Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol) - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which there is an increased level of total cholesterol in the blood, resulting from high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as compared to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL causes atherosclerosis of the arteries - a slow and silent process - which ultimately leads to serious diseases like heart attack and stroke. In the limbs, hypercholesterolemia can cause pain, ulcers and gangrene. Common causes and risk factors for this condition include a lack of exercise; a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol; obesity; excessive alcohol intake and smoking; kidney disorders, liver disorders and diabetes; a family history of heart disease; and a hereditary lipid disorder.

The Ayurvedic treatment of hypercholesterolemia is aimed at reducing the total cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood and preventing future complications like heart attack and stroke. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Chitrakadi-Vati, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Lashuna (Allium sativum), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Psyllium (Plantago ovata) are used to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body. Medicines like Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Dashmoolarishta, Amalaki and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) help to prevent atherosclerosis and therefore can be used for the long-term prevention of heart attack and stroke.

The entire body is massaged with finely powdered Triphala (Three fruits) and Trikatu (Three pungent herbs). If done regularly on a long-term basis, this helps in reducing subcutaneous fat, leading to reduced cholesterol levels in the blood and a gradual reduction in weight. For refractory patients who do not respond to treatment, Panchkarma procedures like 'Swedan' (dry fomentation) 'Vaman' (induced emesis), and 'Virechan' (induced purgation) can be done periodically.

In addition to medications, all affected individuals need to adopt a healthy diet which includes food-stuffs rich in fiber and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Regular exercises, yogic asanas, pranayam and relaxation techniques help in reducing weight and managing stress. It is equally important to stop smoking and avoid or reduce alcohol intake.








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 at ayurvedaphysician.com ayurvedaphysician.com

The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.

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