Herbal Remedies for Myasthenia Gravis - Neuromuscular disease

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Myasthenia gravis is an auto-immune neuromuscular disease characterised by varying degree of weakness of the voluntary muscles of the body. It is recognised as an auto-immune disease because the immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself. Unfortunately, there is delay in diagnosing this disease because weakness is a common symptom of many other disorders.

It is not directly inherited nor it is contagious. Rarely, children may show signs of congenital myasthenia.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS?

Certain muscles such as those of eye lid movement, facial expression, talking, swallowing and chewing are often involved in this disorder. The muscles that control breathing, neck and limb movements may also be involved. The characteristic feature of myasthenia gravis is the muscle weakness that increases during periods of inactivity and improves after rest. The onset of the disorder may be sudden.

In majority of the cases, the first noticeable symptom is the weakness of the eye muscles but in other cases, there may be difficulty in swallowing or slurred speech may be seen first. Other symptoms are:

• Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
• Weakness in arms, legs, hands, fingers and neck
• Shortness of breath
•  Change in facial expression
• Impaired speech (dysarthria)

DIAGNOSIS

Blood test that can detect the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies because most patients of myasthenia gravis have abnormally elevated levels of these antibodies but antibodies may not be detected in patients with only ocular forms of the disease.

• Another test known as Single Fiber Electromyography (EMG) helps in identifying the lack of transmission of impulses from nerve to the muscle.
• Computed tomography (CT) may be used to identify an abnormal thymus gland or the presence of thymoma, which is the cause of myasthenia gravis.
• Pulmonary function testing is a special examination which measures breathing strength. This test helps to predict whether respiration may fail and lead to myasthenic crisis.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS?

The primary reason of this disorder is that the controlling of motor function of the person fails to communicate normally between muscles and nerves. It happens when junction of neuromuscular gets disturbed.

The antibodies are liable for annihilating or obstructing the receptors for acetylcholine which is situated at the neuro-muscular junction. This acetylcholine is responsible for preventing the muscle contraction.

Treatment of Myasthenia gravis according to modern medicine includes thymectomy, the surgical removal of thymus gland which is often abnormal in myasthenia gravis patients.

Various medicines are available for the treatment of this disorder but should be taken under medical supervision because of the major side effects.

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

According to Ayurveda, myasthenia gravis is caused by the vitiation of Vata dosha which progressively lowers the neuromuscular activity. This condition is known as Aavaranaja Vaata Vyaadhi.

Herbal Remedies for Myasthenia Gravis by Planet Ayurveda: Myasthenia gravis can be controlled. There are several herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda that reduce and improve muscle weakness. Ayurveda offers many immune-modulator agents.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR MYASTHENIA GRAVIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA ARE

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Brahmi Capsules
3. Yograj Guggul
4. Atirasadi Churna

1. Ashwagandha Capsules :

Ashwagandha Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from pure natural herbal extract of Withania somnifera . Ashwagandha has been used for various health benefits since thousands of years. It is used in Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety, muscle fatigue, muscle strength, body building, anti-oxidants and many other disorders. It improves muscle strength and has nutritive value so it is effective in myasthenia gravis. Ashwagandha provides strength and immunity. It also helps to improve body mass and provides nourishment. It balances Kapha and Vata doshas.

Dosage:2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Brahmi Capsules :

Brahmi Capsules of Planet Ayurveda is prepared from natural herbal extract of Bacopa monnieria . Brahmi helps in improving strength and immunity and also improves intelligence. This herb nourishes the brain and helps in co-ordination between nervous system and daily activity thus useful in myasthenia gravis. Brahmi balances Kapha and Vata doshas.

Dosage:1-2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Yograj Guggul :

It is a classical Ayurvedic medicine prepared by mixture of different herbs. The ingredients of Yograj Guggul are:

1. Guggul ( Commiphora mukul )
2. Mustak ( Cyperus rotundus )
3. Chitrak Mool ( Plumbago zeylanica )
4. Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis )
5. Bhibhataki ( Terminalia bellirica )
6. Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula )
7. Pippali ( Piper longum )
8. Ajwain ( Carum copticum )
9. Black Pepper ( Embelia ribes )
10. Gokshura ( Tribulus terrestris )
11. Black cumin ( Nigella sativa )
12. Ajmoda ( Trachyspermum roxburghianum )
13. Ela ( Elettaria cardamomum )
14. Rasna ( Pluchea lanceolata )
15. Rock salt
16. Coriander ( Coriander sativum )
17. Shunthi ( Zingiber officinale )
18. Marich ( Piper nigrum )
19. Dalchini ( Cinnamomum zeylanica )
20. Vetiveria zizanioides
21. Abies webbiana
22. Tejpatta ( Cinnamomum tamala )

Benefits:The herbs used in this formulation have great medicinal properties. Yograj guggul is used for providing strength and immunity. This medicine is mainly useful in Vata imbalance disorders affecting bone, joints, paralysis, hemiplegia, neuropathy etc. It calms all the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Its regular use helps in tissue regeneration because it has rejuvenative and immune-modulatory properties.

Dosage:2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Atirasadi Churna :

Atirasadi Churna manufactured by Planet Ayurveda is a mixture of different herbs listed below:

1. Safed musli ( Chlorophytum borivilianum)
2. Kali musli (Curculigo orchioides)
3. Semal musli (Salmalia malabarica )
4. Gokshur ( Tribulus terresteris )
5. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus )
6. Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera )
7. Akarkara ( Anacylus pyrethrum )
8. Vidari kand ( Dioscorea tuberosa )
9. Safed Behman ( Centurea behen )
10. Jaiphal/Javitari ( Myristica fragrans )
11. Taalmakhna ( Hygrophilla spinosa )
12. Kesar ( Crocus sativus )

All these herbs used in the formulation work in a synergistic manner to provide strength to the body and relieve fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis.

Atirasadi Churna helps in relieving fatigue and helps in enhancing stamina.

Dosage:1 teaspoon of powder with plain water or with milk twice a day.

DIET

Eat healthy and balanced diet that gives strength to the muscles. Eat foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in the diet. Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and tobacco. Maintain healthy weight.

INFORMATION SOURCE:-

www.alwaysayurveda.net/2016/08/myasthenia-gravis-herbal-treatment.html

www.drvikram.com/ayurvedic-treatment-of-myasthenia-gravis.php