Generally inflammation is taken as the
symptom ofany oth |