ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease and its Herbal Treatment

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive disorder of the nervous system which leads to a loss of muscle control in affected individuals, because of a breakdown of the nerve cells (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. Since the nerve cells affected in ALS control the voluntary muscle movements such as walking, chewing, swallowing, and talking, the disorder has an adverse impact on the functionality of the muscles. ALS can be managed in a safe and effective manner with the help of some beneficial herbal products available from Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company.

ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – is a medical term used for a group of rare neurological disorders called Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs). In people suffering from ALS, the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord break down, thereby affecting the voluntary muscle movements.

The physical functions which are adversely affected in ALS patients are associated with the control of the muscles that facilitate the physical movements, speech, breathing, and eating. In the early stages of the disorder, patients generally experience weakness in the limbs, muscle twitching or speech difficulties. Gradually, over a period of time, the disorder deteriorates and affects the functionality of the voluntary muscle movements more extensively.

ALS usually affects older individuals, aged between 40 and 65 years. The risk of the occurrence of the disorder is slightly higher in men as compared to women.

ALS is a progressive condition – that is, it gradually gets worse – which can result in the degeneration (deterioration) and death of motor neurons over a period of time. The disorder can be potentially fatal because there is presently no specific treatment for halting it or reversing its progression.

ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Causes

The exact cause behind the occurrence of ALS is not known. Nonetheless, it is believed that the disorder may be linked to some of the following factors:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors (like exposure to lead or other chemical substances)
• Smoking
• Free radical damage
• Abnormal accumulation of proteins inside the motor neurons
• An immune response which targets the motor neurons.

ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Symptoms

The symptoms of ALS can vary to a great extent from patient to patient, depending on the motor neurons affected in each individual case. However, the most prominent symptom of ALS is muscle weakness. In addition, some of the other symptoms commonly associated with the disorder are:

• Difficulty in walking
• Inability to perform routine daily activities
• Frequent stumbling or falling
• Clumsiness or hand weakness
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in the ankles, feet, or legs
• Muscle twitching that affects the arms, shoulders and tongue
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulties in chewing and swallowing food
• Inappropriate laughing or crying
• Behavioral changes
• Problems with memory and decision-making
• Breathing problems.

ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Treatment

There is no treatment for ALS. Doctors generally recommend the use of certain medications and therapies for slowing down the progression of the disorder by managing its symptoms.

Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal products for natural management of ALS:

1. Brahmi Capsules

Standardized extract of Brahmi herb (Bacopa Monnieri) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The herb has immense medicinal significance because of its aphrodisiac and memory-enhancing properties.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for managing ALS because of the ability of Brahmi herb to promote mental health, remove free radicals from the body, alleviate inflammatory conditions, strengthen the immune system, regulate blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

For preparing these capsules, standardized extracts of Ashwagandha herb (Withania somnifera) are used. The potent herb is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations because of its proven anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for patients suffering from ALS because Ashwagandha herb can enhance a person’s overall mental health, improve brain function, support nerve functions, strengthen the muscles, enhance heart health, reduce metabolic imbalances, reduce hypertension, manage inflammation, rejuvenate the body, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice a day with plain water after meals.

3. Shilajit Capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of standardized extract of Shilajit herb (Asphaltum), which herb has a lot of medicinal value. The herb is considered an excellent adaptogen, restorative, rejuvenative and ‘rasayana’.

People affected by ALS can benefit from the use of these capsules which can support a healthy mind and a healthy body. The capsules can rejuvenate brain cells, relieve mental and physical stress, increase stamina, relax the mind, improve the body metabolism, eliminate toxins from the body, support muscle strength, enhance memory and concentration, support the immune system, and purify the blood.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules, once or twice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Gotu kola Capsules

Pure and standardized extract of Gotukola herb (Centella asiatica) is used for the preparation of these capsules. The herb is widely known for its immense therapeutic value and its ability to promote overall health of the body.

Patients suffering from ALS can benefit from the use of Gotu Kola capsules because the capsules can maintain brain health, enhance memory, support healthy blood circulation in the body, maintain a healthy metabolic rate, and pacify the Pitta dosha.

Dosage: 2 capsules, twice a day with plain water after meals.

5. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is an Ayurvedic product – available in tablet form – which is considered a very effective dietary supplement. This product is prepared from a blend of several powerful natural ingredients including Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (Calx of Silver), Abhrak Bhasma (Calx of Mica), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Pravala Bhasma (calx of Coral), Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Pearl), Suta Bhasma (a compound of purified and processed Mercury and Purified Sulphur), and juice extract of Aloe Vera.

The use of Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras tablets is beneficial for managing ALS because the tablets can support mental health, maintain healthy functioning of brain, promote the healthy functioning of the nervous system, treat various kinds of pain, support the digestive system, manage tumors, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.

Dosage: 1 tablet, twice a day (or as directed by the physician).

Conclusion

The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for managing Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are 100% pure and natural products which do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, additives, binders, fillers, or artificial colors. However, it is advised that people suffering from ALS should use these herbal products under the guidance of an expert Ayurveda practitioner.