''Heart Disease''(Hrudroga) is a global phenomenon. It is now becoming a major health problem even in the developing countries.The predisposing factors are heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high serum cholesterol and smoking. The way of living and the way of feeling appear to be quite an important factor in its increasing incidence.
Cardiac problems arise mainly due to improper diet and stressful life styles. These lead to thickening of arteries (dhamani praticaya) or hardening of arteries (dhamani kathinaya) resulting in angio-obstruction (vata dosa) and angina (ruja). High blood pressure that hammers the arterial walls roughens them and causes the arterial wall to thicken. fatty cholesterol particles get deposited under the inner lining of the arteries (i.e. atherosclerosis). The higher the pressure more the deposits will occur. Subsequently these deposits become calcified due to fibrous growth and involved arteries lose their elasticity. It prevents blood from flowing easily and may lead to clotting. The clot formation can suddenly choke off the blood supply and lead to a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Heart disease :
Lasuna or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vata dosha controlling blood pressure. A paste made of about 1gm of garlic should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will bring your blood pressure down.Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglyceride that have impact on heart disease.
Soak 1tsp fenugreek seed in water for a night and munch them early in the morning on empty stomach. It will reduce your cholesterol and excess fats.Ginger is also beneficial to Heart.One can also take 1 teaspoon of powdered mixture of fenugreek seed and dry ginger(sunth) early in the morning on empty stomach.
Ayurvedic preparations like Arjuna Rasayana, Arjunarishta,made from Terminalia Arjuna has been used in Ayurveda for cardiac ailments since ancient times. Arjuna is a dense and tall tree and has long, cone shaped round leaves and white bark used in medicines.Besides the heart, Terminalia Arjuna is said to be beneficial for internal bleeding, ulcers, asthma, diarrhea and dysentery.
Jawahar mohra is another Ayurvedic drug used in the treatment of cardio-vascular diseases. It is a yellowish-green soft stone found in the Himalayas. Its powder is processed with rose water and administered to heart patients.Besides this Brihatvatchintamani,Prabhakar Ras taken along with milk is also used for treating Heart disease.Mixture of Shringa bhasma,Akik Pishti,Abhrak Bhasma along with honey can also be given.
Triphala Guggul is yet another Ayurvedic preparation found useful in reducing cholesterol levels.Also Ayurvedic preparations containing Ashwagandais useful in controlling stress-one of major causes of Heart Disease.