Topic of the Month

Piles

Called 'Arsha' in Ayurveda and stratified into dry and bleeding categories, it denotes the condition when veins in the anal region get varicosed.

Piles is a condition in which a fleshy swelling of variable size, shape and colour appears  ( due to varicosity of veins ) in the anus. For the treatment point of view, piles may be divided into two groups ie. (1) Piles which do not bleed, (2) Piles in which patient suddenly passes streaks of bright red blood with the stool. Obstruction to the passage of gases, pain, burning particularly on defecation, diminished appetite and constipation are the general signs of symptoms of piles.

Symptoms

• Intense pain at the time of passing stool.

• Bleeding. Often leads to anemia due to profuse bleeding.

• Itching in the rectal region.

• Wind formation in the stomach.

• Sitting becomes problematic.

Root Causes

• Chronic constipation and other bowel disorders. The pressure exerted to evacuate the constipated bowels affects the surrounding veins. This leads to piles.

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

• Strenuous work

• Obesity

• Mental tension

• Hereditary factors.

• Common during pregnancy

Herbs that are useful in piles:

Jamikand (Amorphophallus campanulatus)

Jamikand is stomachic and tonic; used in piles and given as a restorative in dyspepsia, debility, etc. It is a hot carminative in the form of a pickle. The root is used for boils and ophthalmia and also as an emmenagogue.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula )

It treats imbalances and diseases of the vata humour. Harada possesses laxative, astringent, lubricant, antiparasitical, alterative, antispasmodic and nervine properties. It is therefore used to treat acute and chronic constipation, Piles, nervousness, anxiety and feelings of physical heaviness.


Nagkeshar (Messua ferra):

Various parts of these plants mainly including flowers, fruits are commonly used in the treatment of rheumatism, skin diseases, dysentery and bleeding piles. For bleeding piles, powder of Nagkeshar (Messua ferra) and Lodhra (Symplocos recemosa) should be taken in the dose of 2 gms thrice daily.

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia):

The juice is given with buttermilk to piles patients. The plant is used in Ayurvedic rasayanas to improve the immune system and the body's resistance to infections. The bitter principle present shows antiperiodic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.






Diet that helps :

• Avoid potato, yellow variety of pumpkin, colocasia.

• Go for the following diet:
  Seeds: Mango Seeds, Sesame seeds Fresh
  Fruits: Jambul Fruit, Dry Figs, Papaya, Amalaki
  Vegetables: Radish, Turnip, Bitter Gourd, Onion, Ginger Grains : Rice, Wheat

Lifestyle

• Intestine should be thoroughly cleansed

• Exercise is a must

• Do not indulge in sex in excess

• Avoid going for horse rides or sitting on hard seats.

• Drink lots of water

Yoga

• Cobra (Bhujang Asana)

• Bow (Dhanur Asana)

Ayurvedic Supplements :