Iron is one of the essential minerals present in the body that helps in growth as well as development. Iron helps in making hemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells that is useful in carrying oxygen. The body stores almost 25 percent of the iron in the form of ferritin which is circulating in the blood. The average amount of iron stored in the adult male is 1,000 mg and adult women contain 300 mg but when this amount of iron is increased more than our body needs it gives rise to a disorder known as Hemochromatosis. In this article, we are going to discuss this disease in detail along with its management through herbal medicine.
WHAT IS HEMOCHROMATOSIS?
It is the disorder that causes the body to absorb iron from the foods more than needed. This excessive amount of iron is then stored in the organs including the heart, pancreas, and liver. This much amount of iron results in life-threatening conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or heart problems. It is a genetic disorder that is found in a minority of people. The signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis are usually seen in midlife. It is difficult to diagnose the disease in the earlier stages and it cannot be prevented.
It is mostly seen in men as compared to women and is most common in African-American, American Indian as well as Hispanic.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
It is not important that all the people who suffer from hemochromatosis might develop symptoms. But if the levels of iron are very high then the patient might suffer from many serious problems. Here are some of the clinical features seen in the disease including:-
- Feeling fatigue
- Weakness
- Pain in the middle fingers as well as knuckles which is also known as iron fist
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pain in joints
- Pain in stomach
- Weight loss
COMPLICATIONS CAUSED DUE TO TOO MUCH IRON
Liver:-
- Enlarged Liver
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
- Liver cirrhosis
Heart:-
- Arrhythmia
- Heart failure
Others:-
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Early menopause
- The complexion of the skin becomes bronze or gray.
WHAT CAUSES HEMOCHROMATOSIS?
Mainly Hemochromatosis are of two types first including the inherited type also called primary hemochromatosis or classical hemochromatosis where the problem occurs in DNA which is inherited from both the parents causing the body to absorb too much iron.
Another one is secondary hemochromatosis is the medical condition or treatment that can lead to iron overload including:-
- Blood transfusion
- Anemia
- Injections
- Kidney dialysis
- Liver disease including fatty liver or hepatitis C infection.
HOW CAN HEMOCHROMATOSIS BE DIAGNOSED?
The physician may look for physical symptoms along with that medical history of the patient. Here are some common test that can be done including:-
- Blood test
- Liver biopsy
- Genetic testing
- MRI
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEMOCHROMATOSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a private limited company that provides herbal medicine not only in India but also other parts of the world. All the medicines are made from 100 percent pure herbs without any additives, chemicals or preservatives. Each herbal medicine is made under the supervision of an MD Ayurvedic Doctor and also clinically tested as well. All the provided medicine is free from side-effects and helps in naturally balancing the iron in the body. Here are the list of herbal medicine including:-
PRODUCTS LIST
- Punarnava Capsules
- Triphala Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Navkarshik Churna
- Giloy Capsules
- Curcumin Capsules
Herbal Remedies For Hemochromatosis
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Punarnava Capsules
These capsules are filled with herbs called Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) which is one of the best diuretics. It helps in maintaining the health of Kidney, liver as well as heart. Along with that it is one of the herbs that is very effective in reducing ailments like inflammation of the liver, irregular heartbeat and many more.
Dosage:- Two capsules twice daily with water after meals.
2. Triphala Capsules
It is made from the combination of three powerful herbs known as Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica) and Amalaki (Emblica officianalis). This herbal medicine helps in balancing all the three Dosha and is very effective in removing toxins from the body. It is packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that help in naturally balancing the levels of iron in the body.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily after meals with water.
3. Manjishtha Capsules
These capsules are one of the best herbal medicines for maintaining the skin complexion which is commonly seen in patients with hemochromatosis. As it is made from one herb known as Manjihta (Rubia cordifolia) packed with antioxidant properties. It is very helpful in balancing the Pitta and naturally purifying the blood.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals with water.
4. Navkarshik Churna
This churna is made from different herbs including Amla (Emblica officinalis), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and many more. It is one of the powerful herbal churna that helps in improving the immunity as well as removing pains from the joints that is commonly seen in patients with Hemochromatosis. Along with that it is very effective in improving the metabolism of liver and also clearing away the accumulated iron in the blood.
Dosage:- One teaspoonful after meals twice daily.
5. Giloy Capsules
These capsules are made from one of the excellent herbs called Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) which is packed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer as well as healing properties. Giloy is one of the powerful herbs that helps in improving the circulation and removing weakness as well as fatigue from the body. It is also one of the effective medicines for people who suffer from diabetes which is common in cases of hemochromatosis.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
6. Curcumin Capsules
This medicine contains anti-inflammatory properties which is very helpful in reducing swelling and pain from the joints. It is made from one single herb called Curcumin (Curcuma longa) which not only purifies the blood but also treats different skin problems. It is very effective at protecting the free radicals and also protects the liver.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
CONCLUSION
As discussed in the article Hemochromatosis is the disease resulting in excessive iron in the body resulting in death if left untreated. According to Allopaths there is no specific treatment for the disease but Ayurveda helps in removing the root cause of the disease. Above mentioned herbal medicine will naturally decrease the increased amount of iron in the body.
