Dr Gowthaman's Natural Solutions for Male Sterility

Male sterility is one of the fastest developing diseases, both, in developed as well as developing countries. Male sterility literally means ‘unable to have a successful sexual relationship with a woman’. The incidence of this problem is very high in countries like the US and Europe. It occurs primarily due to dysfunction of the male reproductive system or hormonal system.

 Common Signs and Symptoms

a.    Unable to have an erection
b.    Partial erection
c.    No sperms or dead sperms or insufficient sperm count or faulty sperms
d.    Ejaculation problems
e.    Leads to no pregnancy or infertility 

Common Causes 

There may be numerous causes which may lead to male sterility that ultimately leads to infertility. Causes vary from organic to functional - it may be due to low sperm count, defective sperm production, varicocele, infections, or even genetic defects. Sometimes lifestyle, for example, obesity, alcoholism, and emotional stress may cause infertility in males. Certain medical conditions such as cancer can contribute to male sterility.

Management with Yoga Therapy

Yoga schools and experts claim that some postures are quite effective in the treatment of this condition. The following group of yoga poses are found to be effective: 

1.    For stimulating the hormones -
a.    Supported Headstand
b.    Bridge Pose

2.    For rejuvenating the body -
a.    Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend
b.    Child Pose
c.     Seated Forward Bend
d.    Bound Angle Pose or Cobbler’s Pose 

3.    For stimulating and relaxing the abdominal and reproductive areas -
a.    Reclining Bound Angle Pose
b.    Lotus Pose
c.    Reclining Hero Pose

 

Management with Ayurveda

1.    For men, the best aphrodisiac herbs are Indian Ginseng, velvet bean, Indian Asparagus, Marking nut (purified), and leaves and flowers of drum stick.

2.    Ayurveda recommends the use of fresh ginger with honey for impotency. Some experts claim that adding an egg to the mixture is more effective.
3.    Dry fruits such as almond, nuts, and dried dates are also helpful in cases of impotency.
4.    Ayurveda has a specialized therapy for restoring potency in men. This is claimed to be the first sexual therapy that has been documented and has been in use since 5000 years.
5.    Meat of birds such as dove and parrot, is still used as Ayurvedic remedy for impotency.


Common Home Remedies 

1.    Traditional practitioners claim that garlic is the best medicine for impotency. They also claim that adding white onion in a man’s diet will make him look and feel younger, and increase his libido as well.
2.    Naturopathy experts prescribe the fresh juice of ginger as effective solution for sexual impotency. 
3.    Naturopathy also recommends avoiding alcohol, smoking, coffee and tea, refined and ready made foods and drinks. It recommends taking fresh and easily digestible foods and drinks at all times. 
4.    All fruit juices are good for this condition.


Conclusion 

Male sterility is going to be the biggest problem of the human race in next 20 years. Surveys suggest that in next 10 years one person in every family may be affected by the problem. 

Male sterility can be effectively managed by holistic approaches such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Diet and Nutrition, since all of these systems strengthen the body, mind, reproductive tissues and organs naturally and effectively. 

Write to drkgowthaman@gmail.com with your questions and clarifications. 

For Tele consult Dr Gowthaman, Visit www.dialurdoctor.com 

Ayurveda Cure for ED (Erectile Dysfunction) - CURE ED IN 30 DAYS

ED or erectile dysfunction is characterised by partial or total inability to maintain erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. It is not a disease it is just a disorder that can be cured with medicines and physical & psychological therapies.

In Ayurveda this condition is known as ‘Linga shailitya’ (weakness of penis). It is charecterised by inability to achieve erection, or inconsistent ability to achieve erection, or inability to maintain an erection, or ability to achieve erection for a short period.


Common signs

1. Penis does not get hard enough or stay hard enough for sexual intercourse
2. Lower levels of sex drive
3. Lack of energy
4. Reduced interest in sexual intercourse
5. Decrease athletic performance
6. Frequent mood swings


Common causes

1. Stress
2. Anxiety over sex
3. Injury to penis
4. Cardio vascular disorders
5. Disturbance in the sexual intercourse
6. Injury to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, or fibrous tissues
7. Prostate, bladder or rectal region surgery
8. Lower levels of testosterones
9. Sleep disorders
10. Dislike of sexual partners
11. Diseases such as hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, arthritis, asthma, liver disorders, fatigue, endocrine disorders, diabetes, and arthritis
12. Anti-depressants, tranquilizers, or anti-hypertensive medicines taken for long time
13. Addictions like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, or heroin
14. Obesity
15. Prolonged cycling
16. Sexual abuse


Common remedies for erectile dysfunction

Ayurveda recommends Vaji karana therapy or virilification therapies for ED. This therapy claims to make the patient as ‘virile as a horse’ and makes use of various aphrodisiacs, tonics to be used internally and externally, and appropriate diet plans. The remedy includes -

1. Powder of Indian ginseng to be taken with milk
2. Velvet bean powder to be taken with milk
3. Flowers of Drum stick tree in the diet
4. Crab extract in the diet
5. Fig fruits in the diet
6. White pumpkin juice and Pumpkin seed oil


Common Ayurveda ingredients for ED

1. Ashwaganda Lehyam
2. Sukumaram Lehyam
3. Sukra Vallabha Ras
4. Amrita Prasa Ghee
5. Maha Kalyanaka Ghee
6. Bhallataka Lehyam
7. Linga Vardhana Thailam
8. Soubhakya Vardana Thailam
9. Shilajatu Parpam
10. Karisalai Parpam

There are more than 1000 Ayurvedic recipes for treatment and management of ED.


Yoga for Erectile Dysfunction

Apart from herbal remedies, some simple exercises can help improve ED. These exercises relieve physical and psychological stress which in turn helps improve cardio-vascular functions essential in treating ED.
Many Yoga experts advocate Kanda Asana which has been clinically proven effective for improving strength in legs, thighs, and muscles below the navel region. The asana also reduces stiffness in hips and joint pains. It also improves sexual vigor and is, thus, good for treating impotence including erectile dysfunction.


Conclusion

Holistic management with Ayurveda, Yoga, and Diet & Nutrition may help in curing this condition completely. Many clinical and scientific researches have shown more positive improvements in ED with Complementary and Alternative medicines as compared with allopathic medicines.

Call 9940079511 / write to drkgowthaman@gmail.com for ED consultation

Women Herbal Health Supplement- Add Indian Asparagus in diet

Shatavari, meaning ‘a woman possessing hundred husbands’, is a versatile herb used in the Indian traditional healing system to help balance the female hormonal system.  It is also known to promote positive emotions while calming fiery emotions such as hatred, resentment, anger, irritability, and jealousy.

 

Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus (Family: Liliaceae)  
English name: Wild asparagus
Hindi name: Shatavari, Satamul

Shatavari is a climbing under shrub with woody stems and recurved or rarely straight spines.

Roots: tuberous and succulent; up to 1 m in length, smooth, tapering at both ends.
Young stems: very delicate, brittle and smooth. 
Leaves: chaffy scales and spines. 
Flowers: white, fragrant, in simple or branched racemes. 
Fruits: globular 3 lobed, purple berries, purplish black when ripe. 
Seeds: seeds have hard and brittle testa (outer covering).

Parts used as medicine: roots, stem, and leaves.


Ayurvedic recommendations 

Shatavari is bitter sweet in taste. It has constipating, aphrodisiac, diuretic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, and rejuvenating properties. It acts as a nervine tonic and appetizer. In Ayurveda, shatavari is recommended for conditions such as nervous diseases, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery, tumors, inflammations, burning sensation, eye disorders, nephropathy, hepatopathy, throat infection, cough, bronchitis, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, leprosy, epilepsy, hyperacidity, colic, piles, cardiac debility, hypertension, abortion, general debility and all female reproductive diseases, and vitiated conditions of Vata and Pitta.


Therapeutic uses 

1.    The root extract is useful in diarrhea, chronic colic, and dysentery.
2.    In folk medicine, milk processed with shatavari root is given to those with bilious dyspepsia and diarrhea.
3.    In Ayurveda, boiled leaves of shatavari dipped in clarified butter (ghee) are applied to boils and small pox eruptions to prevent their confluence.
4.    Juice of the bark mixed with milk is given as tonic to women to strengthen their reproductive system and as treatment for gonorrhea.
5.    Shatavari extracts help fight problem related to menstrual cycle and menopause.
6.    The juice of the roots boiled with ghee, milk and honey is a good recipe for seminal weakness and general debility.


Side effects 

1.    Sensitivity to asparagus may cause skin reactions and pulmonary allergic reactions in some people.
2.    According to Natural Standard, patients with edema due to kidney disorder or impaired heart function should not be using shatavari.
3.    Not advised for pregnant women or nursing mothers due to lack of enough scientific evidence.


Research

1.    A research was undertaken to evaluate the effect of alcohol and water extracts of Asparagus racemosus for its anti-diarrheal potential in experimental rats.  The results published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences suggest the possible anti-diarrheal effect of the herb extracts and substantiate its use as non-specific treatment for diarrhea. [J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2005 Feb 25; 8(1):39-46.]

2.    The roots of Shatavari are useful for its steroidal saponin content. A study was designed to investigate its cholesterol metabolism regulation as well as anti-oxidant potential in experimental animals. The results published in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicated that the potent phyto-components present in the roots of A. racemosus could be responsible for elimination of excess cholesterol and elevation of hepatic anti-oxidant status in hypercholesteremic (high cholesterol) conditions. [eCAM 2009 6(2):219-226; doi:10.1093/ecam/nem091]

Anxiety? Choose natural ways to beat it

Anxiety? Switch to Natural remedies

Anxiety is one of the commonest conditions affecting all age groups. In recent, recession has lead to increased levels of anxiety in all families. This article, I am analyzing the natural ways to curb anxiety effectively and positively. Modern anti depressant therapies and medicines have less impact and known for side effects like Obesity, diabetes etc.

a.        Meditation for Anxiety – Both experts from Modern and traditional medical systems agree that the meditation is one the best ways to reduce anxiety. Regular practice of Anxiety helps to curd stress, improves the positive mentality etc. Many studies have shown that the Transcendental meditation is the most effective type of meditation which brings back the normalcy in no time.

b.       Homeopathy for Anxiety – One of the studies conducted by Harvard Medical school in 1993, reports the as much as 25% of Americans choose Homeopathy or Alternative medicines as the first medicine to curb Anxiety. Homeopathy medicines are the widely used alternative medicine for Anxiety and many modern psychiatric experts do agree this concept.

c.        Herbs for Anxiety - Many herbs in the common market are used as a food supplement to prevent and manage Anxiety. Herbs like Kava Kava is the commonest herb used for reducing tension, anger related headaches etc. Skullcap is the other one, native to traditional American Medicine used to ease the emotional headache and to improve the sound sleep. Europe believes on Valerian roots for calmness and to induce good sleep.  India bets on Indian Ginseng – Ashwagandha for stress, Anxiety and sleep disorders. Paciflora extract and St John’s wort are the other herbs commonly used across the globe for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders

d.       Hypnotherapy – In recent days, the hypnotherapy found to be very effective for anxiety. Recent surveys shows that the usage of these kind of therapies increased by 19% in last two years. Even though the scientifically the positive effects are still not documented, the patients feels better after every session of the therapy.

e.        Aromatherapy for Anxiety – Recent studies have shown the positive results for Aromatherapies for Anxiety. Essential oils like lavender, marjoram are helpful to improve the depressed moods

f.         Physical exercises and Anxiety – Many psychiatrists’ recommends physical exercises to reduce the stress and Anxiety. Massages, dance therapies, swimming, cycling etc are commonly recommended exercises.

g.       Nutritional Therapies – Most of the times irritability, stress, anxiety, tension etc are related to nutritional deficiencies. A careful nutrition analysis and supplements can reduce the complaint swiftly.

h.       Ayurveda for Anxiety- Ayurveda is one of the first traditional systems of medicines explained about Anxiety in detail more than the Modern psychiatric systems. It recommends personalized therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pizchil, Navara Kizhi etc for Anxiety. Ayurveda does recommend a specialized three month rejuvenation program for Anxiety with diet, yoga and meditation and exercises, controlled therapies to heal this condition swiftly and completely.

These natural approach to Anxiety is very effective than the Modern medicine approach. As these are natural products which helps improving the psychological health and wellbeing unlike Modern medicines which just suppress the symptoms and doze you out.

    

Finally, Show your face, Melasma has a cure

Melasma is commonly seen in Indian working women between the age of 25-55. Melasma is a brown patch, a tan or a grey patch on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead and chin. It is very common during pregnancy, but the patches disappear after pregnancy. Even though it is common in women, male cases have also been reported.

Melasma was initially considered as sun tan. But, later researches have shown that other indications like hormonal imbalances lead to this condition. Pregnancy and intake of contraceptive pills for a long period play a vital role. According to some statistics people with dark skin like Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanics have higher chances of getting melasma than others.

Causes of melasma
The exact patho-physiology and causes are still unclear. General supportive causes are as follows

1. Pregnancy
2. Birth control pills
3. Hormone replacement therapy
4. Family history
5. Race – Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanics
6. Anti seizure medications
7. Exposure to ultra violet light
8. Uncontrolled or over exposure to sun light (Higher incidences are reported in Summer)

Clinical melasma
Melasma is clinically understood as discoloration or hyper-pigmentation on the face. Clinically, it can be categorized into:

1. Centro-facial Melasma – Which affects the center part of the face – High incidence affecting the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose and chin
2. Malar Melasma – Which affects the cheek areas including the upper cheeks
3. Mandibular Melasma – Which affects the jaw bones

Very rarely, melasma affecting the other parts of the body like forearms, neck, back too have been recorded.

Based on the pigmentation type, melasma is divided into four types

1. Epidermal melasma – Accumulation of excessive melanin in the skin
2. Dermal melasma – Excessive melanophages in the skin throughout the dermis
3. Mixed melasma – Both the above
4. Unnamed – Usually affects the dark skinned persons – Excessive melanocytes in the skin

Diagnosis
Usually, by physical examination of the skin on the face by the physician. A wood’s light test is helpful to diagnose the condition accurately. Skin biopsy helps to understand the clinical type.

Treating melasma with Ayurveda
Ayurveda, as a holistic medicine addresses this problem both from inside and outside. According to ayurveda, facial beauty is the reflection of physical, mental and spiritual well being. Hence, Ayurveda recommends the traditional detoxification therapies followed by rejuvenation therapies for this condition.

As a pacification therapy, Ayurveda recommends a special eight fold therapy for a period of 28-40 days for complete cure. This facial therapies helps improves the blood circulation in the skin which in turn detox and rejuvenate itself. Even though the results are slow, it yields better results than any other chemical or modern medicine based creams

1. Gentle application of fresh aloe vera juice followed by warm water wash: According to modern researchers, aloe vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides which has a significant result on lightening the dark spots. Ayurveda recommends this should be applied gently on the face and left on for 15 minutes before washing off
2. Orange peel fresh, powdered mixed with milk – is a very good skin exfoliator which can lighten skin discoloration in no time. Gentle application followed by warm water wash after 30 minutes is recommended
3. Application of turmeric powder mixed with warm milk – 5 tablespoons of turmeric powder mixed with 10 tablespoons of milk is applied all over the face followed by a warm massage for 20 minutes followed by warm water wash
4. Almond paste with honey as pack for 15 minutes followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
5. Application of fresh lemon juice with gentle massage followed by warm water wash after 10 minutes
6. Onion seed paste application followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
7. Thulasi leave paste pack followed by warm water wash after 15 minutes
8. Finally, a 10-minute pack with Thriphala choornam for 10 minutes followed by warm water wash (Ayurveda recommends using Thriphala Kashayam for face wash to prevent and cure melasma. Ayurveda also recommends 1 tablespoon of Thriphala choornam at bed time with warm water)

Home remedies for melasma

1. Vinegar: Dilute vinegar equally with water, and use to cleanse and rinse your face. Allow to air dry to seal in moisture. Or, use the vinegar/water mixture in place of an astringent or toner. Vinegar is chemically acetic acid, and is capable of whitening and brightening, as well as making skin smoother and more radiant. It has also long been used as a skin softener. Apple cider or other natural vinegars are recommended, though some people use distilled white vinegar.
2. Onion juice: To get onion juice, you can finely chop up an onion, or blend it, and squeeze the juice through a cheese cloth. Mix with an equal part of apple cider vinegar, and apply twice daily with a cotton ball and watch for results over the next several weeks. Alternatively, you can cut a slice of onion, dip it in vinegar, and apply it to the pigmentation.
3. Lemon juice: Applying the juice of a fresh lemon to the pigmentation has a similar effect to the onion remedy – it is acidic and can safely peel off the top layer of skin, causing spots to fade.

Ayurveda diet for Melasma
Avoiding the following food items helps in prevention and healing of melasma

1. Tamarind
2. Spicy, salty foods and drinks
3. Garlic and green chillies
4. Brinjal
5. Curd (Yoghurt)
6. Buffalo milk products
7. Alcohol and alcoholic products
8. Sugarcane
9. Eggs
10. Fish
11. Chicken
12. Avoid exercise in hot weather, exposure to hot sun, birth control pills and long time hormonal therapies

Ayurveda help for Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff repair surgeries are one of the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons, with over 250,000 performed annually in the United States alone. Despite its prevalence, there is concern regarding the ability of the rotator cuff to heal back to the insertion site on the humerus following repair. Clinical studies have shown radiographic failures at the repair site at 2 years in anywhere from 11% to 95% of patients, depending on the size and chronicity of the tear, presence of fatty infiltration, and the age and general health status of the patient. Although patients with re-tears or failed healing may have pain relief, these studies show that they have inferior functional results when compared with patients with healed repairs. An understanding of the histology and biology that occur during the healing process may lead to therapies that can improve the healing rate and improve the functional results of patients following repair.

Our understanding of tendon healing is largely based on animal studies because there is little histological information on healing rotator cuff tendons in human beings. From this animal data, it is known that rotator cuff healing occurs in 3 stages: inflammation, repair, and remodeling.

a.        In the inflammatory stage, inflammatory cells migrate into the repair site guided by chemo tactic factors followed by an influx of blood vessels and fibroblasts.

b.      In the repair phase, several growth factors are unregulated that induce cellular proliferation and matrix deposition.

c.       Finally, this tissue undergoes remodeling due to extracellular matrix turnover mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

At the conclusion of the healing process, a normal rotator cuff insertion site is not regenerated. Normally, the rotator cuff inserts into bone through 4 distinct transition zones: tendon, unmineralized fibro-cartilage, mineralized fibro-cartilage, and bone. After repair, the tendon heals to bone with an interposed layer of fibro-vascular scar tissue that persists. The mechanical properties of this fibrous tissue are weaker than the native insertion site and may render repairs prone to failure.

The stages of rotator cuff healing involve inflammation, repair, and remodeling. Growth factors are expressed during the repair phase, because they promote cell proliferation and matrix production. This timeline must be kept in mind in growth factor therapies, because the addition of growth factors too early or late in the healing process may decrease their effectiveness. In an effort to limit failures, researchers have focused on ways to minimize the formation of scar tissue at the interface, while at the same time promoting the regeneration of the fibro-cartilaginous insertion zones. Initial studies have focused on improving the biomechanical strength of the repair through stronger sutures and by recreating the surface area of the footprint through double-row repairs or their equivalent. Even with these techniques, re-tears or failed healing still occur in up to 12% of patients.4 Although improved biomechanics may modestly improve healing, it appears that biologic augmentation of the healing process is needed to further reduce failure rates. Biologic therapies that can limit the amount of scar tissue formation at the repair site, and help regenerate a normal fibro-cartilaginous transition zone, may theoretically improve the strength of repairs.

How Ayurveda can help?

 In many cases, these types of injuries are due to overuse of a part of the body when participating in a certain activity. Rotator cuff injuries require special care while treatments. Modern treatment methods might require that surgeries be carried out, which shall prevent the person from actively pursuing the activities and more over complete healing is not promised.

Ayurveda has natural methods for treatment for joint injuries, especially rotator cuff injuries which offer long term solutions, taking into account of health and healing conditions. Ayurveda system has an inherent advantage in bone and joint medicine and treatment of bone and joint related injuries because it was primarily developed to treat injuries caused due to martial arts in ancient times. In effect, the Ayurveda system can be said as a predecessor of modern age sports medicine.

Therapies offered for Rotator Cuff injuries

a.       Pizhichil is a complete Ayurveda massage which rejuvenates the nervous and muscular system of the body and stimulates blood circulation. This method of treatment is a result of the blend of Dhanurveda and Ayurveda. Pizhichil is the systematic application of pressure on the muscles according to their structure, at the same time stimulating the nervous system and the circulatory system. This is done by oiling and massaging the various parts of the body. It can also enhance the general fitness of an average man. The oil used for Pizhichil depends upon the physical nature and disease condition of the person.   In Pizhichil the masseur has to have exact knowledge of the vital spots and the energetic channels of the human body. Pizhichil is of two types: 1. Using hands, 2.Using feet. Hand type is applied on children, old and people of light build while Feet type is used to treat young and healthy persons. Pizhichil is always done so as to minimize the pressure on the heart and on the nerves to the heart. This is achieved by massaging from the waist downwards and upwards to the upper parts of the body. The pressure and the force of the massage is increased day by day till the 4th and then reduced so as to reach the minimum again on the 7th day. The massage is also done for the face and the head. Pizhichil is a highly effective treatment method for even rotator cuff injuries and back pain and as a supplementary form of treatment which increases vitality and strength. By stimulating the normal energy flow in the body it increases mental sharpness. During the treatment period the patient is required to strictly follow the instructions especially in matters of food.

b.      Herbal steam application, method which involves specially prepared herbs and leaves are bundled in a cloth bag known as Kizhi which then is dipped into a Medicated Oil.  Based on the physique or body nature of the patient and the nature of his complaint the temperature of the Kizhi needs to be different for different cases. The combination of the oil also changes depending on the nature of the bruise or the disorder. It is very important that the Kizhi is applied with the right amount of pressure on the body where there is pain and swelling and with the right kind of medicated oil. Owing to the combined effect of the medicated Kizhi and the warmth, it is highly effective in treating joint injuries especially rotator cuff injuries. This is also useful to treat old bruises and other disorders.

c.       Navarakizhi -It is a method of treatment based on fomentation in which four boluses of a type of paddy (called Navara, hence the name Navarakizhi) with medicinal value is cooked in milk and a herbal decoction from Sida rhombifolia. Usually there are two masseurs who start fomentation in an identical manner one from each side. The movement of hands has to be always from upward downwards and the Kizhi has to be kept always at a constant temperature. There are mainly 7 positions in which the patient has to be during the fomentation process. Once the procedure has been carried out for the required amount of time, the medicinal paste is wiped off with palm leaf scrapers and the patient can bathe after applying oil on the body. Navarakizhi is used in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries, rheumatism, arthritis and other neuro-muscular disorders as well as for general rejuvenation of the body.



For a personalized Rotator Cuff healing plan visit rVita Ayurveda center, No.2, Krishnamacharya avenue, Adyar, Chennai 600020. For appointments Call 1800 425 4325 / 044 42187226

Click rVita personalized consultation tab for online Rotator cuff healing plan with Ayurveda, Yoga and Diet.



References

1. Fealy S, Adler RS, Drakos MC, et al. Patterns of vascular and anatomical response after rotator cuff repair. Am J Sports Med 2006;34(1):120–7.

2. Galatz LM, Ball CM, Teefey SA, et al. The outcome and repair integrity of completely arthroscopically repaired large and massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004;86A(2):219–24.

3. Harryman DT 2nd, Mack LA, Wang KY, et al. Repairs of the rotator cuff. Correlation of functional results with integrity of the cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1991; 73(7):982–9.


4. Lafosse L, Brozska R, Toussaint B, et al. The outcome and structural integrity of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with use of the double-row suture anchor technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89(7):1533–41.

Call 9940079511/ drkgowthaman@gmail.com for a FREE CONSULTATION with Dr Gowthaman for Shoulder pain, neck pain, rotator cuff injury etc

Elephant Creeper for Erectile dysfunction

Elephant creeper is a vine native to India and it derives its name from the leaves that are large and resemble elephant ears. The seeds of the plant are known to have psychoactive properties. However, not all species of the plant have psychedelic value – Argyreia nervosa var. speciosa is the variety that is used in Ayurveda and it is not psychedelic.

Botanical name: Argyreia nervosa
Family: Convolvulaceae
English name: Elephant creeper, Hawaiian baby woodrose
Hindi name: Samundrasokh, Vruddha daraka, Samundar-ka-pat


Elephant creeper is a very large climbing shrub with woody, white, tomentose stems.

Roots: large root masses extending out and down.
Leaves: simple, large, ovate, acute, base cordate, glabrous above, whitish on the underside due to hairs.
Flowers: large, purple, silky, and pubescent with long peduncled cymes, corolla tubular.
Fruits: dry, globose, apiculate woody capsules that break open when ripe to resemble miniature roses.
Seeds: 4-6 in a pod, hard with fungus like coating and resembling small chocolate chips.

Parts used as medicine: Roots and leaves

Ayurvedic recommendations

The Elephant creeper roots are bitter and astringent sweet in taste with a cool potency. It has acrid, emollient, thermogenic, digestive, carminative, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory qualities and is especially known for its rejuvenating, intellect promoting, brain and nervine tonic actions. The herb is useful in conditions such as emaciation, ulcers, wounds, anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, constipation, cardiac debility, inflammations, cough, bronchitis, seminal weakness, nervous weakness, cerebral disorders, piles, obesity, syphilis, anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis, arthritis, ascites, leucorrhea and general debility. It is helpful in vitiated conditions of Kapha and Vata.


Therapeutic uses

1.    Ayurveda recommends the powdered root of Vruddha daruka in synovitis and syphilis.

2.    The leaves of elephant creeper are recommended for external application in cases of skin diseases.

3.    The root powder of this herb is processed with Asparagus roots and milk and prescribed for a period of one month to improve intellect, strengthen the body, and prevent the effects of ageing.

4.    The elephant creeper root mixed with caraway (ajwain) seeds is a good medicine for rheumatic affections and hemiplegia.

5.    In traditional medicine, a paste of the roots made with rice water is applied over rheumatic swellings and rubbed over the body to reduce obesity.

6.    In folk medicine, the leaves of the herb are used to prevent conception.


Side effects: Argyreia nervosa may cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, sweating and increased blood pressure. It should not be used in pregnancy, or if under treatment for depression and mood disorder, or if scheduled for surgery in two weeks.

Research

1.    The aphrodisiac property of Argyreia nervosa was studied in male experimental animals. The results showed that the root, flower, and to some extent leaf extracts of A. nervosa var speciosa showed aphrodisiac activity as evidenced by an increase in mounting behavior of the experimental animals. The plant has promising potential to be developed into effective medicine for stimulating male sexual activity, according to the researchers. [J Endocrinol Reprod 11 (2007) 2: 82 – 85] [http://srbce.org/jer2007/subramoniametal.pdf

Ayurveda Pancha Karma Therapies Can Cure Vitiligo

Vitiligo, otherwise called ‘Leucoderma’ is a common skin disorder, especially prevalent in Southern India. Leucoderma is a Latin term, which literally means “white skin”. Failure to manifest or sustain melanin in the skin leads to this condition. Vitiligo is a non infectious disorder which starts with a small white or pale colored patch and enlarges into larger patch in course of time.
The exact cause for this condition is still unknown. Generally, it is believed that it’s an autoimmune condition where the white blood cells instead of protecting the pigment cells, destroy it which in turn leads to this pale or white patch. Excessive exposure to chemicals also leads to this condition.
Medical statistics have shown that though this condition is common across the world, the instances are higher in India and can affect children and adults alike.

Vitiligo and Ayurveda
Vitiligo is not a new condition. Ayurveda texts explain the pathogenesis, treatment, diet etc in detail. According to Ayurveda any injury, burn, ulcer, etc (to skin) if not treated properly leads this condition. Ayurveda terms this condition as ‘White Leprosy’ – Swithra Roga.

Ayurveda adds the following are the primary causes for Vitiligo
a. Improper hygiene
b. Inappropriate food combinations
c. Junk foods and drinks
d. Excessive exposure to insecticide, pesticide, erosive chemicals
e. History of jaundice, Sannipata type of fever (Typhoid)
f. Misuse of Ayurveda detoxification therapies
g. Suppression of natural urges
h. Excessive physical exercise in hotter climate, exposure to heat
i. Intake of cold items after exposing to heat, physical exertion
j. Stress and trauma
k. Intake of fatty, spicy foods and drinks during indigestion
l. Psychological qualities like untruthfulness, ungratefulness, insulting the preceptors, sinful acts, past life deeds
m. Incompatible foods and drinks
n. Ayurveda do agree that this condition can also have hereditary factors

Symptoms
a. Excessive or absence of perspiration
b. Discoloration of patches on the skin
c. Horripilation, itching, pricking pain, physical exhaustion, mental fatigue etc

Ayurveda detoxification for Vitiligo
Ayurveda adopts three kinds of therapy for Vitiligo depends on the condition, age, etc.
a. Pacification therapy – with Herbal, Mineral or herbo-mineral medications.
b. Detoxification therapies – Since this disease itself is because of vitiated Pitta dosha, Ayurveda recommends two-fold purification therapies like purgation and bloodletting therapy (Leech therapy)
c. External Application: Smaller and non/slow spreading patches are usually treated with herbal powder or oil applications. Ayurveda also recommends this type of treatment for children below the age of 7.
Ayurvedic texts mention about many single and compound herbal combinations for Vitiligo. Interestingly, these medicational formulae are very well validated by modern scientific researches. For example, a 60 ml liquid extract of Acacia catechu bark is advised every morning by Ayurveda texts for Leucoderma and Vitiligo. This particular practice is very well documented by modern scientific research.
One herb that is useful in treating leucoderma and vitiligo is Bakuchi/Vakuchi (Psorolia corolifolia) – it is used as internal medication, external application, etc. It is used to prepare soaps, external applications, internal medications by both Ayurveda and modern pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Modern scientific research agrees that this herbal application acts on melanoblastic cells and successfully stimulates it.
Ayurveda Panchakarma for vitiligo
Ayurveda recommends its fivefold detoxification therapies for the complete cure for vitiligo.
a. Therapeutic vomiting: Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them.
b. Therapeutic purgation: Virechana is medicated purgation therapy which removes Pitta toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gall bladder; it completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects.
c. Therapeutic enema therapy: Basti (Enema) is considered the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person
d. Therapeutic Nasal Drops: Nasya involves administration of medicated oil through the nose to cleanse accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region. Based on the medical condition of a person, it can be given up to 30 days.
e. Therapeutic bloodletting therapy: Rakta mokshana is a procedure used to cleanse the blood and is advised only in very rare conditions. It is not advisable during general Panchakarma.
Home remedies for vitiligo
1. Take 5 teaspoons of turmeric powder and mix in 250 ml of mustard oil and apply on the white patches of skin, twice a day, usually advised for a period of 12-15 months.
2. Application of sweet basil leaves extract with lemon juice, advised for 5-6 months.
3. Most of the traditional Indian practitioners advise the patient to drink water kept overnight in a copper vessel
4. Tamarind seeds and Psorolia seeds (Bakuchi Seeds) are soaked in the water used to wash rice for 7 days. Then, this is ground into a paste and applied on the patches to give immediate results. This is a very effective method, however for some people it resulted in burning sensation and boils.
5. Fresh ginger juice with Bakuchi powder mix – Obese persons with spots on highly muscular areas
6. Application of radish (white) seeds with vinegar is widely practiced in Calcutta.
7. Many parts of Kerala advise Bakuchi seed powder with coconut oil to be used for external application
8. Some specialised practitioners in Kerala advise the following as diet for 40 days with external application – 600 gm raw cucumber and 3 betel leaves three times a day and food made from bitter gourd.
9. Ginger juice with red clay is used for external application in Karnataka
Conclusion
Vitiligo is like a cold; it can affect any one at any point in life. Western medicine helps in reduction of symptoms but, usually ends up in complications. On the other hand, Ayurveda medicines and therapies help resolve the condition swiftly and permanently.

Call 9940079511/ drkgowthaman@gmail.com for FREE VITILIGO CONSULTATION with Dr Gowthaman.

Herbs, Astrology and Health

About 127 types of herbs are traditionally worshipped in India. Many traditional and Ayurveda scripts mention these herbs and their special effects on an individual with regard to health and treatment of disease.

In olden days, a treatment was decided based on the person’s physical and mental qualities, time and season of the disorder, stage of the disease, and more importantly, on the basis of astrological calculations. Herbs or therapies were selected and the treatment was administered according to the astrological positioning and calculations. Today, the medical community believes and bets on the physical understanding of the human body and not the functional elements of the body and earth in relation to the person’s constitution. This is one of the primary reasons why this ancient traditional system of healing is usually called magical therapy or simply black magic. But truly speaking, when the herbs are selected, collected, and administered on the basis of simple astrological calculations, they serve the purpose better than when chosen without considering the astrological information.

Traditional medical system includes astrology. Many of the traditional authentic ayurveda texts like Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita, and others have references stating the time for auspicious treatment, time for collection of herbs, star for collection, processing and using the herb for treatment, etc. Based on these calculations the epidemic diseases are calculated and preventive measures are taken. Personal preventive measures include mantra chanting, meditating on particular idol, wearing precious stones, and using therapeutic herb roots.

For example, lotus is usually correlated with the planet sun in the traditional medical and astrological texts. According to the astrological texts, sun has influence on the heart and the stomach region of the human body. Thus, lotus is widely recommended for heart problems and circulatory disorders. Incidentally, this has also been clinically proven to be effective. In the same way, an individual is recommended to wear a customized plant root or a precious stone to counter-effect bad radiations from a planet that influences the person’s health and promote good health.

Nine planets and its effects and remedies:

S.No	Planet	Qualities	Plant	Effect	Recommended plant	Recommended cereal	Deity
1	Sun	Dry & Hot	Calotropis gigantica	Heart, Stomach	Nelumbo nucifera (lotus)	Wheat	Shiva
2	Moon	Cool	Butea monosperma	chest	Plumeria alba	Raw Rice	Shakti
3	Mars	Dry & Hot	Diospyros ebenum	Head	Michelia champaca	Toor dal	Muruga
4	Mercury	Cool & dry	Achyaranthes aspera	Neck	Nymphaea pubescens - White	Green gram	Vishnu
5	Jupiter	Hot & cool	Ficus religiosa	Hip	Jasminum auriculatum	chenna	Bramha
6	Venus	Medium cool and watery	Ficus racemosa	Face	Nelumbo nucifera	Beans	Lakshmi
7	Saturn	Excessive cool & Dry	Prosopis spicigera	Thighs	Thevetia peruviana	Sesamum seed	Yama
8	Ragu –(Ascending node)		Cynodon dactylon	hands	Bauhinia purpurea	Black gram	Kali
9	Ketu – (descending node)		Imperia cylindrica	Legs	Nymphaea pubescens – red	Horse gram	Indra

Your astrological star and its corresponding herb:

S. No	Astrological sign	Botanical name
1	Aswini	Strychnos nux vomica
2	Bharani	Emblica officinalis
3	Krithika	Ficus racemosa
4	Rohini	Syzygium cumini
5	Mrigasira	Diosporus ebenum
6	Arudra	Pterocarpus santalinus
7	Punarvasu	Bambusa arundinacea
8	Pushya	Ficus religiosa
9	Aslesha	Calophyllum inophyllum
10	Makha	Ficus benghalensis
11	Poorvaphalguni	Artocarpus heterophyllus
12	Uttara phalguni	Nerium odorum
13	Hastha	Acacia leucophloea
14	Chitta	Aegle marmelos
15	swathi	Terminalia arjuna
16	Visakha	Feronia elephantum
17	Anuradha	Mimusops elengi
18	Jyeshta	Sterblus asper
19	Moola	Mangifera indica
20	Poorvashada	Salix tetrasperma
21	Uttarashada	Artocarpus incisa
22	Sravana	Calotropis gigantica
23	Dhanishta	Prosopis spicigera
24	Satabhishak	Anthocephalus chinensis
25	Poorvabhadrapada	Terminalia tomentosa
26	Uttarbhadrapada	Azadirachta indica
27	Revathi	Bassia latifolia

Your sun sign and its corresponding herb:

S. No	Sign	Suggested suitable plant
1	Aries	Pterocarpus santalinus
2	Taurus	Alstonia scholaris
3	Gemini	Artocarpus heterophyllus
4	Cancer	Butea monosperma
5	Leo	Stereospermum chelonoides
6	Virgo	Mangifera indica
7	Libra	Mimusops elengi
8	Scorpio	Acacia catechu
9	Sagittarius	Ficus religiosa
10	Capricorn	Dalbergia latifolia
11	Aquarius	Acacia ferruginea
12	Pisces	Ficus bengalensis

Five elements and their herbs:

S. No	Functional element	Medicinal plants
1	Earth	Oxalis corniculata
2	Water	Clerodendrum serratum
3	Fire	Sphaeranthus zeylanicus
4	Wind	Trichodesma indicum
5	Space / Ether	Tragia involucrata

Special gurus and their auspicious herbs:

Name of the Siddha/ guru	Plant/ Herb
Thirumoolar	Eclipta alba
Kalanginathar	Sphaeranthus indicus
Macha muni	Centella asiatica
Anda siddhar	Corum copticum
Konkonar	Wedelia chinensis
Patanjali	Coldenia procumbens
Bogar	Bryonia epigoea
Korakkar	Cannabis sativa

Divine herbs (usually worshipped across India):

1. Cynodon dactylon – doorva grass, Bermuda grass
2. Enicostema axillare – chhota chirayita
3. Leucus aspera – chhota halkusa, common leucas
4. Ocimum sanctum – tulsi, holy basil
5. Aegle marmelos – bael, Apple Wood, Holy Fruit Tree
6. Piper betel – paan, betel vine
7. Nerium odorum – karavira, sweet scented oleander
8. Azadirachta indica – neem, the margosa tree, Indian lilac
9. Nelumbo nucifera – kamal, sacred lotus
10. Areca catechu – supari, areca nut, betel nut,
11. Curcuma longa – haldi, turmeric
12. Feronia elephantum – kath bael, wood apple
13. Caesalpinia bonducella – putikaranja, bonduc tree
14. Datura alba – dhatura, thornapple
15. Trigonella foenum-graecum – methi, kasuri methi, fenugreek