Herbal Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Ayurvedic Treatment – Causes & Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is defined as the debilitating auto immune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves. Body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the myelin sheath that covers the nerves. Damage to this myelin sheath distorts and interrupts signals coming to and from the brain and spinal cord.

Multiple sclerosis is classified into following subdivisions according to frequency and severity of the neurological symptoms, the ability of the central nervous system to recover and the accumulation of the damage:-

1. Primary Progressive MS – Causes steady progression of symptoms with few periods of remission.
2. Relapsing- Remitting MS – Causes worsening of symptoms that occur with increasing frequency along with reduced remission.

1. Secondary Progressive MS – It is similar to relapsing remitting MS and eventually progresses to MS with no remission.
2. Relapsing Progressive MS – Causes accumulative damage during exacerbations and remissions.

CAUSES

The cause of the disease remains unknown. However genetics, infections (herpes virus infection, retrovirus infection) and environmental factors (more common in temperate regions as compared to tropics) are sometimes responsible for causing this disease.

SYMPTOMS

• Fatigue
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation in the body
• Tiredness and pain in the body
• Trembling of the limbs particularly head
• Problems in walking, balancing and coordination
• Visual defects or loss of vision
• Muscle spasticity
• Stuttering
• Depression
• Problems associated with memory, analysis and interpretation
• Poor control on urinary bladder
• Emotional and cognitive dysfunction

AYURVEDIC VIEW AND TREATMENT ACCORDING TO CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

According to Ayurveda, the functioning mode in the body is vata dosha that controls the overall balance and activation of the nervous system. MS is a classical vata imbalance disorder.

Ayurveda also believes that ama is the main cause behind any auto-immune disease. In MS also, ama is attached to the nerve tissue and the immune system tries to remove it. As a result the body’s immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheath which results in the development of the disease MS.

Line of treatment for MS:-

• Calming the immune system to halt the disease activity
• Relieving inflammation in the nerves
• Rejuvenating the myelin producing cells
• Activate body’s processes to reverse and remove the scars in the CNS

In Ayurveda, MS is treated with the Panchakarma therapies to remove ama and dosha accumulation.

Shodhan therapies that are done in MS are:-

• Sarvanga Abhyanga
• Swedana
• Shirodhara
• Shiroabhyanga
• Patra Pinda Sweda
• Vasti

Shamana therapies are also being done to remove ama and dosha accumulation preferably in people who are extremely weak, young, old, debilitated or lack financial means. Shamana therapies aim at pacifying vata dosha.

Single ayurvedic herbs beneficial in this case are:-

• Ashwagandha
• Haritaki
• Vibhitaki
• Amalaki
• Nirgundi
• Cinnamon
• Chitrak
• Lasuna
• Rasna
• Bala
• Aloe vera
• Shatavari
• Jatamansi
• Yashtimadhu
• Eranda

Ayurvedic formulations recommended in this case are:-

• Ashwagandha Churna
• Ashwagandha Avaleha
• Manas Mitra Gutika
• Dhatu poshtik churna
• Brahmi Vati
• Aloe vera juice
• Lasunadi Vati
• Trikatu Tablet
• Bala ashwagandha Lakshadi thailam
• Rasnadi Kwatha
• Chitrakadi Vati
• Triphala Churna

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

• Adapt a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid fast food and junk food.
• Practice yoga, pranayam, deep breathing and meditation to increase the energy levels. This refreshes the nerves and improves moods.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
• Avoid caffeinated products, alcohol and smoking.
• Have green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid wheat, barley, oats and rye.
• Avoid eating between meals. Avoid sweets and chocolates.
• Avoid taking tea and coffee, instead have green tea. Green tea helps in prevention and treatment of auto immune disease.
• Do exercise daily or do brisk walking.

HERBAL REMEDIES

• Have 30 ml Aloe Vera juice early morning on empty stomach. Aloe vera rich in vitamins and minerals help in strengthening the immune system. It is also used for detoxification process and in improving metabolism.
• Add one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root to boiling water and steep for a few minutes. Strain and add honey to it. Drink this atleast twice a day.

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