How Can Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Be Treated Naturally?
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a type of blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs as well as the right side of the heart. This condition involves high blood pressure in the lungs. In this life-threatening condition, there is increased pressure in the vessels which is caused by the obstruction in the small arteries in the lungs.
- In pulmonary arterial hypertension, there are changes in the cells that line the pulmonary arteries. These changes can cause the walls of the arteries to become thick and stiff and any other extra tissue may be formed and the blood vessels may also become inflamed and tight.
- Due to these changes in the pulmonary arteries, there is a reduction or blockage in the blood flow through the blood vessels which makes it harder for the blood to flow, thus raising the pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
What are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
In the early stages, the signs and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension might not be noticeable for months or even years but as the disease progresses, the symptoms tend to become worse.
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as asthma, emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), heart failure, etc.
Some of the Signs and Symptoms are
- Initially, there is shortness of breath while exercising and eventually while at rest.
- Feeling of pain or pressure at the chest
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Heart palpitations or racing pulse
- Swelling or edema in the ankles, legs and eventually in the abdomen leading to ascites.
- Fainting and pounding of the heart are less common but these symptoms can occur in an advanced stage.
What is the Cause of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension According to Ayurveda?
There is a resistance to the flow of blood in this condition which is marked by the vitiation of Kapha dosha. In Ayurveda, lungs are considered as the seat of Kapha dosha. Hence, it can be stated that Kapha dosha has increased in its own seat and it takes a longer time to cure an increase of the dosha in its own seat.
(Reference: Ashtang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 12, Shlok No. 3)
Meaning
- In this shloka, the place of Kapha dosha in the body is explained. According to this shloka, Kapha dosha is located in the chest, throat, head, pancreas, bone joints, stomach, small intestine, plasma, fat, nose, and tongue. The special seat of Kapha dosha is a chest.
- Kapha dosha is increased due to the low digestive fire or Agni at the level of Rasa dhatu which is considered as the first tissue according to Ayurveda. Thus, low digestive fire or Agni gives rise to the diseases of the lungs by making the blood concentrated and therefore obstructs the circulation. Therefore, the obstruction caused by the vitiated Kapha increases the Vata dosha and this increased Vata dosha results in hypertension.
- Low digestive fire is caused by a multitude of factors such as wrong diet and lifestyle, taking incompatible foods, lack of exercise and many other factors.
How Ayurveda Can Help in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension has an effective treatment in Ayurveda. The difficulties and complications faced by the patients of pulmonary arterial hypertension are also reduced to a great extent and the symptoms can be reduced drastically by Ayurvedic treatment.
Herbal Remedies Offered by Planet Ayurveda for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension are
- Punarnava Mandoor
- Arjuna Capsules
- Praanrakshak Churna
- Vasaka Capsules
- Arjuna Tea
1. Punarnava Mandoor
Punarnava Mandoor is a classical Ayurvedic preparation which is useful in many health conditions. It is a mixture of various herbs such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and many other useful herbs. These tablets are cardio protective, diuretic, removes impurities, toxins and improves the blood circulation. These capsules are very effective in managing the condition of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Dose: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
2. Arjuna Capsules (Terminalia Arjuna)
Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of the best quality of Arjuna bark to formulate Arjuna Capsules. Arjuna bark is considered as the best tonic for the heart. It provides relief in all kinds of heart problems. These capsules are very effective in providing relief in pulmonary arterial hypertension as well as it acts as a cardiac tonic.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
3. Praanrakshak Churna
Planet Ayurveda’s Praanrakshak Churna is a blend of dried extracts of various herbs that are useful in all kinds of respiratory conditions. This churna provides strength to the respiratory system. Therefore, this churna is quite effective for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Ingredients of Praanrakshak Churna are
| Sr. No. | Herb Used | English Name | Botanical Name | Quantity |
| 1. | Shirish | Mimosa tree | Albezzia lebbock | 40 gm |
| 2. | Vaasa | Malabar Nut | Adhatoda vasica | 40 gm |
| 3. | Anantmool | Sarasprilla | Tylphora asthmatica | 40 gm |
| 4. | Dalchini | Cinnamon | Cinnamomum zeylanica | 20 gm |
| 5. | Bharangi | Clerodandrum | Clerodandrum serratum | 10 gm |
| 6. | Kantkari | Yellow-berried nightshade | Solanum xanthocarpum | 40 gm |
| 7. | Mulethi | Licorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra | 10 gm |
Dose: Take 1 tablespoonful twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
4. Vasaka Capsules (Adhatoda Vasica)
Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of the best quality of vasaka herb to formulate the capsules. Vasaka is an herb which is used quite extensively for the treatment of all kinds of respiratory disorders. As pulmonary arterial hypertension affects the lungs, these capsules provide strength to the lungs and improve their functioning.
Dose: Take 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
5. Arjun Tea
Planet Ayurveda’s Arjun Tea is a combination of purely natural ingredients that are effective for heart care, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blocked coronary arteries, etc. This tea is a unique combination of various herbs that is rich in anti-oxidants, tones up and strengthens the muscles of the heart as well as arterial Hence this tea provides great relief to the patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Ingredients of Arjun Tea
| Sr. No. | Indian Name | Botanical Name | Quantity |
| 1. | Arjuna | Terminalia arjuna | 3.20 gm |
| 2. | Punarnava | Boerhavia diffusa | 0.60 gm |
| 3. | Pipal tvak | Ficus religiosa | 0.40 gm |
| 4. | Dalchini | Cinnamomum zeylanicum | 0.40 gm |
| 5. | Chotti Elaichi | Elettaria cardamomum | 0.40 gm |
Dose: 2 cups twice daily.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Avoid the intake of vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower etc.
- Curd should be avoided in the diet.
- Herbs having pungent and sour tastes along with hot property should be administered in the diet.
- Excessive exertion should be avoided as it can aggravate the Vata dosha
