February 21st, 2009 by admin
Pericarditis is a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, which is a thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. Common symptoms of this condition include a sharp stabbing chest pain which intensifies on lying down breathlessness while reclining; low grade fever; an overall sense of weakness, fatigue or feeling sick; dry cough and abdominal or leg swelling. In the majority of patients with pericarditis, there is no known cause for this condition. A few patients may develop this disease after a viral infection, a major heart attack or heart surgery. Trauma, inflammatory disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases like kidney failure, tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS can also cause this condition.
The Ayurvedic treatment of pericarditis is aimed at treating the inflammation of the pericardium and reducing the excessive accumulation of fluid. Medicines like Ras-Sindur, Malla-Sindur, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Yograj-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Arjunarishta, Dashmoolarishta, Triphala-Guggulu, and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu are used to reduce the inflammation in the pericardium.
Herbal medicines like Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) can also be used for this purpose.
Medicines which act on the ‘Rakta’ and ‘Mansa’ dhatus (tissues) can also be used to treat this condition. These medicines include Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits) and Draksha (Vitis vinifera). Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Suvarna-Sameer-Pannag-Ras and Makar-Dhwaj- Ras are used to strengthen the heart, improve the therapeutic response, and also improve the immune status of the body.
It should be remembered that pericarditis can lead to complications like constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade, both of which need surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition is therefore very important. All such patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a Cardiologist.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant athttp://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
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January 11th, 2009 by admin
If you are ready to get started on your way to naturally lower blood pressure, there are some important herbs you should know about. New clinical trials have forced even the archaic medical community to take notice of these effective, natural remedies. Here are the top four supplements that build-up your cardiovascular system and work on the causes of hypertension.
Doctors and pharmaceutical companies agree that OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT decreases blood pressure. Clinical research proves it lowers blood pressure by increasing coronary flow with absolutely no side effects. It also protects the heart and circulatory system from free radical damage with the additional benefit of reducing LDL cholesterol.
The herb HAWTHORN has been used in many cultures for hundreds of years to treat high blood pressure. It is believed to dilate coronary blood vessels and maintain the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.
CoQ10 is yet another natural treatment highly prescribed by cardiologists and medical doctors to prevent heart disease and related cardiovascular problems. By improving energy production in the heart muscle, CoQ10 has been documented as a natural means to lower BP after only 4-8 weeks of use.
GARLIC has long been recommended as the leading herb for the natural treatment of numerous health ailments. Studies show that raw GARLIC aids in overall cardiovascular health, including lowered blood pressure, with no side effects. Five to 10 minced raw garlic cloves per day, or 300mg of dried garlic three times per day, lowers cholesterol, prevents blood clots and destroy plaque in the arteries.
As always, before taking any herbs you should check with your doctor to see if they will interact with prescription medications you may be taking. And do not stop taking blood pressure medications without first discussing it with your doctor or a trained naturopath, herbalist or acupuncturist.
This is a list of herbs that have been found, or are suspected of, causing high blood pressure if not prescribed properly:
Licorice
Ephedra
Ginseng
2009 Copyright SJ Wolf SJ Wolf is a freelance writer and editor with 20 years experience specializing in the health, fitness and business industries writing for consumer and trade publications. Wolf is a genuine supporter of alternative medicine and more of her research into natural remedies and cures is available in greater detail on http://www.naturallylowerbloodpressure.org Also view the latest information on the numerous heart-health benefits of the Brazilian acai berry at http://www.gogohealth.theacaistory.com to discover its cardiovascular protection properties.
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