Q: What remedies can you recommend to treat Fibromyalgia?
Blanca Flores
A: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which causes widespread pain and fatigue. The pain is not in the joints, but produced in the soft tissues of the body including the muscles and tendons. Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. Boswelliaserrata and Ashwagandha capsules, one capsule each twice a day, help to reduce pain and inflammation. Patients of Fibromyalgia are advised not to take caffeine and they should avoid smoking.
Q: I have a friend who is suffering from Crohn’s disease. Can you recommend any Ayurvedic treatment options?
Shawna B.
A: Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the intestines, which can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ, it can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn’s disease may suffer from delayed development and stunted growth. Boswellia serrata capsule, taken twice a day after meals with water along with mainline treatment, is very helpful. Crohn’s patients must avoid milk, spicy food and junk food.
Q: I am a 27-year-old woman who has suffered from migraines and chronic headaches since I was 20. I have tried all types of medications and all has failed. Can Ayurvedic medicine help me? Can yoga help me?
A: Migraine is a chronic condition of recurrent attacks of headache. Most migraine headaches are associated with nausea or vomiting. Migraine headaches usually are described as an intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves one temple. Sometimes the pain can be located in the forehead, around the eye, or the back of the head. You can take Cephagraine, two tablets twice a day with water. Massage your head with almond oil or olive oil twice a day. Avoid sour and spicy food.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for my gray hair to turn to another color, and for my hair to grow longer and thicker?
Patricia
A: Graying of hair is a natural process that happens with increasing age. But if the hair starts graying before the age of 35, it is termed as premature graying. Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of the hair. Mental stress, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and/or mineral, affect the quality of hair and cause premature graying. Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of henna powder, 1 teaspoon of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder and 1 teaspoon of coffee. Apply this paste to the hair for two hours. For a darker color, leave this paste in for three to four hours. Wash your hair with any natural shampoo. Use Amla (Embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) for washing the hair. Also take Amla capsule (Indian Gooseberry), twice aday with water after meals. The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and Vitamin A. Exercise regularly.
Q: I would like some advice on Candida; it started after I began a course of antibiotics. It has been two months now and it has caused a terrible itch in my female parts. I also suffer from a constant ringing noise in my left ear since 2005. I have also had vertigo and Menier’s Disease, which have improved. I have been free of any attacks for a year now, but the ringing in the ear is constant. I would like to go for driving lessons, but I am not sure if it is advisable to do so with Menier’s Disease. Please help.
Jenny
A: Avoid taking antibiotics unless it is extremely necessary. Regular usage of antibiotics for infections makes the body dependent on them and does not allow the immune system to fight off infection. If you have to take antibiotics, follow a healthy balanced diet by limiting intake of yeast and sugar. Eat yogurt, as its active cultures help restore the good bacteria that the body requires. Also, drink more water to make the system free of impurities, sterile and dirt free. Do exercise regularly to keep the immune system strong. You can take one capsule of Guduchi (Tinosphora cordifolia) twice a day for Candidiasis. Do warm water douches by adding few drops of tea tree oil to water.
Q: I’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, which I’ve been treating by taking birth control pills. I recently stopped taking birth control pills in the hope of getting pregnant. The cysts have returned. I am now looking for something holistic that I can take while trying to conceive. Is Kachnaar Guggul safe to take while trying to conceive and/or while pregnant? I also suffer from Hypothyroidism and have heard that Kachnaar Guggul can be beneficial for thyroid problems as well. Is it safe to take it while also taking Synthroid?
Kimberley Z.
A: You can take Kachnaar Guggul with Synthroid. It will bhelp in both your problems of ovarian cysts and Hypothyroidism. But when you conceive, you must stop btaking Kachnaar Guggul.
Q: I have Hyper pigmentation on my legs and my back. Is there any Ayurvedic medicine that can cure this?
Priya
A: Hyper pigmentation occurs due to uneven accumulation of melanin pigment in the epidermis. Sunlight stimulates melanin production, which manifests as freckles on the sun-exposed areas. Hyper pigmentation also occurs due to chronic inflammation, especially following long term acne and hormonal imbalance in the reproductive age. Eat a balanced and high protein diet with an adequate amount of Vitamin A. Over exposure to sun and heat should be avoided. You can take Amla and Neem capsules – one capsule each twice a day. Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected parts of the skin for one hour.
* It is advised that you consult a university-qualified Ayurvedic doctor for determining your constitution, diagnosis and treatment.
If you have any Ayurveda related health queries, please email us at AyurvedaHelpline@TathaastuMag.com.
Q: I am 30 years old and I suffer from hair loss. I have a lot of hair falling out from the top part of my head. Can you please suggest any Ayurvedic remedies?
Pranati
A: Alopecia is most often the result of changes in the natural growth cycle of hair. In some types of alopecia, the growth cycle is disrupted by some temporary situation such as a chemical imbalance or stress. However, the vast majority (95 percent) of cases of hair loss in both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female diffuse baldness) are genetic in origin. This is called androgenetic alopecia.
You can take two capsules of Amla twice a day, and apply Bhringraj oil or Almond oil on the scalp gently at bedtime, thrice a week. You can also take Green tea (Camelia sinensis), two cups per day, and Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) 100mg twice a day. In your diet, take all seasonal fruits, almonds and green vegetables. Reduce your intake of pro inflammatory foods (saturated fats, dairy products, and other animal products) and eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, essential fatty acids, and, in particular, protein (non-animal sources of protein include nuts, legumes, and soy). To avoid stress, do light yogic exercise.
Q: I am a patient of hypothyroidism since 1996. Are there any Ayurvedic medicines and exercises in yoga which may help? Also, is there any Ayurvedic medicine for helping a person quit smoking and drinking? I shall be grateful if you could suggest some remedies.
Ashish
A: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, weakness, weight gain, coarse and dry hair, rough or pale skin, hair loss, cold intolerance, muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches, constipation, depression, irritability, memory loss, abnormal menstrual cycles, and decreased libido.
You can take tablets of Kachnaar Guggul (Multiple Herbs Blend), two tablets thrice daily with water. To quit smoking and drinking, only a strong will power really works.
For yoga treatment, please refer to Yoga Helpline in this issue.
Q: I am a 53-year-old male. My allopathic blood pressure medication causes constipation and piles. What remedy can I adopt to ease the problem?
Naresh
A: You should eat more fresh vegetables and whole grains and drink more water. You should also eat stewed or soaked prunes, one to three a day. To ease constipation, you can take two tablets of Haritaki at bedtime with milk or water; and two teaspoons of Psyllium Husk mixed in half a glass of water daily in the evening.
Q: I am 59 years old and I have been experiencing a humming/buzzing sound in both ears for many years now. Does Ayurveda offer an explanation of why this might occur and an approach to addressing this ailment?
Don W.
A: Tinnitus is noise that originates within the ear rather than from the outside environment. This may affect one or both ears. Tinnitus is a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes that can include: ear infections, foreignobjects or wax in the ear, nose allergies that prevent fluid drain and cause wax build-up. It can also be caused by natural hearing impairment as in aging; as a side effect of some medications; and as a side effect of genetic congenital hearing loss. However, the most common cause for tinnitus is noise-induced hearing loss. Aswagandha capsule taken twice a day works well when tinnitus is caused due to aging.
Q: I am 80 years young. However, when I get out of bed, fatigue takes over and makes my life miserable. Though I am retired I need lots of energy all day to participate in various social, religious and family activities. Please advise.
S. Desai
A: Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, dairy products, and gluten-containing grains. Eat more fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains (non-gluten), protein, and essential fatty acids (found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish). Essential oils of Jasmine, Peppermint, and Rosemary are calming and restorative and may be used in aromatherapy. Place several drops in a warm bath or atomizer, or on a cotton ball. You can take Tulsi tablets or capsules twice a day and Aswagandha, one tablet or capsule twice a day, to build your immune system.
Q: I am 75 years old. I have problems of hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma and obesity. I was on blood pressure- and cholesterol-lowering medication. I also took pills for my asthma. I was so tired and distressed that one night I decided to stop all medication. I started doing yoga. I drink half a glass of warm milk with turmeric powder in the morning and evening. I also do meditation and eat a light diet. I am feeling better now and am able to sleep. Blood pressure levels are also under control. I still have asthma and cannot do Pranayama properly. Please advise Ayurvedic remedies, home remedies, and yoga poses.
K. Gandhi
A: A decoction of leaves of Tulsi, Kali mirach and Ginger is very effective for asthma patients. Two teaspoons of Chyawanprash daily will strengthen the lungs. During an asthma attack, sip a glass of hot water or tea. Avoid yogurt, buttermilk, bananas and fried food in your diet.
For yoga treatment, please refer to Yoga Helpline in this issue.
* It is advised that you consult a university-qualified Ayurvedic doctor for determining your constitution, diagnosis and treatment.
If you have any Ayurveda-related health queries, please email us at AyurvedaHelpline@TathaastuMag.com.