Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in the world and was originally practiced in India. While many practices and techniques of this alternative healing method have been documented, several techniques and therapies have been passed on orally. Two main textbooks of Ayurvedic medicine entitled Caraka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe the eight branches of this alternative medicine and cover the following: internal medicine, surgery, treatment of head and neck diseases, gynecology and pediatrics, toxicology, psychiatry, elderly rejuvenation and sexual vitality .
Ayurvedic herbs and treatments are used continuously in India, where over 80% of the population depends on Ayurvedic medicine. With several underlying concepts involving the treatment of a person’s mind, body and spirit, this alternative medicine is designed to balance the body and eliminate impurities that impair health.
Ayurvedic medicine offers over 600 herbal formulas and 250 plants with healing properties. Sometimes these herbal remedies are combined with metals to create naturally occurring substances that are later used as Ayurvedic medicine for hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids, more commonly known as haemorrhoids, is a condition in which blood vessels in the anus and lower part of the colon become dilated and bleed. While the causes of this condition are usually related to poor diet, prolonged sitting, and lack of exercise, there are herbal alternative therapies that are used holistically to cure this condition. Ayurvedic remedies include Triphalachurna, Abhayarista and Arsha Harivati to name a few.
The Ayurvedic remedy Triphalachurna should be taken daily for constipation against hemorrhoids. The medicine is designed to relieve constipation by mixing 2 tablespoons of powder in a lukewarm glass of water and taking it in the evening just before bedtime. By taking this medicine, the pressure caused by constipation will decrease and the hemorrhoids will go away. Taking 30ml of Abhayarista, an oral liquid, is also helpful for constipation. To speed up recovery, triphalachurna can be placed in a bathtub filled with warm water where the patient sits for at least 30 minutes.
In Ayurvedic medicine, diabetes is classified as a metabolic disorder in which decreased pancreatic function leads to elevated blood sugar levels. As with any disease, the treatment of diabetes takes into account the patient’s body type – VATA, Pitta or Kapha. Practitioners offering Ayurvedic treatment attack the disorder from several different fronts: dietary changes, a cleansing regimen known as Panchakarma, and Ayurvedic medication for diabetes are used throughout the treatment. The main herbs used in this treatment are Shilajit, Gudmar Turmeric, Neem, Amalaki, Guggul and Arjuna. Each herbal medicine plays its own role in regulating pancreas and liver functions.
Each herb is used in different ways several times a day. Some of the herbs are added to various fruit juices or water, while others are taken in capsule form or rubbed on the body in the form of a herbal paste.
While there are several over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold remedies on the market, some prefer to take a natural approach when treating their ailments. Ayurvedic medicine offers many natural remedies for cold and cough sufferers. These medicines include boiled vegetables, teas, hot milk with ginger, and milk with turmeric. These medicinal, healing drinks help activate the body’s immune system, clear mucus from the body, which in turn relieves cough symptoms
All students of Ayurvedic medicine learn that the ultimate Ayurvedic treatment one can offer is one that emphasizes a holistic approach, where the physical, emotional and spiritual states of the patient are considered in both diagnosis and treatment.
Ayurveda as a medicine is natural, safe, effective and affordable. No wonder, then, that of all alternative medicines practiced worldwide, Ayurvedic medicine remains the most popular form of alternative medicine and indeed a very welcome alternative approach.
Thanks to D. More