Ayurvedic Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder of the lungs, digestive system and other organs of the body which causes severe damage to these organs. This disorder mainly affects the cells which produce digestive juices, mucus, and sweat, resulting in them to become thick and sticky. There occurs an abnormal genetic mutation that results in cystic fibrosis. These secretions, i.e. mucus, digestive juices, and sweat are there to lubricate the internal and outer body and aid in easy body functioning but in cystic fibrosis, these secretions become thick and sticky which results in their plugging up in the passages, tubes, and ducts. Pancreas and lungs are mainly affected and can prove to be a life-threatening condition. As it is an inherited condition hence it occurs in a child if both the parents possess defected gene. Sticky mucus gets plugged in the lungs that are difficult to cough out and makes breathing difficult. It can also lead to severe lung infections thus worsening the condition of the patient. In pancreas this sticky and thick mucus interferes with the functioning of the enzymes, preventing them from breaking down the food properly. These lead to digestive ailments and may cause malnutrition. In males, this thickened mucus can block the tube which carries the sperm to urethra leading to infertility. Not many people might be aware of the fact that it can be a life-threatening condition and respiratory failure is the most common cause for the death in people suffering from cystic fibrosis.

What can be the Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?

• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
• Salty-tasting skin
• Bulky and greasy stools
• Difficulty in gaining weight even after good appetite
• Small fleshy, nasal polyps found in the nose
• Repeated lung infections
• Breathlessness
• Intestinal blockage in newborns
• Severe constipation

Signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary from patient to patient and they can worsen and improve from time to time. Some patients may not experience any sign or symptom until adolescence. As discussed above people with cystic fibrosis have a much higher level of salt in their sweat as compared to normal people. Recurring pneumonia, pancreatitis, and infertility are the most common complications that can be seen in the patients of cystic fibrosis.

What can be the Causes of Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is caused due to the abnormal mutation in the gene that controls the movement of salt in and out of the cells. This genetic defect leads to the formation of thick and sticky mucus, clogging the reproductive, digestive, and respiratory organs. There can be different types of genetic mutations in the genes which determine the severity of the condition. In order to have this disease, the child needs to acquire one set of the gene from each parent, but if the gene comes from only one parent than the child becomes a carrier of the disease.

Herbal Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis

Planet Ayurveda comes up as a sigh of relief to the patients suffering from inherited and autoimmune diseases. As per Ayurveda, these diseases can be managed and treated with the help of herbal remedies. These herbs help in balancing the vitiated doshas of the body which govern the bodily functions. Balance of the three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is very important for the normal functioning of the body, any deviation in their balance can lead to various health ailments. Similarly, in cystic fibrosis also there is an imbalance of Kapha and Vata Dosha. Kapha dosha gets vitiated which results in thickening of the mucus and bodily secretions and Vata dosha carry this vitiated Kapha to various parts of the body, leading to clogging up of ducts and passages. Herbal remedies balance these doshas and eliminate the vitiated ones, manage the symptoms and prevent life-threatening complications.

1. Navkarshik Churna

This herbal Churna is a blend of various herbs Amla, haritaki, bahera, Vacha, neem, majishtha, giloy, katuki, daruhaldi, and bahera. These all herbs act synergistically and improve the immunity thus preventing various diseases and infections. It is the natural blood detoxifier that clears the accumulated toxins from the blood. In cystic fibrosis, it helps in thinning the mucus and digestive juices and prevents their clogging up.

Dosage– Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Giloy Capsule

It is the single herb capsule made from herb named Tinospora cordifolia. Standardized extract of this herb is used for the preparation of giloy capsules which possesses various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, digestive, anti-pyretic and blood purifying. Giloy capsules help in treating inflammation, fever, improve digestion, lung disorders, and liver disorders.

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

Meaning– Giloy treats diarrhea, provides strength, enhances digestive fire, balances the three doshas, relieves thirst and burning sensation, treats anemia, jaundice, skin diseases, epistaxis, fever, and worm infestations. It also treats diabetes, breathing difficulties, piles, urinary tract infections, and heart diseases.

Reference– Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyadivarg, shloka no. 9, 10

3. Curcumin Capsule

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the active compound of turmeric. Curcumin capsules are full of medicinal properties and help in managing the symptoms of cystic fibrosis and prevent complications. These capsules help in thinning the mucus and purify the blood as well. It eliminates all the toxins present in the body, also relieves inflammation. It helps in relieving the wheezing and difficulty in respiration. Curcumin capsules aid in healthy digestion by facilitating the secretion of enzymes and digestive juices.

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

4. Echinacea Capsule

Andrographis paniculata is the herb used in Echinacea capsules in the standardized form. It helps in treating various infections, relieves inflammation, boosts the immune system, and clears the clogged passages. These herbal capsules thin the mucus and clear the lungs and other blocked passages, aiding in healthy body functioning. It hinders the thickening of the mucus and digestive juices and prevents their plugging up in the body.

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