Alternative Treatment For Ascites With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Ascites is a medical condition characterized by the building up of the fluid in the abdomen due to certain serious liver diseases. Due to excessive deposition of the fluid, the abdomen swells up leading to many signs and symptoms. A case is of confirmed ascites when the fluid amount reaches more than 25 ml (milliliters). This is the most common complication of cirrhosis of the liver which is a severe liver disease where liver malfunctions due to pathological changes leading to collection of fluid in between the space of organs and abdominal lining. Keep reading the article for all the information about ascites and their alternative treatments.

INTRODUCTION TO ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OF ASCITES

Building up of the fluid in the abdomen due to certain liver diseases is known as ascites. When there is liver disease, it causes abnormalities in the functioning of the liver due to which fluid starts to build up in between the space of the abdominal lining and organs causing pain and swelling. The main cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver which causes scarring of the tissues of the liver. Building up of the fluid causes discomfort and bloating of the abdomen. Ascitic fluid also exerts pressure on the lungs which causes shortness of breath. Treatment of the condition depends upon the cause of ascites which is done with the help of changes in lifestyle, prescription of diuretics and antibiotics. Also in some cases drainage of fluid with a needle is done.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPTS OF ASCITES

In Ayurveda, ascites are correlated with Jalodara where the accumulation of fluid is seen in the abdominal cavity. Jalodara falls under the types of abdominal disorders, i.e. Udara roga. As per Ayurvedic concepts, the imbalance of the doshas causes their accumulation in the body over the time which block and contaminate the channels (srotas) which conducts and transports the water (ambu) and sweat (sweda), leading to abdominal disorders (Udara roga). These udara rogas further contaminate agni, Prana vayu and Apana vayu.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASCITES

The signs and symptoms of ascites are:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Swelling on ankles and legs
• Hernia
• Fever

CAUSES OF ASCITES

Ascites is caused due to the combination of two main factors, i.e. increased portal vein pressure and improper functioning of the liver which is usually seen in case of cirrhosis of liver, kidney or heart failure, infection or cancer. Increased portal vein pressure causes functions of kidneys to decline leading to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Certain types of cancers also cause ascites like in peritoneal cancer the abnormal cells present in peritoneum form a proteinaceous fluid that can become ascitic fluid. Similarly in the case of heart or kidney failure, the volume of blood in the arteries falls triggering changes in different parts of the body which may cause constriction in the blood vessels of the kidneys leading to water and sodium retention. This also can cause ascites.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE ASCITES

Multiple steps are included in the diagnosis of the ascites. Your doctor will take clinical history and do physical examination which will help suspect ascites. They will give further advice for tests like CT scan, Ultrasound, MRI scan, laparoscopy, and certain blood tests. Combination of some of these procedures will help in evaluating the diagnosis.

TREATMENT OF ASCITES

Conventional treatment of ascites includes prescription of antibiotics if a patient is having viral or bacterial infection as an underlying cause along with diuretics. Paracentesis can also be done where the fluid is removed from the abdomen with the help of a thin needle. In some cases even surgery can be suggested to implant a permanent tube, i.e. shunt in the body of the patient, for example in case of heart failure.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OR AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF ASCITES

Ayurvedic treatment is given to eradicate the root cause of the ascites and treat it with the help of Ayurvedic medicines which are prepared using natural compounds and also other Ayurvedic techniques like Vyadhana, Virechana, and Shodhana can be done. With the help of these measures the balance of the doshas is restored and ascites are treated naturally.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR ASCITES

Planet Ayurveda has been working for more than two decades now to serve suffering humanity. Here natural and authentic herbs and other natural compounds are used to prepare remedies and products that are purely vegetarian. For ascites, Planet Ayurveda offers an Ascites care Pack.

Products List

1. Punarnava Capsule
2. Water-EX Tablets
3. Rencure Formula
4. Liver Detox Capsules
5. Jalodarari Ras

Products Description

1. Punarnava Capsule

Punarnava capsules are the single herb capsules that are prepared using standardized extract of a herb called Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). These therapeutic capsules serve as a natural diuretic and help in removing the accumulated fluid from the abdominal cavity through urine. It also helps in treating and restoring the functions of the kidney and liver.

Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Water-EX Tablet

Herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) are used in the production of these therapeutic tablets. Water-EX tablets help in elimination of the unwanted excessive fluid from the body.

Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Rencure Formula

It is formulated using Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Palaash (Butea monosperma), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), etc. Extract of all the herbs in the standardized form is used that work synergistically to treat ailments like high creatinine level, proteinuria, prevent destruction of the glomeruli, low urine output, and also maintains normal functioning of the kidneys.

Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Liver Detox Formula

Herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Makoy (Solanum indicum) etc. are used in the production of this herbal formula. Liver detox capsules help to detoxify the liver and naturally cleanses it. These capsules also help in eliminating the accumulated toxins and too much fat from the liver and aids in its normal function.

Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Jalodarari Ras

Herbs like Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Jaiphala (Croton tiglium), Snuhi ksheera (Euphorbia neriifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa) etc. are used in the preparation of these tablets. Jalodarari ras helps in relieving inflammation and naturally eliminates the accumulated fluid from the abdominal cavity.

Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Alternative treatment for ascites can help in treating the cause and its accompanying signs and symptoms and complications like ascites in a very natural way.