Has the thought of heart health ever crossed your mind? Maybe you've noticed a little extra shortness of breath lately or experienced some occasional flutters in your chest. While modern medicine offers fantastic treatments, many of us are also curious about exploring natural approaches to keep our hearts healthy and strong. That's where Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, comes in.
This blog post delves into the Ayurvedic perspective on a weak heart. Let’s explore the causes and symptoms from an Ayurvedic perspective and discover how this traditional system of medicine can strengthen the heart and improve overall cardiovascular health through the use of Ayurvedic medicine for heart problems.
Modern medicine defines a weak heart, often referred to as heart failure, as the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. This condition can arise from various causes like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or previous heart attacks.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a distinct perspective on heart health. Here, a weak heart is known as "Hridya Daurbalya" or "Hridya Vikara," translating to heart weakness or heart disease. The heart, or "Hridaya," is considered not just a physical organ but also the seat of the mind and the center of all bodily functions, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects. In Ayurveda, the root cause of a weak heart lies in the imbalances of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Let's explore how these imbalances can affect heart health in the Ayurvedic framework.
Ayurveda attributes a weak heart to imbalances in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Let's explore how each doshic imbalance can manifest as heart weakness:
A weak heart can manifest through various physical signs and symptoms. Some common indicators to be aware of are as follows:
While these symptoms can be associated with a weak heart, it's important to note that they can also occur due to other health problems. Early detection and management of a weak heart can significantly improve your health outcomes. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical advice.
Ayurvedic herbs offer a natural approach to strengthening the heart and promoting cardiovascular health by addressing underlying imbalances and targeting various aspects of heart function. Ayurvedic herb's effects on heart health are as follows:
1. Cardioprotective Effects: Many Ayurvedic herbs act as cardioprotective agents, shielding the heart from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other harmful factors.
2. Improved Heart Muscle Function: Certain herbs, like Arjuna, a well-known Ayurvedic medicine for heart problems, directly strengthen heart muscles. This improves cardiac function and enhances the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
3. Regulating Blood Pressure: Herbs like Arjuna, Ashwagandha, and Guggul can help regulate blood pressure, keeping it within a healthy range. This reduces the workload on the heart and prevents strain, making them valuable as Ayurvedic medicine for blood pressure.
4. Lowering Cholesterol Levels: Herbs like Guggul and Garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL ("bad") cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), increasing the risk of heart disease.
5. Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to various heart conditions. Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Ginger boast anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
6. Enhancing Circulation: Improved blood circulation is crucial for heart health. Herbs like Arjuna and Guggul help enhance blood flow by promoting vasodilation (dilating blood vessels) and potentially reducing plaque buildup in the arteries.
7. Supporting Stress Management: Stress is a significant contributor to heart disease. Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi help the body adapt to stress, reducing its negative impact on the heart and overall health.
8. Detoxification and Purification: Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala support detoxification by helping the body eliminate toxins (Ama) that can accumulate in the cardiovascular system. This promotes overall health and may help prevent diseases related to toxin buildup.
9. Maintaining Healthy Lipid Levels: Some herbs, including Guggul and Garlic, can help maintain healthy lipid profiles by potentially lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
10. Antioxidant Activity: Herbs rich in antioxidants, like Turmeric, Amla, and Guduchi, help neutralize free radicals, protecting the heart from oxidative damage.
Know more about Natural Ayurvedic Remedies to Combat Toxins and Boost Heart Health
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to strengthening the heart and managing blood pressure. Addressing underlying imbalances in the body's doshas promotes overall cardiovascular health. Some commonly used Ayurvedic medicines for heart problems are as follows:
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
This herb is a powerhouse for heart health. Known for its cardioprotective properties, Arjuna strengthens heart muscles, improves cardiac function, and helps regulate blood pressure. It's typically available in capsules or powder form and taken orally under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. The recommended dosage is usually 500-1000 mg twice daily after meals.
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
A well-known adaptogenic herb, Ashwagandha helps manage stress, anxiety, and inflammation – all significant contributors to heart weakness and high blood pressure. By promoting relaxation and reducing mental strain, it indirectly benefits heart health. Ashwagandha root powder can be consumed in doses of 1-2 grams twice daily with warm milk or water.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
A common kitchen ingredient, garlic packs a powerful punch for heart health. Its cardioprotective properties help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. Garlic also improves circulation, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. You can incorporate fresh garlic cloves into your daily diet or take garlic supplements as per the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Guggul (Commiphora wightii)
This resin is another valuable Ayurvedic medicine for heart problems and blood pressure. Guggul helps regulate cholesterol levels, improve lipid metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Supporting cardiovascular health helps prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Guggul capsules or tablets are typically taken in doses of 500-1000 mg twice daily after meals.
Get insights on Swarna Bhasma and Ayurvedic Practices for a Healthy Heart
Remember, Ayurveda offers a complementary approach to heart health and blood pressure management. It's essential to work alongside your doctor for a comprehensive treatment plan.
According to the National Institutes of Health, coronary heart disease prevalence rates in India have been estimated over the past several decades and have ranged from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural populations and from 1% to 13.2% in urban populations.
Dr. Chitranshu Saxena, a well-known Ayurvedic Practitioner, Medical Cannabis Practitioner, BAMS, MD, PhD (Ayurvedacharya), has over nine years of experience in Ayurveda and Naturopathy. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from chronic conditions, providing personalized care, compassion, and effective communication. If you're interested in exploring how Ayurveda can benefit your heart health, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Saxena or another qualified practitioner.
HealthyBazar, a leading provider of high-quality Ayurvedic products, offers a wide range of herbs at a good, discounted price. Ensure you consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or treatments.
Dr. Chitranshu Saxena is a well-known Ayurvedic Practitioner, Medical Cannabis Practitioner, BAMS, MD, PhD (Ayurvedacharya). He has more than 9 years of experience in Ayurveda and Naturopathy. Dr. Saxena has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from chronic illnesses, providing personalized care, compassion, and effective communication. He consults in both Hindi and English language. Dr. Chitrannshu lives in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Kidney stones are one of the most common lifestyle diseases people are suffering from these days. However, the good news is that, with the help of some home and herbal remedies, you can treat it naturally!.
In the western world, the annual incidence of Kidney Stone is about 0.5%, where a lifetime risk of developing it is about 10-15%, and it increases by 20-25% in the Middle East. In the Indian population, about 12% are expected to have urinary stones and out of which, 50% may end up with a loss of kidney functions.
Kidney stone is made of hard minerals and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They are also known as Urolithiasis or Nephrolithiasis. It has been a global problem affecting human beings since ancient times. It is a condition in which the crystals of uroliths/stones are present in the urinary tract and form uneven calculi.
Kidney stone is also known as calculi. These calculi can differ in size and shape, found anywhere in the urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stone is a significant problem in India and other developing countries. Kidney stones have generally affected 10-12% of the industrialized population.
The Patient does not identify whether he is suffering from kidney stones. After leaving the stone through the kidney, it passes to the bladder with the help of ureters. At the same time, some of the stones remain in the ureters. Further, they block the urine flow out of the kidneys and make it swell; this condition is called Hydronephrosis.
Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones are as follows:
The common causes of kidney stones include:
A slight reduction in urinary oxalate is associated with a significant decrease in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Hence, one should avoid oxalate-rich foods like Cucumber, Green Peppers, Beetroot, Spinach, Soya Bean, Chocolate, Popcorn, and Sweet Potato. Mainly kidney stones affect the parts of the body like the kidney ureters and urethra.
More critical, kidney stone is a recurrent disorder with lifetime recurrence risk reported as high as 50%. Therefore, there is a higher chance of developing heart diseases due to kidney stones. In addition, kidney stones reduce the formation of minerals and essential elements for bone formation.
In Ayurveda, we can compare this disease with "Ashmari." Ashmari (calculi) comprises two words, i.e., 'Ashma' (stone) and 'Ari' (enemy). Ashman (calculi), called Moothrashmari (Urolithiasis), is a disease of Moothravahasrotas (urinary tract) and involves the formation of a stone. Kidney stone resulting in severe pain as given by an enemy.
Charaka, Sushrut, and Vagbhata describe it in Ashmari Vyadhi. In Asanshodhil (regular not doing Panchkarma) and Adhikari (Unwholesome Diet), person aggravated Kapha dosha mix up with Mutra (urine), enter in Basti (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder), obstruct the urinary tract, and create Ashmari. Sushrut has mentioned that those who do not undergo Panchkarma Treatment regularly, take an unhealthy diet, and follow a faulty lifestyle, are prone to recurrent kidney stones.
Ashmari is one of the diseases under Asthamahagad, i.e., challenging to cure. Ashmari is Vyadhi of Mutravaha Strotas. As Basti comes under Trimarma (three-fold of life).
There are 4 types of Ashmari described in Ayurveda:
1) Vataj Ashmari (Calcium Oxalate Stone): Vataj Ashmari is blackish, hard, irregular, rough structure, and like Kadamb flower, full of a spike. The symptoms of this kind of Ashmari are intense pain in the abdomen and anal region. In addition, they cause burning in the penis, making it difficult to excrete Vata, Mutra, and stool.
2) Pittaj Ashmari (Uric Acid Stone): Pittaj Ashmari looks like Bhallatak. Its symptoms are burning micturition and yellow urine.
3) Kaphaj Ashmari (Oxalate/ Phosphate stone): It is slimy, big, and looks Light green or white in colour. The symptoms are pain in the Urinary bladder and thighs. Acharya Sushruta, the world-first surgeon, described various types of treatment in Ashmari like Ghrut (Ghee/ Clarified butter), Kashaya (Decoction), and Kshara Bhedan (Scratching).
4) Shukra Ashmari (Spermolith) – This stone develops in the seminal vesicle due to the suppression of semen. If semen flow (Shukra Vega) is suppressed, it takes transit movement (Vimargagamana) and lodges in between penis (Medhra) and testis (Vrushana).
Ayurvedic treatment of renal stones has various therapies, including plant-based medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Here are the Ayurvedic home remedies and diet recommendations to treat Kidney stones naturally:
Some Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
Include any fluid such as water, coffee, and lemonade in your diet except for grapefruit juice and soda. They are known to have a beneficial effect. This will help produce less concentrated urine and ensure at least 2.5L/day a good urine volume.
It would be best if you eliminated spinach, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and tea from your diet.
Three servings of dairy per day will help lower the risk of calcium stone formation.
Take calcium supplements regularly but only after consulting with your physician and registered kidney dietitian.
High protein intake will cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium which may cause more stones to form in the kidney. So, one should eat a moderate amount of protein.
High sodium intake increases calcium in the urine, increasing the chances of developing stones. Therefore, it would help if one had a low salt diet, and it is also important to control blood pressure.
It is recommended to take 60mg/day of vitamin C because the excess amounts of Vitamin C helps produce more oxalate in the body.
Along with the diet and lifestyle changes, you should also consider some Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines will not only help you to treat kidney stones but also help to avoid recurrence.
The following are some medicines you may consider to treat kidney stones:
The active ingredients include Hajrul Yahud Bhasma (silicate of lime), Yavakshar, Shwet Parppati, and Pashanbhed Churna. Anupan of this Kwath is Kulthi Kadha which has Kaphahar and Bhedan properties.
Dosage– 2 tsp. twice a day with water.
The active ingredients included are Nagarmotha (Root), Sounth (Rhizome), Kali Marich (Seed), Pippali (Fruit), Haritaki (Fruit), Bibhitaki (Fruit), Amla (Fruit), Shudh Guggul, Gokharu (Panchang). In addition, Gokshuradi Guggulu acts as an Antispasmodic and an Antibiotic. It has a Diuretic (Mutral) property.
Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day with water.
Its active ingredients include Varun, Pashanbheda, Sunthi, and Gokshura. Varunadi Kwath is Diuretic in action. In addition, it has a penetration (Bhedan) activity. So, it helps to disintegrate the stone.
Dosage – 2 tsp thrice a day with a half cup of water.
Dos and Don'ts
Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, lifestyle modification through diet, internal medicines, and Basti therapy is highly effective in managing renal stones. In addition, proper counseling and guidance should be provided to kidney stone patients, including Pathya – Apathya (dietary management) correlation with Ashmari management. Furthermore, home Remedies for Kidney Stones can help prevent further complications and recurrence of the disease. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Every person who fulfills his or her potential can cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to his or her community. Mental health is the foundation for an individual’s effective communication, learning, emotions, thinking, and self-esteem. It is integral to all aspects of human life, whether in interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, or effective contribution to society. There are various Ayurvedic tips for improving physical and mental health that help to keep the mind and body healthy.
The word mental illness is often used as an umbrella term for all diagnostic mental disorders involving significant behavior changes. These changes include thought processes, emotions, behavior, and functional problems.
A study was conducted by the Neuropsychiatry branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders on April 6, 2020, on people who were in lockdown. The study estimated that 40.5% of the participants had either anxiety or depression. About three-fourths (74.1%) of the participants reported a moderate stress level, and 71.7% reported poor well-being.
Mental well-being is defined in Ayurveda as ‘Swasthya’ that includes physical and spiritual well-being. Life, according to Ayurveda, is a conglomeration of the four interdependent components. These components are the body (Shareera), the sensory & motor faculties (Indriya), the mind (Satva), and the soul (Atma). A healthy life needs excellent complementary support for all these factors. Thus, the concept of health encompasses physical, mental, sensory, and spiritual domains.
It also indicates that a person with Swastha Mana (healthy mental state), Prasanna Aatmendriya (delighted soul with the proper functioning of sense organs), Sama Agni (proper metabolism), Sama Dhatu (proportionate body organs and tissues), and Sama Kriya (good physiology) is perfectly healthy.
Manas is derived from the root ‘man,’ adding the suffix ‘Asuna’ having the meaning, ‘to perceive,’ ‘to lead to knowledge,’ and ‘to analyze by special knowledge’. There are various synonyms of Mana such as Chitta, Chetas, Hrit, Hridd, Manas, and Satva.
“Chittam chetah hrdayam svantam hrnmanasam manah iti”. (Amarakosha 1/4/3)
The meaning of the above shloka is, “Mana is the entity through which knowledge is obtained, which is closely related with Atma. Through Atma, one can perceive. Mana is the superior analyzing faculty, the seat of soul or Atma, and controls the whole body. It accommodates the special senses and is the seat of knowledge.
Ayurveda proves that the existence of the mind is the existence of knowledge (Lakshanam Manaso Jnana). Ayurvedic tips for mental health helps to maintain the brain’s health and improve its functionality.
While explaining the concept of Swasthya, Ayurveda has also included the following attributes of mental health:
It is known even from earlier times that body and mind influence each other. Psychological suffering is often expressed through somatic problems. In individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, physical manifestations are often seen. These manifestations include loss of sleep, decreased/increased appetite, loss of libido, vague aches, pains in the body, etc.
Some physical diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, blood pressure, etc., are thought to worsen by mental factors such as anxiety and stress.
The current mental state of a person can influence how bad a physical disease is at a particular time. Hypochondriasis, Conversion disorder, Somatization disorder, etc., are believed to be rooted in mental problems. Certain chronic conditions and life-threatening conditions, such as Cancers, Renal Diseases, etc., also affect the mind retrospectively.
The mind can also exert a positive or negative impact on the effect of a treatment on the body. The positive effect of a placebo on treatment is due to the impact on the mind. The innate positivity also guides the positive response of a patient to therapy.
The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa in Ayurveda is centered on the mind by promoting positive vibes to the individual. Ayurveda believes in the individual as a whole, encompassing body and mind together, and treatment is also aimed for both.
Ayurveda believes that it is essential for an individual to have a healthy mind and body for overall well-being. So, people suffering from a disease can counter that disease with the power of reason and willingness.
Here are some of the Ayurvedic tips that you can follow to keep your mind healthy:
According to Ayurveda, good health foundations include a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. In Ayurveda, the management of digestive and metabolic fire is the starting point to achieve dosha balance for mental and physical health.
Align with natural rhythms; spring could be an anxious time with Vata Dosha imbalance and winter with Kapha Dosha imbalance.
Here are some tips on balancing these Doshas:
Medhya Rasayana or brain tonics inherently boost immunity. Some other herbs also are beneficial for brain health to improve memory, concentration, and other brain functions.
These herbs include:
Try Abhyanga (self-massage), Nasya (oil or herb application in the nostrils), Shirodhara (pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead), and a full Panchakarma (a comprehensive, individualized therapeutic cleanse). These therapies will help to remove mental and physical fatigue. They also cure various psychological and physical diseases like stress, anxiety, joint pain, headache, insomnia, etc.
Ayurvedic scholars attribute the decline in our collective physical and psychological immunity to losing our connection with nature and the ability to withstand stress. Ayurveda also encourages healing relationships with nature and commitment to sustainability.
According to Ayurveda, undigested food is the root cause of toxins spread across the body. These toxins are making the body unhealthy and sick. It may cause infections, illnesses and finally weakens the immune system. Hence, detoxification is essential, and you can do it by regularly consuming lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices.
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Ayurveda has many benefits. There is nothing better than going the Ayurveda way of eating healthy and taking care of physical and emotional health. Being the oldest medicinal system globally, Ayurveda helps build internal power and strength. Holistic healing helps to increase immunity for the body to combat many diseases and infections. There are many causes of mental and physical health loss, including genetic factors, poor mental health, pollution, poor diet, lifestyle, and metabolic issues. You can overcome all these problems with the help of the above self-care tips for mental and physical health that are easy to follow.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.