Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphocyte cells that play a role in the immune system, and primarily represents cells involved in the lymphatic system of the body. Lymphomas are of two types: Hodgkin lymphoma, which develops from abnormal B lymphocyte cells; and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which develops from either abnormal B or T lymphocyte cells, and is distinguished by unique genetic markers. There are five sub-types of Hodgkin lymphoma and about 30 sub-types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Old age; infections; medical conditions which compromise the immune system; exposure to toxic chemicals; and a family history, are risk factors for this condition. Common symptoms include painless and enlarged lymph nodes, spleen enlargement, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, tiredness and itching. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy are the standard line of treatment for this condition.
The Ayurvedic treatment of lymphoma is aimed at treating the tumor and improving the immune status of the body. Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu and Punarnavadi-Guggulu are used in high doses in this condition. The herbal medicines, Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), form the main stay of treatment for this condition, and these medicines too are used in high doses for prolonged periods. In addition, medicines like Indrayav (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) are used, which act on the blood and lymphoid tissue. Triphala (Three fruits), which comprises of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Behada (Terminalia bellerica); and Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), which comprises of Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum) and Pippali (Piper longum) are also very useful in this condition.
Hemgarbha-Ras, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani-Ras, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Abhrak-Bhasma, Heerak-Bhasma, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to improve the immune status of the body and reduce the lymphoma cells.
When combined with modern therapy, Ayurvedic treatment can reduce symptoms, reduce the side effects of conventional treatment, improve the immune status of the body, improve quality of life, and prolong survival. Prolonged treatment is required to get significant therapeutic results, and courses of treatment may need to be repeated in order to prevent relapses. All patients need to be under the regular care and supervision of an Oncology team.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 23 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.
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