Polycythemia Vera and Ayurvedic Treatment

Cancer is one of the life threatening disease which is increasing day by day rather than decreasing. There are more than 100 types of cancers diagnosed such as lung cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, blood cancer etc. Have you ever heard about the Polycythemia Vera, it is also a type of blood cancer which is characterized by itching, weakness, redness, headaches which may be due to increased red blood cells or mutation of gene JAK2. It is a rare disease that affects equally both men and women. If it is not treated with time it may get worse. But if it is diagnosed on time it can be managed with herbal medicines without causing any side effects. There are number of herbs can be used in the management of polycythemia vera like brahmi, curcuma, neem, kanchnaar etc.

What is Polycythemia Vera (PV)?

It is also called Polycythemia Rubra Vera (PRV).

It is bone marrow disorder that affects red blood cells production. In this condition, the production of red blood cells is increased that makes the blood thicker. The other cells like white blood cells and platelets are also increased. This may cause complications such as blood clots or bleeding. It is a chronic disorder that may arise slowly with time.

It may be Primary and Secondary Polycythemia Vera:

Primary Polycythemia Vera - It is the term used for polycythemia vera. Its main cause is mutation of gene JAK 2 which releases a protein that is responsible for production of red blood cells.

Secondary Polycythemia Vera - It is due to long term deficiency of oxygen to your body that results in increased production of erythropoietin (EPO) which results in increased production of red blood cells.

Complications associated with Polycythemia Vera

If it is not treated with time then it may get worse. It may be life threatening. There is a risk of more serious blood disorders like blood cancers such as myelo fibrosis or acute leukemia.

What can be the causes?

There are different causes of Polycythemia Vera but the main cause is increased production of red blood cells and platelets. This disorder may be due to the mutation of gene, JAK2V617F (Janus Kinase 2). The cause of this gene mutation is not known. This gene makes a protein that helps in the formation of red blood cells.

What are the symptoms?

In initial stage there are no symptoms shown. With increase in red blood cells the symptoms may get appear. The common signs and symptoms of Polycythemia Vera are given below:

• Weakness
• Fatigue, dizziness and headache
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itching
• Redness of skin
• Problem in eyesight
• Swelling in joints
• Excessive sweating

Diagnosis

Various tests are done to diagnose the problem. Some of the tests are as follow:

1. JAK2 Blood test - It helps to diagnose the mutation in the gene (JAK2) which is main cause of Polycythemia Vera. This helps in the formation of red blood cells.
2. Full blood count - It helps to count the blood cells. The person with polycythemia has higher red blood cells than normal and also white blood cells and platelets are raised.
3. Bone marrow biopsy - It helps to diagnose the Polycythemia Vera.
4. Other blood tests - These tests also help in diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera which are given below:

• Vitamin B 12 level in serum
• Level of uric acid
• Level of erythropoietin
• Study of blood clotting
• Oxygen level in blood or oxygen saturation test.

Ayurvedic Outlook

According to Ayurveda, there are three main energies in the body which are responsible for good health. Imbalance of any three energies results in health complications or any disease. According to Ayurveda, this disorder is Pitta dominant Tridoshaja vyadhi. It is also called Rakta dhatu vridhi in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, treatment aimed towards the balance of all three doshas.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Polycythemia Vera

It can be managed with modern science as well herbal medicines. It cannot be completely treated but the disease can be managed with herbal medicines without any side effects.

Ayurveda provides pure herbal treatment for the management of Polycythemia Vera. Ayurveda is an ancient science of life which offers natural remedies without any side effects. It mainly lies on balance of all three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) of body which is main cause of any health complications. It helps to manage the related symptoms and manages the disease.

Herbal Treatment of Polycythemia Vera by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is one of the good herbal manufacturing company which provides 100% pure and natural herbal medicines obtained from natural herbs. They use pure herbs and the formulations are free from chemicals, preservatives or additives which are safe to use.

There are some Ayurvedic medicines offered by Planet Ayurveda which are explained below:

PCV Care Pack

1. Neem Capsules

It is 100% pure natural capsules offered by Planet Ayurveda which is made from Neem (Azadirachta indica) belongs to family Meliaceae. It is native to India and Indian subcontinent including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri lanka.

Benefits - It is used in Ayurveda from longer time because of great medicinal properties. It helps to maintain overall health. It has various therapeutic properties such as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is helpful in maintaining tridosha and also their related problems.

Dose - 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Kanchnar Guggul

It is one of the important formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is useful in various blood disorders. These are pure natural herbal tablets which are made from different natural herbs which are listed below:

Ingredients of Kanchnaar Guggul:

• Kanchnaar bark (Bauhinia variegate)
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Bhibhitaki (Terminali bellerica)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Pippali (Piper longum)
• Varuna (Crataeva religiosa)

Benefits - These herbs have various therapeutic properties such as astringent, anthelmintic and anti - oxidant properties. It has property to balance all three doshas in body therefore it is very useful in tridoshaj diseases. It also help to remove toxins from body.

Dose - 2 capsules twice in a day with plain water after meals.

3. Curcumin Capsules

These are pure herbal capsules offered by Planet Ayurveda obtained from extract of Curcumin which is active constituent of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It has been used from ancient time because of various medicinal properties. It has different therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, analgesic and also reduces the stiffness.

Dose - 1 capsule twice in a day with plain water after meals.

4. Pitta Balance

These are herbal capsules offered by Planet Ayurveda which balance the pitta dosha in body and fight against various health ailments. It is made from pure natural compounds which are explained below:

• Praval pisti (Coral calcium) - It is found at sea bed and it is rich source of calcium and It helps in balancing pitta dosha and provides calcium to body.
• Akik pisti (Agate calcium) - It helps in balancing vata and pitta doshas and it is also effective against vata and pitta doshas related problems. It is a good source of calcium.
• Jawar mohar pisti (Calcium compound) - It is the natural source of calcium.
• Kamdhudha rasa (Calcium compound) - It keeps the system healthy by balancing pitta dosha.
• Mukta pisti (Pearl calcium) - It helps to balance the pitta related conditions.
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifola) - It helps to balance all three doshas of body and enhances immunity of body therefore it provides complete health.

Dose - 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals

5. Navkarshik Churna

It is an herbal powder formulation obtained from the blend of different herbs which are listed below:

The main ingredients of Navkarshik Churna:

• Amla (Emblica officinalis)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Bahera (Terminalia bellerica)
• Vacha (Acorus calamus)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)
• Katuki (Picorrhiza kurrao)
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Daru haldi (Berberis aristata)

Benefits - The herbs used in this formulation have various therapeutic properties like anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent action. It has property to remove toxins from blood and purifies the blood. It helps to maintain overall health.

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with plain water.

Diet and Lifestyle

If you are diagnosed with polycythemia vera then you can feel better by following some simple steps which are given below:

• Regular exercise like walking that helps to improve your blood circulation.
• Eat healthy and balanced diet, include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Primary Polycythemia Vera

WHAT IS PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA VERA?

It is a disorder of bone marrow that leads to an abnormal increase in the number of blood cells. In general, red blood cells are affected, most of the times. Although the disorder is rare, but if not treated well, it may pose some serious health concerns. So, it is better, to get the treatment in time. The disorder occurs more often in men than women. Mostly, the problem occurs after the age of 40 years.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

The main cause of this disorder is increased production of red blood cells. There may be an increase in the white blood cells and platelets as well.

The disorder often occurs due to a gene defect, JAK2V617F. However, the exact cause of this gene defect is still unknown.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THE DISORDER ARE LISTED BELOW

• Dizziness, Headache, fatigue and Breathing problem.
• Excess bleeding.
• Feeling of fullness after taking meals.
• Itching and redness.
• Blue colored skin.
• Red colored spots on the skin.
• Eyesight problem.

HOW CAN PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA VERA BE DIAGNOSED?

The disorder can be well diagnosed with the tests such as bone marrow biopsy, complete blood count and erythropoietin level. Sometimes, oxygen saturation of blood and ESR may also require to confirm the diagnosis.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTION AVAILABLE FOR PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA VERA?

No doubt, modern treatment is available for the same disorder. But the greatest disadvantage of this treatment is that it causes side effects also. Here is another alternative also. Ayurvedic treatment is the best one to cure any disorder. As it is a natural treatment, it is safe for everyone. Instead of causing any side effects, it gives side benefits. Hence, an added advantage of this treatment.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

Planet Ayurveda is one of the best herbal manufacturing companies that uses pure herbs in their formulations without addition of any chemical, additive or preservative. All of them are safe to use and are 100 percent pure and vegetarian.

FOR PRIMARY POLYCYTHEMIA VERA, THE HOUSE HAS A FOLLOWING NATURAL TREATMENT

PCV Care Pack

1. Neem Capsules

Neem capsules are made using the pure extracts of Neem herb. The herb is a natural blood purifier. It helps to remove the toxins from the body and improves the symptoms such as itching and redness on the skin. It is, in fact, a great tonic to maintain the skin healthy enough.

The product in short, reduces the abnormal increased production of blood cells and thereby controls the disorder.

Dosage - 2 capsules, twice daily, after meals with water.

2. Cap. Pitta Balance

The product is the excellent one to balance the aggravated pitta dosha in the body. The imbalanced pitta dosha leads to excessive heat production in the body and enhances the growth of blood cells. So the house offers this product to give a cooling effect on the body and maintains healthy digestion as well and thereby controls the feeling of fullness after meals. The product is also useful to control excessive bleeding that occurs during this disorder.

Dosage - 1 capsule, twice daily, after meals with plain water.

3. Kanchnaar Guggul

Another important herbal product from the house for this blood disorder is Kachnaar Guggul. The product is made using several wonderful herbs, including Kachnaar and Guggul as the main ones. It is useful in the detoxification process and purification of the blood and reduces the abnormal growth of blood cells.

Dosage - 2 tablets, twice daily, after meals with water.

4. Curcumin Capsules

The product is made using the pure extract of Curcuma longa (Curcumin). Curcumin disrupts the abnormal growth of blood cells. Being a source of anti-oxidants, the product is the good one to boost the immune system and make the body healthy enough to withstand the symptoms of this disorder.

Dosage - 1 capsule, twice daily, after meals with water.

5. Navkarshik Churna

This is herbal powder by the house that is prepared using the blend of 9 useful herbs. The product is a great source of healthy nutrition. It controls the feeling of dizziness and fatigue. It makes the digestion healthy and thereby manages the fullness feeling after eating food.

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with plain water.

The combination of these products will cure the disorder in a natural way without causing any side effects.