Atelectasis Ayurvedic Herbal Remedy
Atelectasis is defined as a diminished volume affecting all or part of a lung. Atelectasis is divided physiologically into obstructive and non-obstructive causes. Obstructive causes include foreign body, tumor and mucous plugging. Non-obstructive causes include pleural effusion, pneumothorax, surfactant deficiency, and inflammation leading to scarring. Atelectasis may occur post-operatively following thoracic or upper abdominal surgical procedures.
The Ayurvedic management of atelectasis depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. Medicines like Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Som (Ephedra gerardiana) and Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) are used to remove obstruction caused by mucous plugs. Arogya-Vardhini, Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used to treat tumors. Medicines like Abhrak-Bhasma, Ras-Sindur and Malla-Sindur are used along with other medicines to help remove small foreign bodies.
Pushkarmool, Ras-Sindur and Shrung-Bhasma are used in high doses along with other medicines to treat pleural effusion. These medicines can also be used to reduce inflammation and scarring resulting from chronic infections. Medicines like Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) also help to reduce scarring and inflammation in the lung tissue. Repeated courses of Yashtimadhuk and Pippali are given to treat surfactant deficiency.
As per the Ayurvedic texts, the lung tissue is predominantly made up of the ‘Rakta’ dhatu. Therefore, all medicines acting on the Rakta dhatu are also believed to be beneficial in treating lung disease. These include medicines like Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).
It should be remembered that Ayurvedic treatment can be safely given in the chronic stage of atelectasis. Acute and post-operative atelectasis are best managed in a hospital.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
