Ayurveda-The ray of hope in Interstitial lung disease
We have treated a wide variety of cases of Interstitial lung disease (ILD) . Results vary depending upon age and extent of lung damage. Minimum 3 months of treatment are required to show clinical improvement . Remarkable improvement has been noticed in a number of patients where the extent of lung damage was not total.
How we treat it at HimVeda?
We decide the treatment after assessing the disease status and going through the investigations.Thereafter we judge the body constitution of the patient and status of Agni (metabolism) at cellular level. Mostly Pungent and Bitter tasting herbs are selected and then processed according to the stage of disease and body type of the patient.
We don’t advise Panchakarma procedures for this condition. Heart of the patient must be strong in order to withstand Panchakarma, otherwise many side effects will be produced. ILD weakens the heart and lungs. So medicine and diet alone suffice.
When patients first come to us, they are usually on Steroids. After about 2 months of Ayurvedic treatment, Steroids are slowly reduced.
How to contact HimVeda?
You can simply give us a call on 9736853285 and we will connect you to Dr Guleria. After a brief initial discussion, he will ask for some medical record which can be sent on whatsapp. Once he is satisfied that good results can be achieved then we can book an appointment for you to come to the clinic. Medicines can also be sent online if so desired but only after a detailed discussion with Dr Guleria over phone.
What does Ayurveda say about ILD?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in Ayurveda is described under ‘shwas roga’.
Shwas Roga is a broad term encompassing all the respiratory diseases. ILD is a ‘sannipapata’ disorder (involving all the three doshas) with the predominance of ‘Vata’ dosha (air element) in Kapha seat. Pitta (fire element) and Kapha (water element ) also get disturbed but the degree of involvement varies according to etiological factors,age,habitat e.t.c.
In modern medcine Interstitial tissue is the name given to the tissue around the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Interstitial lung disease occurs when an injury (by internal /external factors) to the lung interstitium causes an abnormal healing response. As a result the interstitial tissue becomes scarred and thickened. So Oxygen enters the blood with difficulty.
The patient usually complains of difficulty in breathing and dry cough.
Lifestyle and Diet:
Breathlessness gives a tough time to the patient. To reduce the mucus congestion in chest we advise upper back massage at bedtime. This is done with special oils but can also be done with lukewarm sesame /mustard oil with a pinch of salt mixed in it. Sometimes we advise a powder pottali (bolus) massage.This is followed by hot water fomentation.
Kitchen herbs for cooking:
- Turmeric
- Asafoetida
- Ginger
- Cumin
Herbs for herbal tea:
- Black Pepper
- Cinnamon and Cardamom
- Ginger
- Long Pepper
If there is a lot of inflammation then the above herbs might not be the right choice.
Foods to be avoided:
- Curd
- Black lentils
- Astringent tasting foods
- Dairy products
- Cold water
