A Helping Hand of Ayurveda for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
In this shloka, actions and therapeutic actions of tulsi are explained.
Tulsi is light, hot and ruksha (dry) in nature. It pacifies Kapha dosha, anthelmintic and appetizer.
(Reference: Dhanwantri Nighantu, Page No. 139, Shlok No. 46)
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
As Per Ayurveda Aspect
According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, acute respiratory distress syndrome is caused due to the vitiation of Prana Vata and Kapha dosha in the body. It accumulates the ama (toxins) in the body that obstructs the path of the Vata dosha in between the channels of the lungs. Air is unable to perform its normal functioning that may lead to ARDS.
As per Modern Aspect
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a condition in which the lungs suffer from a severe widespread injury that interferes with the ability to take up the oxygen. When the blood oxygen level is low and the lungs are unable to get normal oxygen levels, it is considered as the main hallmark of ARDS. In this condition, the term acute reflects the sudden onset of an injury within hours or minutes. The disease ranges from acute to chronic that may damage the organs other than the lungs.
It is a state of diffused alveolar damage which is characterized by an increase in the permeability of the capillaries, refractory hypoxemia and pulmonary edema. There are signs of respiratory distress such as tachypnoea, dyspnoea, etc.
What are the main causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome?
The causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome are not properly understood. The cause may either be a direct or indirect injury that can cause ARDS. In these causes direct injuries include breathing in harmful smoke or fumes, pneumonia, inhaling gastric contents (aspiration), any injury to the chest can cause bruising of the lungs. In indirect injuries, it includes inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis), severe injury to the body that causes low blood pressure, any bacterial infection in the body (sepsis), bleeding that causes blood loss, etc.
The Most Common Causes are
- Pneumonia and aspiration of gastric contents
- Sepsis
- Severe trauma with shock
The Less Common Causes are
- Inhalational injury
- Fat emboli
- Pulmonary Contusion
- Pulmonary edema after lung transplantation
- Drug abuse or overdose
- Cardiopulmonary bypass
- Transfusion of blood products
These causes may lead to the buildup of fluid in the air sacs (called as alveoli). The fluid present in it prevents oxygen transportation into the bloodstream. This makes the lungs stiff and heavy and decreases the ability of the lungs to expand. The oxygen level is low and the person receives oxygen from a breathing machine (ventilator) with a breathing tube called an endotracheal tube. It may occur with the failure of other organs such as kidneys, liver. Excessive alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking may be the risk factor for the development of ARDS.
What are the Various Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
- Tachycardia
- Dyspnoea or labored breathing (This is the commonest cause)
- Tachypnoea or hyperventilation
- Cyanosis
- Hypotension
- Peripheral vasoconstriction with cold extremities
- Agitation
- Scattered crackles
- Obtundation
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Excessive sweating
- Blue tinted nails or lips
What are the Main Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
- Advanced age
- Sepsis
- Liver-related disorders/ cirrhosis
- Non-pulmonary organ dysfunction
- Active malignancy
- HIV infection
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Organ transplantation
Natural Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Planet Ayurveda offers natural formulations that are 100% pure, natural and are free from fillers, preservatives, chemicals, colors, and additives. These are formulations that are prepared from the best quality herbs. Acute respiratory distress syndrome care pack of Planet Ayurveda strictly follows the principles of Ayurveda. The use of these formulations is safe and these are free from side effects.
This pack Contains
1.Curcumin Capsules
This is the amazing Ayurvedic product for ARDS which is formulated from the standardized extract of Haridra (Curcuma longa) herb. This herb has been used in Ayurveda since many times for the purification of blood and manages the complications related to respiratory problems. These capsules boost up the immune system that prevents infections and manage the symptoms such as tightness in chest, cough, wheezing, etc.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day after the intake of food with plain water.
2.Tulsi Capsules
Tulsi (called holy basil) is the most effective herb used in Ayurveda and has several medicinal properties that manage the complications related to respiratory conditions. These capsules are formulated with the standardized extract of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). It has a calming and soothing effect on the lungs that help to ease out the breathing process. Being an anti-oxidant it prevents the damage of cells caused by free radicals and improves the functioning of lungs.
Dosage: 2 capsules to be taken two times a day after the intake of food.
3.Praanrakshak Churna
Praanrakshak Cchurna offered by Planet Ayurveda helps to manage the symptoms related to acute respiratory distress syndrome. This churna is formulated with various herbs such as mulethi, bahrangi, twak, Shirish, vasa, kantakari, etc. All these mentioned herbs work amazingly to manage the complications. This churna improves the exchange of oxygen and heals the lung tissues.
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful two times a day with water or honey after meals.
4.Vasaka Capsules
Vasaka capsules are formulated from the pure extract of vasaka (Adhatodavasica). These capsules possess mucolytic and expectorant properties that clear the respiratory channels and manage the symptoms related to acute respiratory distress syndrome such as shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.
Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day after meals with plain water.
5. Aller-G Care Capsules
This is a herbal formulation which is used in Ayurvedic system of medicine and has no side effects. These capsules are formulated with several natural and authentic herbs that have been used in Ayurveda for many years. Herbs include neem, Shirish, ashwagandha, and Haridra. All these herbs have various medicinal properties that prevent the symptoms related to acute respiratory distress syndrome. These herbs boost up the immune system and remove ama from the body because according to Ayurveda this disease is caused due to the accumulation of ama in the lungs which interferes with the immune system of the body.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with water after the intake of food.