How Can Be Addison’s Treated Naturally?
Addison’s disease which is a rare autoimmune disease which was named after the British surgeon Dr. Thomas Addison. It’s a hormonal disorder which occurs when adrenal glands produce insufficient amount of adrenal hormones i.e. cortisol (Glucocorticoids) maintaining blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism and aldosterone on the other hand keep sodium and potassium in balance. Moreover, high potassium causes hyperkalemia and low sodium causes hyponatremia. This disease is also known as Hypocortisolism or Chronic adrenal insufficiency. The rate of pervasiveness is around 0.4% in 100,000 people in all age groups.
Ayurveda And Addison’s Diseases
The word Ayurveda incorporates two Sanskrit words i.e. Ayur means life and Veda means science or knowledge. According to Ayurveda, there are three energy channels or Tridosha comprising vata, pitta and kapha dosha which balances metabolism and body functions. It is believed that when Ojas (body strength) declines the affected person experiences fear, worried, weak and mental disability. Ojas is considered to be the main cause for Addison’s disease or adrenal disorder. Consuming alcoholic beverages (Rukshapna), improper sleep (Prajagara), trauma (Abhigata) and infections (Abhisanga) are the main causes of Ojas.
Symptoms
- Affected person may feel following symptoms-
- Weakness in muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low Blood Pressure
- Sudden weight loss and decreased appetite
- Depression or irritation
- Low in energy
- Sleeping disorders
- Loss of consciousness
- Restlessness, fear and confusion
- Hallucinations
- Darkening of skin on elbows, knees, knuckles and toes.
- Hyperpigmentation and Tanning of skin
- Heart palpitations
- Joint or muscle pain
- Blurry vision
- HIV
Causes
The lower levels of Adrenal hormones can be classified on the basis of type of adrenal insufficiency. Some of the major causes are as follows –
- Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
1. Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
This is caused when our own immune system start attacking adrenal glands preventing production of adrenal hormones. Some other causes of this kind of adrenal insufficiency are as follow-
- Genetically acquired
- Tuberculosis
- Hemorrhage
- Adrenalectomy
- Amyloidosis
- Fungal infection or other infections in adrenal glands
- Tumor or cancer in glands
- Bleeding into the adrenal glands
2. Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
This type of adrenal disorder is caused when there is low production of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which is a hormone that triggers the adrenal cortex to produce hormones. Common causes for low production of ACTH are benign tumors, inflammation or prior gland surgery.
Herbal Treatment For Addison’s Disease
As the pattern of disease changing day to day so the medical science, history of medicine has always been a fascinating subject. Modern allopathic medicines are no doubt effective but they only suppress the symptoms and can be preferred only for the temporary relief. Along with its symptomatic nature synthetic steroids have various side effects like leukemia and immunosuppression. Ayurvedic Herbs may show effects slowly but they eliminate the disease from root. Some of the herbs that have proven to be effective for Addison’s disease are mentioned as follows-
1. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng which is a medicinal plant which has been used in Ayurvedic pharmacy for more than 2500 years. It possess tremendous health beneficiary properties such as anti-stress, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory etc. which improves stamina and stimulates cortisol for producing hormones that helps in treatment of Adrenal autoimmune disorder. It contains various phytochemicals like steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids etc. which helps in restoring hormone levels which reduces inflammation, increasing mental activity, revitalizing the body functions and maintain an equilibrium in levels of cortisol.
2. Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri)
Bhumi Amla possess anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and hypotensive properties which helps in reducing various symptoms of Addison’s disease like liver disorders, HIV, hypertension etc. Due to the richness of phytochemicals this miraculous herb purifies blood,Reduces digestive disorders, bleeding disorders and helps in better functioning of adrenal glands.
3. Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum)
Fenugreek which is commonly known as “methi” is a legume and a spice possessing antidiabetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial/anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and hypo-cholesterol emic properties which helps in controlling cholesterol levels, heartburn, inflammation and appetite. Chemical and phytochemical constituents of fenugreek like sapogenins, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, lipids, fibers etc. makes it beneficial in rapid production of steroid hormones which treats adrenal tumor (medullary or cortical) and helps in reducing symptoms of adrenal disorders.
4. Curcumin (Curcuma Longa)
Curcumin which is a major component of turmeric and is a traditionally used spice in Indian houses. The recommendable therapeutic beneficiaries of this herb can be correlated with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps in reducing symptoms like depression/anxiety, muscle or joint pain, reducing LDL-cholesterol levels, maintaining blood glucose and blood pressure. Curcumin triggers adrenal glands to produce cortisol hormones which suppresses Addison’s disease symptoms.
5. Tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum Or Ocimum Sanctum)
Holy basil which is considered as a sacred plant in India and is worshipped in every house which is being cultivated for over 2000 years in Southeast Asia. Chemical and phytochemical constituents of this traditional herb include Eugenol, Isothymusin, Isothymonin, Polysaccharides, Flavonoids, Zinc and other minerals. Eugenol present in Tulsi is effective in treating cancer, diabetes and cardio-vascular disorders. Being an adaptogen, its anti-viral and antioxidant properties benefits in detoxification of liver, lowering blood sugar, aids memory, sleeping disorders and inhibits growth of cancer cells.
Herbal Treatment Of Addison’s Disease By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda’s products are formulated in highly sterilized conditions and are 100 % pure. Every product is free from fillers, binders, chemicals and preservatives.
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
These capsules are formulated with pure extracts of Withania somnifera which helps in treating adrenal fatigue and sooths nerves. This amazing herbal capsule reduces stress, anxiety, depression, balances blood pressure and gives relief in muscle & joint pains. This is extremely beneficial in balancing endocrinal secretions and hormonal activities.
Dosage- One capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.
2. Curcumin Capsules
This is natural herbal supplement which is formulated by using rhizobium part of pure curcumin, compound of turmeric. Curcumin is very effective in treating chronic digestive disorders and skin diseases. It possess antioxidants, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in detoxification and treating cancer.
Dosage- 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.
3. Immune Booster
This is an amazing herbal supplement formulated with Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Cow colostrum (Bovine colostrums), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica). This product is very beneficial in building immunity and detoxification.
Dosage – 2 capsules two or one time daily with plain water.
4. Fenugreek Capsules
These capsules have been prepared from best quality Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) seeds, which is commonly known as Methika in Sanskrit. Fenugreek capsules improves blood circulation, maintains blood glucose level and keep muscles healthy.
Dosage– 1 to 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after half an hour of meal.